Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is a paradise of white-sand beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town, where the scent of cloves lingers in the air, to the sun-kissed shores of Nungwi, where dhows glide across the horizon at sunset, the island offers an enchanting blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether exploring spice farms, diving into coral-rich waters, or simply soaking in the rhythm of Swahili life, Zanzibar is a timeless escape that captivates the soul.”
Zanzibar is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, featuring soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. With around 25 beaches dotted with charming fishing villages, Zanzibar offers diverse options, whether you prefer the lively north or the serene south and east coasts.
North Coast
The northern beaches, including Nungwi and Kendwa, are renowned for their pristine white sand and coral reefs. Unlike other parts of the island, these beaches are less affected by tidal changes, making them ideal for swimming and sunbathing throughout the day. The atmosphere is vibrant, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and accommodations. However, for those seeking tranquility, the north may feel more lively compared to quieter areas on the island. Villages such as Uroa, Pongwe, and Kiwengwa also offer unique coastal experiences.
East Coast
The east coast is known for its picturesque, unspoiled beaches. A stunning coral reef runs along this coastline, making it a top destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts eager to explore the rich marine life, including seahorses, turtles, and tropical fish. The beaches here experience significant tidal changes, allowing visitors to stroll along the expansive shoreline during low tide. Matemwe Beach, one of the longest and most beautiful on this side of the island, is a must-visit. This area is also perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with a wide range of accommodation options.
South-East Coast
This region boasts a long stretch of soft, sandy beaches and is famous for its excellent conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing, thanks to steady coastal winds. Visitors can sail traditional wooden dhows or enjoy swimming with dolphins at Kizimkazi. Villages like Jambiani, Paje, and Bwejuu offer a laid-back, timeless atmosphere, with friendly locals adding to the charm. Jambiani, in particular, stands out as a favorite for its serene beauty and warm hospitality.
South-West Coast
The south-west is more remote and less frequented, with peaceful, uncrowded beaches and fewer accommodations. While it may not be as popular as other regions, it offers hidden gems like the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a haven for divers exploring vibrant underwater ecosystems. The west coast is also home to Stone Town, Zanzibar’s cultural and historical hub, where visitors can delve into the island’s fascinating history and architecture.
Things to Do in Zanzibar
Explore Stone Town: Step back in time as you walk through Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic heart. Visit the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum, Dr. Livingstone’s House, and the Arab Fort, among other historical sites. Wander through the lively markets, admire intricately carved doors, and immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant culture.
Spice Plantations Tour: Zanzibar’s spice plantations are world-famous, and a tour here offers a sensory delight. Learn about the island’s rich history of spice production and the role it played in Zanzibar’s past. You’ll get the chance to taste fresh spices and purchase local spice oils and handcrafted souvenirs.
Jozani Forest Reserve: A visit to Jozani Forest is a must for nature lovers. Home to the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, the reserve offers a chance to see these playful primates in their natural habitat. The forest is also home to other wildlife, including Sykes monkeys and various bird species.
Visit the North Coast: Ras Nungwi, located on the northern tip of Zanzibar, is a serene fishing village where you can witness the traditional dhow-building process. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Dolphin Tour at Kizimkazi: At the southern tip of Zanzibar lies Kizimkazi, a small village known for its resident dolphin population. Take a boat trip and, with some luck, swim alongside these graceful creatures. Kizimkazi is also home to the oldest mosque in East Africa, offering a glimpse into Zanzibar’s Islamic heritage.
Prison Island: Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island (also known as Changu Island) offers a fascinating history. Originally used to detain rebellious slaves, it is now a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The island is also home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, adding a unique touch to your visit.
Pemba and Mafia Islands: Off-the-Beaten-Path Escapes
For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Pemba Island is a hidden gem. Known for its unspoiled beaches, lush forests, and some of the best diving spots in the world, Pemba is the perfect destination for those looking to disconnect. Misali Island, off Pemba’s coast, is particularly renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
Mafia Island, another secluded paradise, offers exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. With fewer tourists and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to relax and explore Zanzibar’s untouched marine life.
