The Spice Island's capital, Stone Town, is a historic centre and World Heritage Site. Rich in history and culture, this jewel of an island capital consists of cobbled, tiny winding lanes lined with traders, crumbling palaces, and mosques giving the muezzins' call to prayer at daybreak. Stone Town is fascinating—a true Swahili and Arabic fuel for the senses.

Zanzibar, while well-known, is not tourist-saturated, and it offers stunning beaches for those who savour this idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago.  As described by Jeremy Clarkson, "If I'd been a Victorian explorer, I'd have thought, Sod it, I'll stay here".  He further described Zanzibar as having history and soul! The team at Safari Guru couldn't agree more; Zanzibar is a fantastic honeymoon, anniversary or family vacation destination and a great end to a safari on the mainland. There is plenty to do in Zanzibar, but diving remains a drawcard, with Pemba Island and Mafia Island being hotspots. Mafia Island is famous for its abundance of whale sharks from October to March.

In recent years, tourism has overtaken the spice trade in the economy, but these Islands retain a rustic charm. There are many places to relax, and plenty of fantastic accommodation options suit everyone's needs. Our favourite beach resorts,  Zuri Zanzibar and The Residence offer opulence and refined barefoot luxury. In contrast, others provide more lodge-style accommodation like those on the safari circuits, such as Kilindi and Mnemba Island Lodge. In addition, the boutique and exclusive Xanadu Villas offer complete personalised services and are typically all-inclusive, a top pick for Safari Guru for honeymoon vacations. Personal villas offer private chefs and an intimate, exclusive style accommodating two to six travellers. Safari Guru's preferred lodges and villas offer beautiful, pristine gardens and beachfront access.

For those seeking the culture and intrigue of the Island, a stay in enchanting Stone Town is a real treat. Here, you can choose accommodations to match your style and tastes. From the historic, unique, atmospheric 19th-century mansion, built-in Swahili-Arabian style boutique hotels of Emerson Spice to the equally charismatic, romantic, yet slightly more conventionally elegant Kisiwa House. Or the more luxurious beach/town retreat of the five-star Omani-styled Park Hyatt.  

Indeed, in our view, and depending on your holiday wishes, combining Stone Town and Beach Lodge is an absolute 'best of both worlds' option.

What experiences does Zanzibar Offer?

There is plenty of beach relaxation, cultural opportunities, spice tours, and fresh delicacies for foodies! The warm Indian Ocean offers spectacular, energetic fun, and the turquoise waters are perfect for diving, snorkelling, fishing, dhow sunset cruises, paddle boarding, and sport fishing! Visiting Zanzibar Island offers real food for the soul and a proper immersive break from the realities of the daily grind! Find out more ...

Contact Safari Guru for East African safari ideas, including Zanzibar, or learn more about Zanzibar Island Packages for your romantic adventure.