Chumbe Island, Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago located just off the Tanzanian coastline, consisting of Zanzibar Island, Pemba Islands and several islets all dotted within the Indian Ocean.

Once the trading centre for the whole of East Africa, Zanzibar and its surrounding islands are part of a great coral reef stretching down Africa’s Indian Ocean coast. With its iconic beautiful sandy beaches and relaxing, friendly atmosphere it provides the perfect destination for a honeymoon or beach holiday.

Beach and Dhow, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar, Tanzania
View of Beach, The Residence Zanzibar, Zanzibar
The Residence Zanzibar, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Hermit crab, Chumbe Island, Zanzibar
Chumbe Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Why you should visit Zanzibar

Our Tanzania specialists love traditional Stone Town. With so many small alleys, it’s a great place to while away the hours and chat to the outgoing locals. Whilst for those looking for a beach holiday, the beautiful beaches of the east and north coast, as well as those on Mnemba Island, come highly recommended.

Zanzibar is best combined with a migration safari in Kenya or Tanzania or a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda. With several international airlines that fly in and out of Zanzibar, it is easy to connect with the surrounding countries.

Xanadu Villas, Zanzibar
Xanadu Villas, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Fish market on the beach - Zanzibar
Zanzibar, Tanzania

When to go to Zanzibar

Due to its close proximity to the equator the islands offer a good year round climate, but the best time to visit is during the dry months of June to October. November and December are great too, but have short rains, which are light and so should not hinder your beach experience.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

The Aiyana, Pemba Island, Tanzania
Zanzibar

Relax on the Beach

Relax on the picture perfect, white sand beaches.

Scuba Diving, Mnemba Island, Tanznaia
Zanzibar

Water Sports

Discover diving, snorkelling and game fishing.

Suggested stay

Fishermen, Mnemba Island, Tanzania
Zanzibar

Swahili Culture

Experience traditional Swahili traditions and customs.

Suggested hotel

Fish market on the beach - Zanzibar
Zanzibar

Sample Local Cuisine

Discover delicious seafood – great for spice lovers.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Breezes Beach Club & Spa £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Breezes Beach Club & Spa is set in tropical landscaped gardens on a peaceful beach on the east coast of the island, approximately one hour from the airport. All 70 en-suite rooms and suites here are spacious, fully air-conditioned and decorated in a true Zanzibari style – and all have terraces or balconies with beautiful views over the landscaped gardens and the ocean.

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Xanadu Villas £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Xanadu is on the South East side of Zanzibar which is a great stretch of beautiful white sand, and they offer snorkelling, paddle boarding, sunset dhow cruises and a spa. Other activities such as diving or kite surfing are outsourced and can be arranged easily from Xanadu. Six unique and beautifully designed villas surround a central pool and dining area engulfed by an oasis of tropical gardens and palm trees, just metres from the beach. The personal touch, intimate private villa atmosphere and level of service are where Xanadu excels and coupled with a beautiful design and affordable rate, it is hard to beat.

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The Palms £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Beach and Island Escapes

The Palms & Spa is a luxury resort on the east coast of Zanzibar Island. On a pristine white beach, this is the ultimate private retreat. Its six beautifully designed private villas are each over 140 square metres – including a bedroom, living room, bathroom, an extra room with its own en suite bathroom and a large furnished terrace with a view of the Indian Ocean. Nestled between tropical gardens and a white, sandy beach, The Palms provides a range of superb, 5-star facilities.

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Chumbe Island £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Surrounded by protected coral reefs with staggering diversity, Chumbe Island is at the heart of a beautiful, but fragile ecosystem. Here, environmental sustainability is key, with just seven eco-bungalows providing low-key accommodation on the island. 90% of the island remains covered by endemic trees – forming one of the last surviving tropical dry forests on Zanzibar. This protected reserve provides a habitat for numerous bird species and reptiles, as well as the endangered Ader’s duiker antelope.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Why Choose Steppes?

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