Zanzibar Travel & Holidays
The Jewel of the Indian Ocean
Zanzibar is the place where you slow down. After the dust, wildlife and early mornings of safari, the island invites you to walk barefoot across soft white sand, listen to the Indian Ocean and watch traditional dhow boats drift across the horizon.
With Shemeji Safari, your Zanzibar holiday is planned by people who know Tanzania and Zanzibar from the inside. As a Dutch-Tanzanian family-owned tour operator based in Arusha, we help you create a journey that reflects your interests, whether you are looking for beach relaxation, authentic cultural experiences, ocean activities or a safari and beach combination.
Zanzibar can be the main focus of your holiday, but it also works beautifully as the relaxing final part of a Tanzania safari.
Request your tailor-made Zanzibar itinerary
Dutch-Tanzanian family-owned tour operator
Local team based in Arusha
Tailor-made Zanzibar holidays
Safari & beach combinations
5/5 on TripAdvisor with 170+ reviews
Why visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar offers a unique blend of culture, history and natural beauty. From the winding alleys of Stone Town and centuries of trading history to traditional fishing villages and vibrant local markets, the island provides experiences that go far beyond its coastline.
Zanzibar is a strong choice for travelers who want relaxation, culture and ocean views in one destination. The island works beautifully as a beach holiday on its own, but it is especially powerful as the final part of a safari.
Many travelers add Zanzibar after one of Shemeji Safari’s safari journeys, trading game drives and open plains for warm ocean air, palm-lined beaches and slower days by the coast.
Two ways to plan your Zanzibar holiday
Zanzibar can be planned in different ways. Some travelers focus fully on the island, while others add Zanzibar after a safari in mainland Tanzania. Shemeji Safari helps you choose the option that fits your travel style, timing and expectations.
Zanzibar beach holiday
For travelers who want to focus on beaches, culture, ocean activities and slow island days. This option is ideal if you want Zanzibar to be the heart of your journey.
Plan my Zanzibar holiday
Safari & Zanzibar combination
For travelers who want to experience Tanzania’s wildlife first and end their journey by the Indian Ocean. This option combines adventure, nature and relaxation in one itinerary.
Plan safari & beach itinerary
Popular Zanzibar holidays
There are different ways to experience Zanzibar. Some travelers come for slow beach days, while others want culture, ocean activities or a relaxing end to their safari.
Beach holidays in Zanzibar
For travelers who want white-sand beaches, ocean views and time to fully relax.
Family holidays in Zanzibar
For families who want a comfortable island stay with suitable activities and enough time to slow down.
Cultural and beach holidays
For travelers who want to combine Stone Town, spice farms, local life and beach time.
Safari and Zanzibar combinations
For travelers who want to start with wildlife and end their journey by the ocean.
Luxury island stays
For travelers looking for more comfort, privacy and carefully selected accommodation.
Honeymoon-style travel
For couples who want a romantic combination of safari, beach and personal travel planning.
You can also explore our Zanzibar packages as inspiration for your own tailor-made island stay.
What makes Zanzibar unique
Zanzibar is more than a beach destination. The island combines white-sand beaches, historic streets, spice farms, Swahili culture and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
White-sand beaches
Zanzibar is known for soft white beaches, clear blue water and a relaxed island atmosphere. The best beach area depends on your travel style, the season and whether you prefer quiet coastal days or more activity nearby.
Stone Town and culture
Stone Town gives Zanzibar its cultural depth. Its narrow streets, historic buildings, lively markets and waterfront make it a meaningful contrast to the island’s beach resorts.
Marine life and ocean activities
Zanzibar offers many ocean-based experiences, from snorkeling and boat trips to reef visits and relaxed days on the water. You can add suitable activities depending on your route, interests and travel pace.
Spices, food and local life
Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island for good reason. Spice farms, local food and village life help travelers experience more of the island than its beaches alone.
Where to stay in Zanzibar
Choosing where to stay in Zanzibar depends on the kind of island experience you want. Some areas are better for quiet beach time, while others are more suitable for culture, ocean activities, families or honeymoon-style travel.
Because Shemeji Safari works from Arusha with a local team on the ground, we help match your Zanzibar stay to the rest of your journey. Your accommodation should fit your arrival time, safari route, travel rhythm and preferred comfort level, not just look good in photos.
