Zanzibar Safari Holidays

Zanzibar Escape

Idyllic stretches of pristine beaches, luxury accommodation, a melting pot of diverse cultures, an underwater world to rival the world’s best diving and snorkelling sites, and only a short flight from the Tanzanian mainland, Zanzibar is the obvious destination to unwind and reflect after your safari adventure.

Highlights

• Laze the days away on postcard perfect, white, sandy beaches.

• Indulge in the fine things in life at one of the island’s luxury beach resorts.

• Explore the Indian Ocean’s famous coral reefs and come face-to-face with some of its famous residents on diving and snorkelling adventures.

• Swim with whale sharks between September and March.

• Meet the endangered red colobus monkeys at Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.

• Enjoy a plethora of water activities including kite surfing and windsurfing.

• Experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Zanzibar with a visit to Stone Town.

Zanzibar Island, more accurately known by its official name of Unguja, is the largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago. The archipelago consists of more than 50 islands and islets.

The island is slightly smaller than 2500 km² and is little more than 85 kilometres at its longest point and 30 kilometres at its widest.

Despite its relatively small size it is packed with interesting culture and history, world-class coral reefs, inland forests and miles upon miles of beaches.

Located only 25 kilometres from the coast of Tanzania and with an excellent aviation infrastructure, Zanzibar is easily accessed and combined with the famous safari areas on the mainland. The northern circuit reserves of Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the famous Serengeti National Park combine effortlessly via Arusha airport. Many of our guests particularly request combining the wildebeest migration with a Zanzibar beach escape. For those a little more adventurous the remote reserves in the south such as the Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park link via Dar Es Salaam with western reserves of Mahale Mountains National Park and Katavi National Park linking twice weekly. Zanzibar is able to be combined with other countries but the logistics are not as free flowing as flights will still have to connect through Tanzania.

The one important thing to consider with Zanzibar is the sea is tidal in many parts. For some this is not a problem and the allure of a reef walk outweighs any potential negatives. However, for those that like access to swimming in the sea at any given moment it can cause frustration. This can be avoided by staying in the north of the island as the beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa are non-tidal, as is the case at Pongwe Beach as it is nestled in a cove.

Relaxation and recuperation are what many people come to Zanzibar for but for those wanting to gain experiences there are endless activities to keep you busy for weeks. Visiting Stone Town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and capital of Zanzibar is a must. Guests often elect to spend a couple of nights here prior to heading off to their chosen beach destination. Snorkelling and diving are excellent ways to extend your safari and swimming with whale sharks is one of the most exhilarating marine wildlife experiences on the planet. The endemic red colobus monkeys at Jozani Forest are a must and there’s often a great opportunity to get up close with them. Continuing on the wildlife theme is a visit to Prison Island, not actually a prison but a former leper colony, to observe Aldabra giant tortoises.

Zanzibar is the perfect destination to complement your safari and appeals to a wide range of travellers, especially families, honeymooners, couples, and divers.

Contact us to discuss your requirements so we can design a safari and beach combination to include the delights of Zanzibar.