Description: Located just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar’s pristine white sand beaches lined with palm trees and surrounded by coral reefs provide a perfect paradise for the conclusion of a safari.

There are numerous beach resorts (almost too many to count) at a variety of price pointes. Regardless of where you stay, it is likely that you’ll wish you could stay longer.

Give yourself at least 3 nights on the beach or you’ll be wishing you had more time, unless of course you already live in a place that has beautiful beaches.

Zanzibar has a lot of visitors these days. If you are looking for a nice place to relax but would rather avoid any potential of crowds, check out Pemba, Mafia, Rubondo Island, Pangani, Kilwa Kisiwani and Bagamoyo.

Location: Off the coast of Tanzania, a 2 hour ferry ride from Dar es Salaam or fly in to Zanzibar via the Northern Parks, Arusha, Dar es Salaam or the Southern Parks

Things 2 Do: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming, Swimming with Dolphins, Local Village Visits, Game Fishing, Windsurfing, Boat Tours, Sailing

Time: Give yourself at least 3 nights on the beach, if possible.

Accommodations

$
Casa Del Mar (Jambiani)

$$
Bahari View Lodge (Jambiani)
Flame Tree Cottages (Nungwi)
Kendwa Breezes Beach Resort (Kendwa)
Kichanga Lodge (Bwejuu)
Matemwe Beach Village (Matemwe)
Mbweni Ruins Hotel (Mbweni)
Menai Bay Bungalows (Unguja)
Mnarani Beach Cottages (Nungwi)
Pongwe Beach Hotel (Pongwe)
Tanzanite Beach Resort (Nungwi)

$$$
Azanzi Beach Hotel (Matemwe)
Changuu Private Island (Island)
Che Che Vule (Matemwe)
Coral Reef Resort (Pwani Mchangani)
Diamonds Dream of Zanzibar (Kiwengwa)
Diamonds Gemma Del Est (Nungwi)
Echo Beach (Bwejuu)
Fumba Beach Lodge (Fumba)
Hakuna Matata (Chuini)
Karafuu Hotel (Bwejuu)
Kasha Hotel (Matemwe)
Marumbi Beach Resort (Uroa)
Mchanga Beach Lodge (Kiwengwa)
Next Paradise Boutique Resort (Pwani Mchangani)
Ocean Paradise (Kiwengwa)
Palumbo Reef Resort (Uroa)
Shooting Star Lodge (Kiwengwa)
Sultan Sands (Kiwengwa)
Unguja Lodge (Kizimkazi)
Z Hotel (Nungwi)
Zanzibari Beach Hotel (Nungwi)
Zanzibar Dolphin View Paradise (Kizimkazi)

$$$$
Anna of Zanzibar (Bwejuu)
Bawe Tropical Island (Island)
Blue Bay Beach Resort & Spa (Kiwengwa)
Breezes Beach Club & Spa (Bwejuu)
Chumbe Island (Island)
Doubletree Hilton (Nungwi)
Essque Zalu (Nungwi)
Hakuna Majiwe (Paje)
Kikadini Villas (Jambiani)
Kono Kono Beach Villas (Bwejuu)
Mapenzi Beach Club (Kiwengwa)
Matemwe Bungalows (Matemwe)
Myblue Boutique Hotel (Nungwi)
Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa (Kiwengwa)
Ras Nungwi (Nungwi)
White Rose Resort (Bwejuu)
Zamani Zanzibar Kempinsky (Kiwengwa)

$$$$$
Baraza Resort (Bwejuu)
Bawe Tropical Island (Island)
Kilindi Zanzibar (Kendwa)
Mnemba Island Lodge (Matemwe)
Palms (Bwejuu)

Zanzibar Beach and Bush Safaris with Access 2 Tanzania

What if you could end your thrilling wildlife safari with days spent on pristine white beaches, surrounded by warm turquoise waters and swaying palms? That is exactly what makes Zanzibar beach and bush safaris so special. Combining the untamed beauty of Tanzania’s national parks with the laid-back charm of the Zanzibar Archipelago creates a journey filled with contrast, adventure, and relaxation. With Access 2 Tanzania, you can craft a seamless experience that connects the exhilaration of the bush with the serenity of the coast.

Why Choose Zanzibar After a Safari?

After days of tracking lions, watching elephants at watering holes, and experiencing the drama of the African savanna, most travelers long for a soft landing before heading home. Zanzibar offers exactly that. Just off the Tanzanian coast, its fine beaches, coral reefs, and spice-scented breezes provide an idyllic conclusion to any safari. Spending at least three nights here ensures that you have time to unwind, sink into the rhythm of island life, and truly appreciate the contrast between bush and beach.

For those wishing for even more seclusion, neighboring islands like Pemba, Mafia, Rubondo, and Chumbe, or coastal towns such as Pangani and Bagamoyo, provide quieter alternatives while maintaining the same Indian Ocean beauty.

