7 Days • 6 Nights
Zanzibar Family Holiday: Beaches, Tortoises & Spices
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The powder-white beaches and warm turquoise seas are perfect for family fun. Zanzibar's powder-white beaches and warm, turquoise seas are wonderful for families. The children swim, splash and play in the warm sea and build sandcastles on the soft white sand, and the north-coast beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa) are ideal for swimming at all tides. The beaches and sea are perfect. Relaxing on the powder-white beaches and swimming in the warm turquoise seas, building sandcastles on the soft sand, is a perfect and joyful highlight for the whole family in Zanzibar.
- Meeting giant tortoises and red colobus monkeys delights children. Zanzibar teems with wonderful wildlife for families. The children meet giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island, some over a century old, which they can often feed and touch, and see the playful, rare red colobus monkeys leaping through the trees of Jozani Forest, wonderful, memorable encounters. The tortoises and monkeys delight all ages. Meeting giant tortoises on Prison Island and seeing playful red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest delights children, a wonderful highlight for the whole family in Zanzibar.
- Snorkelling vibrant reefs amid dolphins and turtles is a magical family highlight. Zanzibar's warm, clear seas offer beautiful, safe snorkelling. The family snorkels together over vibrant coral reefs teeming with clouds of colourful fish and turtles, often on a dhow trip to Mnemba amid playful dolphins, an easy, beautiful and thrilling underwater adventure children love. The reefs and dolphins are magical. Snorkelling vibrant reefs teeming with colourful fish and turtles, amid playful dolphins on a dhow trip to Mnemba, is a magical and joyful highlight for the whole family in Zanzibar.
- Atmospheric Stone Town and a fragrant spice tour fascinate children. The family explores atmospheric Stone Town, a labyrinth of historic lanes, carved doors and bazaars, like stepping into an exotic storybook, and tours a fragrant spice plantation, smelling, tasting and touching the cloves, vanilla and cinnamon, a fascinating, hands-on adventure for children. The history and spices fascinate. Exploring atmospheric Stone Town and a fragrant spice plantation, a hands-on adventure of scents and flavours, fascinates children, a wonderful highlight for the whole family in Zanzibar.
- Dhow sails, sandbanks and warm Swahili charm add exotic adventure. The family enjoys exotic adventures, sailing traditional dhows on the turquoise sea, relaxing on pristine sandbanks, and experiencing the warm Swahili culture and delicious food, adding exotic charm and a sense of adventure children love. The dhows and charm are wonderful. Sailing traditional dhows, relaxing on pristine sandbanks, and experiencing warm Swahili charm adds exotic adventure, a wonderful highlight for the whole family in Zanzibar.
- Above all, this journey offers an exotic, beautiful and adventure-filled family holiday on the Spice Island. Zanzibar is a wonderful, exotic family destination, packed with beaches, wildlife and adventures. Over seven days your family relaxes on powder-white beaches, snorkels vibrant reefs amid dolphins, meets giant tortoises and red colobus monkeys, and explores atmospheric Stone Town and a fragrant spice plantation, all wrapped in warm Swahili charm and delicious food. The combination of beautiful beaches, giant tortoises, monkeys, vibrant reefs and exotic culture makes Zanzibar a wonderful family destination. For a family seeking an exotic, beautiful and adventure-filled holiday on the enchanting Spice Island.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your Zanzibar family holiday begins as your flight arrives at Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, where the whole family is met and transferred to your hotel in atmospheric Stone Town. Zanzibar, the exotic Spice Island, is packed with beaches, wildlife and adventures for families, and the atmosphere is immediately captivating. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, taking a first stroll through the historic lanes to the seafront, and, in the evening, sampling the famous Forodhani night market, with its grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza and spiced treats children love, as dhows are silhouetted against the sunset. As the family settles in, the exotic charm of Zanzibar begins an unforgettable holiday. Rest well, ready to explore Stone Town, giant tortoises and monkeys tomorrow.
Today the family enjoys wonderful wildlife adventures. You take a boat to Prison Island (Changuu), home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old, which children can often feed and touch, and snorkel the reefs, a wonderful, memorable encounter. You visit Jozani Forest, home to the playful, rare red colobus monkeys, seeing them leap through the trees, and walking the mangrove boardwalk. The tortoises and monkeys delight the whole family. As the day ends, you return to Stone Town. This evening, savour Swahili cuisine at the Forodhani market or a restaurant. Rest well, the children full of stories of giant tortoises and monkeys, ready to explore Stone Town and spices tomorrow.
