Luxury Zanzibar Island Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Resorts & Activities

Zanzibar is one of those places that surprises you the moment you arrive — with its clear blue water, white sandy beaches, and the scent of spices in the air. It is a destination that feels completely different from anywhere else.

Whether you are planning a beach holiday, honeymoon, family trip or a relaxing break after a Tanzania safari, Zanzibar offers the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. Plus, it is just a short flight from Tanzania’s mainland.

This guide covers everything you need to know — the best beaches, the best resorts, the top things to do and how to plan your Zanzibar tour with Kearsleys.

What Makes Zanzibar Special?

Zanzibar is more than just a beach destination. The island is famous for its white sandy beaches, its warm Indian Ocean waters and its rich Swahili culture. Zanzibar is also known for its history, its spice plantations and the charm of Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with narrow alleyways, carved wooden doorways, hidden cafes and street markets.

So even if you come to Zanzibar just to relax on the beach, you will quickly find that there is much more to explore. And that is what makes it such a great destination — it works for every kind of traveller.

It is also the perfect add-on to a Tanzania safari. You spend a few days watching wildlife on the mainland, then fly to Zanzibar and unwind by the ocean. Simple, easy, and one of the best combinations in travel.

The Best Beaches in Zanzibar

Zanzibar has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. The water is clear, warm, and shallow in many places and the island is surrounded by a coral reef, which keeps the sea calm and safe for swimming and snorkelling.

Here are the top beaches in Zanzibar:

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It is on the northern tip of Zanzibar and is known for its beautiful white sand and clear water. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, and watching traditional dhow boats being built on the shore. The area is lively, with good restaurants and resorts nearby.

Kendwa Beach

Kendwa is just a short distance from Nungwi and is known for its stunning sunsets. It is a wide, calm beach that is great for swimming at any time of day. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is popular with couples and families alike.

Paje Beach

Paje is on the east coast of Zanzibar and is a favourite for those who want a quieter, more laid-back experience. The beach is wide with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. It is also popular for watersports.

Bwejuu Beach

Bwejuu is one of the quietest and most peaceful beaches on the island. It is lined with palm trees and has a very calm, relaxed feel. If you want to get away from the crowds and just relax, Bwejuu is a great choice.

Kizimkazi Beach

Kizimkazi is on the southern tip of the island. It is known for its natural coves and its clear waters. It is also one of the best places on the island to go dolphin watching.

Where to Stay — Luxury Resorts in Zanzibar

Zanzibar has a wide range of accommodation options. But if you are looking for a luxury experience, Kearsleys works with some of the best resorts on the island. Here are the top options:

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

The Zanzibar Serena Hotel is one of the most iconic properties on the island. It is located in Stone Town and beautifully blends Zanzibar's rich history with modern luxury. It is a great base if you want to explore Stone Town as well as the beaches.

Zanzibar Serena Inn

The Zanzibar Serena Inn is a boutique property in Stone Town. It is smaller and more intimate than the main hotel and is great for travellers who want a quieter, more personal stay right in the heart of the historic town.

Melia Zanzibar

Melia Zanzibar is a stunning beach resort on the north coast of the island. It sits right on the beach with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. The resort has spacious rooms, great food, a pool, and a wide range of activities. It is one of the most popular luxury options for travellers visiting Zanzibar with Kearsleys.

Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco

This resort is located right on Nungwi Beach and is a great choice for families and couples. It has a calm, tranquil setting with beautiful ocean views. It features in some of Kearsleys' Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages, including the 14 Nights Luxury Safari and Zanzibar package.

All of these properties offer direct beach access, comfortable rooms, good food, and personalised service. Each one is hand-picked by Kearsleys to ensure your Zanzibar stay is comfortable and enjoyable.

Top Things to Do in Zanzibar

Beyond the beaches and resorts, Zanzibar has a lot to keep you busy. Here are the best things to do during your visit:

Explore Stone Town

Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of narrow streets, ornate carved wooden doors, street markets and hidden cafes. Walking through Stone Town feels like stepping back in time. It is a mix of African, Arab, and colonial history — all in one place. Do not miss it.

Spice Tour

Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. The island has been famous for growing spices like cloves, cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg for centuries. A spice tour takes you through the plantations where these spices grow. You can smell, touch, and taste them as you go. It is a fun and interesting half-day activity.

Safari Blue Tour

The Safari Blue Tour is one of the most popular things to do in Zanzibar. You spend a full day on the water — sailing on a traditional dhow, snorkelling over coral reefs, visiting a sandbank, and having a fresh seafood lunch on the beach. It is a brilliant day out and great for all ages. It is also included in Kearsleys' 13 Nights Luxury Tanzania Family Safari and Zanzibar package.

Snorkelling and Diving

Zanzibar's coral reefs are some of the best in the Indian Ocean. The water is clear and warm, and there is a huge variety of marine life to see — colourful fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and much more. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, the underwater world around Zanzibar is well worth exploring.

Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest is the only national park on Zanzibar island. It is home to the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey — a rare species found nowhere else in the world. A visit to Jozani is a great way to see a different side of the island, away from the beach. It is a short drive from the main resort areas and well worth a half-day trip.

Dolphin Watching at Kizimkazi

The waters around Kizimkazi on the southern coast of Zanzibar are home to spinner and bottlenose dolphins. You can take a boat trip from the beach and watch them swim alongside the boat. It is a calm and magical experience, especially early in the morning.

Sunset Dhow Cruise

A sunset dhow cruise is one of the most romantic things you can do in Zanzibar. You sail out on a traditional wooden dhow as the sun goes down over the Indian Ocean. The light is beautiful, the sea is calm, and it is a perfect way to end a day on the island.

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar has warm weather all year round. But there are two main seasons to be aware of:

• June to October — This is the dry season and the best time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, the sea is calm, and it is ideal for beach holidays and water activities.

• December to February — This is another dry period with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It is a great time for a beach holiday and works well for travellers combining Zanzibar with a Tanzania safari.

• March to May — This is the rainy season in Zanzibar. It is quieter and prices are lower. But some days can be very wet, so it is not the best time for a beach holiday.

For most travellers, the best time to visit Zanzibar is between June and October or December to February. Both periods give you great beach weather and good conditions for snorkelling, diving, and water activities.

Combine Zanzibar with a Tanzania Safari

One of the best things about Zanzibar is how easy it is to combine with a Tanzania safari. You spend several days watching the Big Five in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, then fly to Zanzibar for a few days of beach relaxation. It is a perfect combination.

Kearsleys offers several packages that include both a safari and a Zanzibar beach stay. These include:

• 13 Nights Luxury Tanzania Family Safari and Zanzibar 

• 14 Nights Luxury Safari and Zanzibar 

Both packages include flights from the safari parks to Zanzibar, luxury lodges and beach resorts and all the key activities. So everything is taken care of from start to finish.

Plan Your Zanzibar Holiday with Kearsleys

Zanzibar is a place that is hard to leave. The beaches are beautiful, the culture is rich, and the food is fresh and delicious. And with the right resort and the right guide, it becomes even better.

At Kearsleys, we have been helping travellers plan their Zanzibar holidays. Whether you want a pure beach holiday or a safari and beach combination, we will put together the perfect trip for you.

Get in touch today and let us plan your Zanzibar holiday.