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Zanzibar

Unveiling Our Exclusive Zanzibar Packages for the Ultimate Tropical Escape

Serengeti National park

WHEN TO GO?

Zanzibar is only a few degrees south of the equator so there is little seasonal variation in temperature. The average maximum is in the high twenties during the winter months, May to September, and in the low thirties from November through to April.

Rainfall though varies a lot. April and May are the monsoon months and the wettest, with up to 15 inches of rain per month, and many hotels close until mid-June.  The “short rains” fall in November and early December, but should not spoil a holiday: you would expect tropical showers, rather than continuous rain.

The driest periods are from mid-June to October, with relatively low humidity and refreshing breezes, and mid-December to February. In January, Zanzibar is hot and, with the approach of the monsoon, it becomes more humid.

WHERE TO STAY IN ZANZIBAR

As with all the places we visit there is a huge choice of accommodation on Zanzibar and whatever you want we can book for you. We do though have a few favourites that get fantastic reviews from our clients every year. They are generally quiet, relaxed places perfect for chilling out after climbing Kilimanjaro.

Pongwe Beach
  • Affordable laid back luxury
  • Number one boutique hotel on Trip Adviser
  • Perfect beach for relaxation
  • Excellent food
  • Wonderful friendly staff
Manta Resort
  • The ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience
  • One of only two hotels on Pemba
  • Great diving centre
  • Perfect honeymoon location
  • Spa centre for massage and other treatments
Matemwe Beach
  • A beautiful Zanzibari guesthouse
  • Fabulous restaurant serving local specialities
  • Simple but elegantly furnished rooms
  • One Ocean dive centre is located onsite
Ras Nungwi
  • A slightly larger hotel retaining a lovely intimate feel
  • Beautiful thatched beach cottage huts
  • Diving and fishing on site
  • Spa centre for massage and other treatments

WHAT TO DO?

Chill out and relax

Zanzibar is blessed with a coastline of picture perfect beaches. There are miles of white sand leading into shallow turquoise water lined with offshore reefs and dotted with small fishing villages sheltering under coconut palms. Why not just chill out and relax!

Dive or snorkel

Zanzibar has some great diving and the coral that surrounds Unguja and Pemba ensure that the marine life is abundant. Good visibility (20 – 60 metres) and a year-round average water temperature of 27°C make for perfect conditions and also make for an ideal opportunity for learning to dive.

Dhow cruise

At high tide all the dhows sail into the various beaches and harbours on Zanzibar and lively bartering for the day’s catch ensues. Cruising around the islands on a traditional dhow boat is one of the best ways to experience Zanzibar.

Spice tour

Zanzibar is a huge supplier of exotic spices and throughout the island plantations offer fascinating tours giving you a chance to taste, see and smell many of the exotic fruits and spices.

HOW DO YOU GET

 

From Kilimanjaro it is a very easy flight down to Zanzibar or Pemba. You can fly from either Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports with one of 3 airlines: Coastal Aviation, Precision Air and Zanair. All of these have websites where you can book flights directly. They specialize in flights by all the small regional airlines and are particularly helpful if you phone. Flights cost about $150 depending on the time of year.

All of the hotels we work with will arrange a private transfer or alternatively you can just pick up a taxi at the airport.
If you are planning to go to Zanzibar you should try and book your international flight as an open jaw ticket so that you fly into Kilimanjaro and return from Dar es Salaam so avoiding the need to retrace your steps back to Kilimanjaro. KLM and Kenyan Airways flight are ideal for this.
To get to Dar es Salaam at the end of your holiday you can either take a very short flight or if time allows take one of the very regular ferries which makes for a great trip in itself. Ferries can be booked by all of the hotels we use

Visit Tanzania and discover a different world.