The Magic of Zanzibar’s Beaches

Zanzibar is famous for its stretches of soft, white sand framed by coconut palms and lapped by gentle waves. Whether you prefer lively beach villages such as Nungwi or Kendwa, or quiet hideaways like Pongwe and Matemwe, there is a beach to suit every traveler. Resorts range from rustic bungalows to luxurious five-star retreats, allowing guests to tailor their stay to both budget and preference.

What makes Zanzibar truly unique is the combination of natural beauty and cultural depth. While the beaches invite rest and relaxation, the island’s history as a hub of spice trade and cross-cultural exchange adds another layer of richness to the experience.

Things to Do in Zanzibar Beyond the Beach

Snorkeling and Diving Among Coral Reefs

Zanzibar is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life. Scuba divers and snorkelers can explore vibrant underwater worlds where tropical fish, rays, and turtles glide through colorful corals. Mnemba Atoll is especially renowned for its clear waters and abundant sea life.

Swimming with Dolphins and Sailing

For those seeking close encounters with marine wildlife, dolphin safaris near Kizimkazi provide an unforgettable experience. Traditional dhow boats also offer sunset cruises, where you can sail into the horizon while the sky turns shades of orange and gold.

Village Visits and Cultural Experiences

Zanzibar is not just about the sea. Visiting fishing villages or spice farms offers insight into the daily lives of locals and the island’s agricultural heritage. Walking through Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals winding alleys, carved wooden doors, and a fascinating blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences.

Adventure Activities

For the more active traveler, kite surfing, windsurfing, and game fishing are available. Whether you are chasing the thrill of the waves or simply enjoying a leisurely boat trip, there is something for everyone.

Timing Your Stay

While many visitors pass through Zanzibar in two or three days, most soon realize it deserves more time. With so much to do; or so little, if relaxation is the goal; four to five nights is often the perfect balance. For those ending a longer safari, this time by the sea provides a gentle transition before returning home.

Accommodations for Every Traveler

Zanzibar offers an array of places to stay, from simple beachfront cottages to indulgent luxury resorts.

• Budget-Friendly ($): Casa Del Mar (Jambiani) provides comfort and affordability while keeping you close to the ocean.
• Mid-Range ($$): Bahari View Lodge, Matemwe Beach Village, and Pongwe Beach Hotel combine comfort with cultural charm.
• Luxury ($$$): Z Hotel (Nungwi), Fumba Beach Lodge, and Ocean Paradise Resort showcase elegance with beachfront beauty.
• High-End ($$$$): Breezes Beach Club & Spa and Neptune Pwani Beach Resort offer a balance of sophistication and leisure.
• Exclusive ($$$$$): Mnemba Island Lodge and Baraza Resort redefine luxury with private beaches, exclusive villas, and world-class service.

With so many choices, the right accommodation depends on your budget, travel style, and preferred level of seclusion.

The Perfect Blend: Zanzibar Beach and Bush Safaris

What sets Zanzibar beach and bush safaris apart is the balance of adventure and calm. A journey may begin in Serengeti or Ngorongoro, where early mornings bring lion sightings and wildebeest crossings. After days in the wilderness, a short flight or ferry transports you to the coast. Here, time slows down, the salty breeze greets you, and life is measured not by game drives but by tides.

This contrast makes the experience richer: the wildness of the bush is heightened by the stillness of the beach, and the peaceful ocean sunsets feel even more rewarding after the dust and drama of safari.

Getting to Zanzibar

Reaching Zanzibar is convenient and straightforward. Flights connect the island with Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and the southern parks of Tanzania, making it easy to add to your safari itinerary. Alternatively, a two-hour ferry ride from Dar es Salaam offers a scenic and practical option.

FAQs about Zanzibar Beach and Bush Safaris

Q1: How many days should I spend in Zanzibar after a safari?
A minimum of three nights is recommended to truly unwind. Four to five nights provide a better balance between relaxation and activities, especially if you plan to explore Stone Town or join excursions.

Q2: What is the best time of year to visit Zanzibar?
The island is a year-round destination, but the most pleasant months are June to October and December to February, when the weather is dry, sunny, and perfect for both beach and water activities.

Q3: Can I combine Zanzibar with a safari in Tanzania?
Yes. Many safari itineraries end with a flight or ferry to Zanzibar. This makes it easy to combine Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Selous safaris with a relaxing beach stay.

Q4: Are the beaches in Zanzibar crowded?
Some beaches, like Nungwi and Kendwa, attract more visitors. However, quieter options such as Pongwe, Matemwe, or nearby Pemba Island provide peaceful alternatives with fewer crowds.

Q5: Is Zanzibar safe for travelers?
Zanzibar is considered safe for tourists. Like anywhere, it is wise to stay aware of surroundings, respect local customs, and book with trusted providers such as Access 2 Tanzania.

Q6: What activities are available apart from beaches?
Beyond sunbathing, travelers enjoy snorkeling, diving, sailing, cultural village tours, exploring spice farms, and wandering through historic Stone Town’s winding alleys and bustling markets.

Q7: What types of accommodations are available in Zanzibar?
Options range from simple bungalows to luxury resorts. Budget travelers can stay in guesthouses, while high-end visitors enjoy exclusive island lodges and five-star beachfront villas.