Destination Fly4free: Zanzibar
Explore the jewel of the Indian Ocean
The Zanzibar Archipelago, with its clear, turquoise water, shallow sandbars and tiny fishing villages, is a breathtaking spot to escape from the world!
Zanzibar is situated in the Indian Ocean, just 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania. Thanks to its location to the south of the equator, it has a tropical climate. The best time to visit is from June to October during the cool, dry months. From December to February it’s hot and dry. Generally the rainy season last from March to May and from November to December.
Zanzibari cuisine is a mixture of various culinary traditions, including Bantu, Arab, Portuguese, Indian, British and even Chinese cuisine. At street food night market in Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town, you can pick Zanzibari and Swahili delicacies, such as grilled seafood, meat skewers, samosas and "Zanzibar pizza" - a mix of veggies, mayo, and egg wrapped in fried dough.
While in Zanzibar you should certainly try a traditional pilau, usually prepared with goose meat cooked with potatoes, onions, spices, coconut milk and rice. Another popular dish examples include fish masala, stewed bananas, kachumbari salad. You should also try spice tea and Arabic coffee with local sweets (e.g. kashata and halua).
Photo: Dorothy Olender
How to get there:
Take a look at the flight deals to Zanzibar:
- 7 nights on Zanzibar incl. flights from Amsterdam and HB stay in a 4* hotel for €460 >>
- Flights from multiple UK cities to Zanzibar from £334 >>
- Flights from Kyiv, Ukraine to Zanzibar for €462 >>
- Flights from Milan or Rome to Zanzibar for €368 >>
- Flights from Milan, Rome or Venice to Zanzibar from €377 >>
- Business Class flights from Oslo to Zanzibar for €577 >>
- Direct flights from Brussels to Zanzibar for €299 >>
- Flights from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Zanzibar for $263 >>
- Flights from Toronto to Zanzibar for $719 >>
- Flights from Perth to Zanzibar for AU$757 >>
Where to stay:
In Stone Town, we encourage you to stay at 3* Zanzibar Hotel for just €67 per person. This well-reviewed hotel is located in the historical Stone Town, just 400 m from Forodhani Gardens and the beach. It offers a tropical garden and a 24-hour front desk. All air-conditioned rooms lead onto the balcony and each room comes complete with a mosquito net draped over the bed, a sofa and a satellite TV. Extras include a fan, minibar and a private bathroom offering a bath, shower and free toiletries. The Zanzibar Hotel’s restaurant serves an à la carte and buffet menu. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar and relax on the terrace. Free WiFi is available in public areas.
In Paje we recommend you to book 3* Ndame Beach Lodge for just €71 per person. This top-rated accommodation features free WiFi, on-site restaurant, free private parking, babysitting service and gift shop. Some rooms have views of the sea or garden. The rooms have a private bathroom. Ndame Beach Lodge also offers bike hire and car hire.
What to do:
Zanzibar Island has something to offer every kind of traveller, from the history enthusiast to the underwater explorer. You can enjoy various water sports, including snorkelling, diving, surfing and kitesurfing, or just swim in the warm, clear water of the Indian Ocean and watch the seaweed farms.
If you are a dolphin lover, travel to the southwestern Kizimkazi region. You can also see migrating whales if you are lucky. In the southeastern Zanzibar you should visit the restaurant that rises on an offshore rock at the beautiful Michanwi Pingwe beach.
Admire the Hawksbill turtles in Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond (Nungwi Natural Aquarium) or head to the Prison Island to see the giant tortoises.
Nature lovers can visit Zanzibar Land Animal Park, Cheetah’s Rock, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park or Zanzibar Butterfly Centre. You can also plan your travel to Zanzibar to coincide with your safari to the varied wildernesses of continental Tanzania. If you need some evening entertainment, many hotels and resorts offer traditional Masai jumping dance shows.
If you seek for adventure, you should take an off-road tour or explore the Kiwengwa Caves, Tazari Caves, Mangapwani Coral Cave or Kuza Cave. You can also take a dhow cruise.
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Start planning your next trip with Lonely Planet’s travel guide >>
Zanzibar from Above 2016 from Mathias Arvedsen on Vimeo.
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