Speak to us:
Monday: 9am – 5:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5:30pm
Thursday: 9am – 5:30pm
Friday: 9am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Call us 01483 445 621
Or Get a Quote
Why Visit zanzibar?
Zanzibar is an Indian Ocean island shaped by centuries of trade, with Swahili, Omani Arab, Indian, Portuguese and British influences you can still see in Stone Town’s carved doors, taste in biryani and urojo, and hear in taarab music.
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), US dollars widely accepted
Time Difference
GMT+3
Flight Time
14–18 hours, one stop from London
Languages Spoken
Swahili & English
Capital
Zanzibar City (home to Stone Town)
Island Size
About 640 square miles
Average Temperature
24–32C year-round
Zanzibar Hotels & Resorts
Our Zanzibar resorts sit on some of the island’s best stretches of sand, with the kind of service Zanzibar does well.
Places to see
Zanzibar has an old town, a forest, a reef and a lot of very good food.
Stone Town
The old heart of Zanzibar City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow alleys, carved wooden doors and coral-stone houses. Take a local guide for the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the Old Slave Market, a sobering but important part of the island’s story. In the evening, Forodhani Gardens fills with food stalls selling grilled seafood and Zanzibar pizza.
Jozani Forest
The last big stretch of natural forest on the island is home to the red colobus monkey, found nowhere else in the world. A short boardwalk takes you through the mangroves, and the monkeys are usually easy to spot.
Prison Island
A short boat ride from Stone Town, Changuu (Prison Island) is home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some of them well over a hundred years old. There’s a small beach for swimming and snorkelling.
Mnemba Atoll
Off the north-east coast, this is the best-known snorkelling and diving spot on Zanzibar. Expect clear water, coral, turtles and, on a good day, dolphins. Go early, when the sea is calm and there are fewer boats.
Dhow Sunset Cruise
Traditional wooden sailing boats leave from Nungwi and Stone Town in the late afternoon. It’s a slow, quiet way to watch the sun go down, ideally with a cold drink in hand.
Kizimkazi & the South
Small fishing villages, quiet beaches and dolphin trips in the south. Choose an operator that keeps a respectful distance from the animals, and we can help with that.
Flights to zanzibar from the uk
Zanzibar has its own international airport and a good choice of one-stop routes from the UK.
Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is around 20 minutes from Stone Town, and roughly an hour from the north and east coast resorts. From the UK, most travellers connect in the Gulf, Turkey or East Africa, with a total journey of around 14–18 hours depending on the connection.
Qatar Airways offers daily flights from the United Kingdom and Ireland to Zanzibar via Doha, providing connections through Hamad International Airport. Depending on the route and schedule, passengers may travel on the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350-1000, with Boeing 737 aircraft also listed on some connecting sectors. Journey times vary depending on the departure airport and connection duration in Doha.
availble departure airports
London Gatwick
London Heathrow
Manchester
Birmingham
Edinburgh
Dublin
Departs daily
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Emirates offers connections from the United Kingdom and Ireland to Zanzibar via Dubai International Airport, with daily services available from multiple departure airports. Depending on the route and schedule, passengers may travel on the airline’s Airbus A380, Airbus A350 or Boeing 777 aircraft.
availble departure airports
London Gatwick
London Heathrow
London Stansted
Birmingham
Manchester
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Dublin
Departs daily
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Turkish Airlines offers connecting flights from the United Kingdom and Ireland to Zanzibar via Istanbul Airport. Services operate from several major departure airports, with daily connections available on most routes. Depending on the departure airport and schedule, passengers may travel on Airbus A350-900, Airbus A321neo or Boeing 737 aircraft.
availble departure airports
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
Stansted
Birmingham
Manchester
Edinburgh
Dublin
Departs daily – all airports except Edinburgh as follows:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Edinburgh to zanzibar
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
zanzibar to edinburgh
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Flights from Edinburgh operate on selected days of the week, rather than daily.
Turkish Airlines offers flights from the United Kingdom to Mauritius via Istanbul, providing convenient onward connections through its extensive international network. Depending on the route and schedule, passengers may travel on aircraft such as the Airbus A330, Airbus A321, or Boeing 737. Total journey times typically range from around 15–24 hours depending on connection times and flight schedules.
availble departure airports
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
Manchester
Departs daily – all airports except London Gatwick as follows:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
London Gatwick to zanzibar
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
zanzibar to london gatwick
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
British Airways operates seasonal direct flights from London Gatwick to Zanzibar, with services running on selected days of the week during the summer season. Flights are operated by Boeing 787 aircraft, with the return journey operated by Boeing 777 aircraft, according to the supplied schedule.
availble departure airports
London Gatwick (South Terminal)
Departs on selected days (June–September) as follows:
London gatwick to zanzibar
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Zanzibar to London Gatwick
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Useful Information
What do I need to know about Zanzibar?
Flight Time
14–18 hours, one stop from London
Languages Spoken
Swahili & English
Capital
Zanzibar City (home to Stone Town)
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), US dollars widely accepted
Time Difference
GMT+3
best time to visit
June to October, and December to February
Where is zanzibar Located?
Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles off the coast of mainland Tanzania and just south of the equator.
It’s made up of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba to the north, plus a handful of smaller islets.
The islands were a major trading post for Arab, Persian, Indian and European merchants, and the Omani sultans ruled from Stone Town in the 19th century. Zanzibar became a British protectorate in 1890, gained independence in 1963 and joined with Tanganyika in 1964 to form Tanzania. It still has its own government and a strong island identity. Much of the coast is protected by coral reef, with lagoons and sandbars close to shore.
What is the weather like in zanzibar?
Zanzibar is warm all year, with a dry season either side of the long rains.
