
With its white sands and turquoise waters, the Zanzibar Archipelago is an ideal place to unwind following a safari in Tanzania. You can spend your days snorkelling and diving among coral reefs, sailing on a traditional dhow and absorbing the Swahili culture. Our specialists, having visited Zanzibar Island, Pemba Island and the Mafia Islands many times, can help you plan a holiday to Zanzibar that takes in the archipelago’s highlights.
There’s more to this string of islands than basking on palm-fringed beaches. Once a hub for spice traders, history here goes back 2,000 years. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Stone Town, the Zanzibari capital, where you can wander winding alleys leading to spice markets and see piles of cinnamon and nutmeg lying in the sun. Exploring the green interior of Pemba Island, you might come across farmers tending their crops. And, on the Mafia Islands, watch as fishermen make and mend their nets in tiny coastal villages.
Suggested tours for Zanzibar Archipelago
These tours give you a starting point for what your holiday to Zanzibar Archipelago could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Suggested activities for Zanzibar Archipelago
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Zanzibar Archipelago.
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Diving in Pemba Diving in Pemba
Pemba IslandDiving in Pemba
A conservation area was set up around Misali Island in 1998 following El Niño which had a bleaching effect on corals elsewhere in the Indian Ocean. Misali retained its dense coral cover and coupled with its dramatic drop-off reefs have made it a fantastic location for diving.
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Sailing Safari Sailing Safari
Stone TownSailing Safari
The bay has a number of uninhabited islands and sandbanks and is frequented by humpback and bottlenose dolphins.
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Jozani Forest Tour Jozani Forest Tour
Stone TownJozani Forest Tour
You walk through the nature trail of the forest which is a habitat for many species of animals and birds. It is famous for its red colobus monkey — a very rare species.
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Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Zanzibar Archipelago, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Travel advice
Practical tips for travelling to Zanzibar Archipelago, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.

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Zanzibar Archipelago in pictures
Our expert guides to travelling in Zanzibar Archipelago
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Zanzibar Archipelago. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Zanzibar Archipelago at its best.
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Cruise destinations in Africa Cruise destinations in Africa
Cruise destinations in Africa
Africa is blessed with hundreds of miles of wonderful coastline and mighty inland lakes. Enjoy short adventure cruises such as a sunset yacht cruise on Lake Malawi or a dhow cruise off the coast of Mozambique or Zanzibar.
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