Karibu Trips

Zanzibar: when to go and where to stay

Stone Town or the beach? North or east coast? Our quick guide to planning the perfect Zanzibar trip.

Turquoise water on a Zanzibar beach

Zanzibar is our most-booked beach destination, and for good reason: warm water, white sand and a historic old town, a short flight from East Africa.

When to go

June to October is dry and pleasant; December to February is hot and sunny. April and May are the long rains — quieter and cheaper, but wet.

Where to stay

  • Stone Town for one or two nights of history, rooftops and food.
  • Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, where you can swim at any tide.
  • Paje on the east coast for kitesurfing and a relaxed scene.

Do not miss

A sunset dhow cruise, a spice farm tour and the Forodhani night market.

See our Zanzibar Beach Escape.

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