Luxury Holidays
in Zanzibar

Rich in history and the perfect place for a fantastic holiday experience

Zanzibar

About Zanzibar

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More About Zanzibar

Your Luxury Guide to Zanzibar

Welcome to Zanzibar, a mesmerising Indian Ocean archipelago where turquoise waters meet soft white sands and centuries of history blend with unforgettable island luxury. This enchanting destination is perfect for travellers seeking restorative relaxation, world class beaches, rich culture, and exceptional experiences that feel both exclusive and authentic.

At Designer Travel we specialise in creating bespoke luxury escapes and our experts know Zanzibar intimately. Here is your inspirational guide to help you dream, plan and prepare for your next unforgettable journey.

Why Choose Zanzibar for Your Luxury Holiday

Zanzibar offers that rare combination of natural beauty, cultural depth, pristine beaches, and high end boutique resorts that feel wonderfully secluded. It is ideal for couples, honeymooners, families, divers, wellness seekers and anyone looking to unwind in paradise or combine the island with a safari adventure in Tanzania.

Expect warm hospitality, a laid back atmosphere, beautiful sunsets and some of the clearest water in the world.

Top Things to Do in Zanzibar

1. Explore Stone Town

Step into Stone Town and instantly feel its centuries old charm. Winding lanes, ornate wooden doorways, and bustling markets tell the story of African, Indian, Persian and Arab influences.

Highlights include

The former slave market

The Sultan’s Palace

Atmospheric forts and gardens

Local artisan boutiques

A guided tour brings the city to life and is a must for culture lovers.

2. Discover Mnemba Marine Reserve

Mnemba Atoll is one of the most breathtaking snorkelling and diving locations in East Africa. Expect crystal clear water filled with vibrant marine life including turtles, stingrays, moray eels and colourful reef fish.

Diving schools across the island offer PADI courses suitable for beginners through to advanced explorers.

3. Enjoy Watersports on Calm Indian Ocean Waters

With warm and gentle seas for most of the year, Zanzibar is perfect for

Waterskiing

Parasailing

Wakeboarding

Kitesurfing

Paddleboarding

Kayaking

The northern coast is also well known for world class deep sea game fishing.

4. Take a Guided Walk Through Jozani Forest

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is a lush sanctuary home to ancient mahogany trees, mangroves and rare wildlife. Join an expert ranger on a guided trail and you may spot the endangered Red Colobus monkey as well as colourful birdlife and butterflies.

5. Sail the Indian Ocean on a Traditional Dhow

A sunset cruise on a handcrafted dhow is one of the most romantic experiences in Zanzibar. Glide over calm water as the sky fills with gold and rose tones and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of island life at its finest.

Where to Stay: The Luxury Side of Zanzibar

Zanzibar is home to a curated collection of premium resorts and intimate boutique hideaways including

Private pool villas

Romantic retreats with barefoot luxury

Elegant beachfront suites

Wellness focused hideaways with world class spas

Family friendly resorts with exceptional service

Designer Travel has access to an extensive portfolio of hand picked properties which we personally know and trust.

Food and Flavours of Zanzibar

Known as the Spice Island, Zanzibar is a paradise for food lovers. Expect fragrant curries, coconut rich dishes, fresh seafood and tropical fruit. Do not miss

A spice farm tour

Grilled lobster by the beach

Rooftop dining in Stone Town

A taste of the famous Zanzibari biryani

Practical Tips for Travellers

Best time to visit

June to October and December to February offer ideal weather with clear skies and calm seas.

Getting there

International flights usually arrive into Zanzibar International Airport. Designer Travel can arrange seamless domestic connections or combine the island with a safari in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater.

Dress code

Zanzibar is culturally respectful. Beachwear is perfect at resorts, but modest clothing is recommended when visiting towns or local villages.

Ideal for

Honeymoons

Weddings

Renewal of vows

Family adventures

Wellness escapes

Twin centre holidays

Safari plus beach combinations

Why Book Your Zanzibar Holiday with Designer Travel

Our experts craft personalised luxury escapes with complete attention to detail. As an independent agency we offer

Tailor made itineraries

A wide choice of flights and accommodation

ABTA bonding

Full after sales support

Honest expert guidance throughout

We take the time to understand your travel style so we can recommend the perfect resort and experiences for you. Many of our customers return again and again because of our personal service and passion for travel.

Start Planning Your Dream Zanzibar Escape

If Zanzibar is calling you, we would love to help create a luxury holiday that feels utterly effortless and unforgettable.

Simply complete our enquiry form or give us a call and one of our friendly travel experts will take care of everything.

Ready when you are.

Climate

Situated near to the equator, Zanzibar offers almost year around sunshine with the heat of the sun tempered and cooled by strong sea breezes. Brief showers are possible in November with longer rains in March, April and May.

Destination Information

Capital

Zanzibar City

Population

Approximately 705,000

Currency

TZS

Key Highlights

Key Highlights of Zanzibar

Pristine Beaches

Soft white sands, crystal clear turquoise waters and serene beachfront resorts perfect for relaxation and luxury escapes.


Stone Town

A UNESCO World Heritage treasure with narrow winding streets, vibrant markets, ornate wooden doors and centuries of African, Arab and Persian history.


Mnemba Marine Reserve

One of East Africa’s most spectacular snorkelling and diving sites, offering turtles, colourful reefs, stingrays and incredible underwater visibility.


World Class Watersports

Ideal conditions for waterskiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding and kitesurfing, thanks to calm, warm seas for most of the year.


Jozani Forest

A lush national park home to the rare Red Colobus monkey, mangroves and beautiful nature trails led by expert rangers.


Luxury Resorts and Private Hideaways

A curated choice of boutique retreats, pool villas, romantic escapes and high-end spa resorts offering exceptional service and privacy.


Spice Island Experiences

Explore spice plantations and enjoy fragrant Zanzibari cuisine featuring coconut-rich dishes, fresh seafood and aromatic curries.


Sunset Dhow Cruises

Traditional wooden sailing boats that offer serene and romantic evenings on the Indian Ocean.


Game Fishing in the North

Deep-sea waters are ideal for catching marlin, tuna and barracuda in a premium fishing environment.


Perfect Safari Combinations

Zanzibar pairs beautifully with Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations for a dream twin-centre African adventure.


Warm Culture and Hospitality

Friendly locals, vibrant traditions and a relaxed pace of life that instantly immerses visitors in the essence of island living.

Map Location

Travel Information

GMT: +3 hours

Leisure Activities

Stone Town

No trip to Zanzibar is complete without a trip to the historic Stone Town. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, it’s a maze of narrow alleys lined with houses, shops and bazaars. There are many historical buildings, several of them situated on the sea front. They include former Sultan’s Palaces, mosques and churches.

Beaches

Beach lovers will feel like they're in paradise as the powder white sandy beaches are spectacular on the east coast of the main island.

Chumbe Island

For a real escape visit Chumbe Island, the award winning coral island near Stone Town. Open all year except April and May when it is closed due to the long rains. Conditions are perfect for snorkelling, but scuba diving is not allowed.

Your Holiday Starts Now

Why not chat to one of our experts!

Paula Alger

Designer Travel Expert

Start your holiday now with a conversation with one of our Zanzibar Personal Travel Experts!

We'll call you back

Leave us your contact details and we will be in touch.

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