The Zanzibar Package
Relax by the Indian Ocean
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Combine safari with Zanzibar
Zanzibar is known for its wonderful, friendly atmosphere combined with beaches and culture. It is a perfect combination with a safari.
The island varies greatly depending on which area you stay in.
The northern part (Nungwi and Kendwa) is livelier and you can swim most of the day. However, it is quite developed with many hotels.
We usually recommend the eastern part (Paje, Matemwe, or Jambiani) as it is much more authentic, with fewer tourists and cozier accommodations. However, the eastern part is more affected by the tides, and you cannot swim all the time.
For the last night, we usually recommend Stonetown, which, with its labyrinthine alleys and interesting history, is a very exciting place and feels a bit like stepping back in time. On the way there, we usually book a spice tour to a small plantation that is not touristy and has a very good guide.
We have extensive knowledge of Zanzibar, as our Swedish colleague Helen is based there and we ourselves have lived there on several occasions. You can choose from everything from private villas to resorts or small bungalows. We can offer unique accommodation, so if you have any specific requirements, we can find something that suits you perfectly.
This package can be extended by one or more additional days.
Swedish employee on site
Can only be booked in combination with a safari
Includes
- Accommodation according to itinerary
- Transport
- Meals according to itinerary
- Spice tour at a genuine spice farm
- Round-the-clock service during the journey
- Transfer to and from the airport
- A night or day visit to Stonetown
- Contributions to local projects
Tips
- Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the planned date of return.
- You can choose to obtain a visa online before your trip or at the airport upon arrival. The cost of a visa is USD 50.
- Zanzibar is one hour ahead of Sweden when we have daylight saving time, and two hours ahead when we have standard time.
- In Tanzania, the USD and the Tanzanian Shilling are used. Shillings can be withdrawn from ATMs.
Days included in the package
Day 1 Welcome to Zanzibar
Today you arrive at the exotic island of Zanzibar. At Zanzibar airport, you will be picked up by our local driver and taken to your hotel. Here you can enjoy wonderful days on Zanzibar's beautiful beaches, combining sunbathing and swimming with snorkeling and various other activities. You can choose which beach you want to stay at.
Day 2 - 5 Sun & swimming
In Zanzibar, you can sink your feet into the warm sand, order a coconut drink, and simply enjoy the peace and quiet. Or settle down in the shade with a good book. The island offers plenty of charming restaurants, bars, and cafés where you can discover new flavors and delightful surroundings.
At low tide, you can walk far out into the shallow water and look for shells. Our Swedish colleague Helen, who has lived in Zanzibar for many years, is available if you need advice or tips.
In Zanzibar, you can sink your feet into the warm sand and sip a coconut drink or lie in the shade and read a book. There are many nice restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can hang out.
We suggest staying in Jambiani, a genuine and charming part of Zanzibar where you can really get close to local everyday life. Along the miles-long beach, you can see women gathering seaweed in the tide and fishermen setting out in their traditional dhow boats. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed, perfect for long walks on the beach and discovering small, personal restaurants and beach bars.
For those who want to vary their beach life, there are plenty of activities in and around Jambiani. Here you can visit caves, cycle through the villages, explore the Jozani rainforest, or go on various boat trips along the coast.
If you want more life and activity, you can choose Paje instead, which is located right next door and offers a wider range of cafés, bars, and water sports, especially kitesurfing.
We also have a wide selection of accommodations in other parts of Zanzibar, so if you would rather stay on a different beach, we will of course help you find the option that suits you best.
Our Swedish contact Helen, who lives in Zanzibar, is available for tips on excursions.
- Breakfast included
Day 5 Stone Town (Optional)
Today you will be driven to Stone Town. On the way, you will stop at a pleasant and authentic spice plantation, where you will be given a tour by a guide who grew up on the plantation. Here you can sample different spices and fruits and enjoy a lunch made from ingredients grown on the plantation.
Stone Town has a very special magic. The charming, narrow alleys, carved doors, and historic atmosphere make the city feel like it's from another time. It's a place full of mystery and life, perfect for exploring on foot.
In the evening, we highly recommend dinner at Emerson, a unique experience at sunset that we are happy to help you book.
If you prefer to stay an extra night at your beach hotel, you can of course opt out of the overnight stay in Stone Town. We can also arrange a shorter visit to the city if you want to experience the atmosphere without changing hotels.
Day 6 Departure
Well in advance of your departure, you will be picked up at your hotel and driven to the airport. Depending on your flight time, you can spend your last day taking a final dip in the pool, enjoying a cup of coffee on one of the lovely rooftop terraces, or strolling around the shops to buy souvenirs and locally produced products.
- Breakfast included
We are on site
Meet your travel advisors
We have Helen on site in Zanzibar, who has lived on the island for many years and has a deep knowledge of both Zanzibar and Tanzania in general. We can therefore offer personally unique experiences. Whether you dream of a private villa, an exclusive resort, or a bungalow, we will help you find what suits you best.
Our tour guides are always ready to help with any questions you may have about your trip. They are knowledgeable and dedicated, and their goal is to make your experience as smooth and memorable as possible.
Contact us
Recommended accommodation
Here are some accommodation suggestions for this safari package
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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.
Zanzibar – summer all year round
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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 good thanks to good visibility. However, humidity is high during these months. It is a popular period, but still somewhat quieter than Christmas and New Year. The long rainy season begins at the end of March, but early March is a good time to visit Zanzibar.
April - May
This is Zanzibar's long rainy season. During these months, the weather is unstable with heavier rain and high humidity. Many accommodations take the opportunity to renovate, and some hotels close completely. The beaches are still beautiful, but it is not an ideal time for sunbathing and swimming. On the other hand, it is a quiet period with few tourists.
June - September
This is one of the most pleasant times to visit Zanzibar. Temperatures are moderate, humidity is lower, and the days are dry and sunny. These are perfect months for sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, and excursions. During this period, 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 a wonderful climate with warm weather and a sea that is often crystal clear. It is relatively quiet and there are not many tourists. During November and early December, there may be short rain showers, but these are usually intense but short-lived and rarely affect the day as a whole. Many people choose to travel here over Christmas and New Year, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it is better to go earlier in December or in early January.
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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!
