Zanzibar holidays bring together white sand beaches, warm turquoise water and a rich blend of African, Arabic and Indian cultures. Just say the name, and exotic images come to mind. You picture palm trees, carved wooden doors and busy markets. You also hear the call to prayer drift over old Stone Town, while seaweed farmers work on the beach and children play by the shore.
In truth, Zanzibar is hard to describe. It is a place you fully understand only once you are there. Most safaris in Tanzania head to the Serengeti, Tarangire, Kilimanjaro or the Ngorongoro Crater. Even so, the island is well worth a few extra days. It is ideal for honeymooners and couples on a romantic trip. In addition, it is a perfect place to relax after an active safari.
At Roots Tours & Travel, we plan tailor-made trips to Zanzibar from our base in Kampala. Below, you will find our guide to the island’s highlights, the best time to visit and the tours we offer.
Zanzibar is more than a beach. In fact, it offers history, nature, food and the sea in one small area. Here are the experiences we recommend most.
Stone Town is the old heart of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow lanes are full of coral-stone houses, carved doors, mosques and small shops. On a guided walk, you learn how traders from Arabia, Persia, India and Africa shaped the town over many centuries. You can also visit the Old Fort, which is the oldest building in Stone Town and stands by the waterfront. In the evening, the seafront comes alive with food stalls and local life.
Zanzibar is often called the Spice Island, and a spice farm visit shows you why. On a guided walk, you see, smell, touch and taste cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and more. You also learn how the spices are used in Zanzibari cooking, cosmetics and medicine. Portuguese traders brought many of these plants to the island in the 16th century. Later, in the 19th century, the Omani Arabs turned Zanzibar into a major spice-growing centre.
The island is ringed by long, palm-fringed beaches. For example, the north coast is popular for swimming and sunsets, while the east coast has wide tidal lagoons. Wherever you stay, you can simply relax, read and swim in the warm Indian Ocean. Many visitors also enjoy a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat.
The waters around Zanzibar hold colourful coral reefs, plunging walls and underwater ridges. As a result, they are a haven for many kinds of tropical fish. You can snorkel or dive from a boat, then relax on a sandbank or enjoy a seafood barbecue on a nearby island.
Prison Island lies a short boat ride from Stone Town. Its history reflects a darker chapter of the island’s past, and today it is home to giant tortoises. Meanwhile, Jozani Forest in the south of the island is the best place to see the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey. These playful monkeys live nowhere else in the world.
You can visit Zanzibar all year round, because it stays warm in every season. However, the driest months usually run from about June to October and from December to February. During these months, you get sunny days and calm seas, which are ideal for the beach and snorkelling.
The long rains usually fall from about March to May, and there are shorter rains around November. Still, showers are often brief, and the island is quieter and greener at these times. If you plan to combine the beach with a safari, our team will help you choose dates that suit both.
Zanzibar is the perfect way to end an East African safari. After dusty game drives, a few days by the sea feel wonderful. Many travellers fly to the island after visiting the Serengeti plains and the other parks of northern Tanzania. You can read more in our guide to the national parks of Tanzania.
You can also start your trip with gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, then fly on to the coast. That way, you see mountain gorillas, the great plains and the Indian Ocean in one journey. To begin, explore our page on gorilla treks in Uganda.
To make planning easier, we offer three ready-made Zanzibar trips. You can book them as they are, or we can adjust them to your style.
Roots Tours & Travel is a Kampala-based safari company and a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). We specialise in tailor-made trips across East Africa. So, you can easily add Zanzibar to a safari in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda. First, tell us when you want to travel and how you like to stay. Then, we will send you a clear, personal itinerary for free. Get in touch today and start planning your Zanzibar holidays.
Our 7 day Zanzibar holiday is the perfect getaway in Tanzania. It lets you relax on white sand beaches and walk through historic Stone Town. You also visit Prison Island, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the Palace Museum. In addition, you enjoy a spice tour and a
Our Zanzibar day cruise takes you out from Stone Town to snorkel over colourful coral reefs. You enjoy two snorkelling sessions and stunning views of the reef. In between, you relax on the boat with delicious traditional Swahili food and snacks made from seasonal fruits. As a result, it is
Our 1 day Zanzibar spice tour shows you why Zanzibar is called the Spice Island. It is a relaxed half-day excursion to a spice farm full of tropical fruits, spices and rare plants. Along the way, the trip also takes in the Kidichi Persian Baths and a swim at Mangapwani
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