Riu Palace Swahili

Jambo! This is the Swahili greeting that you will hear on arrival in Zanzibar from the warm and inviting locals. As the number one beach location in East Africa, Zanzibar is a wonderful beach holiday destination, with classic tropical beaches, lush plantations, an incredible history and a fascinating culture.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, Zanzibar’s Stone Town is a mishmash of cultures, languages and architecture. Over the centuries, Stone Town has grown from a small fishing village to a thriving town with an extraordinary history. Apart from historic Stone Town, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, Zanzibar is known for its beautiful palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs. Whether you spend your days lazing by the pool, sipping cocktails on the beach at sunset, diving in warm waters or enjoying a Dhow cruise around small islands, your Zanzibar holiday will be a memorable experience.

We love Zanzibar for its irresistible charm and exotic beauty. From exploring the unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences to indulging in the aromatic spices and delectable local cuisine, Zanzibar captivates the senses at every turn. Whether you seek relaxation on sun-kissed shores, thrilling underwater adventures, or a fascinating journey through history, Zanzibar promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Zanzibar is a few degrees south of the equator and enjoys a very tropical climate. The average daytime high is between 28°C and 32°C and the night-time lows are between 20°C and 25°C. Temperature wise, Zanzibar is an all-year-round island holiday destination. February is very hot and very humid (just leave your hair straightener at home!) and March to May are the wettest months.

The indigenous language spoken throughout Zanzibar is Swahili (called Kiswahili locally). English is widely spoken and understood. Jambo Rafiki – Hello my friend! The local currency in Zanzibar is Tanzania Shillings (TSH) but the currency cannot be bought outside of the country. Cash (US Dollars) and credit cards are accepted at hotels and at any Bureau de Change. We strongly recommend that you take USD cash in small denominations for incidental purchases, tips etc.

Effective from 01 October 2024 all visitors to Zanzibar are required to purchase mandatory insurance at a cost of $44 per person which can only be obtained through Zanzibar Insurance Corporation via their website https://visitzanzibar.go.tz

As Zanzibar is situated in a malaria zone, it is recommended that you consult your physician on the correct preventative medication required before you travel.

Be sure to pack plenty of beach and casual wear for the day while at night you’ll want something smart casual men may need to wear long pants. When in town, men and women should have their shoulders and knees covered. Bermuda shorts and a polo shirt are perfectly fine but halter-tops and miniskirts are insulting to locals. You may also want to take an umbrella or rain poncho if you’re travelling from March to June.