Zanzibar: Paradise Found! My Insiders Guide to Africa's Spice Island

Zanzibar: A Tropical Paradise Waiting to Be Discovered

Turquoise waters, powder-soft white beaches, extraordinary food and boutique hotels that make you feel truly special. Discover why Zanzibar should be on your travel wish list.

It did not disappoint!

Having recently returned from Zanzibar, I can honestly say this beautiful Indian Ocean island has so much more to offer than stunning beaches. From intimate luxury hideaways and incredible dining experiences to fascinating culture and warm hospitality, Zanzibar is a destination that deserves to be discovered.

I spent nine nights exploring some exceptional hotels, including JAZ Elite Aurora and the wonderful Tulia Zanzibar, and also had the opportunity to visit Iberostar Selection Zanzibar ahead of its opening.

If you love beautiful hotels, fabulous food and destinations that offer something a little different, let me introduce you to Zanzibar.

Where is Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It combines tropical island scenery with a fascinating blend of African, Arab, Indian and Swahili influences.

With just a two-hour time difference from the UK, you are unlikely to experience significant jet lag.

We flew with Kenya Airways, with a nine-hour flight to Nairobi followed by a one-hour connecting flight to the island.

From 2027, direct flights operated by British Airways and TUI are expected to offer additional options for travellers.

Expect white-sand beaches, warm turquoise seas, swaying palm trees and spectacular sunsets. But there is plenty to discover away from the beach, too.

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a wonderful place to explore, with winding alleyways, historic buildings, bustling markets and distinctive carved wooden doors. You can also visit spice farms, discover local villages, enjoy a traditional dhow sunset cruise or head out on a snorkelling or diving excursion.

A visit to Jozani Forest to see Zanzibar‘s endemic red colobus monkeys is also well worth considering.

One of the highlights of my visit was lunch at The Rock Restaurant, where we celebrated Steve's 70th birthday. What an amazing day! I can highly recommend this unique dining experience.

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is warm throughout the year, but choosing the right month can make a difference to your holiday.

June to October – the best all-round choice

I travelled at the end of September, and we had perfect weather: warm sunshine, a welcome breeze and no rain.

This is generally the main dry season, with lower humidity, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. It is an excellent time for a beach holiday, exploring the island or combining Zanzibar with a safari in Tanzania or Kenya.

January and February – hot tropical sunshine

These months are usually hot and relatively dry, making them ideal for relaxing by the pool, swimming in the Indian Ocean and enjoying a winter escape.

November to early December – a quieter alternative

The short rains can bring occasional tropical showers, but there can still be plenty of sunshine. This period may offer good value for travellers with flexible dates.

March to May – the long rainy season

April and May are generally the wettest months, with heavier and more persistent rainfall. Some hotels and tourism businesses may close temporarily, so I would advise checking carefully before booking.

These are typical seasonal patterns rather than guarantees, as tropical weather can vary from year to year.

Zanzibar entry requirements

You will need compulsory travel insurance specific to Zanzibar, which can be obtained online, as well as an e-visa. Both involve a cost, so check the official government websites for the latest requirements and fees before travelling.

I recommend printing copies of your documents, as you may need to present them during your journey and on arrival. If you have difficulty applying for your e-visa, check the latest official guidance regarding alternative arrangements, rather than assuming it can be obtained on arrival.

My Zanzibar hotel highlights

One of the things I loved about Zanzibar was the variety of accommodation. Whether you want a large luxury resort or a small, intimate hideaway, there are some fantastic options.

I stayed at two hotels and visited a third on a day pass.

Tulia Zanzibar – a dream for food lovers

If exceptional food and personalised service are high on your wish list, Tulia deserves your attention.

With just 16 rooms, this intimate boutique property offers a very different experience from a large resort. During my stay, the service, food and drinks were outstanding.

Imagine dining beneath the stars, enjoying beautifully presented dishes and experiencing thoughtful touches that make you feel genuinely looked after.

Tulia is particularly suited to travellers who value intimacy, attention to detail and memorable dining as much as their surroundings.

JAZ Elite Aurora – tropical luxury

My stay at JAZ Elite Aurora was another highlight. The hotel has a luxurious Indian Ocean feel, with beautiful turquoise waters and a relaxed atmosphere.

With several restaurants to choose from, it offers plenty of variety alongside the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the tropical surroundings.

Iberostar Selection Zanzibar – one to watch

I also visited Iberostar Selection Zanzibar ahead of its official opening. It has an attractive Caribbean-inspired look and a Star Prestige area featuring a pool with a swim-up bar.

For travellers who enjoy a polished resort experience, this is a property worth keeping on your radar. Be sure to check its opening status and available facilities for your intended travel dates.

For more information about these properties, read my separate blogs.

What should you do in Zanzibar?

I would recommend allowing time to experience more than just your hotel.

Don't just lie on the beach – get out and explore!

Explore Stone Town: Discover the island's history, architecture and markets.

Visit a spice farm: Learn why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island.

Enjoy a sunset dhow cruise: A lovely way to appreciate the coastline.

Go snorkelling or diving: Discover the marine life of the Indian Ocean, subject to local sea conditions.

Visit Jozani Forest: Look out for the island's distinctive red colobus monkeys.

Simply relax: Sometimes the best plan is a sun lounger, a beautiful beach and absolutely nowhere you need to be.

Remember that tides vary around Zanzibar, particularly on the east coast. At some beaches, the sea can retreat a considerable distance at low tide, so the location of your hotel matters if swimming directly from the beach is important to you.

How long should you stay in Zanzibar?

For a beach-focused holiday, I would generally suggest seven to ten nights. That gives you time to relax, explore and enjoy your hotel without feeling rushed.

If you love wildlife, consider combining a few nights on safari in mainland Tanzania with a week on the island. It is a wonderful way to experience two very different sides of Africa in one holiday.

Is Zanzibar worth visiting?

Absolutely! For me, Zanzibar is about much more than beautiful beaches. It is the combination of the scenery, culture, hospitality and the opportunity to discover some truly special hotels.

And if you are a foodie, choosing the right property can make all the difference. My experience at Tulia Zanzibar proved just how memorable a hotel stay can be when the food and service are exceptional.

A few things worth knowing before you go

While I absolutely loved Zanzibar, there are a few practical points worth considering when planning your holiday.

Dining outside your hotel: There are relatively few places to eat out in some areas, and the island remains underdeveloped in places. Your hotel's dining options are therefore worth considering carefully when choosing where to stay.

The roads: Many roads can be quite bumpy, so be prepared for some uneven journeys. There has been discussion about road improvements, but I would check the latest situation rather than rely on a particular completion date.

Travel times: Getting around can take considerably longer than you might expect. Some excursions may involve one to two hours of travelling each way, depending on your hotel's location and the destination.

Airport transfers: Many hotels are approximately 90 minutes to two hours from the airport, although journey times vary depending on where you stay and traffic conditions.

These are all worth bearing in mind when choosing your hotel and planning your itinerary.

Thinking about Zanzibar?

Let me help you find your perfect escape.

As a travel agent with over 30 years of experience, I can help you choose the right resort, arrange flights and transfers, and tailor your holiday to suit your priorities and budget.

Whether you dream of an intimate boutique hideaway, a luxurious beachfront resort or a holiday combining a Tanzanian safari with a tropical island escape, I can help you find the perfect option for you.