Zanzibar

Zanzibar holidays combine what many people look for in a long-haul break: white sand beaches on the Indian Ocean, water between 26 °C and 29 °C all year and Stone Town, a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this guide we explain the best beaches, the best time to go, how much it costs, which documents you need (including the mandatory insurance) and how our all-inclusive Zanzibar holiday package works, with flights from Lisbon.

Where Zanzibar is

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, about 35 km off the coast of Tanzania, in East Africa. It is part of Tanzania but has its own government. The main island is called Unguja, although everyone simply calls it Zanzibar. It is about 85 km long, with a Swahili culture shaped by Arab, Indian and African influences.

All-inclusive Zanzibar holidays: our package

Our offer is the all-inclusive Zanzibar Riu Jambo holiday: 8 days with flights from Lisbon, from €1,049 per person. It includes:

• flights from Lisbon;
• 7 nights all-inclusive at the Riu Jambo hotel, in the north of the island;
• airport – hotel – airport transfers;
• assistance insurance.

Departure dates change throughout the year. Check the next departures on the trip page or ask us for a quote for another hotel or to combine Zanzibar with a safari in Tanzania.

The best beaches in Zanzibar

Choosing your beach is the most important decision of a Zanzibar trip, because of the tides: on the east coast the sea goes out hundreds of metres at low tide.

• Nungwi and Kendwa (north): the beaches least affected by the tide, with water for swimming almost all day and the best sunsets. See our guides to Nungwi and Kendwa.
• Paje (south-east): the kitesurfing capital, with a shallow lagoon and steady wind. Read more about Paje.
• Jambiani (south-east): a quiet village with seaweed farms and very big tides. Read about Jambiani.
• Kiwengwa and Pingwe (east): beachfront resorts and the famous The Rock restaurant, on a rock in the sea. See our article on Pingwe and The Rock.

Things to do in Zanzibar

1. Stone Town: the historic centre of alleys, carved wooden doors and markets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read things to do in Stone Town.
2. Mnemba Atoll: snorkelling with tropical fish, turtles and often dolphins.
3. Safari Blue: a day on a traditional dhow in Menai Bay, with sandbanks, snorkelling and a seafood lunch.
4. Jozani Forest: the island's only national park, home to the red colobus monkey, found only in Zanzibar.
5. Spice tour: a visit to a plantation of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla on the "spice island".
6. Prison Island: century-old giant tortoises, 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town.
7. Safari in Tanzania: 1 to 3-day fly-in safaris are available from Zanzibar. We explain everything in our Tanzania and Zanzibar safari guide.

Best time to visit Zanzibar

• June to October: dry, cooler season with clear skies. The best time to visit Zanzibar, coinciding with safari season.
• December to February: dry and very hot, with calm seas and the warmest water.
• November: short rains, usually in the late afternoon.
• March to May: the long rains. Some hotels close and prices drop.

How much does a trip to Zanzibar cost?

A week in Zanzibar with flights and an all-inclusive hotel usually costs between €1,000 and €2,500 per person, depending on the hotel and season. Add the visa, the mandatory entry insurance and excursions (between €30 and €120 each). We do the maths in detail in our article Is Zanzibar expensive? What a trip really costs.

Visa, mandatory insurance and vaccinations

• Visa: Portuguese citizens need a tourist visa for Tanzania; check the rules for your nationality. You can apply for the e-visa on the Tanzanian government's official website before travelling.
• Passport: with at least 6 months' validity and blank pages.
• Mandatory insurance: since October 2024, all foreign visitors must have the entry insurance from Zanzibar's public insurer (ZIC), bought online before arrival.
• Vaccinations: the yellow fever vaccine is only required for travellers arriving from a country with a risk of the disease (including long layovers). There is a risk of malaria: book a travel health consultation before you go.

Entry rules change often. Always check them before you travel.

Flights and time zone

• Flights: our package includes flights from Lisbon. Flight time depends on whether the flight is direct (seasonal special flights) or with a stop in the Middle East or Addis Ababa.
• Time zone: Zanzibar is 3 hours ahead of Portugal in winter and 2 hours ahead in summer.
• Currency: the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). US dollars are accepted almost everywhere (recent notes).

Frequently asked questions about Zanzibar holidays

Where is Zanzibar?

In the Indian Ocean, off Tanzania, in East Africa. It is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania.

Do you need a visa for Zanzibar?

Yes. Portuguese citizens need a tourist visa for Tanzania, which can be applied for online. Zanzibar's entry insurance is also mandatory. Check the rules for your nationality.

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

June to October and December to February. Avoid March to May, the long rainy season.

Is Zanzibar dangerous?

No, it is a peaceful tourist destination. Take the usual precautions, do not walk alone at night in isolated parts of Stone Town and respect local customs: it is a Muslim island, so dress modestly away from the beach.

What is the best beach in Zanzibar?

Nungwi and Kendwa, in the north, for swimming at any time; Paje for kitesurfing; Jambiani and Matemwe for peace and quiet.

How much does an all-inclusive week in Zanzibar cost?

Between €1,000 and €2,500 per person, with flights. Our 8-day package at the Riu Jambo starts at €1,049.

Book your Zanzibar holiday

See the dates and programme of the all-inclusive Zanzibar holiday at the Riu Jambo or contact us on +351 937 045 579 or info@vamosfugir.pt.