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Zanzibar Beach Holiday – Explore Unguja, Pemba, Mafia, Mnemba
Zanzibar beach holiday allows you to explore the islands of Zanzibar: Pemba, Unguja, Mafia, Chumbe and Mnemba, unwind at the white sand beaches with your sun hat and glasses on, light clothing or tan over the body, drink in hand, and sand between your toes. Experience luxury adventure, honeymoon, and romance in an idyllic setting!
Thanks to Zanzibar’s impressive and jaw-droppingly flawless palm-fringed and white-sand beaches, spice markets, and white-sailed dhows on the turquoise sea. Besides, the absence of crowds makes a Zanzibar beach holiday a real tourist treat!
Whether you go wandering the ancient alleys, snorkeling, swimming, touring the spice island, or sunbathing on one of Zanzibar’s perfect beaches, there’s quite a lot to explore on your Zanzibar beach holiday.
Plan an extra-ordinary Zanzibar beach holiday vacation to explore some of the world’s best beaches and hidden gems of Zanzibar. You can perfectly spice up your wilderness experience in Tanzania‘s legendary parks, such as Serengeti National Park, with a Zanzibar beach holiday to grace your ultimate African expedition. So, let’s have a quick look at what Zanzibar has in store!
Where is Zanzibar located?
Zanzibar is an archipelago located 20 to 50 kilometers off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean and at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Although many people think Zanzibar is one big tropical island, it is made up of several islands, including Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar) and Pemba, which are the largest.
This remarkable Island is exceptionally well placed and offers a laidback beach life with so much on the table, ranging from activities to accommodation options. There’s something for even the most selective of travelers on a Zanzibar beach holiday.
What are the Islands of Zanzibar Archipelago?
The islands of Zanzibar include Unguja, Pemba, Mafia, Mnemba, and Chumbe, which are part of a chain of more than 40 islands spread throughout the entire archipelago, aka the Spice Islands.
There are four major islands: three main islands occupied by human populations, and a fourth coral island that is an essential seabird nesting habitat. Numerous smaller islets surrounding them offer a more exclusive, away-from-the-crowds experience and are perfect for honeymooners and romantics on a Zanzibar beach holiday. Below are some of the best islands in and around the Zanzibar Archipelago.
1. Unguja Island
Unguja Island, better known as Zanzibar, is the largest and most famous of all the islands in the archipelago. With such a varied coastline as Zanzibar, the main island offers a variety of experiences, from a thriving culture in the south to idyllic barefoot luxury in the north. Beyond regal palm trees, snow-white beaches, and the malachite-colored ocean, there is more to see. Based on our frequent visits, we’ve compiled a list of the top sites to visit.
There are several islands tied to its shores, including Chumbe and Mnemba, and while it’s fringed with many idyllic white-sand beaches, Matemwe, Nungwi, Jambiani, and Bwejuu are considered the loveliest. A wide range of accommodation options on the island caters to every penchant and pocket.
No trip to Zanzibar would be complete without a visit to Stone Town, Zanzibar’s capital and a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stone Town is home to numerous examples of Indo-Arabic architecture. It is imbued with cultural piquancy and chock full of glorious old buildings attesting to its colorful history.
When visitors aren’t lounging on the island’s immaculate seashore, they can explore the town’s winding maze of alleys and go to the Forodhani Gardens’ night market across from the House of Wonders. The House of Wonders is a former sultan’s palace and now a museum showcasing Zanzibar and Swahili culture. It stands sentinel over the seashore. Visitors can try the local cuisine on the streets or simply wander around at their own pace.
2. Pemba Island
While Zanzibar is recognized for its flat terrain and being sand-covered, neighbouring Pemba Island is famed for extensive clove plantations and mangoes, with fertile hillocks covered in fruit and spice trees. This justifies its nickname, “The Green Island.” The island sits 48km (31 mi) north-east of remote Zanzibar and is home to historic ruins, small fishing villages, and miles of wild coastline.
Although tourism is still developing with limited infrastructure, Pemba ranks among the world’s best dive sites. Thanks to its pristine coral reefs, water temperatures which range between 25°C (77°F) and 28°C (84°F), and visibility which ranges between 20 and 40 metres (66 and 131 feet). It is home to Manta Resort, which sits at the northernmost point of the island. The resort boasts a unique underwater room that floats offshore, with its own rooftop balcony and lounge at sea level.
Pemba Island offers a wide range of other activities, including spa treatments, sunset dhow cruises, excursions to mangrove forests, and water sports. Pemba provides the discerning adventurer with a significant amount of solitude and exclusivity and a more relaxed ambiance than Zanzibar, given that it’s much quieter, with fewer crowds and only a handful of hotels.
For an extra-ordinary Zanzibar beach holiday, Pemba pairs nicely with a safari on the mainland of Tanzania. It is a 40-minute flight by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam to reach this little-visited yet remarkable island.
3. Mnemba Island
The tiny Mnemba is undisputedly a vintage beach paradise, about a kilometre or half a mile north-east of Zanzibar Island. The island serves as a nesting ground for the critically endangered green turtle, and the reefs just offshore make for ideal snorkeling and diving points. Despite being privately owned, Mnemba Island’s reef is accessible to anyone and a well-liked day trip from Zanzibar. Mnemba can be completely hired out to become a private island holiday haven, drawing very selective and exclusive-minded people for a classic ‘desert island’ experience.
