Zanzibar: beach paradise or tourist trap?

Zanzibar is a stunning beach destination. For many travellers, it feels like the perfect ending to their Tanzanian holiday. And it can be, if you know what to expect.

Besides being beautiful, Zanzibar is busy. Over the years, the island has become increasingly crowded, with new hotels, resorts, and construction projects shaping parts of the coastline. Does that mean you shouldn’t go? Not necessarily. In this blog, we’ll help you decide if Zanzibar is right for you, we share our tips on avoiding the crowds, and show you how you won't need a package trip to enjoy the island.

Prefer something more off the beaten track? We’ll also share a beautiful coastal road trip in Tanzania you might not have heard of yet.

Women swimming in the Zanzibar ocean

Travelling from Tanzania’s mainland to Zanzibar

Tropical Zanzibar is just a hop away from the mainland of Tanzania. And you don’t need a package deal to get there. Here’s how to travel to Zanzibar independently:

Fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (close to Moshi)

Quick, easy, and the most convenient option.
If you’re following one of our self-drive itineraries - like the 10-day Northern Circuit - flying to Zanzibar is the easiest next step. Domestic airlines like Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, Regional Air and Air Excel offer daily flights to Zanzibar. Most routes take under 90 minutes and are easy to book online.

Take a ferry from Dar es Salaam

Budget-friendly and a great local experience.
Following our 3-week Bush to Beach route? You can end your trip in Dar es Salaam and continue to Zanzibar by ferry. Ferries leave daily from Sokoine Drive. The journey takes around 2.5 hours, and tickets cost about USD 40. Check Azam Marine or Fast Ferries for current schedules and prices.

Book a private speedboat

A fun option if you're staying in Pangani or Ushongo Bay.
You can take a transfer in a private speedboat from Ushongo Bay (Tanzania mainland) to Kendwa Beach in northern Zanzibar. Emayani Beach Lodge owns good speedboats, and travel time is around 1.5 hours.

Sail like a local

Up for an adventure?
Catch a traditional dhow from Bagamoyo for just USD 2. It’s slow, rustic, and absolutely unique, but don’t expect luxury or a timetable. This is for the true explorers.

Some extra travel advice:

Book your flight or ferry in advance, especially during peak season. And don’t forget to check on your visa and vaccinations before entering Tanzania.

Important travel requirement: As of October 1st, 2024, all non-residents visiting Zanzibar must have Inbound Travel Insurance issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. You can find more details on the official government website here.

What is the best time to visit Zanzibar and Tanzania?

Zanzibar has a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round, usually between 25°C and 32°C. But while it’s always warm, some months are better for travel than others.

The dry season, from June to October, is ideal. Skies are clear, humidity is low, and it's perfect for both safaris and beach time. These months are also great for kitesurfing along the east coast of Zanzibar, thanks to steady winds.
From November to February, you can expect hotter, more humid days and occasional rain showers, especially in November and December. These are usually short and unpredictable, and the sun often comes back quickly. January and February are typically dry and very warm, making it another good time to visit, especially for beach lovers and kite surfers.
March to May brings the long rains. It’s the wettest time of year, with heavy showers and high humidity. While travel is still possible, some lodges and camps close during this period, and road conditions can be tricky in remote areas.

So, when's the best time to go to Zanzibar and Tanzania? For sunshine and easy travel, June to October is your safest bet. Prefer fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation and don’t mind a shower now and then? Consider travelling in the shoulder season around November or February.

Planning a safari too? Read our full blog on the best time to visit Tanzania.

What is there to do in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar has something for everyone, from culture and food to snorkelling and beach life. The island is quite small, and you don’t need your own car to explore it. Taxis and tuk-tuks are easy to arrange, and most travellers pick one or two areas as a base to explore from.

Things to do in Zanzibar:

Wander through Stone Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with culture, history, rooftop restaurants, and hidden alleys. We recommend staying here for two to three days.
Kitesurf in Paje – one of the world’s best spots, with steady winds from June to August and December to February.
Snorkel or dive at Mnemba Atoll – some of the island’s best reef life, accessible from Matemwe.
Go on a sunset dhow cruise – traditional sailing with a cold drink in hand.
Visit a spice farm – Zanzibar is called the Spice Island for a reason.
Take a trip to Jozani Forest – the only place where you can see the rare red colobus monkey.
Unwind – Zanzibar is all about slowing down. Take your shoes off, order a fresh juice, and relax.

