Red Colobus Monkey Safari in a nutshell

This suggested itinerary combines a luxurious safari lodge in southern Tanzania with a stay on Zanzibar including historic Stone Town and a vibrant beach resort. Your first stop is the remote Ruaha National Park, with its outstanding wildlife, in particular big populations of lions and elephants which can be found throughout the park. Ikuka Safari Camp has seven beautifully designed rooms and panoramic views over Ruaha.

From Ruaha, you fly to Zanzibar and two nights at the boutique Emerson Spice in Stone Town. This converted palace is packed full of Zanzibari charm and character and makes a great base for exploring the old town. Visit the cathedral and the excellent museum of the slave trade and wander the maze of shop-lined streets, before finishing the day watching the sunset over the harbour.

Leaving Stone Town you’ll be driven north to Zuri Zanzibar on the pretty northwest coast of the island. Opened in 2018, Zuri Zanzibar is a luxury beach resort on a palm-fringed stretch of beach. With 55 bungalows, a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities and facilities, this is the perfect place for rest and relaxation following your safari.

Clove Beach Holiday: Summary

Clove Beach Holiday in a nutshell

Spend five nights at a picturesque cove on Zanzibar’s east coast. On this suggested beach holiday you’ll stay at Pongwe Beach Hotel – a small retreat full of Zanzibari charm and character. Great-value, simple and unpretentious, it offers friendly service and a laidback atmosphere. We love the beach here – one of the prettiest on the island.

Pongwe’s secluded location makes the beach peaceful and serene, and perfect for rest and rejuvenation after a safari. Even at high tide, when you can swim from the beach, there’s plenty of space on the sands under the coconut palms. And when the tide is out, you can put on some reef shoes and explore the rockpools of the exposed lagoon, looking for shells and starfish in the shallow waters. Laze by the pool or relax in a hammock under the palms.

Plentiful activities are on offer: go in search of Zanzibar’s colourful marine life around the nearby islet of Mnemba Atoll, which has some of the best snorkelling and diving on the island; or take a day trip to historic Stone Town, to explore the labyrinth of alleys and visit a spice plantation en route.

Day 1 Starts: Dar es Salaam International Airport

This trip starts at the Domestic Terminal of Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport, which is a walk of about 500m from the International Terminal.

Days 1-6

Pongwe Beach Hotel

5 nights

Nestled between two outcrops of coral rock and on a secluded stretch of white-powdery beach, Pongwe Beach Hotel was opened in 2001 and has gone through various upgrades since. It's a quiet, simple and great-value little lodge on a sheltered cove, dotted with palm trees, hammocks and sun loungers. At high tide the water cuts Pongwe's stretch of beach off from the rest of the east coast, while at low tide you can walk around to nearby coves, including to the immediate neighbour to the north, Tulia.

Day 6

Ends: Dar es Salaam International Airport

Your trip ends at the airport's Domestic Terminal. If you're due to fly out of the country, you'll then have a walk of about 500m to the International Terminal.

Cinnamon Beach Holiday in a nutshell

The Cinnamon Beach Holiday combines five nights on the island’s picturesque east-coast with two nights in vibrant Stone Town.

Your first stop will be a stay at Sunshine Hotel which is a friendly and welcoming small hotel with a pretty white sandy beach, and a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Lounge with a book by the shady infinity pool or enjoy a fruity cocktail at the vibrant beach bar. With just the right amount of ‘buzz’, this is an ideal property for couples and families alike, as there is no age-restrictions here. If you are feeling more active you can borrow snorkelling equipment or bicycles to explore the local area.

After your time on the beach head to Stone Town for two nights at the charming Dhow Palace Hotel. This traditionally Zanzibari styled boutique-hotel is well located for exploring the labyrinth of cobbled streets. Explore at your leisure or arrange a tour with a knowledgeable local guide to really learn about the history and culture of this unique city. At the end of the day, escape the from the hustle and bustle with a cooling dip in Dhow Palace’s swimming pool, before heading to dinner on the rooftop restaurant.

Masala Beach Holiday: Summary

Masala Beach Holiday in a nutshell

This indulgent Zanzibar retreat combines beach-side relaxation with the delightful intrigues of Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleys and marketplaces.

Beginning with a week at the stunningly unique Kilindi, you will unwind in a stylish boutique hotel that quickly earned its reputation as one of the best on the island. The 15 spaciously designed pavilions are utterly decadent, offering both a private butler, or ‘room ambassador’, and two personal plunge pools as well as considerable comfort and privacy.

