Island

Zanzibar

Spice island beaches, coral reefs and the old Swahili town.

Getting there: About 1 hr flight from Arusha
Best time: Jun - Oct and Dec - Mar

Zanzibar's main island, Unguja, combines powder-white beaches with a rich Swahili history. It's the natural place to unwind after safari or a climb, and only an hour's flight from Arusha.

Choosing a beach

Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have the least tidal change and the best sunsets.
Paje and Jambiani on the east coast are known for kite-surfing and wide lagoons at low tide.
Matemwe looks out to the coral of Mnemba Atoll, excellent for snorkelling and diving.

More than beaches

Visit a spice farm, see red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, or sail a traditional dhow at sunset. Please dress modestly away from the beach - Zanzibar is a mainly Muslim island.