Zanzibar beaches: where to go (and where to avoid crowds)

Busy, but with the best all-day beaches:

Nungwi & Kendwa (North coast)

Clear water and no tides. Great for swimming any time
Nungwi is lively and social, with beach bars and a party vibe
Kendwa is more mellow, with larger resorts and families
Ideal if you want comfort and don’t mind sharing the beach

Relaxed and low-key beaches:

Paje & Jambiani (Southeast coast)

Paje is hip, active and one of our favourite destinations on Zanzibar. Think beach cafés, kite schools, and digital nomads
Jambiani is quieter and more local, with small guesthouses on the sand
Both are great for kitesurfing and escaping big crowds

Peaceful and authentic beaches:

Matemwe (Northeast)

Laid-back and less developed
Ideal base for snorkelling and diving at Mnemba Island

Kizimkazi (South)

A small fishing village with very few tourists
Calm atmosphere and a chance to spot dolphins (choose responsible operators)

Where to stay in Zanzibar?

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Zanzibar. From rustic beach huts to boutique lodges, these are some of Roadtrip Africa's personal favourites:

Stone Town

Kholle House (mid-range) – Charming and full of history
Emerson on Hurumzi (mid-range) – Famous rooftop dinners with a view
Kisiwa House (luxury) – Timeless elegance in the heart of the old town

Nungwi

Flame Tree Cottages (mid-range) – Peaceful spot tucked away from the buzz

Paje

Kisiwa on the Beach (luxury) – Upscale beachfront with great design
Aluna Paje (mid-range) – Casual, friendly, and close to the kitesurf action

Jambiani

Sharazad (luxury) – Stylish eco-lodge with serious beach appeal
Belvedere (mid-range) – Cosy, with sea views and great value

Matemwe

Utupoa (budget) – Simple, quiet, and right by the sea

Kizimkazi

Promised Land Lodge (budget) – Rustic charm with ocean sunsets

How to best combine a safari in Tanzania with Zanzibar?

The magic of Tanzania already starts before you arrive at the beach. To truly experience the country - not just the beaches and national parks, but the landscapes, local life and lesser-known gems - we believe the best way to travel is by taking a road trip.

Luckily, it’s surprisingly easy to combine a road trip in Tanzania with a visit to Zanzibar. Most travellers end their trip with a few beach days, and we agree that Zanzibar is best saved for last. You can fly directly to the island from safari hubs like Arusha and Kilimanjaro or hop on the ferry from Dar es Salaam.

Not sure where to begin planning? We’ve created a few routes which you can explore as a self-drive, or together with one of our experienced local driver-guides.

10-Day Northern Circuit. Classic safari highlights like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with lodges or camping.
Explore the route →
2 Weeks Off the Beaten Track. For the curious and adventurous. Lesser-known parks, cultural stops, and wild places few tourists reach.
Explore the route →
3 Weeks Bush to Beach. A full overland adventure from safari plains to the Swahili coast. Ending in Dar es Salaam, just a ferry ride away from Zanzibar.
Explore the route →

Want something less touristy? Discover Tanzania’s coastline

Zanzibar is beautiful, no doubt. But if you’re looking for something more authentic and less crowded, consider Pemba Island or the Tanzanian mainland coast instead. It’s also stunning, and still wonderfully untouched.

Imagine this: empty beaches, traditional dhow boats gliding by and sleepy Swahili towns. No big resorts. No crowds. Just a handful of laid-back lodges and an easygoing rhythm. That’s the Tanzanian coast.

The perfect trip along the coast
We’re big fans of driving the coast in a 4x4. It’s part of what makes our Bush to Beach self-drive tour so special. After your safari road trip, you descend from the cool Usambara Mountains and slowly wind your way down the Indian Ocean. Along the way, you’ll pass through Tanga, explore quiet beaches like Kigombe and Ushongo Bay, and end your journey in Bagamoyo: a historic Swahili town that once welcomed explorers like Livingstone and Stanley.

From there, it’s just a short drive to Dar es Salaam, where you can return your 4x4 and either fly home or, if you’re still craving island vibes, hop on the ferry to Zanzibar.

Why we love Tanzania’s mainland coast:

Unspoilt beaches – Think palm trees, soft sand, and no beach clubs.
Authentic villages – Meet locals, visit fish markets, and explore real Swahili life.
Budget-friendly – Prices are much lower than in Zanzibar, and the experience is far more personal.
Easy to combine with a road trip – You don’t need to fly. Just drive along the coast and soak it all in.

So... Zanzibar: paradise or tourist trap?

Honestly? A bit of both. Zanzibar is absolutely stunning. But it’s also busy, especially in the popular beach areas. When you organise your own Zanzibar trip (instead of a package deal), you can choose your preferred beach spots and stay away from the grand-scale resorts. We hope this blog helps you to plan and explore the real Zanzibar, as a stay on this island can absolutely be the tropical ending your trip deserves.

But it’s not your only option.

If you’re dreaming of empty beaches and a more authentic experience, Tanzania’s mainland coast might just surprise you. And the good news: you don’t have to choose between safari and sea. With a self-drive road trip, you can have it all.

We know Tanzania like the back of our hand. From the Serengeti to Bagamoyo, and yes, Zanzibar too. Want help planning your route, or unsure what fits your travel style? Get in touch! We’re here to help you build the road trip that’s right for you.

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