Zanzibar — Simba Pride Safaris

Overview

Carved doors and rooftop cafes in Stone Town, spice farms in the interior, and a coastline that runs from lively Nungwi to the kite beaches and tidal flats of the east. The natural full stop to any safari.

Wildlife highlights

Red colobus
Green turtle
Dolphin
Reef fish
Giant tortoise
Humpback whale

Stone Town

A living Swahili city

Alleys, markets and carved doors, Forodhani night market and a sunset from the rooftops.

Beaches

North or east

Nungwi and Kendwa for swimming at all tides, Paje for kitesurfing, Jambiani and Matemwe for quiet.

The water

Reefs and dhows

Snorkel Mnemba atoll, sail a dhow at sunset, or dive the reefs off the north coast.

Season calendar

What happens when. Use it to pick your month, then ask us to confirm conditions before you book.

Dry, sunny beach weatherJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Kitesurfing windsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Whale sharks & humpbacksJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Rainy, humidJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Areas & highlights

Stone Town

The old city and UNESCO site. One or two nights of history, food and rooftops.

Best: any month

Nungwi & Kendwa

The north tip. Swimming at all tides, sunsets, the most hotels and nightlife.

Best: Jun to Feb

Paje & Jambiani

The east. Wide tidal beach, kitesurfing, laid-back villages.

Best: Jun to Sep

Matemwe & Mnemba

Quiet north-east coast, snorkelling at the atoll, boutique lodges.

Best: Jun to Feb

Jozani forest & spice farms

The interior. Red colobus monkeys and cloves straight from the tree.

Best: any month

Things to do

Stone Town walkCarved doors, the old fort, spice market and the House of Wonders.
Spice farm tourCloves, vanilla and cinnamon straight from the tree, with a farm lunch.
Dhow sunset cruiseFrom Nungwi or Stone Town, with drinks aboard.
Snorkelling at MnembaTurtles and reef fish on the atoll off the north-east coast.
Jozani forestRed colobus monkeys and the mangrove boardwalk.
KitesurfingPaje's lagoon is one of Africa's best spots, Jun to Sep and Dec to Feb.
Prison IslandGiant tortoises and a swim, a short boat ride from town.

Where to stay

BudgetGuesthouses in Stone Town and Paje. From US$30 p.p.

Mid-rangeBeach hotels in Nungwi, Kendwa and Jambiani. US$120 to 250 p.p.

LuxuryVillas and boutique resorts on the north and east coasts. US$400 and up.

By area

Stone Town: converted merchant houses, budget to boutique.
North: the widest choice, from hostels to five-star.
East: kite camps, beach bungalows and a few quiet luxury lodges.

Indicative per-person high-season rates. We hold provisional space at a shortlist of lodges in each tier and book the one that fits your route.

Getting there & around

By air

1 hour from Arusha or the Serengeti airstrips, 20 minutes from Dar. International flights arrive direct from Europe and the Gulf.

By sea

2 hours by fast ferry from Dar es Salaam.

Tip

Fly direct from the Serengeti to save a day.

Trips that include Zanzibar

5 days · 5 daysZanzibar Spice & SeaFrom $890 p.p.

10 days · 10 daysSafari & Beach HoneymoonFrom $3,400 p.p.

7 days · 7 daysZanzibar Beach WeekFrom $1,290 p.p.

12 days · 12 daysGrand TanzaniaFrom $3,150 p.p.

Best time to visit

Best months

JFMAMJJASOND

Jun to OctCool trade winds, sunny days, the classic beach season.

Dec to FebHot, calm and clear. Best diving visibility and busiest over Christmas.

Mar to MayLong rains. Many hotels close or discount heavily.

NovShort rains, brief showers, good value.

Practical notes

Entry fee: a mandatory island insurance fee of about US$44 on arrival since 2024.
Tides: the east coast has huge tides. Swimming is hours-dependent. The north is not.
Dress: shoulders and knees covered in Stone Town and villages.
Ramadan: respect fasting hours in town; resorts run as normal.
Money: dollars and cards work in hotels, shillings for markets and taxis.

Zanzibar questions

Which beach?

Nungwi and Kendwa for swimming at all tides, Paje for kitesurfing, Jambiani and Matemwe for quiet.

Is there an island entry fee?

Yes, a mandatory insurance fee of about US$44 payable on arrival since 2024.

Is it safe to walk in Stone Town at night?

In the main streets, yes. Take a taxi late and keep valuables out of sight.

Which beach is right for me?

Nungwi or Kendwa if you want to swim any time of day. Paje if you kite. Matemwe or Jambiani for quiet. Ask us and we will match you.

How do I get there from safari?

A direct flight from the Serengeti airstrips or Arusha, about an hour, and you are on the sand by lunch.

the spiceisland