Zanzibar beach extension
A few slow days on Zanzibar after safari: Stone Town, white-sand beaches and coral reefs, a short flight from Arusha. A beach stay, not a safari, and a good way to end the trip.
The beach after the bush
After days of early starts and dusty roads, a few nights on Zanzibar give you time to slow down. It's a beach extension, not a safari: warm Indian Ocean water, coral reefs, seafood and the old streets of Stone Town. Most travellers fly over from Arusha or Kilimanjaro after their last game drive.
Our Zanzibar page covers the island in detail.
Who it suits
Almost everyone. Honeymooners finish here, families let children run on the sand after days in the vehicle, and climbers rest after Kilimanjaro. If you'd rather keep watching wildlife, put the extra days into the parks instead.
What to expect
Most stays start with a night in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to walk the alleys, see the carved doors and eat at the Forodhani Gardens food stalls in the evening. Then you move to the coast.
Which coast matters:
- North (Nungwi and Kendwa): less tidal, so you can swim most of the day. Livelier.
- East (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe): long, quiet beaches with a big tidal range. Kitesurfing around Paje in the windy months.
- South-east (Michamvi): quieter, with sheltered beaches.
Days are yours. Snorkelling trips to Mnemba Atoll, a spice farm visit, the red colobus monkeys of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, or nothing at all.
Comfort levels
At comfort level, you stay in good beach hotels with a pool and direct beach access, and a small hotel in Stone Town. At luxury level, there are smaller resorts, private villas and boutique townhouse hotels in Stone Town. The beach is the same either way.
Practical considerations
- Nights: three to five is the sweet spot; honeymooners often stay longer.
- Season: June to October and December to March are best. April and May bring the long rains, and some hotels close.
- Dress: Zanzibar is mostly Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages.
- Flights: light aircraft have luggage limits, so pack in soft bags.
The 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar shows how a safari and beach stay fit together, and our honeymoon safari page has ideas for couples.
Tell us how many nights you'd like on the plan your safari page and we'll add Zanzibar to your route.
Journeys with this experience
Where it happens
Questions travellers ask
How do we get from the safari to Zanzibar?
Most travellers take a scheduled flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar after their last game drive. Some itineraries fly direct from a Serengeti airstrip, which saves the drive back to Arusha. On arrival, a transfer takes you to Stone Town or your beach hotel. Light aircraft have luggage limits, so soft bags are best.
Is Zanzibar worth it after a safari?
For most travellers, yes. Safaris involve early starts and long drives, and a few days on the beach give you time to rest and take in the trip. Stone Town adds history and food quite different from the parks. If you'd rather spend every day with wildlife, though, extra nights in the Serengeti are the better choice.
Which part of Zanzibar is best after a safari?
It depends on how you like to spend beach days. The north, around Nungwi and Kendwa, is best for swimming at any time because the tides have less effect. The east coast is quieter, with long beaches but a big tidal range. Many travellers start with a night in Stone Town, then move to the coast.
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