Today the family explores Stone Town and a fragrant spice plantation, then journeys to the beach. You take a walking tour of atmospheric Stone Town, a labyrinth of historic lanes, carved doors and bazaars, like an exotic storybook, and tour a fragrant spice plantation, smelling, tasting and touching the cloves, vanilla and cinnamon, a fun, hands-on adventure, with a spiced meal. You then transfer to the north coast, home to beautiful beaches ideal for swimming at all tides. The history, spices and beach delight the family. As the sun sets over the ocean, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, dine on Swahili cuisine. Rest well by the turquoise sea, the children full of spice-tour adventures, ready for beach and reef fun tomorrow.
Today the family enjoys the beautiful beach and vibrant reefs. The children swim, splash and play in the warm, turquoise sea and build sandcastles on the powder-white sand, and the family snorkels together over vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish and turtles, straight from the beach or on a boat trip, an easy, beautiful adventure children love. You enjoy gentle water sports and the beauty of the Spice Island. The beach and reefs delight all ages. As the sun sets over the ocean, you savour the glorious colours together. This evening, dine on Swahili cuisine. Rest well by the turquoise sea, the children full of fun, ready to snorkel Mnemba and see dolphins tomorrow.
Today the family enjoys a magical dhow trip to snorkel Mnemba and see dolphins. You take a traditional dhow or boat to Mnemba Atoll, where the family snorkels together over vibrant coral reefs teeming with clouds of colourful fish and turtles, often amid playful dolphins that come to swim and play, a magical adventure children love, in the warm, crystal-clear turquoise water, with a barbecue lunch. The reefs and dolphins delight the whole family. As the day ends, you return to your resort, the children full of stories of dolphins and turtles. As the sun sets over the ocean, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, dine on Swahili cuisine. Rest well by the turquoise sea, ready for a final day of beach fun tomorrow.
Today the family enjoys a final, relaxed day of beach fun. The whole day is yours to enjoy the beautiful beach, the children swimming and snorkelling in the warm turquoise sea, building sandcastles, and playing on the powder-white sand, while parents relax in blissful serenity. You might take a dhow trip to a pristine sandbank, enjoy water sports, or take a sunset dhow cruise. It is the perfect relaxed, fun day for the whole family. As the sun sets over the ocean, you savour the glorious colours together. This evening, enjoy a final family dinner, savouring delicious Swahili cuisine, reflecting on your exotic island holiday. Rest well by the turquoise sea, the whole family full of happy memories.
After a final, relaxed morning by the turquoise sea, perhaps a last swim or snorkel, the family is transferred to Zanzibar's airport for your onward departure. The family leaves deeply relaxed and full of happy memories, having enjoyed the exotic Spice Island, the powder-white beaches and turquoise seas, the giant tortoises and red colobus monkeys, the vibrant reefs amid dolphins, and atmospheric Stone Town and fragrant spices. The memories stay vivid long after you land, the giant tortoises, the playful monkeys, the colourful reefs and dolphins, the powder-white beaches, and the exotic charm of Stone Town. Zanzibar offers an exotic, beautiful and adventure-filled family holiday, and you depart together, treasuring the shared memories, and already dreaming of a return to the enchanting Spice Island, perhaps combined next time with a mainland safari.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation (Stone Town bed and breakfast, beach half board)
- Airport and island transfers
- Tours and excursions as per itinerary with local guides
- Services of expert local guides as per itinerary
- , a Stone Town and spice tour, a Prison Island tortoise visit, a Jozani Forest monkey excursion, and a Mnemba snorkelling trip
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some meals (or upgrade to all-inclusive at the beach)
- Optional excursions, water sports and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and most nationalities need a Tanzania visa, easily obtained as an eVisa online before travel or on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. A yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever country. We confirm the current process and help arrange the eVisa
- Health & malaria: Malaria is present in Zanzibar, so anti-malarial prophylaxis and insect repellent are strongly recommended; consult a travel clinic well ahead and ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Drink bottled or treated water, take sensible precautions, and carry comprehensive travel insurance including medical cover
- Currency: The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are very widely accepted (bring newer notes), and cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments. Carry some cash for markets, Stone Town, tips and small purchases; ATMs are available in Stone Town and main towns
- Best time to visit: The long dry season (June to October) is the most popular, with warm, sunny, less humid weather ideal for beaches and touring; December to February is hot and dry too. The long rains (March to May) and short rains (November) bring heavier showers, though beaches remain warm; it is warm year-round
- Dress & culture: Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim, conservative island with a rich Swahili culture; modest dress is important in Stone Town and villages (cover shoulders and knees; women may carry a scarf), while beachwear is fine at beach resorts. Respect local customs, especially during Ramadan, and always ask before photographing people
- Beaches & tides: The north-coast beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa) offer the best swimming at all tides; the beautiful east-coast beaches (Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu) have a large tidal range, so swimming is best around high tide, with seaweed farming and kitesurfing at low tide. We advise on the best beach and coast for your priorities
- Getting around: Touring is by private vehicle with your guide or driver; Stone Town is explored on foot, and dhow and boat trips reach the reefs, sandbanks and Mnemba. Zanzibar is reached by short flight or ferry from Dar es Salaam, or by direct international flights. We arrange all transfers, tours and any mainland-safari connections
- Alcohol & power: Alcohol is available at hotels, resorts and tourist restaurants (less so in local areas, out of respect for Islamic custom). Power is 230V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Swahili is the language and English is widely spoken in tourism; the warmth of Swahili hospitality is a joy of a visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zanzibar suitable for families with children?
