Zanzibar Holidays
OVERVIEW
Zanzibar delivers exactly what beach lovers picture in their minds: water so clear it barely looks real, and a shifting cast of colourful reef fish just offshore. Set in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the island is ringed by some of the most striking marine scenery anywhere in the region.
This archipelago of roughly 75 islands sits just off the coast of Tanzania, and its reputation rests on two things — powder-soft white sand and impossibly turquoise water. The colours are almost implausible in person, the kind of scene that looks staged in photos but isn't. Combined with genuinely untouched stretches of coastline, it's easy to see why Zanzibar keeps pulling travellers back.
Like its smaller neighbour Pemba, Zanzibar stretches out in a long ribbon of white beaches, calm lagoons and coconut palms leaning toward the water. Inland, spice farms, dense greenery and quiet coastal villages give a different side of the island — slower, more rooted in daily island life.
The beaches here rank among the finest in the Indian Ocean, and Zanzibar works particularly well for families: many hotels run kids' clubs and open straight onto shallow, sheltered water. A family holiday built around one of these beachfront properties gives children safe lagoons to play in, a chance to spot rare red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, swim alongside dolphins, or meet the giant tortoises on Prison Island.
This archipelago of roughly 75 islands sits just off the coast of Tanzania, and its reputation rests on two things — powder-soft white sand and impossibly turquoise water. The colours are almost implausible in person, the kind of scene that looks staged in photos but isn't. Combined with genuinely untouched stretches of coastline, it's easy to see why Zanzibar keeps pulling travellers back.
Like its smaller neighbour Pemba, Zanzibar stretches out in a long ribbon of white beaches, calm lagoons and coconut palms leaning toward the water. Inland, spice farms, dense greenery and quiet coastal villages give a different side of the island — slower, more rooted in daily island life.
The beaches here rank among the finest in the Indian Ocean, and Zanzibar works particularly well for families: many hotels run kids' clubs and open straight onto shallow, sheltered water. A family holiday built around one of these beachfront properties gives children safe lagoons to play in, a chance to spot rare red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, swim alongside dolphins, or meet the giant tortoises on Prison Island.
Our Zanzibar specialist shares:
"Picture a beach fringed with coconut palms and barely another soul in sight — that's Zanzibar. Beyond the obvious beauty, what struck me most was being able to walk out and swim even at low tide. Every angle looks like it belongs on a postcard."
Zanzibar at a glance
Winter Average
21°C
Summer Average
29°C
Time Zone
GMT+3
5 Must-Do things
in Zanzibar
Zanzibar rewards travellers who get out and explore, whether that's on land or out on the water. Between its layered history, coastal culture and unusually rich wildlife, there's enough here to fill more than one trip.
Swim with turtles at Baraka Aquarium
Whether you'd rather swim alongside the turtles, help feed them, or just learn more about how they're cared for, it's a genuinely engaging stop. While you're in Nungwi, the small zoo next door is worth a look too, with chameleons, crocodiles, monkeys and ostriches — a good outing for adults and kids alike.
Jozani forest
This protected reserve is best known as the only place on earth to see the red colobus monkey in the wild — a species found nowhere else but Zanzibar. The swampy rainforest surrounding it makes for a memorable stop before heading further into the jungle.
Sail on a traditional dhow
These traditional wooden boats have carried Zanzibaris across the lagoons for centuries, and a sail on one is still one of the calmest ways to see the coastline. Most trips build in time to swim or snorkel along the way.
Private culinary tour of Zanzibar
Zanzibar earned its nickname as the Spice Island for good reason — cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg all grow here, alongside tropical fruit like rambutan and durian that are worth trying at least once.
Scuba diving
The waters around Zanzibar are a genuine draw for divers, with lagoons that regularly turn up rays, turtles and clownfish — and, with a bit of luck, whale sharks passing through.
Must-See places
in Zanzibar
The name Zanzibar alone carries a certain magic, and the island backs it up with more to see than most trips have time for.
Stone Town
Stone Town's narrow, winding streets carry centuries of history in every corner. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's the place to slow down and take in Zanzibar's layered cultural past on foot.
Chumbe Marine Sanctuary
Chumbe Island's marine sanctuary is a must for anyone drawn to eco-tourism. It's one of the best spots on the island to get in the water and see just how much colour and life the reef holds.
Pemba Island
Pemba is the largest of Zanzibar's islands and still one of its least visited — a real find for travellers who want nature largely to themselves and a genuinely quiet retreat.
Prison Island
A short boat ride from Forodhani Gardens brings you to Prison Island, home to a colony of giant tortoises and a quiet stretch of beach. It's an easy half-day trip and one most visitors come away glad they made.
