Marine Life
Go diving and snorkelling amid brilliant coral reefs
Sailing Trips
Cruise the crystalline seas on a private boat
Island Living
Soak up the sun on sandy beaches
Historic Architecture
Explore the storied streets of Stone Town
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.
Highlights
Get a taste of desert island luxury on Fanjove Island or Mnemba Island
Embark on a guided tour of Stone Town to learn about its history in the spice trade
Spot sea turtles and whale sharks in Mafia Island’s protected marine park
See giant tortoises on Prison Island and red colobus monkeys in the Jozani Forest
Tour the archipelago at sunset aboard a dhow, or traditional wooden sailboat
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
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Zanzibar
Why book with Jacada?
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.
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.
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 I=inspiration
Get inspired with our Zanzibar example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Places to pair Zanzibar with
Kenya
Incredibly rich in both wildlife and culture, this country can be as action-packed or as relaxing as you wish, with absolute comfort and luxury guaranteed.
Discover more
Tanzania
Tanzania is home to some of the best national parks, private reserves and conservancies in Africa, offering a wide array of world-class wildlife experiences.
Discover moreMeet 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
Zanzibar travel guides
Plan your trip to Zanzibar
Whatever you want from your adventure in Zanzibar, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