Which Zanzibar stay fits your trip?
- Stone Town: best for culture, history and short stays
- East coast: best for beach relaxation and ocean views
- Quiet resorts: suitable for honeymoon-style travel
- Family-friendly resorts: suitable for comfort and convenience
- Safari extension stays: useful when transfers, timing and travel rhythm matter
Shemeji Safari can help match your Zanzibar stay to the rest of your journey, so your accommodation fits your route, pace and expectations.
You can explore Shemeji Safari’s selected accommodations for inspiration while planning your island stay.
End your safari with Zanzibar
One of the most rewarding ways to experience Tanzania is to start with safari and end on Zanzibar. Safari days are active and full of early starts, wildlife sightings and changing landscapes. Zanzibar then gives you time to slow down before traveling home.
Many travelers choose a few nights on the island after their safari. The right number of days depends on your total travel time, preferred pace and how much beach time you want.
Shemeji Safari helps connect your safari route, transfers, flights and Zanzibar stay, so the island feels like a natural part of your journey instead of a loose add-on.
Request a safari & Zanzibar itinerary
Zanzibar weather and best time to visit
Zanzibar weather is generally warm and tropical throughout the year, but the experience can change depending on the season. Rain, humidity, wind and ocean conditions can influence the best time for your Zanzibar holiday.
Dry season
The dry season in Zanzibar is often a popular time for beach holidays because conditions are usually pleasant for relaxing by the ocean. It also works well for many travelers who want to combine Zanzibar with a safari.
Green season
The green season in Zanzibar can bring more rain, but also quieter travel periods and fresh tropical landscapes. A Zanzibar holiday during this period can still work well when your expectations and itinerary are planned carefully.
Best months for beach holidays
The best months for a Zanzibar beach holiday depend on whether you prefer drier weather, quieter beaches or a combination with safari. Shemeji Safari can help match your travel dates with the right island stay and wider safari route.
When to combine Zanzibar with safari
Zanzibar combines well with safari throughout much of the year. Many travelers first visit Tanzania’s national parks and then continue with a Tanzania and Zanzibar holiday for a relaxing end to their journey.
Things to do in Zanzibar
Zanzibar can be as peaceful or active as you want it to be. You can spend slow days by the ocean, explore Stone Town, visit spice farms, join a boat trip or add snorkeling and other ocean activities.
The best activities depend on where you stay, how many days you have and how much structure you want in your island stay. For a wider overview, you can view Shemeji Safari’s activities in Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Stone Town Tour
Explore the historic streets, markets and waterfront of Stone Town.
Spice Tour
Discover why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island.
Mnemba Snorkelling
Enjoy clear water, reef life and ocean views around one of Zanzibar’s most famous marine areas.
Safari Blue Tour
Spend a day on the water with sailing, swimming and island scenery.
Swimming with sea turtles in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but it is also home to some amazing marine life.
Jozani Forest
In the south of Zanzibar Island, Jozani Forest is a place full of wonders and delight, with stories of leopards, medicinal cures, and breathtaking landscapes.
Swim With Dolphins Tours
The south coast of Zanzibar, particularly the Kizimkazi area, offers an incredible opportunity to connect with nature.
Mnemba Snorkelling
Embark on an unforgettable adventure around the renowned Mnemba Island, a destination so enchanting
Safari Blue Tour
Enjoy an unforgettable day aboard a traditional Arab dhow, sailing across cobalt-blue waters.
Prison Island Tour
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, gets its name from the prison originally built to isolate Zanzibar’s citizens on this island.
Spice Tour
Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” due to its export of cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, and cardamom to the world.
Stonetown Tour
Step into the rich history of Zanzibar as you wander through the labyrinthine streets of Stone Town
Meet the local team behind your Zanzibar holiday
A Zanzibar holiday is not only about choosing a beach. It is about understanding how the island fits into your full journey.
Our team helps you decide when to add Zanzibar, how many nights to stay, which area fits your travel style and which activities are worth including. Because we work locally in Arusha, we understand the practical details that make a journey feel smooth, from safari connections to island transfers and travel pace.
With Shemeji Safari, Zanzibar does not feel like a loose add-on. It becomes a natural part of your African experience.
