After days of early starts and dusty game drives, a few nights on the Indian Ocean is the natural finish to a safari. Zanzibar’s weather has a clear pattern, so timing it well makes a real difference.
The best months
June to October is the driest and sunniest stretch, with warm days around 26°C. It lines up neatly with the safari peak, which is why the bush-and-beach trip is so popular in those months. It is also the busiest time on the island.
Diving, snorkelling and heat
December and January offer some of the finest diving conditions, and December is a good month for whale shark encounters. February and March are the hottest and most humid months, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s. June to September is also good for snorkelling and diving.
The rains
The long rains, or Masika, run from mid-March through May, and April and May are the weakest months for beach days. November brings the short rains, usually afternoon showers with sunny mornings. The upside of the wet months is a quiet island and the lowest rates of the year.
Combining it with a safari
- Kenya safari then Zanzibar: return to Nairobi and fly on to the island.
- Serengeti or Ngorongoro then Zanzibar: a short regional flight takes you from the Tanzanian parks to the coast.
- Kenyan coast instead: Diani and Mombasa offer a beach finish without leaving Kenya.
Tell us your safari dates and we will suggest how many beach nights make sense and where to stay.
BROWSE ZANZIBAR PACKAGESSources
Fees and rules change. Confirm current figures with the official source or with us before you book.
