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White sand beach and seafront hotels at Nungwi, Zanzibar ★★★★★ Rated 4.9 on Google, Tripadvisor & SafariBookings

Beach Holidays in Zanzibar & the Kenyan Coast

White sand, warm Indian Ocean water and slow days on Zanzibar and the Kenyan coast.

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Overview

Bush first, then the beach

After the dust and early mornings of safari, nothing beats the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar's white sand beaches, turquoise water and Swahili culture make it the perfect place to slow down, whether you add it to the end of a safari or come for a beach holiday on its own. See Safari Adventure arranges beach holidays on Zanzibar and the Kenyan coast, including transfers, flights and handpicked hotels.

Best time to go Jun – Oct & Dec – Feb
Trips available 7 safaris
Travel style Private & tailor-made

Why choose a beach holiday in East Africa

  • Easy to combine with safari. Zanzibar is a short flight from Arusha, Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, and Lamu and the Kenyan coast connect with Nairobi and the Masai Mara.
  • More than a beach. Explore UNESCO-listed Stone Town, a spice farm, coral reefs and local fishing villages.
  • Warm all year. The coast is tropical, with sea temperatures warm enough to swim in every month.
  • Done for you. We handle flights, airport transfers and hotel bookings so you can simply relax.

Where to go

Zanzibar

  • Nungwi and the north coast: fine white sand, swimmable water at most tides and some of the island's best sunsets.
  • Stone Town: a maze of carved doors, markets, mosques and rooftop restaurants, and the historic heart of Swahili culture.
  • Reefs and sandbanks: snorkelling trips to coral reefs and sandbanks off the coast.

Lamu, Kenya

A slow-paced island where donkeys outnumber cars, with a UNESCO-listed old town and long, empty beaches. It's a natural finish to a Masai Mara safari.

Diani Beach, Kenya

Long white sands and calm, reef-protected water on Kenya's south coast, easy to reach after a safari in Amboseli or Tsavo.

Our beach holiday itineraries

Safari and beach: the perfect combination

Our most popular trips pair a wildlife safari with a beach stay. A typical plan is 3 to 7 days on safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Masai Mara, then 3 to 5 nights on Zanzibar. We can attach a beach extension to any wildlife safari or Great Migration safari.

Best time for a Zanzibar beach holiday

  • June to October: dry, sunny and slightly cooler. A great time for safari and beach together.
  • December to February: hot, humid and sunny, with excellent snorkelling conditions.
  • March to May: the long rains bring heavy showers, but hotels are quieter and rates are lower.
  • November: short rains, usually brief afternoon showers.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I spend on Zanzibar?

We recommend 4 to 7 days: one or two nights in Stone Town for culture, and the rest on the beach. Even 3 nights is enough to unwind after a safari.

How do I get from the safari to Zanzibar?

Domestic flights connect Arusha, Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti airstrips with Zanzibar. From Kenya, flights connect Nairobi with Zanzibar and Lamu. We arrange all flights and transfers.

Which part of Zanzibar has the best beaches?

Nungwi and Kendwa in the north are popular because the tide changes less there, so you can swim most of the day. The east coast has quieter, wider beaches with bigger tidal changes.

Is Zanzibar good for families and honeymooners?

Yes. Zanzibar suits families, with calm water and plenty of activities, and couples, with romantic hotels and sunset dhow cruises. See our honeymoon safaris.

What should I respect when visiting Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is mainly Muslim. Swimwear is fine on the beach, but cover your shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages, especially during Ramadan.

Itineraries

Beach Holidays

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