Location

The idyllic island of Zanzibar is located just off the east coast of Tanzania, a semi-autonomous destination and famous for its role in history’s ‘Spice Route’. The capital of Zanzibar, or Ungunja as it is formally known, is Stone Town, a fascinating city with strong trade roots and a rich Swahili tradition.

Size

The island of Zanzibar is around 950 sq miles in size.

History

Zanzibar rooted itself in history as a major player in the spice trade between the 12th and 15th centuries. A large Persian influence resulted in the combination of Islam and Swahili culture that is present to this day.

The Zanzibar Sultanate saw a strong slave trade in the early to mid-19th century, finally being eradicated with the arrival of the British in 1876. In 1964 Zanzibar joined Pemba Island and Tanganyika to create what is today known as the United Republic of Tanzania.

How to get there

By Ferry

Taking a ferry from Dar es Salaam is a wonderful way to experience the wonders of the Indian Ocean en route to Zanzibar. The journey will take around two hours.

By Air

International flights will connect visitors from Europe and other parts of Africa to the amazing Island of Zanzibar, with some “touching down” in the bigger city of Dar es Salaam. Guests coming off safari can reach the island direction from the Masai Mara in Kenya or the Serengeti in Tanzania. The flight from Dar es Salaam is a short one lasting around twenty minutes.

Best time to visit

Weather & Climate

The weather between June and October is wonderful, with warm, dry days making it perfect for sunbathing and watersports. The short rains fall during November and December with a lovely, short yet somewhat humid period in January and February. Long rains fall in March and April.

Avoiding Crowds

Traveling just outside the popular months of June to October will mean more availability in hotels and resorts and therefore less crowded beaches. The time of year to consider would be late May into early June and again in late December into early February.

Value for Money

There are many types of accommodations available in both Stone Town and on the beaches of Zanzibar, which means there is an option to fit all budgets. From moderate hotels to luxury boutique resorts, there are many accommodation styles to choose from. With good connections from Europe and other parts of Africa, this Indian Ocean Island destination can certainly be part of a value-for-money package.

Marine life and topography

Popular Marine Life Sightings

Diving and snorkeling in Zanzibar is wonderful, with popular reefs such as Mnemba Island, presenting incredible sightings of sea life. Dolphins are often seen frolicking in the warm Indian Ocean. One can swim with whale sharks at Mafia Island and witness turtles at play. From octopus to crocodile fish, exploring marine life off the Zanzibar shores is wonderful.

The Aquatic & Beach Landscape

Beautiful coral reefs can be discovered under the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean off the pristine white beaches of Zanzibar. The islands of Zanzibar are mostly flat and consist of coral and a mix of limestone and sandstone.