AED 
  • Cash
  • Avios
Please refer to latest travel updates here 
Middle East GCC

Zanzibar holidays

Zanzibar rises from the Indian Ocean with a soft, fragrant breeze, a maze of coral stone lanes, and beaches that glow like sifted flour in the morning sun. Dhows drift along the horizon with sails curved like shells, spice gardens breathe clove and cardamom into the air, and the call to prayer mingles with palm rustle and distant laughter. In Stone Town, balconies of carved teak lean over shaded alleys, while fishermen haul nets beside tide washed steps. On the east coast, waves fold gently over wide lagoons, and village life moves at a pace shaped by tides rather than clocks. 

 
Did you know: If you’re a Qatar Airways Privilege Club member, when you book your next holiday to Zanzibar, you will earn Avios on your entire holiday package in addition to those earned on your flight! You can also pay for your booking with Cash + Avios, so you will be spending even less on your Zanzibar adventure. 
 
Holiday Packages

Zanzibar holiday Packages

Stone Town suits travellers who want lively evenings, varied dining, and easy sightseeing among winding alleys and glowing rooftops. For wide beaches and a slower rhythm, the east coast between Paje and Jambiani offers kitesurfing, wellness retreats, and long views over pale lagoons. Matemwe provides quiet shores, intimate lodges, and quick access to snorkelling around Mnemba Atoll. Nungwi and Kendwa blend calm waters with vibrant beach life and effortless sunset cruising. For complete seclusion, consider private island escapes where nature focused luxury and reef adventures shape each day.
 

Good to know

  • Time Zone
    GMT+3 hours
  • Languages
    English, Swahili
  • Dialing Code
    +255
  • Electricity
    230V, 50Hz, Type G
  • Currency
    Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
  • Experiences

    Zanzibar holiday experiences

    • Get lost in Stone Town’s labyrinth of stories: Wander through narrow alleys that reveal carved wooden doors, spice stalls, and hidden courtyards. Visit the Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens, listen to the soft echo of artisan workshops, and let the city’s mix of African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences guide you through centuries of heritage.
       
    • Snorkel the waters of Mnemba Atoll: A protected marine area with shimmering coral gardens, darting reef fish, and water that glows turquoise beneath the sun. Calm seas, white sandbanks, and gentle currents create a dreamlike world that feels suspended between sky and ocean.
       
    • Walk the spice plantations of Kizimbani: Cinnamon bark, nutmeg shells, cardamom pods, and vanilla vines unfold their scents along shaded paths. Guides reveal plant stories with humour and warmth, turning every leaf and root into a lesson in Zanzibar’s vibrant spice legacy.
       
    • Stroll the beaches of Paje at low tide: The lagoon stretches out in pale blues and silvers, kites trace patterns across the sky, and the shallow water glimmers like glass. It is a place that invites wandering without purpose, where the horizon seems to shift with each step.
       
    • Visit the Jozani Forest and meet the red colobus monkeys: Follow wooden boardwalks through mangroves and listen for rustling treetops. The red colobus, found only in Zanzibar, moves with gentle curiosity, and the surrounding forest hums with the energy of a rare and protected habitat.
       
    • Watch the sunset from Nungwi’s dhow harbour: Boat builders carve hulls from ancient techniques, fishermen ready their sails, and the ocean becomes a mirror of orange and rose as the day quietens. A simple place, yet unforgettable when the sky transforms in slow, deepening colour.
     
    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

      When’s the best time to travel to Zanzibar for a holiday?
      +
      The best time to visit Zanzibar for great weather is during the dry season from June to October, offering sunny skies, gentle breezes, and ideal conditions for beaches, diving, and safaris, though it's peak tourist season. Another great window is the short dry season from mid-December to February, with hot, dry days and clear water, perfect for relaxing.
      What is the latest travel update for Zanzibar holidays?
      +
      Travel requirements and events can change very quickly, so it’s smart to check official sources or contact holidays@qatarairways.com.qa before booking. Staying information ensures you don’t miss seasonal highlights, special events, or must-visit sports in the city.
      Why should I go on holiday to Zanzibar with Qatar Airways Holidays?
      +
      With Qatar Airways Holidays, your Zanzibar trip is an exclusive Flight + Hotel package which give you unbeatable choices and value! With 170+ destinations, 200k+ hotels, 40+ hotels, and access to global events and concerts, your holiday becomes effortless, exciting, and unforgettable.
      Will I earn Avios when I book my Zanzibar holiday package with Qatar Airways Holidays?
      +
      Yes. You will earn Avios for your entire Flight + Hotel holiday package in addition to Avios you earn from Qatar Airways flights.
      Can I pay for my Zanzibar holiday package with Avios?
      +
      Yes. If you have sufficient Avios balance, you can pay with a combination of Cash + Avios, and you will even earn Avios on the package you book using Avios.