The dry season is considered the best time to visit Zanzibar and East Africa for beach or honeymoon holidays. Every year, Zanzibar experiences two significant phases of the dry season. The first phase begins from June through July, August, September, and October.
Alternatively, you can plan your Zanzibar holiday tour during the second phase from December to January to February; these are very hot and dry months.
If you are interested in scuba diving, the best time to visit Zanzibar for engaging in unforgettable water sports falls within two phases of drier seasons. The first phase for your scuba diving adventure is from July to August or February to March.
If you plan to dive off the North Coast, the best time is from June to October, and off the South Coast, you can travel from November, December, January, February, and March.
Visiting Zanzibar during the two wet/rainy seasons isn’t usually advisable, which is from mid-March, April, May, and around November.
These wet months are characterized by heavy downpours, with the peak rainy season usually occurring from April to May.
Activities – Top Things to Do in Zanzibar
Below are some of the top things to do in Zanzibar.
Spotting the red colobus monkeys
Jozani Chwaka National Park, home to the endangered red colobus monkeys, is the only tropical rain-forest protected area set in the heart of Zanzibar.
It is one of the few sanctuaries left where the red colobus monkeys thrive and can be easily spotted while on a Zanzibar holiday.
Besides the red colobus monkeys, there are also over 40 bird species to look out for, plus several other mammal species, including the shy bush babies and duikers.
Explore the Spice Plantations
Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island for a good reason.
The area is a historic spice producer, contributing the largest part to the island’s economy.
The leading spice exports of Zanzibar/Spice Island include nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and cinnamon.
Holidaymakers come not only to see the plantations but also to explore how these spices are grown until they are ready for consumption.
At the end of your tour, you will have a taste of some of the available fruits grown within the island.
Visit the historic sites
Zanzibar is popular not only as a honeymoon/beach destination but also as a unique destination with distinct historical sites.
These range from the Old Fort, Stone Town, Museum, Zanzibar Prison Island, and other religious establishments.
Where to stay in Zanzibar?
When it comes to accommodation, you won’t run out of options while on a Zanzibar holiday.
There are budget/basic, mid-range, and luxury lodging choices for visitor overnight stays.
The notable hotels and lodges on Zanzibar Island include Baraza Resort and Spa, the sister resort property to Breezes Hotel.
The Boutique Hotel Matlai, a newly established hotel facility along the southeastern coast of Zanzibar Island.
The White Sands Villas, set on the picturesque Zanzibar Coast. Unguja Lodge, lying just at the southern tip of Zanzibar, and Kilindi Beach Resort, a luxury hotel facility worthy of booking for an overnight stay on Zanzibar Island.