Wonderfully so, and it is wonderfully exotic. Zanzibar offers beautiful beaches and warm, safe seas for children to swim and snorkel, plus fascinating adventures, giant tortoises to feed on Prison Island, red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, snorkelling amid dolphins at Mnemba, atmospheric Stone Town and hands-on spice tours, and warm Swahili culture. Note malaria is present, so anti-malarial precautions are important. We choose family-friendly resorts and tailor the pace and activities to your children's ages, for a safe, exotic and fun family holiday.
Can Zanzibar be combined with a family safari?
Absolutely, and it makes the ultimate family bush-and-beach holiday. Zanzibar pairs perfectly with a family-friendly mainland Tanzania safari, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and more, combining thrilling wildlife, lions, elephants and giraffes, with the beautiful beaches, tortoises, monkeys and reefs of Zanzibar. It is an unforgettable combination for families, linked by short flights. We arrange a seamless, family-friendly safari-and-Zanzibar journey, tailoring the balance and pace to your children's ages, for a magical family adventure.
What meals are included?
This depends on the board basis chosen (bed and breakfast, half board, full board or all-inclusive), which we tailor to you and your resort. Many Zanzibar beach resorts offer half board or all-inclusive, while Stone Town is ideal for exploring the wonderful Swahili food scene, from the Forodhani night market to Swahili restaurants. Zanzibari cuisine is delicious, fresh seafood, fragrant spiced curries, coconut and tropical fruit, and we advise on the best board basis and dining.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Tours can be arranged privately, with your own guide and vehicle or boat, for flexibility and depth, or as shared/group excursions for value; we tailor this to you. Zanzibar's knowledgeable guides bring Stone Town's history, the spice plantations, the reefs and the culture vividly to life. Many highlights, from the spice tour and Stone Town walk to Safari Blue and Mnemba snorkelling, are easily and rewardingly arranged.
Do I need a visa and vaccinations for Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and most nationalities need a Tanzania visa (eVisa online or on arrival). Malaria is present, so anti-malarial prophylaxis and repellent are strongly recommended, and a yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from an endemic country. We confirm the current visa and health requirements for your nationality, help arrange the eVisa, and advise on precautions, so you travel prepared and reassured.
Is Zanzibar safe to visit?
Zanzibar is a welcoming island popular with visitors, and travel here is rewarding, with warm Swahili hospitality. Standard precautions apply, as anywhere: dress modestly in Stone Town and villages out of respect, take care with valuables, use trusted guides and drivers (as we arrange), and follow local advice. We monitor conditions and choose reputable resorts and operators. The warmth of the Zanzibari welcome is one of the joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
The long dry season (June to October) is the most popular, with warm, sunny, less humid weather ideal for beaches, Stone Town and reefs; December to February is also hot and dry. The long rains (March to May) and short rains (November) bring heavier showers, though it stays warm. We advise on the best timing for your interests, whether beaches, diving, or combining with a mainland safari (excellent June to October).
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can combine Stone Town, the spice plantations, and the north or east beaches in any way, add Mnemba snorkelling, Safari Blue, kitesurfing, Jozani Forest, a dhow cruise, and combine Zanzibar with a mainland Tanzania safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) for the classic bush-and-beach holiday. Every Zanzibar journey is tailored to you, matching the beaches, resorts, culture and experiences to create your ideal Swahili-coast escape.
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