The Spice Islands of Tanzania
Zanzibar & Coastal Islands
White sand, warm water and the old lanes of Stone Town. A few days here is the easy way to end a Tanzania safari.
- TATO registered
- Based in Arusha
Is Zanzibar worth adding to a safari?
For most people, yes. After a week of early game drives, a few days by the sea is an easy way to end the trip. The flight from Arusha (Kilimanjaro Airport) to Zanzibar takes about 1.5 hours, and we book it as part of your trip. Plan on 3 to 5 days: three covers the beach and a walk through Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and five leaves time for snorkelling or a spice tour. Mid-range beach resorts cost about $150 to $300 a night, and most safari and Zanzibar trips come to 10 to 14 days in total. See our safari and beach itineraries or the best time to visit.
After the safari
Slow days by the sea
Zanzibar is a short flight from the Serengeti. After early game drives and dusty tracks, you swap the vehicle for a beach chair and the sound of the tide.
Give yourself a day away from the sand too. Walk the narrow streets of Stone Town, tour a spice farm or go out on a dhow at sunset.
- UNESCO Stone Town
- World-class diving
- Spice plantation tours
- Luxury beach resorts
- Historic dhow sailing
- Year-round sunshine
- Year-Round Warmth
- 27°C
- World Heritage Site
- UNESCO
Beach Destinations
Find your beach
Some beaches are lively, some are quiet. Pick by the kind of days you want.
- 01
Nungwi Beach
North Zanzibar
Famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant sunsets, and lively atmosphere with excellent diving.
Sunset views · Minimal tides · Water sports · Nightlife
- 02
Kendwa Beach
Northwest Coast
A quieter alternative to Nungwi with powdery white sand and calm swimming waters year-round.
Full moon parties · Calm waters · Boutique resorts · Snorkeling
- 03
Paje Beach
Southeast Coast
World-renowned kitesurfing destination with shallow lagoons and a laid-back bohemian vibe.
Kitesurfing · Shallow lagoon · Beach bars · Budget-friendly
- 04
Matemwe Beach
Northeast Coast
Pristine and secluded beach ideal for couples seeking romance and tranquility.
Seclusion · Reef access · Traditional villages · Luxury lodges
Island Experiences
More than beaches
Culture, history and the reef, for the days you want more than a sun lounger.
- 013-4 hours
Stone Town Heritage Walk
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its winding alleys, historic buildings, and fascinating history.
House of Wonders · Old Fort · Slave Market Memorial
From $45 per person
Ask about it: Stone Town Heritage Walk - 02Half day
Spice Tour
Visit spice plantations to discover the origins of Zanzibar's "Spice Island" nickname.
Cloves & nutmeg · Cinnamon & vanilla · Traditional lunch
From $35 per person
Ask about it: Spice Tour - 03Half day
Prison Island Excursion
Visit the historic island sanctuary home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old.
Giant tortoises · Snorkeling · Colonial history
From $50 per person
Ask about it: Prison Island Excursion - 04Half day
Dolphin Safari
Early morning boat trip to Kizimkazi to swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Wild dolphins · Swimming · Breakfast included
From $55 per person
Ask about it: Dolphin Safari - 052-3 hours
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Sail on a traditional wooden dhow while watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Traditional dhow · Seafood dinner · Open bar
From $65 per person
Ask about it: Sunset Dhow Cruise - 06Half day
Jozani Forest Tour
Discover the rare Red Colobus monkeys and mangrove ecosystems in Zanzibar's only national park.
Red Colobus monkeys · Mangrove boardwalk · Nature guide
From $40 per person
Ask about it: Jozani Forest Tour
Beyond Zanzibar
Tanzania's other islands
Pemba and Mafia are quieter than Zanzibar, with fewer visitors and some of the best diving on this coast.
- 01
Pemba Island
The Green Island
Less touristy than Zanzibar, Pemba offers world-class diving, lush forests, and authentic island culture.
