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Zanzibar

Africa's spice island where turquoise meets history

Best Time to Visit
June — Oct & Dec — Feb
Budget Per Person
$2,500 — $12,000+
Flight From Dubai
~5.5 hours
Visa
Visa on Arrival (USD 50 — UAE residents)
Currency
TZS (Tanzanian Shilling) & USD
Languages
Swahili & English

Curated Experiences

Hand-picked moments that define luxury in Zanzibar

Ancient carved doors and coral stone buildings along the narrow alleys of Stone Town, Zanzibar

Stone Town UNESCO & Spice Farm Tour

Explore the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Omani, Arabic, Indian and Swahili influences converge in ornate carved doors, coral-stone mansions and the atmospheric Old Fort. Complete the day at a working spice plantation, plucking cloves, vanilla pods, cardamom and cinnamon fresh from the source in a sensory tour unlike any other.

Locals and visitors at the famous Forodhani Night Market waterfront in Stone Town, Zanzibar

Prison Island & Giant Tortoises

A short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island (Changuu) is home to a colony of magnificent Aldabra giant tortoises — some over 100 years old and entirely tame. Explore the atmospheric ruins of the 19th-century slave holding facility before snorkelling the rich coral garden surrounding the island on your return.

Pristine Nakupenda sandbank rising from turquoise Indian Ocean waters near Zanzibar

Nakupenda Sandbank Picnic

At low tide, a pristine white sandbank emerges from the Indian Ocean south of Stone Town — Nakupenda, meaning 'I love you' in Swahili. Unmatched Journeys arranges a private dhow transfer to this ephemeral paradise, where a curated champagne picnic awaits on the sand surrounded by nothing but crystal-clear sea and open sky.

Aerial view of Mnemba Atoll coral reef and crystal-clear blue water off Zanzibar's northeast coast

Mnemba Atoll Snorkelling & Diving

Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve on Zanzibar northeast coast is one of East Africa premier dive sites — a protected reef teeming with green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, hawksbill turtles, manta rays, and an extraordinary diversity of tropical fish. Both expert divers and first-time snorkellers find the crystal visibility and calm, warm waters utterly enchanting.

The Rock restaurant rising from the Indian Ocean at high tide near Michanvi Pingwe beach, Zanzibar

The Rock Restaurant & Kendwa Sunsets

The Rock — perched dramatically on a coral outcrop in the Indian Ocean at Michanvi Pingwe — is Zanzibar most iconic dining venue, accessible by boat at high tide and on foot at low tide. Pair a memorable dinner here with a golden-hour cocktail at Kendwa Beach, where Zanzibar most spectacular sunsets paint the horizon nightly and the party continues well into the night.

Traditional wooden dhow sailing at sunset on the Indian Ocean off Zanzibar

Traditional Dhow Sunset Cruise

There is no more romantic way to end a Zanzibar day than aboard a traditional hand-carved dhow, watching the sun dissolve into the Indian Ocean in a blaze of copper and rose. Unmatched Journeys arranges private dhow charters with sundowners, fresh seafood, and the gentle lapping of warm ocean water as your soundtrack.

Sample Itineraries

Customizable journeys tailored to your travel style

3 Days

Stone Town & Beach Escape

Perfect for Romantic Getaways
Day 1: Arrive at Zanzibar International Airport and transfer to Park Hyatt Zanzibar in the heart of Stone Town. Spend the afternoon on a private guided walk through the UNESCO-listed alleys, visiting the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the ornate carved-door mansions. Evening at the Forodhani waterfront night market.
Day 2: Morning boat excursion to Prison Island to meet the ancient Aldabra giant tortoises and snorkel the surrounding reef. Afternoon champagne picnic on the Nakupenda sandbank at low tide. Return to Stone Town for a rooftop sunset cocktail.
Day 3: Transfer north to Nungwi and check in to The Residence Zanzibar for a beachfront farewell. Afternoon at leisure on the powdery white sands, ending with a traditional dhow sunset cruise before an early morning transfer to the airport.
5 Days

Spice, Reef & Culture

Perfect for Cultural Explorers
Day 1: Arrive and settle into Park Hyatt Zanzibar. Private evening walking tour of Stone Town historic quarter, the former Sultan Palace and the evocative Slave Market memorial.
Day 2: Full-day spice farm tour in the island lush interior — harvest cloves, cardamom, vanilla and cinnamon with a local guide — then Prison Island for giant tortoises and coral snorkelling.
Day 3: Transfer to the northeast coast and Zuri Zanzibar resort. Afternoon snorkelling excursion to Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve — green turtles, dolphins and spectacular reef life.
Day 4: Full day at leisure on Nungwi Beach or an optional dive at Mnemba Atoll for certified divers. Sunset cocktails at Kendwa Beach followed by dinner at The Rock restaurant.
Day 5: Private dhow sunrise cruise along the Zanzibar coast before brunch and a leisurely transfer back to the airport.
7 Days

Ultimate Island Immersion

Perfect for Adventure & Wellness
Day 1: Arrive Zanzibar and check in to The Residence Zanzibar at Kizimkazi on the island southern tip. Afternoon at leisure on a private stretch of white sand beach.
Day 2: Morning dolphin-watching boat trip in Kizimkazi Bay — one of the world few places to reliably encounter spinner and bottlenose dolphins in the wild — followed by snorkelling on the nearby reef.
Day 3: Full-day Stone Town cultural immersion: UNESCO-guided walking tour, the House of Wonders museum, Persian Hammam, spice market and the Forodhani waterfront. Overnight at Park Hyatt Zanzibar.
Day 4: Private spice plantation tour in the island aromatic interior. Afternoon Nakupenda sandbank champagne picnic. Return to Stone Town for rooftop sundowners.
Day 5: Transfer north to Baraza Resort and Spa at Bwejuu on the east coast. Afternoon spa treatment with aromatic zanzibar spice oils, then a sunset dhow cruise along the coast.
Day 6: Full-day Mnemba Atoll snorkelling and dive expedition from the northeast coast. Turtles, mantas, spinner dolphins and kaleidoscopic reef life. Evening dinner at The Rock restaurant.
Day 7: Final morning yoga on the beach at Baraza, followed by a curated farewell brunch and transfer to Zanzibar International Airport.

