Beautiful beaches, tropical waters and exceptional diving
The Zanzibar Archipelago lies off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Offering an irresistible combination of pristine sandy shores, crystal-clear waters and diverse cultural heritage, it’s an excellent addition to a safari adventure in mainland Africa – and a worthwhile destination in its own right.
The main island, Unguja (also known as Zanzibar), is home to Stone Town: a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of fascinating old buildings and eclectic cultural heritage. Once an important trading post, it bears tangible traces of African, Arab, Indian and European influences. Its labyrinthine streets are still infused with the scent of cloves – a sensory reminder of its former role in the global spice trade. We can arrange private tours of Zanzibar’s historic heart, led by local experts who will provide cultural context for each intriguing sight.
Pemba Island is the second-largest in the archipelago, boasting pristine nature, dense forests, green valleys and white-sand beaches. Beautiful coral and rich marine life make for excellent scuba diving along its mangrove-knotted shores. The delightfully secluded Mafia Island also promises epic underwater adventures; it’s surrounded by a barrier reef and almost half of its coastline has been designated as a protected marine park.
The Zanzibar Archipelago is also home to several smaller islands. Fanjove Island is the place to go to spot dolphins, humpback whales and green turtles, while Mnemba Island is home to one of the world’s best private island resorts. Contact our team of travel designers for insider tips on each island and other detailed recommendations to help you plan a sensational Zanzibar luxury tour.
From our experts
Experiences picked by our Zanzibar specialists
Experience desert island luxury
Get a taste of desert island luxury on Fanjove Island or Mnemba Island
Tour Stone Town's spice trade history
Embark on a guided tour of Stone Town to learn about its history in the spice trade
Spot sea turtles and whale sharks at Mafia Island
Spot sea turtles and whale sharks in Mafia Island’s protected marine park
See giant tortoises and red colobus monkeys
See giant tortoises on Prison Island and red colobus monkeys in the Jozani Forest
Sail the archipelago at sunset by dhow
Tour the archipelago at sunset aboard a dhow, or traditional wooden sailboat
A word from one of our experts
Whether it's the main reason for your trip or a bookend to your safari adventure, Zanzibar's idyllic beaches and beautiful waters offer a multitude of exceptional experiences. While away the days in the sunshine and enjoy all sorts of water sports while staying at luxurious coastal hotels.
Jody van Merode
Luxury accommodation in Zanzibar
There are many incredible places to stay in Zanzibar. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
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Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
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Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Places to pair Zanzibar with
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Botswana
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East Africa
Spanning multiple nations, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda, East Africa is home to some of Africa’s most captivating wildlife.…
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Ethiopia
Africa’s second most populous country, one of the founding members of the United Nations and considered by many to be the beating hea…
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Kenya
Kenya’s landscapes are vast and varied. The country’s expansive national parks, as well as fascinating Maasai culture and exclusive conserv…
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Madagascar
An off-the-beaten-track destination for even the most seasoned of safari goers, the remote island of Madagascar has started to emerge as a…
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Malawi
Discover warm and wildlife-rich Malawi with Jacada. Our team of Africa travel experts can create a bespoke Malawi itinerary and safari that…
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Mauritius
Mauritius, a nation of four islands, pretty much has it all. Pristine Indian Ocean beaches, nature reserves, historical monuments, quaint f…
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Morocco
Morocco is a country of diverse culture and landscapes. A gateway to Africa from Europe, where Berber, Roman, Arab, Spanish and French cult…
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Mozambique
Mozambique is located on one of Africa’s longest Indian Ocean coastlines. Low-lying islands, coral reefs and seagrass beds support some of…
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Namibia
Namibia is one of the world’s true wildernesses. One of the least densely populated nations on earth, it is a land of limitless horizons, e…
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Republic of Congo
Gorilla trekking in the Republic of the Congo is one of the most intrepid adventures in Africa. You’ll forge your way through wildlif…
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Rwanda
Rwanda is a country of unbelievable natural beauty. Scenes of rolling green savannahs lead to hills cloaked with tropical rainforests and b…
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Seychelles
Justify the stylish destination of the Seychelles with Jacada Travel’s inspired luxury expertise and personalised experiences. We’ll create…
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South Africa
Few countries offer as much as South Africa. This is a country of untouched veld and remarkable game reserves, of dramatic mountains and su…
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Southern Africa
A luxury Southern Africa safari is a sensory awakening. Track big cats through the dense riverine forests of the Kruger National Park, navi…
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São Tomé and Príncipe
This two-island African nation and former Portuguese colony in the Gulf of Guinea is distinguished for its wealth of endemic species. In fa…
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Tanzania
Few experiences thrill the soul like the sighting of lions silently prowling the savannah, the gentle rustle of elephants grazing in the mo…
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Uganda
Uganda is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled wildlife experience. This enchanting country boasts an extraordinary abund…
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Virunga National Park
Stretching along a vast swathe of the DRC’s borders with Uganda and Rwanda, Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park and one of the world’s…
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Zambia
Landlocked Zambia is a country of exceptional safaris, thrilling activities and wild beauty. The Southern African nation offers a combinati…
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Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s safari reputation is nothing short of legendary. If you’re looking for boundless game territories, truly exceptional guiding and…
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Meet your Africa team
When to visit Zanzibar
The tropical Zanzibar Archipelago is a year-round destination for travellers in search of sunshine, sandy beaches, culture and history. Temperatures tend to stay around 30ºC (86ºF) throughout both the rainy and dry seasons, though we recommend the latter. The best time to visit is generally June–October, with the best beach weather between July and September. There’s also a mini dry season from January to February.
Water sports
June–October
Heavy rainfall
April–May
Local festivals
February or July–October
When Is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar?
Read more
Zanzibar travel guides
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We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
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