ZANZIBAR CLIMATE. Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year except during April and May  which is the period of  the Long Rains. The Short Rains occur in November. They are characterized by short showers which normally occur in the late afternoon.

The heat of summer is often cooled by windy conditions resulting in pleasant sea breezes. This is particularly so on the North and East coasts. Being near to the equator, the island is warm all year round. Hot months are  October to March. Warm months June to September - a lovely time to be on the coast: cloudless skies, pleasantly warm temperatures, and little rain. 

The following chart gives temperatures in Centigrade. Main rainy season starts in late March and lasts until mid-May. The short rains, characterized by short heavy showers normally in late afternoon, occur in November and December.

 Averages:     Jan-Mar  Apr-May  June-Sep  Oct-Dec.

Temperature:     28             27              25              27
High:                   32             30             28               31
Low:                    24             32             22              24
Rainfall (cms)      5              32              3               14
Rain Days.           5             11               3                9

     ZANZIBAR
SPECIAL: One of Tanzania's little secrets is its coast line. Ushongo Beach is comparable to amongst the best beaches in Africa.  There are three small lodges on the Tanzania coast 200 kms north of Dar es Salaam. It's a far cry from mass tourism and commercialism and is offered as an alternative to Zanzibar. See Tanzania Coast page.

Zanzibar. The main attractions of Zanzibar include historical ruins, spice plantations, Old Stone Town, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, cycling, and just  relaxing.  It is worth spending at least two nights in the old Stone Town. 

Zanzibar can be combined with a seven or eight day wildlife safari. This safari itinerary has been arranged to maximizes the time on both the safari and on Zanzibar. The flight from Arusha/Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar takes an hour. If you are on a safari to the national parks, consider flying from the Serengeti to Zanzibar. It takes a little over two hours. There are twice daily flights from the Serengeti to Arusha with a connecting flight from Arusha to Zanzibar.

SPORTING ACTIVITIES. Be careful of sea urchins: their prickly points can be painful. Wear suitable beach shoes (not flip flops). Wear a T-shirt when snorkeling and exposed to the sun.

Swala Safaris will book deep sea trophy fishing only on a catch-and-release basis or fishing for personal consumption. 

    DIVING AND SNORKELING. Mnemba Reef is probably the best place for diving and snorkeling on the Zanzibar coast and one of the best anywhere on the East African coast. The Pemba Channel and Ushongo is also excellent. 

SCUBA DIVING COSTS (US$ per person):

Snorkeling Trip (2-3) hours $25.    Scuba Diver Course Tuition $170.
Single Dive $35.  Double Dive $65.  Four Dives $120  Six Dives $145.

WATER SPORTS (US$ per person):  

Canoeing Half Day $10.     Bicycle Hire Half Day $10.     Bicycle Hire Full Day  $15.     

EXCURSIONS IN ZANZIBAR (US$ per person):  

Stone Town Half Day  $30: Market, Anglican Cathedral, Museum, Tippu Tipp's House, Sultan's Palace, and Fort.
Spice Plantations Half Day $35. Historic places and plantations. Highly recommended.
Chumbe Island Half Day $35. Marine Park 40 minutes boat ride from Stone Town. Snorkeling.
North Zanzibar Full Day  $45. Manapwani slave caves and traditional village.
Jozani Forest $10 entry fee (included in South & East Coast tour).
South & East Zanzibar $45. Full Day. Includes Jozani Forest. 

BAWE ISLAND. Situated on the West coast of Zanzibar town. Good marine life for snorkeling, diving and swimming. 

GRAVE ISLAND. In 1879, Sultan Bargash selected this island to be the graveyard for the British residents of Zanzibar. People who died during The First World War as well as the anti-slave traders were also buried here. Hence the name  Grave Island. These graves can still be seen. The island has a restaurant by the beach. An excellent spot for snorkeling,  swimming and sunbathing.

GETTING TO ZANZIBAR  Prices are per person one way. Airport taxes of $5 not included. Children 2 - 12 years, 67%. Below 2 years, free.

Baggage allowance 15 kgs inclusive of hand luggage. Flights Arusha to Zanzibar are usually non-stop.

By Air:

Arusha to Zanzibar $150 one way -daily morning and afternoon scheduled flights. Serengeti $235 - daily morning and afternoon scheduled flights.  
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar $50 one way. Daily morning and afternoon scheduled flights. 

By Sea From: Dar Es Salaam $30: daily hovercraft. One hour.  Mombasa $140: hovercraft thrice weekly. Three hours.

Transfers: Zanzibar Airport or Port to town $15. Stone Town to Coast $35.