Zanzibar Tours and TripsRelax on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar on a guided tour.
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2024
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Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
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About Zanzibar
With beautiful beaches and the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar island is a little slice of paradise with has many stunning beach resorts, including Kiwengwa on the east coast and Nungwi to the north. It also offers some of the best diving in the world, with vibrant coral reefs and a diverse range of sea life including dolphins, turtles, whale sharks, and manta rays. The capital of the archipelago is Zanzibar City, and its old quarter of Stone Town is an excellent place to discover the local culture. A visit to a spice plantation is a must and for a unique wildlife experience, head to Prison Island, home to endangered Aldabra giant tortoises.
Most of our trips to Zanzibar island are part of longer overland safaris in East Africa, where we stop for a few days of R&R on this idyllic island. We also offer a 5-day beach break in Zanzibar and tours combining the best of Tanzania's national parks with a few days at the end in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is the perfect culture, beach and safari adventure destination. From the wildlife-rich national parks of Kenya and Tanzania, meeting Maasai warriors and rounding it all off with a few days on the beaches of this tropical paradise. Explore Zanzibar island with On The Go Tours.
Zanzibar camping tours and safaris
We offer a range of camping tours to Zanzibar. Our tours stop in Zanzibar for a few days of R&R as part of one of our longer overland camping safaris. These trips cross East and Southern Africa in a rugged overland truck, escorted by a two or three-person crew and staying in twin tents. Everyone in the group helps with setting up camp and cooking. We reach Unguja (Zanzibar island) by ferry and stay in a campsite right on the beach, perfect for spending your time lazing by the Indian Ocean coast, and for heading out to explore Stone Town. Connect with nature, sleep under the stars, surrounded by the famous wildlife of Africa, on one of our camping safaris.
Zanzibar accommodated tours and safaris
We also offer Accommodated safari tours perfect for travelers who are looking to experience a safari tour but prefers to stay in simple accommodation rather than camping. Our accommodated tours promise simple and comfortable accommodations for your safari tour, rest easy knowing that a comfortable bed is waiting for you at the end of an exciting day exploring Zanzibar.
Frequently asked questions
How should I spend my time in Zanzibar?
On our overland camping tours, we deliberately include lots of free time for you to explore the island as you see fit. There is an included spice tour and a sunset dhow cruise, but other than that, you're at leisure! Some of the many activities we recommend are a visit to Prison Island and a dolphin tour to take in some of the region's marine life. You could also go for a hike in the archipelago's only national park - Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. This is the largest surviving intact area of forest in Zanzibar, home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey and the Zanzibar servaline genet. It is also an Important Bird Area, as designated by BirdLife International. If the heavily persecuted Zanzibar Leopard (sadly presumed extinct) does still exist, it is likely to be here.
What is the local payment for on your Zanzibar camping tours?
The local payment is a cost per person that needs to be paid in US Dollars cash only. It is this payment that in part covers the park fees and other inclusions such as meals as detailed on each tour page. The local payment also covers your arrival transfer and first night’s accommodation. Please note that due to exchange rate fluctuations in the US dollar, the local payment amount may be subject to changes. This payment will be collected by your tour leader at the Welcome Meeting on day 1 of your escorted tour. Our Reservations team can give you more information about the local payment, the cost of which can be found on each tour page.
What do I need to pack for my camping safari to East Africa?
If travelling on one of our camping trips, we recommend you read our guide to overland camping safaris. You can also see a detailed packing list in the Trip Notes for each tour. Some of the important items to remember are: sleeping bag, travel pillow, towel, Mosquito spray (with active DEET ingredient), your own personal first aid kit, torch, antibacterial wipes, a photocopy of your passport data, and your Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Will I be escorted by a tour guide in Zanzibar?
On our overland African safari tours in Zanzibar, you will be escorted by a three-person crew comprised of a qualified tour leader who will act as your guide, as well as a driver and cook.
I heard that there is a strict plastic bag ban in Tanzania?
You heard correct. Single use plastic bags were banned in Tanzania in 2019, to help reduce pollution and conserve Tanzania's incredible environment. This ban also extends to Zanzibar. Passengers arriving at any airport can face on-the-spot fines for bringing plastic bags into the country. This includes plastic bags in both your checked luggage and carry-on luggage, as well as duty-free plastic bags. We strongly recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before you travel to Tanzania. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from your bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Tanzania and leave any plastic bags on the plane. There is an exemption for ziplock bags used to carry liquids for travelling, though you must make sure not to discard these in Tanzania.
Is Zanzibar a safe destination for travellers from the LGBTQ+ community?
According to the 2022 LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, Tanzania scores an F rating for LGBTQ+ traveler safety, ranking 185th out of 203 countries. Same sex marriage is illegal and there are no constitutional or worker protections in place for the LGBTQ+ community, although there is limited criminalization of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. 0 - 25% of consulted citizens consider Tanzania a good place to live for gay and lesbian people. Any acts of homosexuality are liable to imprisonment from 30 years to life, and indecent behavior in regard to homosexuality earns up to 5 years in prison. Please note that as Zanzibar sets its own laws, the punishments for homosexual acts are slightly different to mainland Tanzania, but they are still imprisonment. This does not mean members of the LGBTQ+ community shouldn’t visit Tanzania or Zanzibar, but precautions should be taken when travelling. As long as you use common sense, travelling in Tanzania and Zanzibar shouldn’t be a problem. The LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index is designed to provide a good overall picture of attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in each country and may not reflect the experience of foreign travelers to the country.
Will I have to pay more as a solo traveller to Zanzibar?
On our overland camping tours, solo travelers will be matched up with another solo traveler of the same sex, with whom they will share a tent. If there is no other solo traveler of the same sex on the tour, you will have a tent to yourself at no extra cost.
Travel Planning: Before you go
Read our guides to help you plan your trip
Zanzibar travel guides
Top travel tips
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The best of our Zanzibar tours
Famous for its tropical beaches, biodiverse marine ecosystems and vibrant spice markets, Zanzibar is the perfect place to relax for a few days after a bucket-list safari to Kenya and Tanzania. Here are the highlights of a visit to the archipelago, from the tortoises of Prison Island to a memorable spice tour.
Stone Town
You'll definitely want to visit Stone Town, the old part of the archipelago's capital and the cultural center. It's a warren of narrow streets and historic buildings in which to lose yourself on a walking tour. The smells of local spices punctuate the air as you stroll through bazaars on a Stone Town tour, and Zanzibar's multicultural heritage is evident with African, Indian, Arab and European influences mingling.
Spice Farm & Spice Tour
Spices are Zanzibar's most famous export, and much of the archipelago is given over to spice plantations. One of the most popular activities for travelers to the region is to visit a spice farm or plantation. Cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg are just some of the spices grown, and it's also a good opportunity to get out into the countryside to see a different side of Zanzibar.
Coastal dhow cruise
Dhows are elegant Arab sailboats that have become symbolic of Zanzibar and the laid-back way of life here. Sailing serenely around the archipelago, they have also become popular with tourists, who can book a peaceful cruise. Engines are used to take you around 1km from shore, before the sail is erected and you can enjoy a serene sunset - such an amazing experience!
Prison Island
A former slave prison with a troubled history, Prison Island is now a particularly beautiful slice of Zanzibar and a good place to visit on a Zanzibar day trip. A 30 minute ferry from Stone Town, it is characterized by crystal clear, calm seas that are perfect for snorkeling. And Prison Island is famous for the large population of Aldabra giant tortoises - second only in size to their cousins of the Galapagos. Native to the Seychelles, they were first brought to Zanzibar in 1919 and are now protected.
