Combine safari with Zanzibar
Sun, total relaxation, and exotic fruits in a world that feels far away from everyday life

Beach life on East Africa's paradise island
Zanzibar is a fabulous island in the Indian Ocean, known for its tropical greenery, turquoise blue warm sea, and long beaches lined with coconut palms. The pace is calm, the people are friendly, and it's easy to quickly feel at home.
The island is just as suitable for those who want to relax completely as it is for those who want to fill their days with experiences. Here you will find everything from snorkeling among coral reefs and kite surfing to sunset boat trips and peaceful morning walks along the beach. Zanzibar also offers environments that make it easy to take fantastic travel photos.
Zanzibar is often called the "Spice Island" because it was once the center of the world's spice trade. This is evident in the food culture, which is characterized by fresh fish, seafood, exotic fruits, and dishes often based on coconut milk. They are mild but full of character. A spice tour is almost a must, and we offer a visit to one of the island's oldest and most authentic spice plantations.
We also recommend spending a night in the legendary Stone Town, where narrow alleys, old stone houses, and exciting history create a feeling of stepping back in time a hundred years.
We have extensive knowledge of Zanzibar thanks to our Swedish colleague Helen, who has lived on the island for many years. Her close contact with the local population means she can offer personal tips and unique excursions that few others get to experience. We work with several selected accommodations and are happy to help you find the one that suits you best.
In short, Zanzibar is a place where it is easy to enjoy yourself, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a perfect blend of both.



Zanzibar – summer all year round
January – March
This is one of the best times to visit Zanzibar. The weather is warm and sunny, the sea is calm, and snorkeling is often excellent thanks to good visibility. However, humidity is relatively high during these months. It is a popular time to travel, but still somewhat quieter than Christmas and New Year's. The long rainy season begins at the end of March, but early March is still a great time to go.
April – May
This is Zanzibar's long rainy season. The weather is unstable with heavy rain and high humidity. Many accommodations take the opportunity to renovate, and some hotels close completely. The beaches are still beautiful, but this period is not ideal for sunbathing and swimming. On the other hand, it is a quiet time with few tourists.
June – September
This is one of the most pleasant periods in Zanzibar. Temperatures are moderately warm, humidity is lower, and days are dry and sunny. These are ideal months for sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, and excursions. During this time, it can be quite windy. July and August are popular months, so if possible, June or September are preferable for those who want to avoid the largest tourist crowds.
October – December
Autumn offers warm weather and a sea that is often crystal clear. It is a relatively quiet period with fewer tourists. During November and early December, there may be short rain showers, but these are usually short-lived and rarely affect the day as a whole. Many people travel here over Christmas and New Year, so those who want to avoid the crowds should travel earlier in December or in early January.
Good to know
Clothing tips for your stay in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar is hot around the clock and humidity can be high. Choose light, airy, and loose-fitting clothing to keep you cool and comfortable.
- In the evenings, the temperature can drop slightly and the wind can pick up, so it's a good idea to bring a light sweater.
- Along the coast, you can dress as you like, but when visiting villages or Stone Town, respectful clothing is recommended, which means covering your shoulders and knees.
- For the best swimming experience, especially at low tide, water shoes are a smart choice. They make it easier to walk in the water where coral may be present.
Currency & payment in Tanzania
Tanzania primarily uses the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), but USD is also accepted.
- Withdrawing money
Tanzanian shillings cannot be exchanged in Sweden, so you will need to withdraw them locally. There are ATMs at the airport in Zanzibar and in certain parts of the island. - Card payments
Most hotels and many restaurants accept cards. However, there are places where only cash is accepted or where card machines do not work. Therefore, always carry cash as a backup. - Small bills
It is a good idea to have small bills to buy fruit, water, snacks, or souvenirs along the way. Ask for small bills when shopping at the beginning of your trip. - Haggle with consideration
Prices are often negotiable, but do so with respect. Avoid haggling just for the sake of it – many sellers operate on very small margins.
We are happy to help you book your airline tickets.
We have access to a system where we can compare a large number of flights and come up with several options based on your preferences, such as departure date, airline, number of stopovers, or departure city. We can book flights from most countries, not just Sweden.
The journey from Sweden usually takes around 14 hours, depending on the route.
If we find an option that suits you, we can also reserve the tickets, which means that the price is locked in for a short period while you consider your options. A reservation is not binding and can be canceled at any time if you decide not to proceed.
You are also welcome to book your own flight if you prefer.
- For a pure safari trip in Tanzania, it is easiest to fly to and from Kilimanjaro (JRO).
- If you combine a safari with Zanzibar, we recommend a multi-city ticket: fly to Kilimanjaro and home from Zanzibar (or vice versa if you want to end with the safari).
During certain periods in high season, we also have pre-booked airports on selected dates, which usually makes the price a little cheaper.
We usually book domestic flights between the mainland and Zanzibar, but you can also choose to do this yourself.
Tides – a fascinating phenomenon
In Zanzibar, the tides vary greatly, and the difference between high and low tide is significant. Approximately every six hours, it is low tide, and every six hours, it is high tide. At low tide, the sea recedes far out, exposing the beach and revealing coral reefs and sandbanks. It is then often possible to walk far out into the shallow water.
This is a unique experience, and many people find it exciting to see the landscape change. However, it is not possible to swim when the water is at its lowest.
At high tide, the water reaches almost all the way up to the beach, making it perfect for swimming.
Tide levels are affected by both where you live on the island and the date, as they are controlled by the position of the moon. The tides are a natural part of Zanzibar and contribute to the island's charm.