- Pristine dive sites
- Clove plantations
- Misali Island
- Untouched nature
Best for Diving & authenticity
- 02
Mafia Island
Marine Paradise
Part of a marine park, Mafia offers exceptional diving with whale sharks, pristine reefs, and old-world charm.
- Whale shark encounters
- Marine park
- Sea turtles
- Secluded beaches
Best for Marine life & seclusion
- 03
Mnemba Atoll
Exclusive Paradise
A private island offering the ultimate in luxury accommodation and exclusive diving experiences.
- Private island resort
- World-class snorkeling
- Turtle nesting
- Ultimate luxury
Best for Honeymoons & luxury
Beach Packages
Zanzibar extensions
Ready-made beach stays you can add to the end of a safari.
4 Days
Zanzibar Beach Break
From $650 per person
The perfect beach addition to your safari with luxury accommodation and key experiences.
- Airport transfers
- Beachfront hotel
- Stone Town tour
- Spice tour
- All breakfasts
6 Days
Zanzibar Explorer
From $1,200 per person
Comprehensive Zanzibar experience covering culture, nature, and beaches.
- Stone Town (2n)
- Beach resort (3n)
- All tours
- Dhow cruise
- Full board
8 Days
Island Hopping
From $2,500 per person
Experience multiple islands including Pemba or Mafia for the ultimate coastal adventure.
- Zanzibar (4n)
- Pemba or Mafia (3n)
- Inter-island flights
- Diving
- Full board
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar is warm all year. The dry months bring calmer seas and clearer water.
- 01
Peak Season
June-October & December-February
Dry season with calm seas, perfect beach weather, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling.
28-32°C · Mostly dry
- 02
Green Season
March-May & November
The rainy months. Showers come and go and there is still plenty of sun. You get fewer visitors and lower prices.
24-28°C · Brief showers
Common questions
Zanzibar FAQs
Something else on your mind? Ask us directly and we reply within 24 hours.
How many days should I spend in Zanzibar after a safari?
We recommend 3-5 days in Zanzibar after your safari. Three days is enough for beach relaxation and a Stone Town tour. Five days lets you add snorkeling, a spice tour, and explore different beaches. Most safari + Zanzibar packages total 10-14 days.
What is the best beach in Zanzibar?
It depends on what you want. Nungwi (north) has the best sunsets and minimal tides. Kendwa is quieter with calm swimming year-round. Paje (east) is the kitesurfing capital with a bohemian vibe. Jambiani offers authentic village life. Kizimkazi (south) is best for dolphin encounters.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
The best time is June-October (dry season) with sunny skies and calm seas, or December-February (hot and dry). Avoid the heavy rains of April-May. The shoulder months of March and November offer good weather with fewer tourists and lower prices.
How do I get from safari to Zanzibar?
The easiest way is a short flight from Arusha (Kilimanjaro Airport) to Zanzibar — about 1.5 hours. We arrange all domestic flights as part of your package. Alternatively, you can fly from Dar es Salaam (30 minutes) or take a ferry from Dar (2 hours).
How much does a Zanzibar beach extension cost?
A 3-5 day Zanzibar extension costs $150-$500 per person/night depending on accommodation. Budget guesthouses start at $50-$100/night. Mid-range beach resorts run $150-$300/night. Luxury resorts like Zuri Zanzibar or Baraza cost $400-$800+/night. Domestic flights add $200-$350 per person.
Plan the rest
Before you book the beach
Safari + beach
Add beach days to your safari
Tell us your safari dates and how many nights you'd like by the sea. We'll suggest a beach and a place to stay that suit you.
- Pick the beach that suits you
- We book the flight from Arusha
- Add Stone Town, a spice farm or a dhow trip
- One price for the safari and the beach
WhatsApp +255 763 462 350info@baldeaglesafaris.com
“Traveling with kids ages 8 and 11, we were nervous about a safari. Bald Eagle created a family-friendly itinerary that kept everyone engaged. The kids are still talking about the baby elephants in Tarangire!”
Start planning your trip
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