If the superb beach-side location doesn’t invite hours of quiet relaxation beside the waves, paddle-boarding, kayaking, snorkelling or diving excursions can also all be arranged to pass the time. In addition, Kilindi offers guided tours around the nearby Spice Plantations or Stone Town, both of which could also be enjoyed at the end of this trip, during your stay in Stone Town.

Serena Inn occupies a fantastic spot on Stone Town’s beachfront. It is a fine old hotel that has been carefully restored from two historic buildings and which offers a variety of places to sit and wile away the hours with a cocktail or coffee. Of course, if you can peel yourself away from the stunning rooftop views or enticing cafes and restaurants, Stone Town’s rich history and vibrant culture awaits just beyond Serena Inn’s doorstep.

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Masala Beach Holiday: talk to us about those which interest you.

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Kayaking

Scuba-diving

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Watersports

Cumin Beach Holiday in a nutshell

Spend five nights at Qambani, a luxurious lodge with six modern villas and personalised service. The lodges remote location means that the beach remains blissfully quiet, and with plenty of space and only a handful of high-quality villas this is an ideal place to come and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island. The one-bedroom villas are great for couples, while the two-bedroom villas work well for families.

Flop besides one of the two swimming pools, take a kayak and paddle around the shallow shoreline, or unwind with a massage in the small spa, then round up the day tucking into a seafood platter – we thought the food was excellent. Qambani prides itself on its open plan kitchen and guests are welcome to come and cook alongside the chef, with children learning how to make tasty treats.

If you are feeling active then there are plenty of opportunities to get out an explore the island. Book a morning snorkelling trip to the barrier reefs and discover the plethora of marine life off Zanzibar’s shores. Go in search of the red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, visit the spice plantations and hear about their culinary and medicinal uses, or take a guided tour of historic Stone Town and gain an insight into the history of the island.

Coconut Beach Holiday in a nutshell

This holiday starts with a couple of nights in Stone Town, staying at the theatrical Emerson on Hurumzi. This historic building has been converted into a quirky hotel, with individually designed rooms, antique furniture and a fabulous teahouse restaurant. We love the Swahili cuisine and the sunsets over the harbour.

Stone Town is a fascinating area to explore on foot and the best way to do so is with a guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Visit the spice markets and old apothecary, chat with the locals at Jaws Corner and learn about local customs.

You will then go on to spend four nights at the highly luxurious White Sand Villas on the south east coast of the island. Set in tropical gardens, the modern, open plan villas give both space and privacy, many with direct access to the expansive white sandy beach. Learn to kite surf at the onsite water sports centre, enjoy a soothing massage at the spa and round off your day sipping champagne at the rooftop wine bar. With friendly service and outstanding food, White Sand Villas delivers a truly special experience.

Discover Africa's wildlife and culture with your family

Family safari holidays in Africa can be an amazing way for children to interact with the natural world and encounter completely different cultures.

To get the best out of a family safari to Africa, we use our experience to tailor the trip to your family. As well as your interests and your budget, we’ll consider the age and individual maturity of your children, and any safety concerns.

We know that many ‘standard’ safaris can end up being boring for children, who are expected to sit quietly whilst entertainment isn’t guaranteed. So, with our own families in tow, we've found the very best lodges and camps that keep younger ones engaged, active and learning with specially tailored activities.

From an exclusive-use villa in the bush with your very own private guide who specialises in looking after younger ones with a completely flexible schedule, to adventurous self-drives gathering around camp fires, and everything in between, we'll create the perfect African safari for your family.

Share the timeless romance of Africa

There is a timeless romance to Africa's wild places. Whether you are after a simple escape in the bush lit by candles and stars with nothing but canvas between you and the wilderness, something more opulent to indulge in after your big day, or a stunning castaway beach to unwind on together, we can create your perfect African honeymoon.

Picking the right destination to match your style, interests and budget can be overwhelming, so get in touch with one of our experts to get helping in finding where's right for you. Although many of our camps and safari lodges in Africa make very romantic destinations without needing to try, many will go above and beyond to make your honeymoon unforgettable - perhaps a private dinner in a secluded setting, a rolltop bath with a bottle of bubbly and rooms with a little more privacy.

We’ve singled out the most romantic lodges and very best safari camps, lodges and island getaways in each country for an amazing African honeymoon. So browse through the trips and countries below for some inspiration and contact us to start planning

Experience Africa in private

If you are travelling to Africa with your family or a group of friends, you might want to consider staying at a private house or an exclusive-use villa. A number of camps can also be booked in their entirety for an incredible safari shared with just your group.

