Zanzibar Islands

Zanzibar lies off the Tanzania coast, only 25 miles (40km) away. But it seems like a completely different world. Zanzibar often used as the collective name for a number of islands including Pemba Island and Mnemba Island. A Zanzibar beach holiday offers the perfect end to a Tanzania safari. It offers an alluring mix of beautiful white beaches, palm groves and spice farms.

Plus inland Zanzibar is also  a bewitching place! The rich green valleys are filled with the aroma of spices. Whilst historic Stone Town, once the capital of a vast Arabic empire, is an atmospheric maze of narrow streets, street markets and intricate wooden carved doorways. Whilst the Zanzibar resorts offer powder-white beaches shaded by palm trees.

Pemba Island

You might like to stay at the lesser known Pemba Island. This is only a 30-minute flight from Zanzibar. Or opt for one of the smaller islands such as Mnemba Island – which offers the ultimate private island retreat – or Mafia Island. The atmospheric ruins on this latter island are the legacy of the centuries-old trade routes of Persian dhows.

Zanzibar Beach Holidays - How to Get There

There are now some good flight connections into Zanzibar with Ethiopian airlines from Europe. (And there is a three-times weekly flight direct from Johannesburg). Many of the smaller Tanzania airlines such as Precision and Auric Air connect Zanzibar with both the northern safari parks via Arusha as well as with the southern game parks of Selous and Ruaha.

Back to main Tanzania Safari page.