THE SPICE ISLAND
Luxury Zanzibar Holidays from the UK
Spice Island
BEACHES
Indian
OCEAN
ATOL
PROTECTED
Why Zanzibar
70+
HAND-VETTED RESORTS
The Perfect Safari Beach Finish
Zanzibar is the spice island of the Indian Ocean — powder-white beaches, turquoise water, and the atmospheric, history-soaked alleys of Stone Town. Just a short flight from the Tanzanian safari parks, it is the classic, perfect beach finish to a safari, with a culture all its own of dhows, spice plantations and Swahili heritage.
At HighStreet Holidays we don't simply book Zanzibar — we match the right beach and resort to your trip, often as the relaxing close to a Tanzania safari, with the flights, transfers and entry formalities handled.
With access to a carefully vetted portfolio, from north-coast resorts to Stone Town boutiques, we build a Zanzibar stay that is the ideal contrast to the bush.
Zanzibar is the perfect end to a safari — white sand, turquoise water and the spice-scented history of Stone Town, all a short flight from the Serengeti.
Signature Experiences
Moments That Linger
Zanzibar is about beaches, sea and Swahili culture. These are the experiences our clients come home remembering.
The Beaches
Powder-white sand and warm turquoise water — the north (Nungwi, Kendwa) for swimmable beaches at all tides, the east for tranquillity and barefoot luxury.
Stone Town
A UNESCO-listed maze of Swahili, Arab and Indian history — carved doors, spice markets, the old fort and a sunset over the dhows.
Dhow & Sea
Sunset dhow cruises, sandbank picnics and snorkelling on the reefs — the gentle, timeless rhythm of the Indian Ocean.
Spice Tours
The plantations that gave the island its name — cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla, on a tour rich with scent, taste and history.
Marine Life
Diving and snorkelling off Mnemba Atoll, swimming with dolphins and, in season, the chance of whale sharks off Mafia Island nearby.
Safari & Beach
A short flight from the Serengeti and the northern circuit — Zanzibar is the natural, easy beach finish to a Tanzania safari (see our Tanzania page).
Featured Properties
Where You'll Stay
Every resort, lodge and hotel we feature has been carefully vetted by our specialists — the addresses our clients return to, year after year.
Recommended Packages
Curated for Every Occasion
Every package includes return flights from your nearest UK airport (lowest fares ex-London), private transfers, daily breakfast and selected experiences — tailored by your specialist.
Most Popular
7 Nights
Stone Town & Zanzibar Beaches
- Zanzibar arrival (ZNZ) - private transfer to Stone Town
- 1 night Park Hyatt Zanzibar Stone Town (seafront)
- 6 nights Baraza Resort or Breezes Beach Club (east coast)
- B&B | half board at beach resort
- Stone Town heritage + spice farm tour | dhow sunset cruise | reef snorkelling
- Return flights from London airports (via Nairobi/Doha)
Signature Journey
7 Nights
Zuri Zanzibar
- Zanzibar arrival - private transfer to Kendwa (north coast)
- 7 nights at Zuri Zanzibar, garden or beach villa
- Half board across the resort's restaurants
- Private dhow to Mnemba Atoll for snorkelling | Stone Town & spice tour day
- Couples spa journey + sunset cocktails on the beach
- Return flights from London airports (via Nairobi/Doha)
Ultra Luxury
7 Nights
&Beyond Mnemba Island
- Zanzibar arrival - private transfer + boat to Mnemba Island
- 5 nights &Beyond Mnemba Island (private island, only 12 bandas, all-inclusive)
- 2 nights Park Hyatt Zanzibar Stone Town (seafront suite)
- Half board / all-inclusive at Mnemba (dining, drinks, water activities)
- Private snorkelling + diving the Mnemba reef | sea turtle conservation | private beach dining
- Return flights from London airports (via Nairobi/Doha), premium cabin upgrade available
Looking for something different? Enquire below or call us on 020 3322 7866 and we'll curate a Zanzibar journey around you.
Best Time to Visit
When to Go
DRY & PEAK
June to October
Warm, dry and sunny — the prime beach season, and conveniently the same window as the Tanzania safari peak. The busiest months; book ahead.
SHORT DRY SEASON
December to February
Hot, sunny and excellent for the beach and the sea — a popular festive and winter-sun window, with warm water and fine diving.
LONG RAINS
March to May
The wettest months, with heavier showers and some resorts quieter or closed — the lowest season, with the best rates between the rain.
SHORT RAINS
November
Brief showers and warm seas, with good value and fewer crowds — a fine shoulder window before the festive peak.
Sample Itinerary
A 6-Night Zanzibar Beach Stay
Every itinerary we create is bespoke — this is simply one way a perfect stay unfolds, often added to a Tanzania safari.
1
DAY 1 — ARRIVAL
To the Island
Arrive into Zanzibar, by a short flight from the Tanzanian safari parks or via a hub. A transfer to your beach resort.
2
DAYS 2-3 — THE BEACH
Sea & Sand
Settle into barefoot beach life — swimming, snorkelling, dhow cruises and the warm Indian Ocean, at your own pace.
3
DAY 4 — STONE TOWN
History & Spice
A day exploring Stone Town's alleys, markets and history, and the spice plantations that made the island famous.
4
DAYS 5-6 — THE SEA
Mnemba & Reefs
Diving or snorkelling off Mnemba Atoll, a sandbank picnic and a final stretch of pure beach relaxation.
5
DAY 7 — DEPARTURE
Homeward
A final morning by the sea before your flight home via a hub.
Make an Enquiry
Tell Us About Your Trip
Fill in the form below. Your specialist will be in touch within 2 hours — or first thing the following morning if you're enquiring out of hours.
1
Your holiday
2
Your details
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Step 1 of 2
Tell us about your stay
Dates, party size, accommodation and budget.
Destination
Dates & party
Date flexibility
Adults
2
Children
0
Budget & accommodation
Budget per person (flights + hotel)
£4,500
£500£50,000+
Accommodation
Flights
Practical Information
Practical Information
Getting There
- No direct flights from the UK — around 11-14 hours via a hub (Doha, Nairobi, Addis Ababa), or a short flight from the Tanzanian safari parks
- Connections from major regional UK airports
- Zanzibar is 2-3 hours ahead of the UK
Entry Requirements
- Zanzibar is part of Tanzania — UK passport holders need the Tanzania e-visa (around US$50)
- All visitors must also buy the mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance (around US$44 per person) online before arrival — personal insurance is no longer accepted in its place
- Passport valid 6 months
Health & Safety
- Antimalarial precautions are recommended — see a travel clinic 6-8 weeks before travel for personalised advice
- A yellow-fever certificate is required only if arriving from a risk country, not when flying directly from the UK
- Sun and sea protection are essential
- Comprehensive travel insurance is essential
Currency & Local Notes
- The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars are widely used (bring crisp notes dated 2013 or later)
- Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim — dress modestly away from the beach and resorts
- Tipping is customary
- Tap water bottled