Visit some of Africa's most iconic areas

Fill your trip with unique and memorable adventures
Experience 'The Big Five'
On safari in South Africa, you have the chance to see lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.
Frequently asked questions & answers
Tipping is common in Tanzania and it can sometimes be difficult to know how much is expected. It is customary to tip guides at the end of a tour, and tips can be left in both USD and Tanzanian shillings.
In restaurants, it is customary to tip around 5–10%, depending on the service.
In Zanzibar, the voltage is 240 volts and an adapter is required as the electrical outlets are different from ours. Power outages are relatively common and in some areas the electricity is turned off during certain periods of the day. We therefore recommend that you bring a power bank. Wi-Fi is available in many restaurants and in most hotels.
Zanzibar has a tropical climate with year-round warmth, mainly due to its location just south of the equator. Temperatures therefore vary very little between seasons. Along the coast, the climate is hot and humid, while inland it is drier.
There are two distinct rainy seasons:
• The long rains – from mid/late March to late May.
During this period, it can rain heavily for several days at a time.
• The short rains – from November to mid-December.
These are usually short showers, often in the evening or at night. The days can still be sunny and clear. This period varies slightly from year to year.
Zanzibar is often called the "Spice Island" because for hundreds of years it has been a central location for the cultivation and trade of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and vanilla. During the 19th century, Zanzibar was the world's largest exporter of cloves, and the spice trade made the island an important hub along the historic trade routes between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Arab and Indian traders established large plantations that laid the foundation for Zanzibar's spice culture, and many of these plantations remain today. Spices not only left their mark on the economy, but also on the island's food culture, medicine, and traditions.
Tanzanian cuisine is a flavorful combination of meat, fresh fruits, and aromatic spices. Fish and seafood are an important part of the food culture in Zanzibar.
There are tons of exotic fruit trees growing here, and mangoes, papayas, passion fruit, and bananas are used both in cooking and in the fresh juices sold almost everywhere.
Goat is often served on festive occasions. Many dishes are accompanied by chapati, an Indian bread that has become a natural part of the food culture here.
Always drink bottled water, which is available for purchase almost everywhere. For those who want to try local alcohol, gin and tonic is a popular choice thanks to the local gin Konyagi. Local beers such as Safari and Kilimanjaro are also common. Although coffee is grown in Tanzania, tea is more commonly served on a daily basis.
Zanzibar is often referred to as the "spice island," and this is evident in the cuisine. Vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves are grown on the island and give many dishes a unique and fragrant character.
The time difference between Tanzania and Sweden is:
- +1 hour when Sweden is on daylight saving time
- +2 hours when Sweden is on standard time
It is important to contact a vaccination clinic well in advance of your departure to get advice on which vaccinations are recommended for your particular trip. The vaccines most often recommended for travel to Tanzania are tetanus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. If you tend to have a sensitive stomach, it may also be a good idea to take Dukoral before departure.
There is also a requirement for vaccination against yellow fever if you have recently been in a country where the disease is present. In this case, you must be able to show a valid vaccination certificate upon entry. Otherwise, you do not need to be vaccinated against yellow fever.
Swedish citizens require a tourist visa to enter Zanzibar.
The visa costs USD 50 and is valid for 90 days, covering both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date.
You can choose between two ways to obtain a visa:
1. Apply online in advance
You can apply for a visa before departure via this link: Visa Tanzania.
This usually saves a little time upon arrival.
2. Apply on site
Upon arrival in Tanzania, you will fill out a visa form at the airport.
Make a booking request
Your request is not binding and you can of course change the number of days or make other requests. We will get back to you as soon as possible!















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