Suggested Tours for Zanzibar
Zanzibar Island Highlights
This three-centre Zanzibar trip takes you to some very special properties on the south west coast - Fumba Beach Lodge, Unguja Lodge and Swahili House, in the centre of Stone Town.Highlights are the diving and snorkelling at both Fumba and Unguja, the transfer between beach lodges by dhow and the unique Arabian influence of Stone Town's old quarter.This trip is all about romance and rediscoveri...
Zanzibar - Three Island Delight
This three-centre Zanzibar holiday takes you to a superb selection of beach destinations;Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar Archipelago,Chumbe a tiny coral island just 6 km off the Stone Town coast, and finallyMafia, the biggest island in the Mafia Archipelago.The holiday begins in Zanzibar’s historic capital, Stone Town, where you explore on foot with a private guide and spend one nigh...
Kenya Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Itinerary Highlights
- Big Five Safari in the Masai Mara
- Down time on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar
- Walking tour of Stone Town
Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Coast
Itinerary Highlights
- Enjoy your first few days on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar
- Search for big game in the vast Selous National Park
- End off with some down time relaxing on Tanzania's coast
Best Time To Visit Zanzibar
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Quick Country Facts
Time Zone:GMT +3 hours
Captial:Zanzibar City
Currency:Tanzanian Shilling
Temperature:20 -31°
Why visit Zanzibar?
The Zanzibar Archipelago lies just 35 km offshore from Dar es Salaam, and the combination of fabulous beaches, distinctive culture, and excellent diving makes it a blissful place to unwind after a safari.
These islands have lured travellers for two millennia. Persian and Omani sultans, followed by Portuguese merchants, made this the slave- and spice-trading capital of the world. The spice trade still flourishes, with clove and coconut plantations covering the interior. However, in the last decade tourism has emerged as a major commercial activity on these islands.
Zanzibar's History
Lying on the main route of the monsoon winds, Zanzibar became an important trading centre between China, India and Africa. In addition, the island’s own plantations have supplied the world with aromatic spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon ever since they were discovered by Arab traders in the 8th century.
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Zanzibar was ruled by the Sultanate of Oman and in 1840 Zanzibar City (now Stone Town) was declared its capital. During this period, Zanzibar became an important centre of the slave trade, trafficking up to 20,000 slaves per year in the mid- 19th century. David Livingstone made Zanzibar a base for his East African explorations and campaigned for an end to this foul trade.
The British made Zanzibar a protectorate in 1890, still ruled by the sultan. Zanzibar was granted independence at the end of 1963. A bloody uprising followed; more than 17,000 Arabs and Indians were massacred in one night. The 1963 revolution was led by Africans and in 1964 the country merged with neighbouring Tanganika to form the new nation of Tanzania, although both states remained separate entities with their own governments, supported by the Soviet bloc.
Tourism in Zanzibar
In the 1980s Zanzibar again opened up to the West and began to promote itself as a tourism destination. Revenue from holidays to Zanzibar is now second only to clove production in its contribution to the GDP.
Stone Town, with its bazaars, mosques, and winding streets, is the cultural heart of Zanzibar, and no visit is complete without spending some time exploring this fascinating city. We can include a guided city tour on any of our tailor-made Zanzibar holidays. Its often convenient to spend a night in Stone Town if you arrive in the early evening or have an early morning flight. See a selection of Stone Town hotels here.
There are many exceptional beaches in Zanzibar with the beaches on the east coast recognised as some of the best, even more beautiful than they appear on postcards and in travel brochures. The sand here is brilliant white and powder fine, and stretches from Nungwi, at the northern tip of the island to Chwaka.
To the north of Zanzibar, the verdant island of Pemba remains largely undeveloped and unchanged. Pemba has miles of glorious, deserted beaches, but few tourists visit the island. Read more about Pemba Island holidays.
Zanzibar Holidays - Safari & Beach
Easy flight connections from Dar es Salaam and Nairobi mean that an East African safari can be combined with a holiday to Zanzibar.
Where to go in Zanzibar
What Our Clients Say
Craig, We had a fantastic holiday, thank you. Missing the river trip in Entebbe was obviously a bit disappointing, but that was just an unfortunate problem from Kenya Airways and you dealt with the situation well for us. All of our accommodation was great. We were really impressed with the Heaven r...
Even after a few flight delays from Heathrow due to a storm, I felt reassured once I had made contact with Rainbow Tours who made sure that everything was sorted and it was, to great satisfaction. I cannot compliment the local guides enough. . A brilliant experience all round and i will reccomend th...
John and I just wanted to say a big 'thank you' for arranging the itinerary for our Golden Wedding. The whole trip was absolutely delightful. The guide kind, helpful and knowledgeable and the camps and lodges you chose equally interesting. Also nearly everything worked out to plan, which ...
We had a simply wonderful; time and would like to thank you for your help in making it so good. We had many ‘WOW’ moments but we particularly will never forget the whole ‘Siwandu experience’ and being shown into the baobab suite at Fumba. We would not hesitate to recommend yo...
We can honestly say that the service we received from Rainbow Tours could not be bettered. (As in previous experiences) Rob had taken very much on board what we would like to have and matched both location and accommodation perfectly. He showed patience and understanding while arrangements for the h...
The whole trip was brilliant, only two bad things where the late pick up from Zanzibar airport and the slow service at mealtimes - but in Africa, African time is what we have come to expect. In all though it was absolutely first class – the safari, Matemwe Beach and the hotel in Stone Town all...
Thanks for organizing such a brilliant trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar. Our guides were absolutely fabulous. We spotted 2 leopards on the first day and in the days that followed we saw many more predators! The lodges were superb without exception. One should not overlook the essential role that [Rainb...
Our holiday could not have been better.
All guides [in Tanzania and Zanzibar] were excellent, particularly at Selous Safari Camp, (the Rainbow Tours representative in Zanzibar) were also very helpful.
Thanks for all your help - Fab holiday. Everyone who drove us in Tanzania and Zanzibar were charming.
You put together a great trip for us! Thank you.
An outstanding holiday!
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Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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