- Welcome to Raptor Safari & Tours
Explore OurZanzibar Holidays
Tanzania’s spice-scented archipelago, is where turquoise waves kiss powdery beaches and history whispers through ancient stone streets. At Raptor Safari & Tours, based in the heart of Arusha, we craft Zanzibar holidays that blend relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery, creating the perfect complement to your Tanzanian safari or Kilimanjaro trek.
Pure Relaxation by the Indian Ocean
We design seamless escapes to Zanzibar’s idyllic islands—Unguja (Zanzibar Island), Pemba, and their surrounding atolls. From snorkeling in coral reefs to wandering Stone Town’s UNESCO-listed alleys, our packages immerse you in Zanzibar’s magic, rooted in our commitment to sustainable travel and Tanzanian hospitality.
Why Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is more than a destination
It’s a sensory experience. Its beaches, ranked among the world’s top 10 by travel experts, boast powdery sands and waters teeming with 1,500+ marine species across 50+ coral types. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, pulses with history, its labyrinthine alleys echoing tales of sultans, traders, and explorers. The island’s spice farms, producing 80% of Tanzania’s cloves, offer fragrant tours through vibrant plantations. Zanzibar’s cultural mosaic blending African, Arab, Indian, and European influences creates a welcoming vibe, with 98% of visitors in 2024 surveys praising its hospitality. From snorkeling in Mnemba Atoll’s marine park to dolphin-watching off Kizimkazi, Zanzibar delivers adventure and serenity in equal measure, making it an unmissable gem for travelers seeking authenticity and natural beauty.
About Zanzibar History of the Island
Zanzibar’s story spans centuries, shaped by its strategic Indian Ocean position. From the 8th century, Bantu settlers mingled with Arab and Persian traders, birthing Swahili culture. By the 15th century, Zanzibar was a bustling port for gold, ivory, and spices. The Omani Sultanate ruled from 1698, making it the world’s clove capital, while the 19th-century slave trade left a somber legacy, commemorated at Stone Town’s memorial. British influence followed until independence in 1963, with Zanzibar joining Tanzania in 1964. Today, its 1.9 million residents (2024 estimate) preserve a vibrant heritage, blending Islamic traditions (95% of the population) with African rhythms and global flair.
Stone TownThe Cultural Heart
Stone Town, Unguja’s historic core, is a living museum of Zanzibar’s past. Its coral-stone alleys house 50+ mosques, the Sultan’s Palace, and the House of Wonders, reflecting Omani and Indian architectural fusion. The Old Fort hosts nightly cultural shows, while Forodhani Gardens’ food market sizzles with Swahili delicacies like urojo and grilled octopus. As a UNESCO site, it draws 300,000+ visitors yearly, with our guided tours covering 15+ landmarks in 3 hours, earning a 4.8/5 rating for cultural depth. Stone Town’s markets brim with spices, textiles, and tinga-tinga art, offering a vibrant start or end to your holiday.
Best Areas to Stay The Best Beaches To Be In
Nungwi (North Coast)
Known for vibrant nightlife, clear diving waters, and 5-star resorts like Zuri Zanzibar. Ideal for couples and water sports (e.g., kitesurfing, $50/hr). ~1 hr from Stone Town.
Kendwa (Northwest)
Quieter beaches with stunning sunsets, mid-range lodges, and dhow-building villages. Perfect for families, 10 min from Nungwi.
Matemwe (Northeast)
Secluded eco-lodges and Mnemba Atoll snorkeling (500+ fish species). Great for privacy seekers, ~1 hr from Stone Town.
Paje (East Coast)
Budget-friendly vibe, kitesurfing hub, and vibrant beach bars. Suits backpackers and adventurers, ~1.5 hrs from Stone Town.
Kizimkazi (South)
Dolphin-watching (500+ resident pods) and rustic charm, with boutique hotels. Best for marine lovers, ~1 hr from Stone Town.
Pemba Island
Untouched reefs and spice farms, with exclusive lodges like Aiyana Resort. Ideal for luxury and solitude, ~20 min flight from Unguja.
Our ZanzibarHoliday Packages
- 2-Day Zanzibar
- 3-Day Zanzibar
- 4-Day Zanzibar
- 5-Day Zanzibar
2-Day Zanzibar
A Snapshot of Stone Town and Beach
Perfect for a whirlwind escape, this 2-day package blends Stone Town’s cultural riches with a taste of Zanzibar’s beaches. Ideal for travelers with tight schedules or as a post-safari teaser.
- Duration: 2 days/1 night (~1-1.5 hrs travel from Arusha).
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Fly to Zanzibar (50 min), Stone Town tour (3 hrs: Old Fort, Freddie Mercury House), sunset dhow cruise, overnight in Stone Town boutique hotel.
- Day 2: Transfer to Nungwi (1 hr), morning beach relaxation, optional snorkeling ($30), return to airport, fly to Arusha.
- Activities: Cultural tour (10+ sites), dhow cruise, beach time.
- Best For: Busy travelers, cultural enthusiasts.
3-Day Zanzibar
Pure Coastal Serenity
This 3-day escape dives into Zanzibar’s beach life, with options like Kendwa or Paje, where 300+ marine species thrive. It’s a rejuvenating break for post-Kilimanjaro trekkers or solo travelers.
- Duration: 3 days/2 nights (~1-2 hrs travel).
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Fly to Zanzibar, transfer to Kendwa (1 hr), beach relaxation, sunset yoga (optional, $15), overnight at resort.
- Day 2: Full day for swimming, snorkeling (optional, $30), or spice tour (2 hrs, $25), Swahili dinner, overnight at resort.
- Day 3: Morning beach walk, transfer to airport, fly to Arusha.
- Activities: Beach lounging, optional snorkeling, cultural dining.
- Best For: Couples, relaxation seekers.
4-Day Zanzibar
Heritage and Waves Combined
This 4-day holiday explores Stone Town’s history and Matemwe’s tranquil beaches, balancing 15+ cultural landmarks with coral reefs hosting 1,500+ fish species. It’s ideal for families or curious travelers.
- Duration: 4 days/3 nights (~1-2 hrs travel).
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Fly to Zanzibar, Stone Town tour (Sultan’s Palace, slave market), overnight in Stone Town.
- Day 2: Spice farm tour (2 hrs), transfer to Matemwe (1 hr), beach afternoon, overnight at eco-lodge.
- Day 3: Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll (4 hrs, $40), village walk, overnight at lodge.
- Day 4: Morning beach time, transfer to airport, fly to Arusha.
- Activities: Cultural tours, spice tour, snorkeling, village visits.
- Best For: Families, culture lovers.
5-Day Zanzibar
Thrills Across Land and Ocean
Designed for active souls, this 5-day package mixes Stone Town, Jozani Forest, and Paje’s adventure hub, with watersports and 50+ coral species to explore. It’s perfect for adrenaline junkies post-safari.
- Duration: 5 days/4 nights (~1-2 hrs travel).
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Fly to Zanzibar, Stone Town food tour (Forodhani Gardens), overnight in Stone Town.
- Day 2: Jozani Forest tour (1 hr, red colobus monkeys), transfer to Paje (1 hr), beach afternoon, overnight at lodge.
- Day 3: Snorkeling/diving at Blue Lagoon (4 hrs, $40-$80), overnight in Paje.
- Day 4: Kitesurfing or kayaking (optional, $50), evening beach bonfire, overnight in Paje.
- Day 5: Morning relaxation, transfer to airport, fly to Arusha.
- Activities: Cultural tours, forest walks, snorkeling/diving, water sports.
- Best For: Adventurers, divers.