Why travel to Zanzibar with Shemeji Safari?
Shemeji Safari is a Dutch-Tanzanian family-owned tour operator based in Arusha. We help travelers combine local knowledge, personal service and carefully planned travel options into one smooth journey.
Our strength is that we are directly involved in the travel experience. With our own safari vehicles, own lodges and local team in Arusha, we can keep a closer eye on quality, comfort and service throughout your journey.
- Dutch-Tanzanian family-owned tour operator
- Local team based in Arusha
- Tailor-made Zanzibar holidays
- Safari and beach combinations
- Own safari vehicles and local operations
- Own lodges and direct quality control
- Personal travel advice before and during your journey
- 5/5 score on TripAdvisor with 170+ reviews
You can also read previous guest experiences on our traveller reviews page.
Start planning your Zanzibar holiday
Whether Zanzibar is your main destination or the relaxing end of your safari, Shemeji Safari can help you plan a journey that fits your travel style.
Tell us when you want to travel, who you are traveling with and what kind of island experience you are looking for. We will help you create a Zanzibar itinerary that feels personal, realistic and connected to the rest of your journey.
Request your tailor-made Zanzibar itineraryFrequently Asked Questions about Zanzibar
Is Zanzibar worth visiting?
Yes, Zanzibar is worth visiting if you are looking for a mix of beaches, culture, history and ocean activities. It is also a strong choice as the relaxing final part of a Tanzania safari.
What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar can be visited throughout the year, but the best time depends on your preferences for weather, beach conditions, crowds and whether you want to combine the island with a safari.
What is the weather like in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has a warm tropical climate. Conditions can change by season, with drier periods, greener months, humidity and ocean conditions all influencing the travel experience.
How many days should I stay in Zanzibar?
Many travelers stay around 3 to 5 nights in Zanzibar after safari, but the ideal length depends on your total travel time and how much relaxation you want at the end of your journey.
Is Zanzibar suitable for families?
Yes, Zanzibar can be suitable for families when the right accommodation, area and activities are chosen. A slower pace and enough beach time often work well for family travel.
Is Zanzibar good for a honeymoon?
Yes, Zanzibar is a popular honeymoon destination, especially when combined with a private Tanzania safari. It offers beach relaxation, ocean views and romantic accommodation options.
Can I book Zanzibar as a standalone holiday with Shemeji Safari?
Yes. Zanzibar can be planned as a standalone beach holiday or as part of a wider Tanzania journey. Shemeji Safari can help you choose the right area, accommodation and activities based on your travel style.
Is it better to visit Zanzibar before or after safari?
Many travelers choose to visit Zanzibar after safari. This gives the journey a natural rhythm: active safari days first, followed by slower beach days before returning home.
Which part of Zanzibar is best to stay in?
The best area depends on your travel style. Stone Town is ideal for culture and short stays, while beach areas on the coast are better for relaxation, families, honeymooners or longer island stays.
Can Shemeji Safari arrange transfers and activities in Zanzibar?
Yes. Shemeji Safari can help arrange suitable transfers, activities and accommodation in Zanzibar, so your island stay connects smoothly with the rest of your trip.
What happens after I request a Zanzibar itinerary?
After your request, our team reviews your travel dates, interests and preferred style of travel. We then help shape a Zanzibar itinerary or safari and beach combination that fits your wishes.
Shaba Boutique Hotel ****
Nestled in the heart of Stone Town, Shaba Boutique Hotel offers an authentic and welcoming bed and breakfast experience, perfect for travellers seeking both comfort and cultural immersion.
Dream of Zanzibar Resort *****
Dream of Zanzibar redefines luxury with its boutique-style and premium all-inclusive resort, located on the unspoiled white sands of Uroa Beach, along Zanzibar’s east coast.
Zanzibar Bay Resort ****
Located next to Paradise Beach Resort, Zanzibar Bay Resort offers 104 rooms in a serene and relaxed seaside environment.
Paradise Beach Resort ****
Situated in Marumbi, on a pristine white beach, offering charming accommodation in traditional African style.
Reef & Beach Resort ****
Tucked between the charming villages of Jambiani and Makunduchi, Reef & Beach Resort is the perfect spot for an unforgettable getaway.