Beit Al Ajaib
Built in 1883, Beit Al Ajaib was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and a working elevator. It now regularly hosts art exhibitions inside its historic walls.
Must-Try food
in Zanzibar
Zanzibar's food tells the story of its mixed heritage as much as any museum could. Swahili cooking moves easily between sweet and savoury, often built around tropical fruit like mango and banana.
Rice Pilau
Pilau has been eaten across every level of Zanzibari society for generations, from ordinary households to the island's old aristocracy. The rice is cooked through with onion, garlic, curry powder and pilau masala for a deeply fragrant result.
Biryani
Biryani arrived in Zanzibar by way of India and the Middle East and has been a firm local favourite ever since. It's made with either meat or fish, layered through with spices for a flavour that leans pleasantly toward spicy.
Fish and Seafood
Seafood is one of Zanzibar's genuine strengths, with spiny lobster and crab both regularly on the menu. Catches are typically grilled or finished in a curry, masala or coconut milk sauce — simple, and consistently good.
Must-Pack
for Zanzibar
A few essentials worth packing ahead of time to keep your Zanzibar trip running smoothly.
Adapter Plug
A universal adapter is worth packing for any trip abroad — just double-check beforehand that it's compatible with Tanzania's power outlets.
Reef-Friendly Sunscreen & Insect Repellent
SPF 30 or higher protects your skin and helps keep the reef healthy at the same time, so it's worth prioritising. Pack insect repellent alongside it for extra peace of mind.
Swimsuit
Between the beaches and the water clarity, Zanzibar practically demands time in the sea. A swimsuit earns its place at the top of the packing list, whether you're swimming, snorkelling or just lounging by the shore.
Sunglasses
Zanzibar's sun is strong and fairly relentless, so a good pair of sunglasses does real work protecting your eyes from glare and UV.
Backpack
A small backpack comes in handy for day trips and excursions around the island.
Raincoat
A light raincoat is worth throwing in too, particularly for nature walks or hikes if the weather turns.
Other things to know about Zanzibar before you go
Visa requirements for Zanzibar vary by nationality, so it's worth checking well ahead of your trip. Your passport will also need to remain valid for 3 to 6 months beyond your travel dates, and depending on where you're travelling from, proof of a yellow fever vaccine may be required at entry. Confirm all conditions before you book.
Time for a
new
holiday
Take a look at our selection of Zanzibar holiday packages
Holiday Packages ZanzibarPlaces to visit in Zanzibar
Why would you go on holidays in Zanzibar?
From sightseeing to pure relaxation, your Zanzibar holiday promises paradise.
Zanzibar has a way of slowing everything down. It's the kind of place where the loudest sound most days is waves settling onto soft sand, and where the whole point is to unwind, recharge, and step away from routine for a while.
Known as the spice island, Zanzibar rewards travellers who take their time with it. There's a coral-rich underwater world to dive into, a distinct cultural heritage to learn about, and enough variety between beach days and exploring that no two days need look the same.
Scuba diving and snorkelling are a must during your Zanzibar holidays
As part of Tanzania's archipelago, Zanzibar is a genuine paradise for beach lovers, with turquoise water and pale, powdery sand among the best found anywhere in the world. The underwater scenery matches the view above it, full of colour for snorkellers and divers alike. Inland, palm-lined villages each carry their own history, and a visit to Stone Town, Zanzibar's capital, is essential for understanding the blend of African and Arab influence that shapes the island's culture today.
Zanzibar still feels comparatively undiscovered, which makes it a well-suited retreat for travellers after something calmer. Quintrip's handpicked beachfront hotels are chosen with exactly that kind of comfort and ease in mind.
Though part of Tanzania, Zanzibar holds a special semi-autonomous status under its own Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, operating with limited powers within the wider Tanzanian framework.
Experience white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters with a Zanzibar holiday from Quintrip
North of the main island, the small private Mnemba Atoll is a place apart — dazzling white sand, clear water, and one of the best spots in the region to see sea turtles nesting. Villas here seem to float on the ocean, set above a seabed alive with colour.
Pemba Island, known for its cloves and fertile land, has a more mysterious pull, tied to its tradition of local healers and long-standing ceremonies. A legacy of Portuguese colonisation left behind an unusual local sport in bullfighting, while the island's varied landscape — beaches, mangroves, coral reefs — supports a striking range of marine life.
Visit the giant tortoise sanctuary on your Zanzibar holidays
Set beside a lighthouse, this sanctuary was established in 1993 around a natural tidal pool, with a focus on protecting local marine species — turtles above all — from hunting and exploitation. It also runs as an educational centre for local children on marine conservation. Any turtle caught by fishermen is brought here, and eggs found along the beach are relocated for a safer hatching.
