Tropical beach and turquoise waters of Zanzibar, Tanzania
THE COAST

From Safari to Sea.

Discover Zanzibar beyond the beach, from historic Stone Town and Swahili culture to turquoise waters, spice-scented streets and slow days beside the Indian Ocean.

THE COAST

From Safari to Sea.

Zanzibar is more than the final few days after a safari. It is an experience in its own right — shaped by the Indian Ocean, Swahili culture, historic Stone Town, spice traditions and a slower rhythm of life.

Turquoise Indian Ocean coastline in Zanzibar
Zanzibar · Where the Wilderness Meets the Sea
BEYOND THE BEACH

The island reveals itself slowly.

Follow the scent of spices through an old market. Wander the narrow streets of Stone Town. Step into warm Indian Ocean water. Then slow down and let the afternoon disappear beside the sea.

01

Indian Ocean

Turquoise water, white beaches and warm tropical horizons create the island's unmistakable setting.

02

Swahili Culture

Discover a living culture shaped by African, Arab, Indian and coastal traditions.

03

Spice Heritage

Explore the island's famous spice traditions, flavours and agricultural heritage.

THE EXPERIENCE

Beyond the Beach.

Zanzibar is a place of contrasts — open ocean and ancient streets, underwater colour and quiet beaches, spice gardens and evenings that seem to last forever.

Turquoise Indian Ocean waters surrounding Zanzibar
01 THE OCEAN

Indian Ocean

Warm water, white sand and endless horizons create the natural rhythm of island life.

Historic streets and architecture of Stone Town Zanzibar
02 THE HISTORY

Stone Town

Wander through narrow streets, carved doors and centuries of stories shaped by the sea.

Spices and tropical plants during a Zanzibar spice experience
03 THE FLAVOUR

Spice Island

Discover the scents, flavours and traditions behind Zanzibar's famous spice heritage.

Snorkelling in the clear waters of Zanzibar
04 BENEATH THE SURFACE

Underwater Zanzibar

Discover another side of the island through coral reefs, marine life and clear tropical waters.

Sunset over the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar
05 SLOW TIME

Sunset by the Sea

Some of the best island moments are the ones where nothing needs to happen at all.

EXPERT KNOWLEDGE

Planning Your Zanzibar Escape

The right island experience depends on more than choosing a beautiful beach. Coast, season, accommodation, activities and the way Zanzibar connects with your wider Tanzania journey all matter.

THE MARAMATTA PERSPECTIVE

Zanzibar Should Feel Like the Right Ending — or Beginning.

We look beyond the map when planning your island stay. The right coastline, property and pace should complement the experience you want, whether Zanzibar is part of a safari journey or the destination itself.

01

Choosing the Right Coast

Different parts of Zanzibar offer different atmospheres, beaches, tides and experiences. We help match the coastline to your priorities.

02

Making Time for Stone Town

A short stay in Stone Town can add history, architecture and culture to an otherwise slower coastal escape.

03

Choosing the Right Beach

Beach atmosphere, swimming conditions, privacy and activities all influence where it makes sense to stay.

04

Understanding the Seasons

Weather, sea conditions and your preferred activities should all be considered when choosing when to travel.

05

Choosing Your Experiences

From spice experiences and Stone Town to snorkelling, sailing and simply slowing down, your days can be as active or relaxed as you wish.

06

Safari to Sea

When Zanzibar follows a safari, we coordinate the transition so the journey moves naturally from wilderness to the coast.

WHY MARAMATTA

Your Safari and Zanzibar Journey, Seamlessly Connected.

The beauty of combining Tanzania's wilderness with the Indian Ocean lies in how naturally the two can flow together. We bring the planning, local knowledge and personal attention needed to make the transition feel effortless.

01
SEAMLESS PLANNING

From Wilderness to Ocean, Without the Friction.

Safari and Zanzibar become one journey when the details are carefully connected. We coordinate the routing, transfers, flights, accommodation and timing so you can simply enjoy the change of pace.

02
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Knowing Where the Island Feels Right.

Zanzibar has different characters from coast to coast. Our understanding of the island helps us recommend places, properties and experiences that fit the way you want to spend your time.

03
PERSONALISED SERVICE

Planned Around the Way You Want to Travel.

From the first conversation to the final arrangements, we shape the experience around your interests, preferred pace, accommodation style and the moments you want to remember.

JOURNEY COLLECTION

Zanzibar Experiences

From quiet days beside the Indian Ocean to journeys that combine Zanzibar with Tanzania's great wildlife landscapes, each experience can be shaped around how you want to discover the island.

Relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar
ISLAND ESCAPE

5-Day Zanzibar Beach Escape

Five days of white-sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters and unhurried island time.
5 Days • Zanzibar • Beach
Tanzania safari followed by a Zanzibar beach holiday
SAFARI + BEACH

Tanzania Safari & Beach Escape

Begin with Tanzania's wildlife, then slow down beside the Indian Ocean.
Safari • Zanzibar • Private
Tanzania wildlife safari and Zanzibar beach holiday
WILDERNESS TO OCEAN

10-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar

Wildlife across Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, followed by three days beside the sea.
10 Days • Safari • Zanzibar
Family enjoying a Zanzibar beach holiday after a Tanzania safari
FAMILY ESCAPE

10-Day Family Safari & Zanzibar

A family adventure through Tanzania's wildlife followed by relaxed days on Zanzibar's beaches.
10 Days • Family • Safari • Zanzibar

Want to combine Zanzibar with something different? Every Maramatta journey can be tailored around you.

Talk to Our Team
JOURNEY IN PRACTICE

A Week in Zanzibar

There is no single way to experience the island. But a well-paced week can move naturally between history, culture, ocean experiences and time to simply relax.

01
ARRIVAL

Stone Town

Begin among Zanzibar's historic streets, architecture and Swahili atmosphere before continuing towards the coast.

02
THE COAST

Settle Into Island Life

Arrive at your coastal retreat and let the pace change — ocean, sand, warm evenings and nowhere you need to rush.

03
DISCOVERY

Spice & Culture

Step beyond the beach to discover the island's spice heritage, local traditions and the culture that has shaped Zanzibar for generations.

04
THE OCEAN

Out on the Water

Snorkel, sail, explore the marine world or simply spend the day moving between the water and the shore.

05
SLOW TIME

Time to Simply Be

Leave space for long lunches, swimming, reading, spa time or an afternoon with nothing planned at all.

06
FAREWELL

One Last Sunset

Finish slowly, carrying the colour, warmth and rhythm of the island into whatever comes next.

This is only a taste of what your Zanzibar journey could look like. We shape the pace, accommodation and experiences around you.

Create Your Journey
GUEST STORIES

From Wilderness to Ocean

Some of the most memorable Tanzania journeys are not defined by one place, but by the change of pace between them. Discover what travellers remember about moving from safari and wilderness to the shores of Zanzibar.

From the wild.
To the water.
And everything in between.

Your journey could move from Tanzania's wilderness to Zanzibar's shores.

Plan Your Escape
PRACTICAL INTELLIGENCE

Planning Your Zanzibar Escape

The details that help you understand when to travel, where to stay, how long to spend on the island and how Zanzibar can fit naturally into your wider journey.

01

When should I go?

Zanzibar can be visited throughout much of the year, but weather and sea conditions should be considered alongside the experiences you want most.

02

Which coast should I choose?

Different coastlines offer different beaches, atmospheres, tides and activities. We help match the area to the way you want to travel.

03

How many nights should I stay?

A few nights can provide a relaxing beach finish, while a longer stay gives more room for culture, marine experiences and unhurried days.

04

Can I combine Zanzibar with safari?

Absolutely. Zanzibar can be added before or after a Tanzania safari, creating a natural transition between wilderness and sea.

05

Where should I stay?

Accommodation depends on your preferred beach, atmosphere, privacy, activities and whether you want to include Stone Town.

06

Is Stone Town worth visiting?

For many travellers, yes. Even a short visit adds historical depth and cultural context to the island experience.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Before You Set Out

A few of the questions travellers naturally have before travelling to Zanzibar or combining the island with a Tanzania safari.

How do I get from safari to Zanzibar?

Zanzibar can be connected to a Tanzania safari through scheduled or private arrangements depending on your itinerary. We coordinate the transition as part of the wider journey.

What is the weather like in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar has a warm tropical climate, with seasonal variations in rainfall and sea conditions. We consider the season alongside your preferred activities when planning.

Do the tides affect swimming?

Tidal patterns vary around the island and can influence swimming and water activities. Choosing the right coastline is therefore part of creating the right beach experience.

What marine activities can we do?

Depending on the location and conditions, experiences can include snorkelling, sailing, marine excursions and time on the water.

Should we visit Stone Town?

If you want to experience more of Zanzibar than its beaches, Stone Town adds an important cultural and historical dimension to the journey.

Can Zanzibar be combined with mainland Tanzania?

Yes. Zanzibar combines naturally with a northern Tanzania safari, allowing you to experience wildlife and wilderness before slowing down beside the Indian Ocean.

Zanzibar coastline at sunset
YOUR INDIAN OCEAN ESCAPE

Your Indian Ocean Escape Begins Here.

Tell us how you imagine your time in Zanzibar — whether it is a few quiet days beside the sea, a deeper island experience, or the perfect ending to your Tanzania safari.

2027 Afcon Safari