Climate: When to Book a Zanzibar Holiday

Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a perfect beach destination in any season. The dry seasons, from June to October and December to February, offer sunny skies and cooling sea breezes. Expect short rains in November and a wetter spell from March to May - but even then, sunshine is never far behind.

Where to Stay on Zanzibar Holidays

Zanzibar is one of the world's most popular holiday destinations. There are hotels, resorts, and other accommodations for all types of tourists:

Families

Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa on Kiwengwa Island is designed for family Zanzibar holidays that take the stress off parents. The rooms are generously large, with interconnected options if you prefer. The supervised Kids Club provides all kinds of fun entertainment. Children's menus are also available at the resort's restaurants.

Couples

Matemwe Attitude is a serene adults-only retreat that's ideal for couples. Stay in romantic boutique beachside villas with palm-frond roofs, including swim-up villas. It's an eco-resort set in tropical gardens with lots of privacy.

Beach Lovers

Zanzibar Bay Resort is right on the beachfront of Marumbi Island. Relax on the unspoilt coastline and enjoy sunset cocktails at the overwater jetty bar. You can literally walk out of your room onto the beach.

Cultural Explorers

Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa offers the full Zanzibar cultural experience. Its restaurants serve regional Indian Ocean cuisine, and the room decor evokes the heritage of the island, such as the Bahari Rooms, the Baobab Rooms, and the Pwani Rooms. You can take excursions to Stone Town, go on a spice tour, or visit historic Prison Island.

Adventure Lovers

The Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Stay includes an exploration of old Stone Town and a flight to mainland Tanzania to visit Saadani National Park. Here you can go on guided walks or game drives to see buffalos, giraffes, crocodiles, and even lions.

Adults Only

Stay at Maharaja Boutique Hotel for private adults-only Zanzibar holidays. It's both secluded and sophisticated. Set in verdant botanical gardens, you'll have endless views over the ocean and a private beach. With only 20 rooms, it offers an exclusive, premium service.

How to Book Zanzibar Holiday Packages

Blue Bay Travel offers a seamless booking process for Zanzibar holidays and great prices on holiday packages. We also offer regular exclusive deals. These are all-inclusive with plenty of extras thrown in. Depending on the resort, this can include free dinners on the beach, spa credits, private transfers, and discounts on deluxe rooms. It's dead easy to find these using our drop-down search menus.

Culture & Beaches: What to Experience on Zanzibar Holidays

Zanzibar’s culture is a vibrant blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences, shaped by centuries of trade and exploration. This rich heritage is reflected in everyday life - from the Swahili language and traditional dhow boats to the island’s world-famous spices. In Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find carved wooden doors, lively markets, and echoes of the past in every alley. Music, dance, and cuisine also play a central role, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere unique to the island.

Cuisine

Zanzibar’s cuisine is a delicious fusion of cultures, shaped by centuries of spice trade and coastal living. Expect bold flavours and fragrant spices - cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and nutmeg are island staples. Traditional Swahili dishes blend African, Arab, and Indian influences, with favourites like biryani, octopus curry, and chapati. Fresh seafood is abundant, often grilled and served with coconut-rich sauces. From market street food to beachfront feasts, every meal is a sensory journey.

Beaches & Nature

Zanzibar boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with powder-white sand and crystal-clear waters. The island’s coastline is perfect for snorkelling, diving, and sunset dhow cruises. Inland, discover lush spice farms, mangroves, and rare wildlife in places like Jozani Forest, home to the red colobus monkey.

Activities & Experiences

From snorkelling in coral reefs to visiting spice farms and enjoying sunset cruises, Zanzibar offers something for every kind of holidaymaker. Whether you’re after romance, adventure, or total relaxation, the island delivers with unforgettable experiences, warm hospitality, and a laid-back pace of life.

Zanzibar Holidays FAQs

When's the best time to go to Zanzibar?

Zanzibar has a tropical climate, so it's always warm. It has distinct wet and dry seasons, though. The sweet spot is from June to October. This is the driest season, when the skies are clear and sunny and the humidity isn't too high.

Is Zanzibar good for families?

Yes, Zanzibar overflows with kid-friendly accommodation. The seawater is very shallow on the beaches, making it safer for children. There's also plenty to see and do with your family, in a safe and welcoming environment.

Is Zanzibar good for couples?

Zanzibar is a wonderfully romantic holiday destination for couples. It offers secluded private stays, with a plethora of activities for couples to enjoy.

Is Zanzibar expensive?

Zanzibar is a relatively inexpensive holiday destination for UK visitors. Of course, it depends on your tastes and budget and where you stay. You can dine at pricey restaurants or enjoy the local street food. As a general guide, if you go the budget route, the average daily cost will be around £19. A mid-range holiday costs about £45 a day, and you can expect to spend about £98 daily on a luxury holiday.

How long is the flight to Zanzibar?

The average flight from Heathrow to Zanzibar takes roughly 11 to 12 hours. You can't fly directly from the UK, so you'll make at least one stop en route.

Where is Zanzibar located?

Zanzibar is a group of islands about 25 miles off the east coast of Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean. The main island of Unguja is the largest and the one that's usually called Zanzibar in popular parlance.

Where to stay in Zanzibar?

You can choose any of our recommended resorts and hotels for your holidays to Zanzibar. Look out for Zanzibar holiday packages with all-inclusive benefits at reduced prices.