Adventure holidays, hotels, beaches, tours and travel to Zanzibar

     Footloose home

       Flights
       Safaris

     Argentina
     Australia
     Bhutan
     Bolivia
     Borneo
     Botswana
     Cambodia
     Canada
     Chile
     Costa Rica
     Ecuador
     Europe
     Ethiopia
     Guatemala
     Iceland
     India
     Japan
     Kenya
     Kilimanjaro
     Laos
     Malawi
     Mali
     Morocco
     Namibia
     Nepal
     New Zealand
     Peru
     South Africa
     Tanzania
     Tibet
     USA
     Vietnam
     Zambia
     Zanzibar

Once the thoroughfare of the East African slave trade, Zanzibar has an incredibly rich history. The spice plantations, historical buildings and unique blend of cultures give a rich past and a fascinating present. The beauty of the beaches and easygoing friendliness found everywhere have made Zanzibar a favourite holiday with discerning travellers.

Zanzibar's Stone Town is one of only ten towns in the world protected by UNESCO, and retains its charm and interest today. The strong connections through trade with Arab and European countries has left a legacy of buildings of great architectural and historic interest. No modern developments have yet intruded and the centre of Stone Town is still a huge tree, where traditional dhows are built in its shade. A few days wandering the magical alleys of Stone Town and some time relaxing on an empty beach is hard enough work for many.

Inevitably the modern world is catching up. Better ferries and flights have made travelling to the island easier and more people visit, particularly in July, August and at Christmas. Large beach complexes are being built but so far development has been unintrusive.

If you want a little more activity, there are things to do. There are many places of historical and cultural interest on the island, reflecting its long and chequered history. The glorious spices whose smells pervade the island are a world in themselves, and a spice tour will delight your nose. Diving, sail boarding and dhow visits to offshore islands and sandbars for a barbecue are all possible.

For more information on Zanzibar, please click here.

- Private trips organised to suit you

- Fixed date group tours

Footloose can arrange hotels, transport, tours and activities on Zanzibar through our colleague Salim Abdullah at Sama Tours. We have operated for many years through Sama Tours and Salim Abdullah offers his lifetime's knowledge and experience to help you enjoy your stay. One of his specialities is spice tours, where he has a wealth of local knowledge and contacts to explain and demonstrate the complexities of spice production and the way of life around it.

A trip to Zanzibar can easily be extended, a fly-in safari to Selous, Ruaha and Sadaani is a popular option – see the Tanzania safari section and Zanzibar can easily be linked to a climb on Kilimanjaro.

Hotels

There are a wide range of hotels on Zanzibar and our collection includes the best in different areas. We have visited all of these hotels in the past year, so please ring and discuss which one would be right for you. For full details and prices please ask for our hotels list.

Stonetown

Serena Hotel
This is one of Zanzibar's newest and most expensive hotel.
Ref:TZ71

Emersons & Greens
Newly developed from a beautiful old Zanzibari house, with an atmosphere of opulence. Ref :TZ72

Tembo
One of the great buildings of Zanzibar and now restored as a hotel on the beachfront near the town centre. Ref: TZ73

Narrow Street Hotel
In the heart of Stonetown, Narrow Street Hotel is a good mid-range hotel with air conditioning and en suite rooms. Ref: TZ74

Coca de Mer
A small traditional hotel in the town centre of Stone Town offering self contained rooms. Ref: TZ75

Kiponda
A simple hotel offering excellent value with a traditional feel. Ref:TZ76

Mbwembi Ruins
Built in the luxurious gardens of a ruined mission, this hotel offers intimate luxury with only ten rooms. Ref: TZ77

The Coast

Ras Nungwi
These are high standard bungalows in gardens sloping down to the beach. Ref: TZ78

Mnarani Beach Cottages
A small new development near the lighthouse at the northern tip of the island. Ref: TZ79

Matemwe Bungalows
A small, simple but very comfortable hotel. Ref: TZ80

Shooting Star
An excellent small hotel run by a Zanzibari-English couple. Ref: TZ81

Sunrise
One of the best places along the beach and renown for its food. Ref: TZ82

Sau Inn
At the south end of the road near the village of Jambiani. Ref:TZ83

Breezes
The smallest and best of the resort hotels. Ref:TZ84

Chumbe Island
The award-winning eco-friendly development. Ref:TZ85

Footloose Travel is the leading specialist for independent travel to Zanzibar. We can tailor-make all your trek, hotel, transport and tour requirements. We offer all the security of booking with a UK company together with extensive local knowledge.

Climate Visas, health and security Itineraries

The climate is hot throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 27°C–31°C. The heat heat is tempered by sea breezes. The rainy season is from March to May when it's hot and humid. There is often rain at other times of the year falling as heavy afternoon showers.

Visas are required for UK passports for Tanzania and Zanzibar. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. A Yellow Fever certificate is required for entry and malaria is present. Check with your doctor for updated requirements. Zanzibar is generally very safe but petty theft can occur. Avoid walking alone at night in Stonetown and on deserted beaches.

Pictures thanks to our agents