you have just spent a few exhilarating days on a Zanzibar safari tour, watching lions stalk across the golden Serengeti plains, and now you are stepping off a short flight onto a sun-drenched island where turquoise water meets powdery white sand. That seamless blend of wild adventure and tropical bliss is exactly what makes a safari trip to Zanzibar one of Africa’s most unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you are planning your very first beach holiday here or simply trying to brush up before departure, Heart of Serengeti ATS has put together the ten most important things you need to know before you visit this remarkable island.
Read on, take notes, and get ready to fall in love with the Spice Island.
Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn that “Zanzibar” technically refers to an entire archipelago, not a single island. The main island is officially called Unguja, and it is surrounded by dozens of smaller islands, the most notable being Pemba and Mafia. When most people talk about a beach holiday in Zanzibar, they mean Unguja, which is home to the famous beaches, Stone Town, and the majority of resorts. Pemba Island, lying roughly 25 miles to the north, is far less developed and offers a more remote, tranquil experience for those who want to get truly off the beaten path.
Understanding this distinction helps you plan your zanzibar safari tour and island-hopping itinerary more effectively.
Your first instinct upon arriving may be to race straight to the beach, but resist the urge — at least for a couple of days. Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar City, is a living museum of East African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures all woven together into labyrinthine narrow streets, ornate carved wooden doors, and bustling spice markets.
Walk through the old Kasbah, visit the House of Wonders, explore the former slave market, and lose yourself in the evening bazaars. The rooftop bars along the waterfront are also legendary spots to watch the dhow boats drift past as the sun melts into the Indian Ocean. This is the kind of cultural depth that makes Zanzibar so much more than an ordinary beach holiday.
At Heart of Serengeti ATS, we always include at least two nights in Stone Town as part of our safari trip Zanzibar packages so that travellers can soak up this extraordinary history.
Not all Zanzibar beaches are created equal, and choosing the right one for your style of beach holiday can make a big difference. Here is a quick overview:
Our team at Heart of Serengeti ATS will help you match the right beach location to your personality and travel goals.
Zanzibar earned its nickname as the Spice Island during the 18th century when it served as a major spice plantation for the region. Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and black pepper still grow in abundance across the island today, and visiting a spice farm is one of those genuinely delightful experiences that travellers tend to look back on as a highlight of their entire trip.
You will walk through lush green gardens, taste and smell the raw spices straight from the plant, and come away with a whole new appreciation for the flavours that shaped global trade routes for centuries. It might sound touristy, but it is thoroughly worthwhile — many visitors do it twice.
This is one of the most important things to understand before your trip. Zanzibar Island itself has no lions, elephants, giraffes, or rhinoceroses. The wildlife you will find here includes the rare Red Colobus Monkey in Jozani Forest, giant tortoises on Prison Island, and dolphins off the coast of Kizimkazi — all wonderful encounters, but not the classic savanna safari.
For the iconic Big-5 Zanzibar safari tour experience, you need to pair your island stay with a trip to mainland Tanzania. The Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara are all easily accessible via short domestic flights from Zanzibar. In fact, combining a Zanzibar safari tour with your beach holiday is widely regarded as one of the greatest travel itineraries on the entire continent.
Heart of Serengeti ATS specialises in designing seamless bush-and-beach safari trip Zanzibar packages that let you witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti before unwinding on the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar enjoys warm tropical weather year-round, sitting just six degrees south of the equator, but timing your visit correctly will have a big impact on your experience.
Conveniently, June to October also coincides with the peak of the Great Migration in the Serengeti — another excellent reason to book a combined safari and beach holiday during this window.
Zanzibar has a predominantly Muslim population, and being a respectful visitor will make your trip significantly more meaningful and enjoyable. Outside of beach and resort areas, it is important to dress modestly — covering shoulders and knees when walking through Stone Town, visiting villages, or exploring markets.
On the beaches and in tourist-focused areas, swimwear and typical holiday clothing is perfectly fine. Locals in these areas are very accustomed to international visitors. If you are planning your trip during Ramadan, be aware that dining options during daylight hours may be limited, and some tours and activities may operate on adjusted schedules.
A few Swahili words go a long way in building rapport: Jambo (hello), Karibu (you are welcome), Asante (thank you), and Hakuna Matata (no worries) will earn you warm smiles wherever you go.
Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) receives flights from major international hubs, including connections through Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai, Amsterdam, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa. If you are combining your beach holiday with a mainland Tanzania safari, short domestic flights connect Arusha, the Serengeti airstrips, and Zanzibar in under two hours.
Alternatively, a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar takes approximately two hours and offers a scenic sea crossing if you prefer a more adventurous arrival. Heart of Serengeti ATS handles all logistics and transfers as part of our Zanzibar safari tour and beach packages.
Zanzibar is a very safe destination for international travellers. The local authorities take tourism safety seriously, and the island has a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. That said, common-sense precautions apply — do not leave valuables unattended on public beaches, use licensed taxis (identified by red number plates) or arrange transfers through your hotel, and stay alert in crowded areas like Stone Town markets.
From a health perspective, malaria is present in Zanzibar, so consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before travelling. A yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Be aware that Zanzibar experiences strong tidal currents at certain beaches, so always check local conditions before swimming.
Our team at Heart of Serengeti ATS provides detailed pre-departure health and safety briefings for all guests joining our safari trip Zanzibar itineraries.
For a beach holiday focused purely on Zanzibar, seven to ten days is the sweet spot. Seven days gives you enough time to explore Stone Town, visit a spice farm, relax on multiple beaches, and enjoy water activities like snorkelling, diving, and a sunset dhow cruise. Ten days lets you slow down, savour, and really soak in the island’s magic without feeling rushed.
If you are combining your Zanzibar beach holiday with a mainland safari trip, a common and highly recommended structure is five to seven days of game drives in parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, followed by seven days of pure relaxation on the island. This kind of two-week combined itinerary is the signature experience offered by Heart of Serengeti ATS.
It is genuinely hard to think of a more perfect travel combination — wild Africa in the morning, and the warm Indian Ocean in the afternoon.
Ready to Plan Your Zanzibar Safari Tour & Beach Holiday?
Contact Heart of Serengeti ATS today to design your personalised safari trip Zanzibar itinerary. From the golden plains of the Serengeti to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, we craft journeys that stay with you for a lifetime.
Absolutely. Zanzibar is widely regarded as one of the finest beach holiday destinations in all of Africa. With pristine white sand beaches, warm turquoise Indian Ocean waters, excellent snorkelling, world-class diving, and a rich cultural backdrop in Stone Town, it offers something far deeper than a typical sun-and-sea getaway.
Yes — and it is highly recommended. Combining a Zanzibar safari tour on mainland Tanzania (in parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire) with a beach holiday on Zanzibar Island is considered one of Africa’s greatest travel itineraries. Heart of Serengeti ATS specialises in exactly this style of trip.
Yes, Zanzibar is generally very safe for international visitors. The island’s economy relies heavily on tourism and local authorities prioritise visitor safety. As with any destination, apply common sense: use licensed transport, do not leave valuables on public beaches, and stay alert in busy markets.
The best time for a beach holiday in Zanzibar is June to October, during the dry season. This period offers clear skies, warm but comfortable temperatures, and calm seas perfect for swimming and water sports. December to February is also excellent, with hotter weather and very clear waters. Avoid March to May if possible, as this is the long rainy season.
No. Zanzibar Island does not have lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, or buffalo. For a classic big-5 safari experience, you need to visit mainland Tanzania or Kenya. However, Zanzibar has its own unique wildlife, including the endemic Red Colobus Monkey in Jozani Forest, giant tortoises on Prison Island, and spinner dolphins off the coast of Kizimkazi.
A minimum of seven days is recommended for a fulfilling Zanzibar beach holiday. Ten days allows a more relaxed pace. If you are combining with a mainland Tanzania safari, a two-week itinerary splitting time between the bush and the beach is ideal.
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so visitors need a Tanzanian visa. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Zanzibar’s international airport or at the Dar es Salaam ferry terminal. Check with your country’s embassy or our team at Heart of Serengeti ATS for the latest visa requirements before travelling.
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars (notes from 2007 onward) are widely accepted at hotels, resorts, and many tourist-facing businesses. It is advisable to carry some local currency for smaller purchases, markets, and tips.
You should consult your doctor or a travel health clinic well before departure. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria prophylaxis is also strongly recommended, as malaria is present on the island. Routine vaccinations should be up to date.
Whatever you’re dreaming of for your Tanzania adventure, our expert travel team is here to make it happen.