Zanzibar is the Indian Ocean island that has it all: powder-white beaches, turquoise lagoons, a UNESCO-listed old town and the scent of cloves and cinnamon in the air. It is just over an hour’s flight from Nairobi, which makes a Zanzibar holiday one of the easiest island escapes in East Africa. Here is how to plan yours.
Best beaches in Zanzibar
Nungwi
On the northern tip of the island, Nungwi has deep water close to shore, so you can swim at any tide. It is lively, with beach bars, dhow builders and some of the island’s best sunsets.
Kendwa
Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa offers a wide, calm beach that is perfect for swimming and relaxing, plus popular full moon parties.
Paje and Jambiani
On the east coast, these beaches have dramatic tides and steady winds, making them a kitesurfing hotspot. At low tide you can walk far out across the sand to see seaweed farms.
Matemwe
A quiet, unspoilt stretch facing Mnemba Atoll, ideal for couples and anyone looking for peace.
Top things to do on a Zanzibar holiday
- Explore Stone Town: wander the narrow lanes, admire carved wooden doors and visit the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the former slave market.
- Eat at Forodhani Gardens: the evening food market serves grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza and fresh sugarcane juice.
- Take a spice tour: visit a farm to see how cloves, nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon grow.
- Snorkel at Mnemba Atoll: clear water, coral reefs and frequent dolphin sightings.
- Swim with turtles: visit a natural lagoon in Nungwi where rescued sea turtles are cared for.
- Visit Prison Island: a short boat ride from Stone Town to meet giant Aldabra tortoises.
- Jozani Forest: see the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, found nowhere else on earth.
- Sunset dhow cruise: sail along the coast on a traditional boat as the sun goes down.
Best time for a Zanzibar holiday
- June to October: dry, sunny and slightly cooler. The most popular time to visit.
- December to February: hot and mostly dry, great for beach days and diving.
- March to May: the long rains. Some hotels close, but prices are lower.
- November: short rains, usually brief afternoon showers.
Entry requirements and travel tips
- Kenyan and East African citizens: no visa is needed for Tanzania. Carry your passport or valid travel document.
- Mandatory travel insurance: since October 2024, foreign visitors to Zanzibar must buy the government travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, currently US$44 per adult with lower rates for children. Residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt. Buy it in advance through the official Visit Zanzibar portal.
- Dress modestly in Stone Town: Zanzibar is largely Muslim, so cover shoulders and knees away from the beach, especially during Ramadan.
- Currency: the Tanzanian shilling is used, and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and for tours.
How many days do you need for a Zanzibar holiday?
Four to six days is ideal. Spend one or two nights in Stone Town for culture and food, then move to Nungwi, Kendwa or the east coast for beach time and excursions.
Zanzibar holiday packages from Nairobi and Kenya
- 5 Days Zanzibar Group Departure: 8 to 12 December, with Stone Town, Kendwa, turtles and Mnemba snorkelling
- 6 Days Zanzibar Holiday Package: tours plus free beach days in Nungwi
- 4 Days Zanzibar Honeymoon and Romantic Escape
Want to add wildlife? Combine Zanzibar with a Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari, or compare with Kenya’s coast in our guide to things to do in Diani Beach.
How much does a Zanzibar holiday cost from Kenya?
The cost of a Zanzibar holiday depends on the season, your hotel and how many excursions you add. Packages that bundle return flights, airport transfers, hotels and tours are usually the best value. As a guide, our Zanzibar holiday packages start from about US$1,495 for a 5-day group departure and US$1,510 for a 4-day honeymoon, rising to around US$2,180 for a 6-day package with more excursions and free beach days.
Prices are highest in July, August and over Christmas and New Year, so book early for those dates.
Flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar
Direct flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar take about an hour and a half, with several departures most days. You can also fly from Mombasa. If you are combining your holiday with a Tanzania safari, you can fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar in about an hour.
Sample 5-day Zanzibar holiday itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive, Stone Town walking tour and dinner at Forodhani Gardens.
- Day 2: Spice farm tour, then transfer to Nungwi or Kendwa.
- Day 3: Turtle lagoon visit and an afternoon on the beach, followed by a sunset dhow cruise.
- Day 4: Mnemba Atoll snorkelling and dolphin spotting.
- Day 5: Relaxed morning and transfer to the airport.
Zanzibar honeymoon ideas
Zanzibar is one of Africa’s top honeymoon destinations. Choose a beachfront villa in Matemwe or Kendwa, book a private sunset dhow cruise, enjoy a candlelit dinner on the sand and visit the famous restaurant built on a rock in the ocean at Michamvi. Our 4-day Zanzibar honeymoon package is designed for couples.
Combine a Zanzibar holiday with a safari
Zanzibar is the perfect finish to a safari. Fly in after a Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari in Tanzania, or after a Masai Mara safari in Kenya. Our 12-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday combines both in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zanzibar expensive?
It suits most budgets, from guesthouses in Stone Town to luxury resorts. Packages that include flights, hotels and tours are often the best value.
Is Zanzibar good for families?
Yes. Calm beaches like Kendwa, turtle lagoons and short boat trips make it very family friendly.
Do Kenyans need a visa to visit Zanzibar?
No. Kenyan citizens can travel to Tanzania, including Zanzibar, without a visa as East African Community citizens. Carry your passport or valid travel document.
Do Kenyans need the Zanzibar travel insurance?
Residents of East African Community and SADC countries are exempt from Zanzibar’s mandatory insurance. Other foreign visitors must buy it before travel.
Is Zanzibar better than Diani?
Both are beautiful. Zanzibar offers more history and island culture, while Diani is easier to reach from Nairobi by road or train. Read our guide to things to do in Diani Beach to compare.
What is the best month for a Zanzibar holiday?
June to October and December to February offer the best weather. September and October are especially pleasant, with fewer crowds than July and August.
Book your Zanzibar escape
Tell us your dates and travel style and we will put together a Zanzibar package with flights, hotel and excursions. Request a free proposal.
Leave a Reply