Discover the allure of Zanzibar, an Indian Ocean Archipelago, 73km off the East African coast of Tanzania. The two largest islands are Unguja (Zanzibar) and Pemba. Zanzibar conjures up romantic images – the aroma of spices, the charm of narrow winding streets adorned with Arab chests and carved wooden doors, the beauty of its coral reefs, and its warm tropical waters and pristine sandy beaches. Zanzibar beckons as a paradise for both leisure travelers, and corporate meeting and incentive groups.

Best time to travel: June to October and December to February in the dry season, with lower humidity and less rainfall.

Best beaches: The best beaches are on the East coast, where a barrier reef protects the shoreline, and on the North of the island where tides do not affect swimming. The beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa stand out.

If you have 7 nights, we recommend 2 nights in Stone Town and 5 nights in a beach resort on the North of the Island. Stone Town is a 15 minute transfer from the airport while the beach resorts in the north are 1.5 hours away.

Stone Town Highlights

• Take a half-day walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the Sultans Palace, marvel in the Arabian architecture and carved wooden doors in the narrow cobbled streets and visit the spice market.
• Try local dishes such as biryani, octopus curry, urojo and mandazi cakes at local restaurants Lukmaan, Six Degrees South, The Beach House, Stone Town Café, Taarab and our favourite – Emerson Spice Tea House.
• In the evening, visit Forodhani Gardens where street food vendors wheel out their tables for you to enjoy a snack and a local brew.
• Take an excursion to visit Prison Island where you will see giant tortoises and the Jozani Forest where the Red Colobus monkeys live.
• Join a dolphin tour in Kizimkazi on the south coast and if you are lucky you may be able to snorkel/swim with the dolphins.
• Head out for a seafood lunch at the unique Rock Restaurant (1h30min)

Hotel recommendation: Park Hyatt (67 rooms) for corporate groups and The Neela boutique hotel (14 rooms) for private getaways.

Beach Resorts in the North

• Experience the best sunsets on the island on an evening cruise on a traditional Dhow or catamaran.
• Enjoy a Spice tour and delight your senses with cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, garlic, lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, vanilla, nutmeg, and more.
• Take a tour of the North visiting Kiwenga caves, Kinyasini village market, Nungwi fishing village and Kendwa beach.
• Head into the channel between Zanzibar and Pemba for some of the world’s best Big Game Fishing. You’ll find large schools of Barracuda, Wahoo, Kingfish and Giant Travelli and seasonal visits of Marlin (Nov-Mar) and Yellowfin Tuna (Jul-Nov).
• Scuba dive the beautiful coral gardens of Tumbatu Island, the unique marine life of Nungwi’s reefs and the stunning colorful wall dives of Mnemba Island.
• Beach resort activities such as snorkeling, swimming, spa, fine dining and beach games.

Hotel recommendation: Rui Palace (100 rooms) for corporate groups. Zuri Zanzibar (56 rooms) and Essque Zalu (49 rooms) for boutique getaways.

Zanzibar add-ons

• Mnemba Island. This is a private barefoot island paradise off the north-east coast of Zanzibar, accessed via a 1h30m road transfer from Zanzibar airport and then a 15 minute boat ride. The owners of the island, andBeyond Mnemba Lodge, have 12 exclusive Banda villas on the beach. There is a dive center, beach shop, private butler service, in-room wellness and yoga, al fresco dining locations, beach swimming, snorkeling and turtle hatching (May-Sep).
• Pemba island is 50km from Zanzibar. It is a a hidden gem with its local charm and untouched beauty, making it a haven for those seeking authenticity. Take a 30 minute flight from Zanzibar or 1h10m flight from Dar es Salaam. It has its own unique set of attractions such as flying foxes gliding through the evening skies, and the tranquil Ngezi Forest. The beaches are unspoilt and the scuba diving is world class. Stay at Fundu Lagoon (18 rooms) or Manta Resort (18 rooms) which also has a unique underwater room!
• Safari in Tanzania. Fly direct from Zanzibar to Seronera in the Serengeti, Arusha or Kilimanjaro. With so many safari options to witness the Big 5 wildlife, it is best to speak to the local travel experts African Quest Safaris.

Contact African Quest Safaris to plan an unforgettable incentive trip or tailor made holiday to the tropical haven of Zanzibar, where the essence of spice and the magic of the island awaits you.