There are some truly stunning properties in Africa which can have all to yourself, ranging from intimate bushcamps deep in the wilderness through to villas by the Indian Ocean and sprawling houses in vast private areas where you won’t encounter another soul.

They are often fully-staffed, with private chefs, babysitters and hosts to make you all feel at home with highly personalised service. Most private properties in safari areas will include your own safari guide and 4WD vehicle, allowing you the freedom of setting your own activity schedule and being able to change it when you wish. This is the ultimate luxury – you choose when to head out on safari, what to do, when to come back, when to eat, and when to just relax.

Seek out exactly the species you want and take things at whatever pace you fancy. With no strict daily schedule to follow, mornings are as early as you please, with quality time to relax around the pool or entire days spent exploring the bush.

Get in touch with our experts to start planning the perfect private African safari for your family.

Africa trips for solo travellers

There are a variety of camps, lodges and experiences in Africa which are ideally suited to the solo traveller.

By picking the right properties, a safari can be a very sociable experience where you'll meet like-minded people, join group activities and be looked after by great staff. We find often the smaller, more intimate bushcamps are best as they have the atmosphere of an expedition with a great sense of camaraderie. They can feel like visiting friends at a country house – you'll dine together with your hosts and fellow guests, whilst spending your days exploring the area and enjoying safari activities together. Of course, if you fancy a more private experience, we can help with that too.

Some properties also refrain from charging a single supplement, so if economy is a concern we can work to tailor-make your trip to get the most for your money.

Up close encounters with Africa's marine wildlife

The Indian Ocean off Africa's tropical coast has an incredible variety and quality of marine life. There are manta rays and whale sharks, five species of turtle, hundreds of fish species, dolphins, endless tropical coral reefs and even the occasional shy dugong.

Several of Expert Africa's team are keen divers, and we'll always be happy to advise from our personal experience to find where’s best for you.

Islands and archipelagos off Tanzania and Mozambique’s coast have a great mix of reef and deeper wall dives, as do the protected waters around some of the islands we offer in the Seychelles.

And for something completely different, the freshwater Lake Malawi has a rocky underwater environment which is home to perhaps 1000 species of brightly-coloured cichlid fish mostly found nowhere else on earth.

Zanzibar; the romantic, exotic archipelago, reminiscent of Arabian nights and Indian Ocean indolence. Only 15 minutes flight from the mainland, the wonderfully sleepy island of Zanzibar is one of East Africa's finest beach destinations, surrounded by coral reefs with idyllic beaches lined by huge sweeping palm trees. Zanzibar beaches are the obvious addition to a safari on mainland Tanzania, or should we say that a short safari is the obvious addition to your Zanzibar holiday, with the beautiful Selous less than an hour away. Where to stay in Zanzibar can be daunting; with so many hotels, and a lot of tourist traps, it really takes a conversation with the experts to sort the wheat from the chaff and find a beach lodge which is just right for you. From years of visiting and revisiting the most pristine spots on the island, we can guide you to the best places to stay. Though many visitors spend a night or two in Stone Town, the charismatic island capital, the real attraction of is its glorious coral sand beaches, and the fantastic snorkelling and diving. Tourism has eclipsed spice trading as the main form of income, but islands retain their rustic African charm despite the developments of the last decade. Zanzibar is a land apart, entirely charismatic and well worth a visit.

Zanzibar Beaches - The best beaches in Zanzibar

Nungwi Beach & Kendwa, North Zanzibar

Nungwi and Kendwa beaches are truly beautiful; they are on the only side of the island which is consistently crystal clear water lapping brilliant white sands. The northern beaches really are where to stay in Zanzibar if you are looking for that idyllic Indian Ocean beach experience. The rest of Zanzibar’s beaches (east coast, as the west coast really doesn’t give you anything!) are tidal which means whilst you may be able to sink your toes in to the powdery sand, the sea may be a bit of a trek away, depending on the time of day. Nungwi & Kendwa are home to some big chains and a backpacker culture, but the beaches are exceptional here, and there are fantastic accommodation options if you know where to look.

