Excursions and tours
All year
A guided walk in Stone Town, Prison Island, a spice plantation, dolphins, Jozani Forest, a dhow safari or a village tour.
Zanzibar · North Coast
Zanzibar North Coast extension
The northern tip of the island, about an hour from the airport and Stone Town.
Nungwi and the north
The north coast is famous for its beaches, sunsets and excellent diving, with Mnemba, the Nungwi reefs and Tumbatu Island close by.
Zanzibar, set like a jewel in tranquil coral waters only 20 minutes' flight from Dar es Salaam, is one of the world's most beautiful islands. Sailors from Arabia, India, China and Portugal arrived here on the monsoon winds, and the great explorers set out from its shores.
Stone Town is the cultural heart of the island and has changed little in 200 years. Around the coast, white-sand beaches and coral reefs make Zanzibar the perfect place to relax after a safari in Tanzania or Kenya.
Things to do on Zanzibar
Diving and snorkelling
All year
Some of the best dive sites in Africa, especially Mnemba, the Nungwi reefs and Tumbatu Island in the north.
Kite and wind surfing
Windy months
Perfect wind and tropical beaches, with off-shore surfing at many of our featured resorts.
Big game fishing
Seasonal
Charters from Nungwi on the north-west tip, close to the Pemba Channel fishing grounds.
Where to stay
Our picks, chosen for their beaches, service and value. Tell us which you like and we will add it to your safari.
The Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
On the north coast, famous for its sandy beaches and dive sites, with international and local cuisine.
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Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Suites and nine villas under makuti thatch in a natural cove overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Add to my tripRas Nungwi Beach Resort
On the northernmost peninsula, with palm-thatched lodge rooms and sea-view chalets.
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The Z Hotel Zanzibar
A boutique hotel with direct beach access, blending contemporary design with Zanzibari style.
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Hideaway of Nungwi Resort & Spa
Ten hectares of gardens leading to 300 metres of beach, with a kids club, spa and water sports.
Add to my tripZanzibar Island Beach Extension, 4 nights
Our ready-made extension after a Tanzania safari.
- Day 1 Fly from the Serengeti to Zanzibar and transfer to your beach resort.
- Days 2 to 4 Sand and beach days, with optional excursions.
- Day 5 Transfer to Zanzibar airport for your onward flight.
Compare our beach extensions
| Feature | Mombasa North Coast | Diani, South Coast | Zanzibar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getting there | Short drive from Moi International Airport, Mombasa | Ukunda airstrip in Diani, or by road from Mombasa via the Likoni ferry | Flights from the Serengeti, Arusha or Nairobi; 20 minutes from Dar es Salaam |
| The beach | Palm-fringed beaches at Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Vipingo and Kikambala | About 25 km of white sand, protected by a long coral reef | White-sand beaches on every coast of the island, each with its own character |
| Best for | Families, wreck diving, value resorts close to the airport | Couples, kite-surfing, dhow trips to Wasini Island | History in Stone Town, diving at Mnemba, island romance |
| Water sports | Diving including the MV Dania wreck, kite-surfing at Nyali, deep-sea fishing from Malindi | Kite and wind surfing, diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing | Diving and snorkelling, kite-surfing, big game fishing from Nungwi |
| Pairs well with | Tsavo and Amboseli road safaris | Any Kenya safari | Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris in Tanzania |
Safaris that pair well with Zanzibar North Coast
Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach
Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park & Zanzibar Island
From US$3,245 pp
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Tanzania Big 5 Adventure Safari
Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park & Tarangire National Park
From US$3,340 pp
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Spectacular Tanzania Safari
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
From US$3,280 pp
View tripPrice my safari with Zanzibar North Coast
Tell us which safari you are considering, how many beach nights you would like and any resort you liked. We will send one combined quote.
- Flights or road transfers from the safari to the coast arranged for you
- Resorts we know well, from family favourites to small boutique hotels
- One team looking after you from arrival to departure