Zanzibar Vacations — The Spice Island of the Indian Ocean
Tanzania
Zanzibar is one of East Africa's most extraordinary destinations — a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania with a rich Swahili culture, a UNESCO World Heritage Stone Town, extraordinary spice plantations, pristine beaches, and some of the finest diving in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is often combined with a Tanzania safari for the ultimate East Africa experience.
Why Visit Zanzibar?
- ✓Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Swahili trading city
- ✓Spice tours — cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla plantations
- ✓Nungwi Beach — the most beautiful beach in Zanzibar
- ✓Mnemba Atoll — world-class diving and snorkelling
- ✓Jozani Forest — the home of the endemic Red Colobus monkey
Things to Do in Zanzibar
Wendy can arrange any of these experiences as part of your personalised itinerary.
Stone Town Walking Tour
Explore the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Stone Town — the Arab Fort, the House of Wonders, the Old Slave Market, and the extraordinary carved doors.
Spice Tour
Take a spice tour through Zanzibar's extraordinary plantations — smell and taste cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and dozens of other spices.
Nungwi Beach
Relax on the extraordinary Nungwi Beach — crystal-clear water, white sand, and a beautiful sunset dhow cruise.
Mnemba Atoll Diving
Dive or snorkel at the extraordinary Mnemba Atoll — one of the finest dive sites in the Indian Ocean, with dolphins, turtles, and extraordinary coral.
Jozani Forest
Visit the Jozani Forest — the home of the endemic Red Colobus monkey, found only in Zanzibar.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Take a sunset dhow cruise — a traditional Swahili sailing boat, with extraordinary views of the Indian Ocean at sunset.
Ready to book your Zanzibar trip?
Wendy handles flights, hotels, transfers, and experiences — all in one place.
Where to Eat in Zanzibar
Wendy's recommended restaurants — from fine dining to authentic local cuisine.
Iconic Seafood
The Rock Restaurant
One of the world's most photographed restaurants — perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean, accessible by boat at high tide, with extraordinary seafood.
Swahili Cuisine
Emerson Spice Rooftop Restaurant
A beautiful rooftop restaurant in Stone Town — exceptional Swahili cuisine with extraordinary views of the Indian Ocean.
Street Food
Forodhani Gardens Night Market
Stone Town's most vibrant street food market — Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood, and extraordinary local snacks.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar
Wendy has personal relationships with these properties and can often secure upgrades and exclusive rates.
Mnemba Island Lodge
LuxuryAn extraordinary private island resort — 12 bandas on a pristine island, exceptional diving, and world-class service.
Zuri Zanzibar
LuxuryA beautiful eco-luxury resort on the north coast — exceptional design, a pristine beach, and extraordinary service.
Emerson Spice Hotel
BoutiqueA beautifully restored historic mansion in Stone Town — exceptional Swahili architecture, rooftop dining, and extraordinary atmosphere.
Planning Your Zanzibar Trip
📅 Best Time to Visit
June through October and December through February — the dry seasons with calm seas and excellent visibility for diving.
🌤️ Climate
Tropical with two rainy seasons (March–May and November). The dry seasons (June–October and December–February) are the best times to visit.
✈️ Getting There
Connecting flights from Calgary to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) via Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, or Doha. Total travel time approximately 22–26 hours. Often combined with a Tanzania safari.
Frequently Asked Questions — Zanzibar
Can you combine Zanzibar with a Tanzania safari?
Absolutely — this is one of the world's great travel combinations. A 5–7 day safari in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater followed by a week on Zanzibar's beaches is an extraordinary experience. Wendy can arrange the entire trip.
Do Canadians need a visa for Tanzania/Zanzibar?
Yes — Canadian citizens need a visa for Tanzania, which includes Zanzibar. A single-entry visa costs approximately USD $50 and can be obtained on arrival or in advance online.
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings in Stone Town and avoid isolated areas at night.
More Maldives & Indian Ocean Destinations
Book Your Zanzibar Trip with Wendy
As your trusted travel consultant, Wendy handles every detail of your Zanzibar vacation — from flights and hotels to transfers and experiences. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
Book Your Zanzibar Trip with Wendy
Tell Wendy about your Zanzibar travel plans and she'll respond within 24 hours with personalised options and pricing.