Category: Zanzibar Safaris

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar: Weather, Festivals & Sea Tides

Planning your trip to Zanzibar? Timing is everything, especially when it comes to weather, tides, and festivals. This guide breaks down the best times to visit Zanzibar based on what kind of traveler you are, and when to catch the island at its most magical.

Zanzibar’s Seasons at a Glance

• Dry Season (June – October):

• Best weather: sunny, low humidity, and minimal rain.
• Ideal for beach holidays, diving, and exploring Stone Town.
• Peak tourist season—book tours and hotels early with Nasroyal Safari.

• Short Rains (November – December):

• Light rain, mostly in the mornings or evenings.
• Fewer tourists, lush landscapes.
• Great for budget travelers and photographers.

Hot & Humid (January – February):

Still dry, but warmer.

Excellent diving visibility, vibrant marine life.

Perfect for combining with a safari or Kilimanjaro trek—Nasroyal Safari can help plan all three.

Long Rains (March – May):

• Heavy rains and humidity.
• Many resorts close; not ideal for beach-goers.
• Cultural experiences and spice tours are still possible with fewer crowds.

Sea Tides: What You Need to Know

Zanzibar experiences dramatic tidal shifts, especially on the east coast. At low tide, the ocean retreats hundreds of meters, great for reef walks but not ideal for swimming.

• Best beaches for all-day swimming: Nungwi and Kendwa.
• Tide-sensitive beaches: Paje, Jambiani, and Matemwe.

Nasroyal Safari can advise you on tide times and the best beaches to match your travel dates.

Festivals to Watch For

• Zanzibar International Film Festival (July):
  Africa’s biggest cultural festival. Enjoy music, film, and art from across the continent.

• Mwaka Kogwa (Late July):
  A traditional Shirazi New Year celebrated with fire, song, and stick-fighting in Makunduchi.

• Sauti za Busara (February):
  A world-renowned music festival in Stone Town. A must for culture and music lovers.

Travel Tip

If you want a mix of good weather, vibrant culture, and fewer tourists, February and October are sweet spots. For the best planning and insider tips, rely on Nasroyal Safari, who can tailor your trip around festivals, tides, and seasons.

Contact Nasroyal Safari: [email protected]

Zanzibar Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It

Zanzibar is a culinary melting pot where African, Arab, Indian, and European influences meet. From fragrant curries to ocean-fresh seafood, the island’s cuisine is as colorful as its history. This food guide explores what to eat and where to enjoy the best of Zanzibari cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

1. Zanzibar Pizza
Don’t let the name fool you, it’s more like a stuffed crepe than Italian pizza. Made fresh at the Forodhani Night Market, it’s filled with your choice of meat, veggies, egg, and cheese, then pan-fried.

2. Octopus Curry
A creamy coconut curry with tender octopus, served with rice or chapati. Found in both street stalls and fine-dining restaurants. Try it at Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town for a local favorite.

3. Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)
This spicy soup with fritters, potatoes, mango, and chutney is a popular street food. A must-try for adventurous foodies, best found at local market stalls.

4. Biryani & Pilau
Rice dishes infused with cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Often served during holidays and weddings, you can try it at traditional Swahili restaurants or during a Nasroyal Safari-led food tour.

5. Fresh Seafood Grill
Barracuda, prawns, lobster, you name it, Zanzibar grills it. Head to The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi for a unique experience, or try beachside BBQs in Nungwi.

Best Food Experiences

Forodhani Night Market (Stone Town)
Every evening, locals set up food stalls near the harbor. It’s the perfect place to try multiple dishes at once. Go with a guide from Nasroyal Safari to avoid tourist traps and learn about the dishes.

Lukmaan & Passing Show (Stone Town)
Local institutions where you can try everything from grilled fish to chapati and tamarind juice in a no-frills setting.

Tea Houses & Rooftop Restaurants
For a more refined experience, head to rooftop eateries like Emerson Spice or Upendo House, where you can enjoy traditional dishes with stunning views of Stone Town.

Spice Tours & Cooking Classes

Want to dive deeper? Book a spice tour or Swahili cooking class with Nasroyal Safari. You’ll visit local farms and learn how cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon end up in your curry.

Travel Tip:

Zanzibar’s food is best enjoyed when you know the story behind each dish. That’s why Nasroyal Safari offers guided culinary tours to help you savor not just the flavors, but the history and people behind them.

Contact Nasroyal Safari: [email protected]

Snorkeling and Diving in Zanzibar: Top Spots for Underwater Adventures

Zanzibar is not only famous for its beaches and spice farms, it’s also one of East Africa’s top snorkeling and diving destinations. With warm waters, coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, it’s a haven for underwater lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or first-time snorkeler, this guide will show you where to go and how to get the most from your ocean adventure.

1. Mnemba Atoll

This protected marine reserve off the northeast coast is Zanzibar’s crown jewel for diving and snorkeling. Crystal-clear water and thriving reefs make it perfect for spotting:

• Dolphins
• Sea turtles
• Moray eels
• Reef sharks
• Schools of colorful fish

Nasroyal Safari offers full-day snorkeling and diving trips to Mnemba, including transport, gear, and professional guides.

2. Nungwi and Kendwa Reefs

Close to the northern beaches, these spots are ideal for beginners and casual snorkelers. You’ll find coral gardens and calm, shallow waters that host parrotfish, clownfish, and octopus.

Many beachfront resorts offer rentals, but for the best experience, Nasroyal Safari can arrange a guided boat tour to the best sites.

3. Tumbatu Island

Accessible from Nungwi, Tumbatu is a lesser-known diving destination with pristine coral and fewer crowds. It’s also known for its historic Swahili ruins, making it an intriguing cultural dive site.

Note: Tumbatu is sacred to the locals, so permission and guided visits are a must, something Nasroyal Safari handles with respect and care.

4. Bawe and Chumbe Islands

Bawe Island offers calm, shallow reefs just a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town—ideal for snorkeling. Chumbe Island, meanwhile, is a private marine sanctuary with untouched coral and rare species. It’s great for eco-tourism and conservation-minded travelers.

5. Kizimkazi Dolphin Tours

While not strictly a snorkeling spot, Kizimkazi is famous for dolphin sightings. You can swim close to pods in the wild, an unforgettable experience if done respectfully. Nasroyal Safari ensures ethical, eco-friendly dolphin tours with certified guides.

Best Time to Snorkel/Dive

• June to October (dry season): Best visibility and calm seas.
• February to March: Ideal for warmer waters and active marine life.

Pro Tip:

Always book with experienced operators to ensure safety, sustainability, and the best possible visibility. Nasroyal Safari works with certified dive centers and guides who know the reefs inside and out.

Contact Nasroyal Safari: [email protected]