Nungwi & Kendwa Beaches – Where to stay

Our favourite hotels include the new exciting addition to Zanzibar's beach resorts, Zuri Zanzibar, as well as the classics Diamonds La Gemma & Essque Zalu. These are all absolutely fantastic value for money and suit those who like to be around a bustling environment and on a stunning beach – staying in either these options means you get your own slice of privacy in a really fun part of the island. Matemwe, North East Zanzibar Matemwe beach can be found slightly to the east of Nungwi and Kendwa. As such, contrary to the more northern beaches, it can be tidal here. The area has been relatively untouched by tourism until recent years, and it can now get a bit busy. However, when the tide is in some beach lodges offer a pocket of Indian Ocean paradise for an unbelievable price.

Matemwe Beach – Where to stay

There are a few really well established boutique options here far from the madding crowd such as Sunshine Hotel, Matemwe Lodge and Kasha. Sunshine is our favourite to recommend and is a slightly more intimate version of Pongwe Beach Hotel (below), with some fantastic rooms and villas to choose from for a great price. However, when choosing between Sunshine and Pongwe, you must consider the plus of Pongwe’s consistently pristine beach…

Pongwe, East Zanzibar

Pongwe has one of the only east coast beaches which isn’t tidal as it sits neatly in a concave break in the coastline. As such, if you like long beach walks, it is maybe not for you as you don’t get a sweeping beach picture, but it does give you a certain little slice of luxury in as much privacy as you can get on the island. If you don't have a huge budget, then Pongwe is hands down the best place to stay in Zanzibar.

Pongwe Beach – Where to stay

Pongwe for the beach and incredible value for money rooms is the only place to consider in this area. It is quirky and not uber-luxury, but does have added bonuses like private pools in the sea view rooms at an absolutely incredible price. At Pongwe, there is no worry of a low tide that some Zanzibar beaches suffer from, instead white sand beaches and turquoise waters are at your beck and call.

Paje & Dongwe, South East Zanzibar

Paje has more accommodation options which we like to recommend than in the Northern parts. Situated on the mid-east coast of the island, Paje and Dongwe’s beaches are long and sweeping giving that classic Indian Ocean feel, but again, it can be tidal. You get some super luxury and intimate options though, and as such, some of our absolute favourites are in this area for a very spoiling Indian Ocean paradise.

Paje and Dongwe Beaches – Where to stay

White Sands Villas in Paje is a real glossy luxury find. It’s name pretty much says it all – Its sumptuously vast villas provide clean, simple and yet brilliantly appointed respite, privately swathed in fab sandy gardens. Dongwe is home to Breezes – and contrastingly to White Sands, it is bigger and mid-range but ideal for families with all the mod cons you could need from a relaxed Indian Ocean family holiday.

For a similarly relaxed environment to Breezes, look no further than Echo Beach – the opposite of pretentious Indian Ocean luxury and ideal for some. Luxuriantly Arabic style, the sister properties of Baraza and The Palms are also amongst the finest hotels on the island. Baraza has 36 bungalows each with a private plunge pool; this is our favourite pick for families wanting the best the island can offer. The Palms next door has only six rooms and offers a more intimate experience that fits very well with couples wanting to keep to themselves. Any of these would be perfect for luxury Zanzibar holidays or a Zanzibar honeymoon.

Jambiani, South (South!) East & West Zanzibar

Jiambani is a great place to visit for the best kite surfing on the island as there are consistently good winds. However, our favourite hotels are admittedly up the road towards Paje and Dongwe. As you get further south, the beaches disappear and then up the west coast, apart from the attraction of Stone Town, beach wise, it really isn’t anything compared to the west.

Zanzibar Beach Holidays: Further Reading

Away from Zanzibar Island, Pemba is an island located to the North East and is still as easily accessible from Dar es Salaam. Pemba is perfect for those wishing for a more adventurous escape and to get away from the more popular beaches. Although, the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar are better known, the coral reefs thta surround Pemba in the turquoise water are perfect for snorkeling and scuba-diving.

While we try and make our website as comprehensive as possible, if you would like some more background information, have a read through the Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar - South East Islands Chapter, North Coast Islands Chapter, East Coast Islands Chapter written by one of our director’s Annabel. The most recent edition was published in 2005 so some of it might be slightly dated but generally it’s as comprehensive as they come.

If what you've read here isn't enough (we hope it is though!), take a look at our blog on further information on where to stay in Zanzibar.

We don't just know Zanzibar and Tanzania!

For more information on Tanzania, the best thing to do is to give us a ring for an impartial chat. Although we love Tanzania, we also love the rest of Africa too and have experts in all the main safari countries. If you are undecided as to where to visit, please do just drop us an email or give us a call!