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Northern Zanzibar
Northern Zanzibar

Northern Zanzibar offers a wide range of activities...

...as well as beautiful beaches and clear blue water.

Northern Zanzibar

Northern Zanzibar

Buzzing beach life, bars, restaurants and watersports draw travellers to Zanzibar's busy northern beaches.

Less than two hours’ drive from Stone Town’s enchanting alleys, past increasingly rural villages, Zanzibar’s northern cape of coral crags is punctuated by sandy coves, each with stage-set palm trees and glittering turquoise waves. Low, coral cliffs rise on the east side, from where you have magnificent vistas across the Indian Ocean with flotillas of dhows passing along the reef line.

Centred on the neighbouring villages of Nungwi and Kendwa, this is Zanzibar’s most lively location. Once the heart of the island’s dhow-building industry, the ramshackle fishing villages of the north are steeped in tradition and nautical heritage. Impressive dhows are still hand-crafted on the beach, but bronzed sunbathers, dive schools, mukuti-thatched restaurants and wandering curio sellers are more common beach sights these days.

Exclusive private villas and swish resort complexes; bustling beachfront activity and vibrant nightlife dominate. Trendy rooftop bars and candlelit restaurants sit alongside rustic, feet-in-the-sand barbeque shacks, each filled with sunkissed visitors and cheerful chatter. Luxurious resorts on Nungwi’s clifftop eastern coast and Kendwa’s golden sands sit in exotic, landscaped gardens with excellent facilities, making them peaceful retreats in this busy corner.

By day, relax on a poolside lounger, enjoy a local beach massage, swim in the sea (possible all day long here, unlike the East Coast), laugh raucously on banana-boat rides, dive the nearby coral reefs, kayak to Tumbatu Island or perhaps visit the small turtle sanctuary. And as the sun sets, sip tropical cocktails, watch beach bonfires flicker alive and enjoy fabulous local seafood dinners, or at full moon, prepare for the spectacle of energetic beach parties!

Northern Zanzibar

Northern Zanzibar: in detail

Holidays visiting Northern Zanzibar

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Masala Beach Holiday

9 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Two luxuriously elegant hotels offer relaxation on Zanzibar’s beach-front and exploration of Stone Town. Combine peaceful tranquility with fine dining, indulgent comforts and vibrant culture.

Visiting Stone Town, Northern Zanzibar

US$6,170 - US$8,850 per person

Read more about the Masala Beach Holiday

Map

Red Colobus Monkey Safari

11 days • 3 locations • 2 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.

Visiting Ruaha, Stone Town and 1 other area

US$6,020 - US$7,820 per person

Read more about the Red Colobus Monkey Safari

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Map of Northern Zanzibar

Choices for where to stay in Northern Zanzibar


Most recent reviews of our beach holidays to Northern Zanzibar

Click below to browse all 55 reviews from Northern Zanzibar. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


99%
55 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
54
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs E from Croydon

Arrived 16 Sep 2023, 15 nights

"My Sep 2023 trip"

"After a lot of research we chose Expert Africa and were glad that we did. …" Read Mr & Mrs E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs L from the UK

Arrived 19 Jul 2023, 12 nights

"Honeymooners"

"We couldn't recommend Expert Africa highly enough. It really was special. …" Read Mr & Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms H. from London

Arrived 27 Dec 2022, 14 nights

"My Dec 2022 trip"

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr R. from Cambridge

Arrived 27 Sep 2022, 19 nights

"My Sep 2022 trip"

"Memorable in so many respects. …" Read Mr R.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs G from London

Arrived 29 Aug 2022, 15 nights

"My Aug 2022 trip"

"The trip was fantastic- Expert Africa made it effortless for us! …" Read Mr & Mrs G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs B. from Holland

Arrived 17 Jul 2022, 14 nights

"My Jul 2022 trip"

"Excellent - we loved our whole trip. …" Read Mr & Mrs B.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dav & Kay from Manchester

Arrived 23 Jul 2022, 14 nights

"Definitely the holiday of a lifetime"

"We had the most amazing time, definitely the holiday of a lifetime. Thank you. …" Read Dav & Kay’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms C. from Seattle

Arrived 1 Feb 2022, 28 nights

"My Feb 2022 trip"

"I wish I could book Expert Africa for all of my trips. …" Read Ms C.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr A from Switzerland

Arrived 7 Feb 2020, 17 nights

"Amazing honeymoon in Africa"

"Excellent service and we highly recommend Maruska. …" Read Mr A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

CC. from Porto Alegre

Arrived 9 Nov 2019, 13 nights

"Tanzania is awesome"

"We are very happy with our experience. Lyndsey was very helpful all times. …" Read CC.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Northern Zanzibar reviews

When to go to Northern Zanzibar

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Northern Zanzibar in Zanzibar


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Zanzibar in January

As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.

New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.

  • Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
  • High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
  • Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
  • Quieter and better value later in the month.
  • Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Zanzibar in February

The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.

At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.

  • Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
  • Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
  • Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
  • North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
  • ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in February

Zanzibar in March

March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.

Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.

  • Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
  • Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
  • Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
  • The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Zanzibar in April

April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.

Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.

  • Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
  • Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
  • Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
  • Low prices and few other tourists.
  • Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Zanzibar in May

The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.

Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.

  • Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
  • Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
  • Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
  • Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Zanzibar in June

June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.

The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.

  • Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
  • Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
  • Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
  • Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Zanzibar in July

July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.

The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.

  • Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
  • Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
  • Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
  • Great beach weather result in high prices.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Zanzibar in August

August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.

High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.

  • Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
  • Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
  • High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
  • With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Zanzibar in September

September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.

September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.

  • Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
  • Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
  • Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
  • Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Zanzibar in October

October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.

With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.

  • End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
  • Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
  • Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
  • High demand means prices remain high.
  • Northeast coast generally more sheltered.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Zanzibar in November

The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.

Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.

  • Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
  • Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
  • Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Zanzibar in December

December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.

The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.

  • Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
  • High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
  • Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
  • Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
  • Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Zanzibar fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Northern Zanzibar.


KILINDI in NORTHERN ZANZIBAR

Excursions in Northern Zanzibar

Optional extra day-drips and excursions possible whilst your staying within Northern Zanzibar. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Jambiani Village Tour

Jambiani Village Tour

Half-day - mornings

Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.

More about Village Tour
Jozani Forest Tour

Jozani Forest Tour

Half-day or combine with other tours

For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.

More about Jozani Forest
64% (5 reviews)

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