Jambiani, a village on Zanzibar's southern coast, makes a peaceful base for exploring the southeast and nearby Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park — ideal for travellers keen to get off the more obvious tourist track.
Pongwe, smaller and quieter still, offers a genuine taste of coastal life. At low tide you might spot local women harvesting seaweed for cosmetics, or simply take a long, peaceful walk along the open beach.
Discover the Mnemba Atoll on your next Zanzibar holiday
The Mnemba Atoll is one of Zanzibar's standout attractions, a rich coral reef that draws serious divers and casual marine enthusiasts in equal measure. It's popular enough to attract the occasional celebrity visitor, and the sheer range of fish and marine life on show makes every dive feel worthwhile. The atoll sits within a lagoon lined with colourful coral and sponges.
Why not swim with dolphins during your holiday in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar's lush green forests are well suited to hiking and slower exploring, with scenic gardens offering a genuinely restful break along the way. Jozani Forest, the island's most significant nature reserve, shouldn't be skipped — and no trip is really complete without time on Kendwa Beach. Between July and September, whale and dolphin watching becomes possible too, with a lucky few travellers spotting whale sharks or manta rays.
Zanzibar has a way of slowing everything down. It's the kind of place where the loudest sound most days is waves settling onto soft sand, and where the whole point is to unwind, recharge, and step away from routine for a while.
Known as the spice island, Zanzibar rewards travellers who take their time with it. There's a coral-rich underwater world to dive into, a distinct cultural heritage to learn about, and enough variety between beach days and exploring that no two days need look the same.
Scuba diving and snorkelling are a must during your Zanzibar holidays
As part of Tanzania's archipelago, Zanzibar is a genuine paradise for beach lovers, with turquoise water and pale, powdery sand among the best found anywhere in the world. The underwater scenery matches the view above it, full of colour for snorkellers and divers alike. Inland, palm-lined villages each carry their own history, and a visit to Stone Town, Zanzibar's capital, is essential for understanding the blend of African and Arab influence that shapes the island's culture today.
Zanzibar still feels comparatively undiscovered, which makes it a well-suited retreat for travellers after something calmer. Quintrip's handpicked beachfront hotels are chosen with exactly that kind of comfort and ease in mind.
Though part of Tanzania, Zanzibar holds a special semi-autonomous status under its own Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, operating with limited powers within the wider Tanzanian framework.
Experience white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters with a Zanzibar holiday from Quintrip
North of the main island, the small private Mnemba Atoll is a place apart — dazzling white sand, clear water, and one of the best spots in the region to see sea turtles nesting. Villas here seem to float on the ocean, set above a seabed alive with colour.
Pemba Island, known for its cloves and fertile land, has a more mysterious pull, tied to its tradition of local healers and long-standing ceremonies. A legacy of Portuguese colonisation left behind an unusual local sport in bullfighting, while the island's varied landscape — beaches, mangroves, coral reefs — supports a striking range of marine life.
Visit the giant tortoise sanctuary on your Zanzibar holidays
Set beside a lighthouse, this sanctuary was established in 1993 around a natural tidal pool, with a focus on protecting local marine species — turtles above all — from hunting and exploitation. It also runs as an educational centre for local children on marine conservation. Any turtle caught by fishermen is brought here, and eggs found along the beach are relocated for a safer hatching.
Jambiani, a village on Zanzibar's southern coast, makes a peaceful base for exploring the southeast and nearby Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park — ideal for travellers keen to get off the more obvious tourist track.
Pongwe, smaller and quieter still, offers a genuine taste of coastal life. At low tide you might spot local women harvesting seaweed for cosmetics, or simply take a long, peaceful walk along the open beach.
Discover the Mnemba Atoll on your next Zanzibar holiday
The Mnemba Atoll is one of Zanzibar's standout attractions, a rich coral reef that draws serious divers and casual marine enthusiasts in equal measure. It's popular enough to attract the occasional celebrity visitor, and the sheer range of fish and marine life on show makes every dive feel worthwhile. The atoll sits within a lagoon lined with colourful coral and sponges.
Why not swim with dolphins during your holiday in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar's lush green forests are well suited to hiking and slower exploring, with scenic gardens offering a genuinely restful break along the way. Jozani Forest, the island's most significant nature reserve, shouldn't be skipped — and no trip is really complete without time on Kendwa Beach. Between July and September, whale and dolphin watching becomes possible too, with a lucky few travellers spotting whale sharks or manta rays.
