The perfect African trip combines bush and beach. Zanzibar — the exotic spice island off Tanzania's coast — offers turquoise waters, historic Stone Town, and world-class luxury resorts. Here's how to combine it with your safari.
There's a reason "bush and beach" is the most popular safari combination in East Africa. After days of early wake-up calls, dusty game drives, and the adrenaline of wildlife encounters, nothing feels more perfect than sinking your toes into the powdery white sand of Zanzibar's beaches.
Why Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is not just any beach destination — it's a cultural and natural treasure:
- •Pristine beaches with powder-white sand and turquoise Indian Ocean waters
- •Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese history
- •The Spice Island — cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg plantations
- •World-class diving and snorkeling — Mnemba Atoll is consistently ranked among the best in Africa
- •Luxury resorts that rival the Maldives at a fraction of the cost
- •Easy access from Tanzania's northern safari circuit
Best Beaches in Zanzibar
Nungwi (North Coast)
The most popular beach in Zanzibar, and for good reason. Nungwi has minimal tidal variation, meaning you can swim at any time of day — a rarity in Zanzibar.
Best for: Swimming, sunset watching, lively atmosphere
Best resorts: Zuri Zanzibar, Essque Zalu, Z Hotel
Kendwa (Northwest)
Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa is a quieter alternative with the same excellent swimming conditions. This is where Zanzibar's famous full moon parties happen.
Best for: Couples, sunsets, relaxed vibes
Best resorts: Kendwa Rocks, Gold Zanzibar
Paje (East Coast)
The kitesurfing capital of East Africa. Paje's shallow lagoon creates perfect conditions for beginners and experts alike. The village has a backpacker vibe mixed with boutique hotels.
Best for: Kitesurfing, budget travelers, authentic atmosphere
Best resorts: Baraza Resort & Spa, The Residence Zanzibar
Matemwe (Northeast)
A quieter, more authentic stretch of coast with traditional dhow sailing boats and small fishing villages. The reef is just offshore, offering excellent snorkeling.
Best for: Honeymoons, privacy, snorkeling, authentic Zanzibar
Best resorts: &Beyond Mnemba Island, Matemwe Retreat, Sunshine Marine Lodge
Top Experiences in Zanzibar
Stone Town — The Cultural Heart
Stone Town is a maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, and bustling markets that tell the story of centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influence.
Must-visit:
- •House of Wonders (now the Museum of History and Culture)
- •Old Fort (built by Omani Arabs in 1700)
- •Darajani Market — spices, seafood, and local life
- •Freddie Mercury's birthplace (yes, the Queen frontman was born here!)
- •Sunset dhow cruise from the harbor
Spice Tour
Zanzibar earned its name as "The Spice Island" for its plantations of cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper. A spice tour is a sensory feast.
Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling/Diving
The coral island of Mnemba is surrounded by crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. It's consistently ranked among Africa's top dive sites.
Jozani Forest
The last remaining habitat of the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey. This small forest is a unique ecological treasure.
Best Bush-and-Beach Combinations
Classic: Serengeti + Zanzibar (10 nights)
- •3 nights Ngorongoro + Serengeti
- •2 nights Serengeti
- •Flight to Zanzibar
- •3 nights Zanzibar beach resort
- •1 night Stone Town
- •From $5,500 per person
Luxury Honeymoon: Safari + Zanzibar (12 nights)
- •3 nights Ngorongoro
- •3 nights Serengeti (luxury tented camp)
- •5 nights &Beyond Mnemba Island (private island)
- •1 night Kigali/Arusha
- •From $12,000 per person
Quick Escape: Tarangire + Zanzibar (7 nights)
- •3 nights Tarangire National Park
- •Flight to Zanzibar
- •4 nights Zanzibar beach
- •From $3,500 per person
Zanzibar Resort Costs
| Category | Price Per Night | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | $50–$100 | Basic but charming |
| Mid-range hotel | $100–$250 | Pool, beach access |
| Luxury resort | $250–$600 | Full service, spa |
| Ultra-luxury | $600–$2,500 | Private island, butler |
Practical Zanzibar Tips
- •Visa: Included in Tanzania visa ($50 on arrival)
- •Malaria: Take precautions — Zanzibar is in a malaria zone
- •Dress code: Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim — cover shoulders and knees when in Stone Town and villages (beach resorts are relaxed)
- •Currency: Tanzanian Shilling, USD widely accepted
- •Tides: East coast beaches have significant tidal changes — check before swimming
- •Best months: June–October (dry, sunny, perfect beach weather)
Ready to add Zanzibar to your safari? Let our experts design your bush-and-beach itinerary or browse our Tanzania packages.