4. Chumbe Island
For excellent diving and snorkeling in a marine sanctuary, Chumbe has no doubt! At 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) south of Zanzibar Town, the uninhabited Chumbe Island was made Zanzibar’s first marine reserve, and it now yields a remarkable underwater experience within the bounds of highly regulated eco-tourism. The pristine shallow-water reefs are home to 370 species of fish, unique birds, and turtles, all waiting to be explored.
5. Mafia Island
Mafia derives its name from the Arabic word “morfiyeh,” meaning “group of islands.” It is the third-biggest of the isles that dot the Tanzanian coast and the largest island of the Mafia Archipelago. This outstanding, off-the-beaten-track tropical island offers the discerning adventurer a tranquil and exclusive refuge far from the hordes of Zanzibar.
The island sits 120 kilometres (75 mi) south of Dar es Salaam and is known to be one of the top dive locations in the Indian Ocean. Its top-notch lodges offer diving equipment and logistics, and the expert staff will expose you to some of the secluded beaches and pristine reefs on the island.
For the finest weather, we recommend visiting between late May and mid-October; rain falls between April and May and once again in November, while February and March can be very hot and humid.
What are the Top things to do in Zanzibar?
While Zanzibar has long been at the centre of the Indian Ocean experience in East Africa, a Zanzibar beach holiday is the ultimate sensory experience for every holiday maker. Here are some things to do and see during your Zanzibar beach experience:
1. Island hopping
Although most travelers regard exploring Zanzibar’s islands as a holiday pastime, it’s literally a way of life. A Zanzibar beach holiday is a perfect opportunity to get out and explore what each island has to offer before returning to your accommodation on the main island of Unguja!
2. Catalogue of landscapes
Zanzibar’s stunning landscapes are synonymous with colouring books. The landscapes comprise thick green forests, white-sand beaches, flat grasslands, and sapphire mangrove swamps, which are all within an hour’s drive of each other. Whatever direction you look, something will attract your attention. A properly charged camera is therefore necessary to allow you to capture lasting memories on your Zanzibar beach holiday.
3. Stone Town sightseeing
This old quarter of Zanzibar City is the island’s capital. It dates back to the 1st century, and over time, Arabian, African, Indian, and European influences have merged to produce this island’s way of life. It yields a varied range of traditional and architectural treasures to explore, such as colonial-style houses, big Catholic cathedrals, the House of Wonders, the Arab Fort, and authentic Hamamni Persian baths, among others.
4. The Spice Islands
The farming of spices was the major industry on the islands prior to Zanzibar becoming popular with tourists. So many different types are grown here, giving the entire archipelago a reason to be referred to as ‘The Spice Islands’. Spices are still a significant part of the culture today, and many safaris will have you roam around nutmeg, vanilla, and black pepper plantations and learn all about how they’re produced.
5. Jozani Forest
This stunning forest offers spectacular sightings, including the rare red colobus monkey and numerous endemic butterfly and bird species. A boardwalk winds across the forest to give you the best possible view of the mangrove trees and surrounding flora. A number of trails have also been developed for you to explore.
6. Snorkelling
Popular for its coral reefs and crystal-clear water, Zanzibar’s underwater world is worth exploring for every Zanzibar holidaymaker. Numerous species are there to be explored, and Mnemba Island and Menai Bay Conservation Area are great places to go snorkeling.
7. Aldabra giant tortoise
This intriguing creature endemic to the Seychelles now lives in Zanzibar after being gifted to a previous prime minister in 1919.
8. Pristine beaches
Zanzibar is popular for its sugar-white beaches and crystal-clear ocean water. Pongwe Beach is ideal for those interested in tranquility and exclusivity, while Kendwa and Nungwi Beaches are perfect choices for those interested in more lively experiences.
Start planning an extraordinary Zanzibar safari with us. You can book one of the tour itineraries, create one from scratch with the help of an African safari expert, or customize one of these we have suggested to suit your preferences.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is a year-round destination; however, some periods or seasons of the year offer the best holiday experiences, as seen below.
- March to May is associated with long rains and therefore not recommended for travel. Rain can spoil your experience, which most travelers find annoying.
- June to October is the long dry season, which offers excellent animal sightings and is therefore recommended for most safaris if combined with a Zanzibar beach experience.
- November to December, the short rains
- January to February, the short dry season
How can I get to Zanzibar?
By Air: Flying to Stone Town on the main island of Unguja or to Pemba Island is the quickest way to reach the Zanzibar Archipelago. Most flights to Zanzibar depart from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city and former capital. The flights are convenient and quick, lasting only 15 minutes.
You can also catch a flight from the Mwalimu Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Airport. Flights here take 20 minutes to arrive at Zanzibar Airport.
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is another important travel hub in East Africa that connects numerous international flight routes from the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. Regular flights to Zanzibar depart from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and take less than two hours.
You can also take the one-hour daily flights from Kilimanjaro Airport, in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, to Zanzibar for those who want to combine a safari experience with a tropical beach holiday. This is so far the best option for a beginner booking a safari through a local tour operator. Most of these arrangements are normally made by your tour operator and included in the overall tour cost.
By Ferry: You can also catch a ferry from Kigamboni ferry terminal in Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, which takes 2 hours to arrive at the ferry terminal.
Best Zanzibar Safaris
Superb beaches and warm, tranquil waters await you. You can combine beach experiences and bush safaris by adding a visit to Zanzibar to your Tanzania safari (northern circuit). With a varied range of opulent seaside resorts to choose from, it creates the ultimate island getaway. Remember, these are safari ideas to inspire your planning, and they can be customized to your style of travel.
