aerial view of city near body of water during daytime

Explore & Activities

White-sand beaches, historic towns, tropical forests and a rich Swahili culture come together on Zanzibar’s main island.

a group of people walking around a market
a group of people walking around a market

THE ISLAND

Shaped by nature, culture and the sea

Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, is an 85-kilometre-long tropical paradise known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and rich Swahili heritage.


Beyond the coastline, the island offers historic towns, fragrant spice farms, indigenous forests and lively coastal villages, each revealing a different side of Zanzibar.

WHAT TO VISIT

Experience the best of Zanzibar

From the winding lanes of Stone Town to the forests, spice farms and reefs beyond, these are the experiences that capture the spirit of Zanzibar.

  • an old building with a palm tree in front of it

    Stone Town

    Wander through the historic streets filled with artisan workshops, bustling markets, museums, antique shops and carved wooden doorways.

  • a monkey sitting on a tree branch in a forest

    Jozani Forest

    Venture into a protected biosphere reserve home to the rare Red Colobus monkey, indigenous forest and mangrove swamps.

  • The Spice Farms

    Visit one of Zanzibar's fragrant spice farms and experience the aromas that earned the island its reputation as the Spice Island.

  • A kitesurfer skimming across the water off Zanzibar's coast

    Paje & Jambiani

    On the east coast, these villages combine world-class kitesurfing with relaxed beach cafes, lively bars and an easy-going island atmosphere.

  • Two dolphins swimming through clear blue water off Zanzibar's southern coast.

    The Southern Coast

    Explore the reefs of Zanzibar's southern coastline or head out onto the water for the experience of swimming with dolphins.

  • Dramatic sunset over the beach at Nungwi, with traditional boats on the sand.

    Nungwi

    Travel to the northern tip of the island for wide beaches, clear water and some of Zanzibar's most spectacular sunsets.

  • an old building with a palm tree in front of it

    Stone Town

    Wander through the historic streets filled with artisan workshops, bustling markets, museums, antique shops and carved wooden doorways.

  • a monkey sitting on a tree branch in a forest

    Jozani Forest

    Venture into a protected biosphere reserve home to the rare Red Colobus monkey, indigenous forest and mangrove swamps.

  • The Spice Farms

    Visit one of Zanzibar's fragrant spice farms and experience the aromas that earned the island its reputation as the Spice Island.

  • A kitesurfer skimming across the water off Zanzibar's coast

    Paje & Jambiani

    On the east coast, these villages combine world-class kitesurfing with relaxed beach cafes, lively bars and an easy-going island atmosphere.

  • Two dolphins swimming through clear blue water off Zanzibar's southern coast.

    The Southern Coast

    Explore the reefs of Zanzibar's southern coastline or head out onto the water for the experience of swimming with dolphins.

  • Dramatic sunset over the beach at Nungwi, with traditional boats on the sand.

    Nungwi

    Travel to the northern tip of the island for wide beaches, clear water and some of Zanzibar's most spectacular sunsets.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES

Enjoy your stay at your own pace

From slow, relaxing moments to days out on the water, choose from activities at the property and experiences arranged with our trusted local providers.

AT MZIMA

01

Massage

Unwind with a relaxing massage surrounded by our peaceful nature, designed to leave you feeling completely restored.

02

Paddle Boarding & Kayaking

Explore the peaceful shores of Chwaka Bay directly from the property, with paddleboards and kayaks available for guests.

03

Snorkeling

Discover the clear waters and explore the vibrant marine life just beyond the shores of of Mzima.

Two men fish from a boat in the ocean.
person riding on boat on large body of water during daytime
a person in scuba gear under water

AROUND THE ISLAND

01

Dhow Sailing Trips & Sunset Cruises

An essential Zanzibar experience: step aboard a traditional dhow and discover the island’s centuries-old way of travelling the sea, watching the sun set along the coastline and taking in the beauty of the ocean.

02

Kitesurfing, Hydrofoiling & Windsurfing

Head to nearby water-sport centres for steady winds and shallow lagoons suitable for all skill levels. Check our winds & seasons information for the best times to visit.

03

Diving

Discover Zanzibar’s vibrant underwater world, exploring coral gardens, green turtles, dolphins and abundant marine life with trusted diving centres around the island.

04

Fishing Trips

Join local fishermen for a relaxed experience on the water, discovering traditional fishing practices or charter a deep sea fishing boat to catch big game fish like tuna, marlin, and barracuda.

CLIMATE, TIDES & WINDS

Shaped by the seasons and the sea

Zanzibar’s tropical climate is shaped by seasonal monsoon winds, two distinct rainy seasons and the daily rhythm of the tides. Conditions change throughout the year, creating different opportunities for sailing, diving, snorkelling and watersports.

man in black shirt sitting on white and brown sail boat on sea shore during daytime

Kaskazi

DECEMBER TO MARCH

The Kaskazi, or northeast monsoon, brings warmer temperatures and calmer seas. These months offer excellent conditions for sailing, diving and snorkelling.

green and white sail boat on sea during daytime

Kusi

JUNE TO OCTOBER

The Kusi, or southeast monsoon, brings cooler, drier weather and steady trade winds averaging around 15 to 20 knots. This is Zanzibar’s main season for advanced kitesurfing and windsurfing.

brown rock formation on sea under blue sky during daytime

Tides

A CHANGING COASTLINE

Zanzibar has two high and two low tides each day. Along the east and south coasts, the sea can retreat by over a kilometre during full and new moons, revealing sandbanks, reefs and tidal pools.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

Respecting Zanzibar's culture

Zanzibar is a welcoming destination with a predominantly Muslim culture. Awareness of local customs when visiting towns or villages is always appreciated.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection in Islam. It's not a public holiday, but the island is noticeably quieter during the day, with some local shops and restaurants closed until sunset.

Out of respect, guests are asked to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public spaces during daylight hours. After sunset, families gather, restaurants reopen, and the island takes on a festive atmosphere.

As the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, Ramadan begins around 11 days earlier each year. 

2027

7 February

2028

27 January

Dress code

Zanzibar’s dress code is relaxed and based around respect rather than strict rules. Swimwear is appropriate on the beach, at hotels, or by the pool.

In towns and villages, guests are encouraged to dress modestly, covering knees and shoulders out of respect for the local Islamic culture.

Your island stay
starts here

Experience barefoot luxury, peaceful gardens, ocean views, and the laid-back charm of island living on Zanzibar's east coast.

Book your stay
Traditional wooden fishing boats anchored in a calm turquoise lagoon, framed by palm trees