EXCELLENT Based on 83 reviews Kevoo B2025-06-01Verified Epic Kilimanjaro Climb - 7 Days via Machame Route* Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Rioba Safaris was a life-changing experience! Our guide,Mack and his team were incredibly supportive, making sure we stayed motivated throughout the climb. The organization was flawless—delicious meals, comfortable camping, and a well-paced itinerary. Summit night was tough, but with Mack encouragement, we made it to Uhuru Peak! If you’re planning to climb Kili, Rioba Safaris is the team you need! IRENE D2025-05-20Verified 10-Day Safari Across Tanzania Adventure Our 10-day safari with Rioba Safaris was beyond incredible! Baraka was a fantastic guide patient, knowledgeable, and full of fascinating insights. We explored Arusha NP, Tarangire, Lake Natron, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, each place more stunning than the last. The highlight was witnessing the Great Migration in Serengeti and the massive herds of elephants in Tarangire. Everything was seamless, from accommodation to meals. Highly recommend Rioba Safaris for a truly immersive experience! Luc M2025-05-17Verified Lake Natron – A Unique Adventure Lake Natron was unlike any place we’ve ever visited! Our guide, Baraka, took us to see the flamingos, and the scenery was absolutely surreal. The red-colored waters of the lake and the backdrop of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano made for incredible photos. We also enjoyed a hike to the waterfalls, which was refreshing after the hot day. Rioba Safaris did a great job planning this off-the-beaten-path adventure! Fannie Z2025-05-15Verified Serengeti and Raha combo-7days of magic Rioba safaris organized an incredible 7-day safari covering Serengeti Ngorongoro&Raha.Guide baraka made sure we hade the best game drive and we even saw a rare black rhino!the lodges were comfortable and the trip was worth every penny. SARNA S2025-05-15Verified Safaris Amazing Rioba Safaris arranged a private safari for us, including a night game drive in Tarangire and a walking safari in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Erick our guide, was excellent at spotting nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas. The walking safari was equally thrilling—being on foot with Maasai guides was an unforgettable experience. If you want a mix of traditional and unique safaris, Rioba Safaris has great options! Declan H2025-02-10Verified An Incredible Six-Day Safari with a Remarkable Guide! Alex was our guide for the six-day safari, and he was awesome! His ability to to spot wildlife from a distance was impressive, and his passion for nature was infectious. The accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious. Rioba Safaris truly exceeded our expectations with their impeccable service and well-organized itinerary! kgkjgkjg2025-02-01Verified great but for one thing We did a 9-day Southern Circuit safari to Nyerere, Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountain, and Ruaha National Parks. The parks were great, the lodging ranged from as-expected to exceptional, and our guide Ibrahim was informative and helpful and resourceful when problems arose.But problems did arise. Avoidable problems. Problems relating to the safari vehicle. It was at least 20 years old. There was a big crack in the windshield. Getting out required reaching through the open window to the outside handle because the inside ones didn't work. We wrote all that off as rusticated charm.But then the vehicle broke down on the side of a remote dirt road, and we were stuck for about an hour until Ibra could recruit an eventual passerby to help jerry-rig a solution to get us to our next stop. This happened on two separate occasions. That's unacceptable.But as long as you're not in the Land Cruiser with a license plate ending in 534, I definitely recommend the company. Chen Z2025-01-06Verified Beautiful Memories Safari Africa I had an unforgettable experience on the 5-day luxury safari in Tanzania with Rioba Safari. Everything was perfect from start to finish. Our safari guide, Gody, was exceptional. He was incredibly experienced, knowledgeable, and always had a great attitude. His expertise made the safari even more memorable, as he knew exactly where to take us to see the wildlife and shared fascinating insights along the way. The accommodations were luxurious, and the overall service was top-notch. Highly recommend Rioba Safari for anyone looking for a premium safari experience! Serena A2024-12-18Verified Meraviglioso Safari ❤️ We had a wonderful safari! Our guide was very attentive... showed us a lot of animals... he was nice and prepared! Thank you for the wonderful experience ❤️ Esma H2024-12-04Verified I highly recommend RIOBA safari RIOBA was very nice and patient with me he was there to listen and meet all my needs from the planing and he made sure I got the accommodation i wanted, and our safari was very well organized, We are so happy we decided to do it . We are Tanzania we never imagine the experience will be this Amazing. We feel like we were missing out on the Safari experience. Our guide Eric was very knowledgeable and very attentive. My Aunt hurt her leg and he was so thoughtful and always there to help her and make things easy for her .He made our trip so memorable . Thank you for the Amazing experience we will be back again !Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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