Tours to Zanzibar Island — a resort in Tanzania

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the eastern coast of Tanzania, whose main island features its own international airport and holds autonomous status within the country. As there are no direct flights from Ukraine, the journey goes via Istanbul, Doha, or Addis Ababa, taking an average of 12-15 hours including layovers. That is why Zanzibar is rarely chosen for a short one-week trip — travelers usually stay for 10-14 days, and many tourists combine a beach vacation with a safari trip to the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater, especially since domestic flights between mainland Tanzania and the island take only 20-30 minutes.

The island is rightly named the Spice Island — during the sultanate era, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, and black pepper were cultivated here, and the plantations are still operational today, hosting guided tours for visitors. A beach holiday in Zanzibar comes with one feature worth knowing in advance: due to strong tides, the water on the east coast recedes hundreds of meters twice a day, exposing the sandy seabed and seaweeds. This is a natural phenomenon, but for comfortable swimming, it is best to follow the tide schedule or choose the northern part of the island, where this effect is significantly less pronounced.

Best time to visit Zanzibar

The island has two dry seasons, which are considered the best times for a visit: June–October (cooler with the most stable weather) and December–February (hotter, with a brief spike in activity around Christmas and New Year). The sea remains warm year-round — 26-29°C.

March–May is the long rainy season, during which some hotels close entirely for technical maintenance, while November brings short rains that generally do not interfere with beach activities. When planning your trip, it is best to refer specifically to this calendar rather than relying on general ideas about tropical climates.

Beaches and areas of the island

• Nungwi — the far north, the only place on the island virtually unaffected by low tides. Features the most developed infrastructure, the best sunsets, and the liveliest nightlife.
• Kendwa — adjacent to Nungwi, considered the most beautiful beach on the island: white sand, calm waters without strong tides, and home to the famous Full Moon parties.
• Paje and Jambiani — the east coast, the kitesurfing capital thanks to consistent winds. Tides are very pronounced here, but they create shallow, perfectly turquoise lagoons.
• Michamvi and Pingwe — slightly further south on the east coast, a quieter and less touristy stretch; famous for The Rock Restaurant, perched on a rock right in the ocean.
• Stone Town — the island's historical capital, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is no beach resort setup here, but it is a must-visit spot for a one- or two-day stay.

Best hotels in Zanzibar

• Melia Zanzibar 5* (Kendwa) — vast territory, multiple pools, convenient for families.
• Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa 5* (Nungwi) — premium segment with private villas and an outstanding spa.
• Riu Palace Zanzibar 5* (Nungwi) — European-standard all-inclusive, popular among couples.
• Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa 5* (Kendwa) — ocean-view villas, ideal for a romantic getaway.
• Sultan Sands Island Resort 4* (Kendwa) — optimal value for money right on the beachfront.

Excursions and activities

Stone Town deserves a dedicated day: narrow alleyways, carved doors of Arab merchants, the house-museum of Freddie Mercury (who was born here), and the old slave market church built on the former slave trading site. Just a short boat ride away lies Prison Island with giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over a century old.

A classic active day trip is the Safari Blue tour: a traditional dhow sailing boat, reef snorkeling, and a fresh seafood lunch on a sandbank in the middle of the ocean. Jozani Forest in the southeast is the only place in the world where you can see rare red colobus monkeys up close. Underwater enthusiasts should dive near Mnemba or Pemba islands, while long-term visitors can explore spice plantations or combine their beach stay with a mainland Tanzania safari.

Don't postpone your dream trip — contact the TurPoisk travel agency, and we will tailor your Zanzibar vacation to match your budget, preferred area of the island, and convenient departure dates.