Cooler dry season (June to October):
Sunny and less humid, with temperatures of around 24–30°C and a steady sea breeze. The most reliable time for the beach, and the busiest.
Hot season (December to February):
Hot, bright and humid, with temperatures of 30–33°C. Good for winter sun, and the sea is very warm.
Long rains (March to May):
Heavy, warm downpours and high humidity. It’s green and quiet, and some hotels close or drop their rates.
Short rains (November)
Brief showers, usually in the afternoon or evening.
What is the Language and Culture in zanzibar?
Swahili is the main language, and English is widely spoken in hotels and around Stone Town. A few words go a long way: jambo (hello), karibu (welcome) and pole pole (slowly, slowly).
The island is predominantly Muslim, and this shapes daily life, from the call to prayer to how people dress. Cultural mixing is easy to see in the food, which blends Swahili, Arab and Indian flavours, and in the architecture. Festivals include Eid and Mwaka Kogwa, a Shirazi new year celebration held in July in Makunduchi.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS in Mauritius?
Mauritius is very well developed for tourism, good standards of medical care, supported by reliable services, making it a reassuring destination for travellers.
In popular resort areas and main towns, healthcare services are reliable, with a mix of public hospitals and private clinics that can handle most routine and non-emergency medical needs. Pharmacies are widely available, and many staff speak English or French, making it easier for visitors to access care if needed.
For travellers, the main considerations are practical rather than serious safety concerns. The tropical climate means sun protection, hydration, and insect repellent are important, especially during the warmer and more humid months. When enjoying the ocean, it’s worth paying attention to local guidance on currents and swimming conditions, particularly outside designated beach areas.
WHAT WILDLIFE CAN YOU FIND IN Mauritius?
The red colobus monkey is the island’s most famous resident, and you can see it in Jozani Forest.
Giant tortoises live on Prison Island, and dolphins and sea turtles turn up around the reefs and the south coast. Underwater, expect colourful reef fish and coral, particularly around Mnemba.
Weather in Mauritius
Mauritius has a tropical maritime climate, strongly influenced by its position in the Indian Ocean and the surrounding trade winds.
The year is generally divided into two main seasons:
Summer (November to April)
Hot, humid, and rainy. Temperatures range from 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F) on the coast, while the central plateau is slightly cooler. Most of the island’s annual rainfall occurs during this period, often in short but heavy showers. Cyclones can sometimes affect the island, especially between January and March.
Winter (May to October)
Mild, cooler, and drier. Temperatures average between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F), with less humidity. The trade winds are stronger, particularly along the east and southeast coasts, bringing cooler breezes.
Overall, Mauritius enjoys a pleasant, year-round climate with plenty of sunshine, making it a popular destination for beach holidays, although the choice of season can affect the experience.
Tips & FAQ’s
Some useful tips and information about Zanzibar.
Do you need a visa to visit Zanzibar?
UK passport holders need a visa for Tanzania, which covers Zanzibar. You can apply online before you travel through the Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal, or on arrival. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and have blank pages.
Electricity and plugs in Zanzibar
Power is 230 volts. Many hotels have UK-style three-pin sockets, but some have two-pin, so pack a universal adapter.
What currency should I take to Zanzibar?
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, but many hotels and tour operators price in US dollars and take cards. Carry some cash for markets, taxis and tips. There are ATMs in Stone Town, but don’t rely on them elsewhere.
What should I pack for Zanzibar?
Light, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, reef-safe sun cream and insect repellent. Bring a cover-up for Stone Town and smart casual clothes for evenings. Beach shoes help with sea urchins and sharp coral.
Why choose Zanzibar as a beach location?
Long white sand, warm water and coral reefs, with a lot to do beyond the beach. Check the tide table when choosing a coast: the east side empties out at low tide, while the north coast stays swimmable all day.
Can I combine Zanzibar with a safari?
Yes, and it’s one of the most popular ways to visit. A few days on safari in northern or southern Tanzania followed by a short flight to the coast works well. Tell us how long you have and we’ll suggest a split that doesn’t feel rushed.
Is Zanzibar good for families?
Yes, with the right hotel. Look for calm, swimmable water, space to spread out and a kids’ club.
Do you need insurance?
Along with your own travel insurance if you are visiting mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar you are required to purchase a local insurance policy. This can be done online or at the airport on arrival.
Are there any Zanzibar cultural etiquette tips?
Dress modestly in Stone Town and in villages, with shoulders and knees covered. Swimwear is fine at the beach and hotel, but not in town. Ask before photographing people. Tipping is appreciated but not expected. During Ramadan, some local cafes and restaurants close in the daytime, but resorts operate as usual.
What is the best way to travel around Zanzibar?
Book a private driver for the day, which is good value and lets you fit in a spice farm, Jozani Forest and Stone Town at your own pace. Your hotel can arrange it. Airport transfers are best organised in advance.
Are mosquitoes an issue in Zanzibar?
Yes, particularly at dawn and dusk, and during and after the rains. Use repellent, cover up in the evenings and speak to a travel clinic about malaria tablets.
What is the local Zanzibar cuisine?
Seafood, coconut and spices dominate. Look out for octopus curry, grilled kingfish, pilau, biryani, urojo (a tangy Zanzibari street soup) and Zanzibar pizza, which is more like a stuffed pancake. Fresh tropical fruit is excellent, and spiced tea and coffee are worth trying.
How long should I stay?
Seven to ten nights is comfortable for a beach holiday. If you’re adding it to a safari, five to seven nights on the coast is plenty.
Is Zanzibar good for honeymoons?
It’s a strong choice. Private villas, beachfront dinners, dhow trips and warm sea make it easy to relax.
