Zanzibar Archipelago
Turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and Stone Town's UNESCO-listed spice-scented alleyways — the perfect post-safari island escape.
Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands off Tanzania's coast, renowned for pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm Indian Ocean waters. The main island, Unguja, offers a compelling blend of relaxation and exploration that makes it the ideal complement to a mainland safari.
Stone Town, the archipelago's historic heart, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a labyrinth of narrow alleys, carved doorways, bustling bazaars, and centuries of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influence layered into every building. The evening food markets at Forodhani Gardens are legendary.
Beyond Stone Town, Zanzibar's coastline delivers world-class beach experiences. The east coast offers powdery white sand and kitesurfing conditions, the north coast around Nungwi provides sunset views and vibrant nightlife, and the south and west coasts offer secluded luxury and mangrove-fringed seascapes.
Spice tours, dolphin excursions, snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll, and visits to Jozani Forest — home to the endemic red colobus monkey — round out an island experience that is far more than just a beach holiday.
Safari Tours & Packages in Zanzibar Archipelago
Explore our curated itineraries that include Zanzibar Archipelago.
Northern Circuit Classic Safari
The essential Tanzania safari — Tarangire elephants, Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions, Ngorongoro Crater, and the S...
View details →Zanzibar Beach & Culture Escape
White sand beaches, UNESCO Stone Town, spice tours, and Mnemba Atoll snorkelling — the perfect post-safari island ret...
View details →Wildlife & What You'll See
Zanzibar's marine environment is exceptionally rich. Mnemba Atoll supports over 600 species of fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales (July–September). The coral reefs are among the best-preserved in East Africa.
On land, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey — found nowhere else on Earth. The forest also shelters Sykes' monkeys, bush babies, over 50 butterfly species, and diverse birdlife.
How to Get There
Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) receives direct flights from Dar es Salaam (20 minutes), Arusha, Nairobi, and seasonal European charters. Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam take approximately 2 hours. Most safari operators arrange seamless transfers from the mainland.
Park Fees & Regulations
Zanzibar levies a tourism infrastructure tax of $2 per person per night. Jozani Forest entry is $12 per adult. Marine park fees for Mnemba and other protected areas are typically included in excursion prices. There are no park entry fees for beaches.