Iconic Hotels & Stays

Where you'll rest your head in absolute luxury

The Residence Zanzibar

Ultra-Luxury Villa Resort
From $750/night
  • Private pool villas on a secluded white-sand beach
  • Two restaurants including curated Swahili dining
  • The Spa with traditional Zanzibar spice treatments
  • Infinity pool and beachfront sundeck
  • Complimentary non-motorised watersports

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

Five-Star Heritage Hotel
From $450/night
  • Iconic Stone Town location in a 19th-century coral building
  • Sea-view pool and rooftop terrace with panoramic vistas
  • The Living Room restaurant and award-winning bar
  • In-house spa and wellness treatments
  • Direct access to Stone Town's UNESCO heritage sites

Zuri Zanzibar

Boutique Eco-Luxury Resort
From $400/night
  • Secluded Kendwa beach with infinity pool over the ocean
  • Eco-conscious design with local stone and driftwood
  • Signature restaurant with fresh catch and local produce
  • Beach spa with open-air treatment pavilions
  • Ideal access point for Mnemba Atoll dives

Baraza Resort and Spa

Palace Luxury Resort
From $600/night
  • Arabesque-inspired architecture on Bwejuu beach
  • Private plunge pool villas with outdoor bathtubs
  • The Frangipani Spa with six treatment villas
  • Gourmet dining with East African and Arabian influences
  • Complimentary dhow excursions and watersports

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Zanzibar

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar? +
Zanzibar has two ideal seasons. The long dry season from June to October offers the calmest seas, clearest skies and best conditions for diving, snorkelling and beach relaxation — this is the most popular window for visitors. The short dry season from December to February brings warm temperatures and excellent visibility for underwater activities. Avoid the main rainy seasons of April to May and November when heavy showers are likely.
What does a luxury trip to Zanzibar cost? +
A curated luxury stay in Zanzibar typically ranges from $2,500 to $12,000+ per person for five to seven nights, depending on the resort and season. Properties like The Residence Zanzibar, Baraza Resort and Spa and Park Hyatt Zanzibar represent the premium tier, while the shoulder season (June and October) offers better value without sacrificing conditions. Unmatched Journeys structures packages to maximise your experience across every budget level.
What are the must-see attractions in Zanzibar? +
Stone Town's UNESCO World Heritage labyrinth of alleys, carved doors and historic palaces is essential. Beyond the city, the Nakupenda sandbank picnic, Prison Island's giant Aldabra tortoises, Mnemba Atoll's world-class reef, dinner at The Rock restaurant, and a traditional dhow sunset cruise are the signature Zanzibar experiences. A spice farm tour in the island's fragrant interior is also highly recommended.
Do UAE residents need a visa for Zanzibar? +
UAE residents and most Western passport holders obtain a visa on arrival at Zanzibar International Airport — currently USD 50 for most nationalities. The process is straightforward and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. UAE nationals with Emirati passports are also eligible for visa on arrival. Unmatched Journeys recommends confirming current requirements before travel, as regulations can change, and can assist with any documentation queries.
Is Zanzibar safe for travellers? +
Zanzibar is considered safe for tourists and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors annually without major incident. The island is calmer and less crime-affected than many mainland African cities. Standard precautions apply — avoid displaying valuables in busy areas, and respect local customs, particularly modest dress in Stone Town and near mosques. Unmatched Journeys provides 24/7 on-ground support and pre-departure safety briefings for all guests.
How do I get around Zanzibar? +
Private transfers are strongly recommended for comfort and flexibility. Taxis and dala-dalas (shared minibuses) operate across the island, but a private vehicle with driver is the most efficient way to travel between Stone Town, the north beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa), the northeast coast (Paje, Michanvi Pingwe), and the south (Kizimkazi, Bwejuu). Unmatched Journeys includes all ground transportation as part of curated itineraries.
What is the diving and snorkelling like in Zanzibar? +
Zanzibar offers some of the Indian Ocean finest underwater experiences. Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve — a protected no-fishing zone off the northeast coast — is the jewel: exceptional visibility, green and hawksbill turtles, spinner dolphins, manta rays, and a dazzling array of reef fish. The waters around Nungwi, Kendwa and Prison Island also offer rewarding snorkelling for all abilities. Water temperatures hover around 26 to 29 degrees Celsius year-round.
Can Unmatched Journeys plan a custom Zanzibar itinerary? +
Absolutely — crafting bespoke Zanzibar journeys is exactly what Unmatched Journeys does best. Our AI concierge Aria can start designing your perfect itinerary right now, from choosing between a romantic villa resort and a Stone Town cultural stay, to arranging private dhow charters, Mnemba Atoll dive packages, and exclusive sandbank picnics. Speak with Aria today and let us handle every exquisite detail of your Zanzibar escape.

Ready to Experience Zanzibar?

Let Aria craft your perfect luxury Zanzibar itinerary. From UNESCO Stone Town to Mnemba Atoll dives, private sandbank picnics and beachfront villa retreats, we handle every bespoke detail — simply tell Aria your vision.

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