Zanzibar holiday packages offer a chance to immerse yourself in a heady mix of palm-fringed beaches, turquoise seas and a melting pot of exotic cultures. Lying off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a romantic Indian Ocean island paradise that is still relatively untouched. It’s the largest coral island off the shores of Africa and is famous for its centuries-old sailing dhows, ornately carved wooden doors and the scent of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg – hence its nickname, the 'Spice Island'.
Zanzibar’s main town, Stone Town, is the oldest part of the island and boasts 45 mosques, the Slave Market, the Old Fort, Dr Livingstone’s House and the Zanzibar Marubhi Palace ruins. The surrounding islands offer opportunities for further explorations. One of the most popular is Pemba, famous for its excellent scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and a variety of water sports in the untouched marine environment of the Pemba Channel. There’s also Prison Island, home to giant tortoises, and tiny Mnemba, only inhabited by the staff and guests of the luxurious &Beyond Mnemba Island all-inclusive resort.
Why travel to Zanzibar
- The weather is superb year-round.
- There are numerous tiny islands surrounding Zanzibar that you can explore.
- The beaches are beautiful - making it an excellent choice for a beach holiday.
- Zanzibar's vibrant cultural heritage includes African, Arabic and Portuguese influences.
- Zanzibar is a popular location for a romantic holiday.
- It's a paradise for divers and snorkellers.
- You can see red colobus monkeys in the Jozani Forest Reserve.
- Enjoy delicious fresh seafood.
- An ideal add-on if you’re going on safari in Tanzania.
So what is the best time to visit Zanzibar? July to September is the dry season and a popular time to travel. However it is worthwhile going anytime of the year as the temperatures remain around 28 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius.
Zanzibar’s proximity to Tanzania, where you can enjoy an unsurpassed wildlife experience, including watching the annual wildebeest migration, makes the island an ideal location for an unforgettable bush-and-beach holiday or romantic honeymoon. Let Thompsons Holidays assist with your 2025 travel arrangements to Zanzibar with a hassle-free holiday, from luxury to cheaper packages, to this beautiful, exotic island destination.
Zanzibar offers plenty of exciting sightseeing opportunities. When you’ve had enough of soaking up the sun and enjoying the varied water sports, you can visit a spice farm to touch, smell and taste various spices, learn all about local village life and enjoy some spiced tea and seasonal fruits. You can also sail off on a traditional wooden dhow to enjoy snorkelling at various locations, including Kwale Island. Alternatively, head for gorgeous Pemba, 80km from Zanzibar, with its beautiful beaches, prolific birdlife, and excellent dive sites where you can view coral and abundant underwater marine life.
Exciting things to do in Zanzibar
- Explore Stone Town's winding streets and marvel at the Arabic architecture en route to visit historic sights.
- Soak up the sun on the famous Nungwi Beach.
- Visit the Old Fort, Stone Town’s oldest building that dates back to the 17th Century.
- Go snorkelling in the Mnemba Atoll.
- Watch the sunset from the beach.
- Party up a storm at one of the Full Moon parties at Kendwa Beach.
- Discover the relaxed fishing village of Jambiani, one of the island’s best-kept secrets.
- Visit Jozani Forest, home to thousands of crabs who live under the mangroves, and see a variety of wildlife, including red colobus monkeys.
- Discover historic Prison Island, home to giant tortoises.
- Visit the night-time food market, Forodhani, to enjoy a traditional seafood dinner.
- Spend time in the Palace Museum, one of Stone Towns’ most historic buildings.
- Go kite surfing on the island of Paje.
Another fun thing to do in Zanzibar is sampling traditional food in Stone Town’s numerous restaurants. Zanzibar’s cuisine is delicious – there’s even a famous restaurant here, called The Rock, located on top of a rock in the sea, which offers sensational seafood and equally spectacular views. With so much to do and see in Zanzibar we recommend spending at least 7 - 10 days on the archipelago. We've put together a helpful guide to give you an idea what a 7-day itinerary in Zanzibar could look like.
Browse our fantastic range of Zanzibar holiday packages available and let's get your Spice Island holiday sorted!
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
- Visit Zanzibar during the cool, dry months of spring (June to October), during this season the weather is generally warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Another good time to go is from January to February when it's hot and dry. There are also slightly less tourists during this time as it is just after peak summer season.
Getting there
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Zanzibar, Tanzania: 3 hours, 30 minutes.
Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar?
- South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Tanzania and Zanzibar.
- Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your trip.
What time is it in Zanzibar?
- Time zone – Tanzania is one hour ahead of South Africa.
Money matters
- The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
- US dollars (US$) are widely accepted in Zanzibar.
- Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) are accepted in Zanzibar.
- Tipping is an accepted practice. Tip in US dollars if you can – carry US$1 bills with you.
Language & phrases
Swahili is the official language. English, French and Italian are widely spoken in resorts.
Some useful Swahili phrases to learn for when visiting Zanzibar:
- Hello: Jambo / Hujambo / Salama
- How are you?: Habari gani?
- Fine (response): Nzuri
- Goodbye: Kwa heri / Kwa herini (to more than one person)
- Yes: Ndiyo
- No: Hapana
- Thank you: Asante
- Please: Tafadhali
- Where is the...?: Ni wapi...?
Culture & Religion
- Most of the Tanzanian population is Christian or Muslim.
- Other traditional religions are also practiced here.
Health information
- Drink bottled water while travelling in Tanzania.
- Smoking is banned in public places.
- It is advisable to take malaria prophylactics before visiting Tanzania. Be sure to check with your doctor or travel clinic.
- Lightweight clothing for summer, add layers during the cooler months. Don't forget your beachwear!
- Comfortable walking shoes, sandals.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat, swimsuits and sunglasses.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Long, loose pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are best.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
- Support local artisans.
- Avoid single-use plastic. Zanzibar has officially banned plastic bags from the islands.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
