Zanzibar Holidays

Why go to Zanzibar

Book Zanzibar holidays to lounge in an Indian Ocean paradise. Take your position on one of the white sandy beaches and feel the warm waters lap at your feet as the sedate soundtrack of these spicy and sultry islands washes away your cares.

TravelSupermarket features a range of Zanzibar holiday packages. Make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and find your dream holiday...

Zanzibar is made up of a group of islands off the coast of Tanzania. Also known as the Spice Islands thanks to a thriving global spice trade, this lush ocean holiday destination dishes up a mix of cultures and cuisines to enjoy.

Holidays in Zanzibar are mostly taken on the main island, which is officially called Unguja but mostly referred to as Zanzibar. It's easy to be confused, but as soon as you've arrived and settled into your accommodation, you'll soon be so relaxed that you'll forget what day of the week it is, let alone what the island is officially called!

You can fly into Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) or transfer from the airport on the Tanzanian mainland. You'll be greeted by beautiful visions of white sand, crystal-clear waters and palm trees - the perfect combination for a picture-postcard beach break.

Hotels in Zanzibar are of a good standard and many offer all-inclusive options.

The capital of the island is Zanzibar City and a visit here is essential to get a proper taste of the flavour of these islands. Wander the streets and view the mosques and museums of pretty Stone Town, the former capital and now the historic heart of the city. It was the centre for the spice trade, and the distinctive architecture here reflects Arabian, Indian and European influences on Swahili culture.

Tuck into delicious dishes, too, where Arabian, African and European influences also exist. And if you like your food flavoured with spice, don't forget that this spicy sensation of an island does a mean trade in products such as cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and pepper.

You'll find plenty of good restaurants around the island - the tourist trade has been simmering nicely over the past few years and resorts are well stocked with good-quality hotels, restaurants and bars.

Zanzibar, birthplace of Queen front man Freddie Mercury, has also won fame for its diving and snorkelling, plus the chance to swim with the dolphins that circle the island.

If you're into nature, you can spot monkeys and other native wildlife in the mangrove forests around the island and at the national park of Jozani Forest.

For an even wilder experience, visitors can be transported to the hilly and lush nearby island of Pemba, where more than three million clove trees further enhance the spicy reputation of these holiday islands.

Do you crave a taste of Zanzibar? You can use TravelSupermarket to find, compare prices and book holidays to Zanzibar. Start planning your trip today!

When to go to Zanzibar

Find out about the wet and dry seasons on the island and discover the ideal time for cheap holidays to Zanzibar...

Zanzibar's climate is split into two wet seasons and two dry seasons. The most popular time of year to visit is January and February, the shorter of the two dry seasons, when temperatures average 30C. June until September is the longer dry season, with temperatures closer to 25C. From March until May you'll not get much respite from the rain, while the months of October, November and December have a mix of sunshine and rain.

There are bargain breaks to be had throughout the year in Zanzibar, though prices can drop for holidays during the wet seasons. Look for holidays that bridge the wet and dry seasons as you're likely to find lower prices.

What to do in Zanzibar

Music, dance and song feature highly in the annual calendar of events in Zanzibar...

Sauti za Busara; February: This lively music festival features acts from Zanzibar, Africa and other nations. There is plenty going on throughout the festival, with daily markets, parades and parties.

Mwaka Kogwa Festival; July: Tradition abounds on Zanzibar, and it is clear to see at this annual celebration, which stems from a Persian religious order. The men “fight”, the women sing, and huts are burned as a cleansing ritual at the start of the Shirazi New Year. The event is best enjoyed in the village of Makunduchi. Tradition says that villagers without guests won't have happiness, so visitors are most welcome.

Zanzibar Cultural Festival; July: Traditional dances, music, arts and crafts can be seen during this annual celebration of Zanzibar's rich culture and heritage. Most of the action is centred on Zanzibar City, though if you're on the island of Pemba you can witness a bullfight.

Zanzibar holidays have a special allure for every kind of holidaymaker. Find out what you can get up to - whatever you're into...

Relaxing: If stretches of powder-white sand, glistening turquoise seas, and dreamily lazing in a hammock appeal, you will have your pick of paradise beaches in Zanzibar. Stunning Nungwi Beach is just one of many tropical havens.

Kids & teens: Little explorers will love spending a day at Jozani Forest. Home to the red colobus monkey and teeming with wildlife, you can learn all about the animals, plants and birds that live in this tropical rainforest on a guided tour.

Grown-up families: Stimulate your senses on a tour to one of the island's spice plantations where you'll see cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and lemongrass growing.