Zanzibar

Welcome to Zanzibar

Arrival at Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ).

Transfer to The Shell Boutique Hotel in Matemwe.

Check-in, our first dinner together (paid individually) and an evening by the Indian Ocean.

Beach, ocean and getting to know the group

Our first full day in Zanzibar.

Breakfast with an ocean view, time by the water and 2 hours of beach yoga for anyone who fancies it.

Spend the day by the pool, on the beach or head out for a stroll around Matemwe.

Mnemba Island – Ocean Adventure

A private boat trip to the waters around Mnemba Island, one of the best snorkelling spots in Zanzibar.

Snorkelling on the coral reef, swimming with dolphins (conditions permitting) and time out on the water.

Fruit, drinks and lunch are served on board.

Rest, beach, ocean.

Optional: diving, a walk around the village, a massage at the hotel.

Southern Zanzibar – beaches, caves and turtles

A full-day trip to the south of the island.

Mtende Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Paje and Jambiani.

Kuza Cave.

Salaam Cave – meet the giant sea turtles.

Optional lunch at The Rock restaurant (paid individually).

Another day with no fixed plans.

Relax by the water, go diving, take a walk.

Optional canvas painting workshop with a local artist (extra charge, cost to be confirmed).

Zanzibar at your own pace.

A trip around the north of the island – Kiwengwa and the surrounding area.

Get around just like the locals do: by dala-dala and boda-boda.

In the evening, a Maasai dance show on the beach.

Sauti za Busara – African music festival

A day in Stone Town, Zanzibar's UNESCO-listed historic centre.

A walk through lanes full of carved doors and local markets, the Freddie Mercury Museum and a visit to a spice farm.

In the evening we'll head to Sauti za Busara, one of East Africa's best-known music festivals.

Expect live concerts, African rhythms, dancing and a truly special atmosphere.

It's an unforgettable chance to feel the real energy of Zanzibar and enjoy ourselves together under the stars.

Tickets and transport are not included in the price (cost to be confirmed); we'll return to Matemwe after the concerts.

Ocean and tropical relaxation

A free day by the ocean.

Swimming, snorkelling, lazing in a hammock with a book, a colourful sunset.

Our last evenings together as a group.

Our last full day on the island.

Time for anything you haven't fitted in yet – a massage, souvenirs, a beach walk, lounging by the pool.

Farewell dinner together (paid individually).

Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ).

The recommended flight departs at 17:55; we'll confirm the exact transfer time before the trip.

Arrival in London on the morning of 24 March.

Travellers book and pay for their own tickets.

This is a recommendation, not a compulsory group flight.

Etihad Airways · departs 12 March 2027, 20:55
London Heathrow (LHR) → Zanzibar (ZNZ), arrives 13 March, 13:35. One change in Abu Dhabi (AUH), total journey time 13 h 40 min.

Etihad Airways · departs 23 March 2027, 17:55
Zanzibar (ZNZ) → London Heathrow (LHR), arrives 24 March, 06:40. One change in Abu Dhabi (AUH), total journey time 15 h 45 min.

Please only book your flight once we've confirmed in writing that the holiday is going ahead (minimum 10 travellers).

To enter Tanzania you need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.

A tourist visa costs $50 (e-visa online or on arrival at the airport).

Since 2024, all travellers entering Zanzibar must buy insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).

Cost: $44 per person.

To secure your place, pay a £300 deposit within 24 hours of booking.

You can also pay the full amount straight away.

The balance can be paid in instalments, by 10 February 2027 at the latest.

We accept payment by bank transfer only, to the OLIMP TOUR LTD account. You'll receive the bank details by email after booking.

Account Name

OLIMP TOUR LTD

Sort Code

20-34-69

Account Number

23512118

Payment Reference

SURNAME + ZANZIBAR

Please use your surname and the holiday name as the payment reference.

Once your payment has cleared, we'll send you an invoice confirming your booking.

Places are limited.

The holiday will go ahead once a minimum of 10 travellers have booked.

We'll confirm in writing when the holiday is going ahead.

Zanzibar is a malaria-risk area – antimalarial medication is recommended.

It's worth considering vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis A and B.

Speak to your GP or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before you travel.

Air temperature: 28–32°C.

Sea temperature: 29–30°C.

Short tropical showers are possible (10–20 minutes).

Beach, ocean and tides

Zanzibar is famous for its dreamy beaches, turquoise ocean and extraordinary landscapes.

On the island's east coast, including Matemwe, the ocean has natural high and low tides.

At low tide the water draws back, revealing wide stretches of pale sand and shallow lagoons.

It's a perfect time for walks and for spotting the island's unique wildlife.

Whether you can swim in the ocean depends on the tide at the time.

At low tide guests can use the hotel pool, then enjoy swimming in the turquoise water again once the tide comes back in.

Wherever possible, we'll plan excursions around the tides, using low tide for sightseeing and activities and spending as much beach time as we can when conditions are right for swimming in the ocean.

Yes – this holiday is for solo travellers and for people travelling with one companion.

It's a small group of 12–18 people, women and men.

It isn't a dating trip – it's a small group holiday with our tour leader and an organised programme.

You'll find more answers in our full FAQ.

Yes – a single room (double bed for sole use) costs £999 per person.

In a shared double room the price is £849 per person.

You choose your room type when you book.

No – you book your own flights, and you're welcome to fly from an airport other than London.

Our recommended Etihad Airways connection from London Heathrow via Abu Dhabi is described under ‘Recommended flight from the UK’.

Airport ↔ hotel transfers both ways are included in the price.

Yes – all excursions in the programme are led by our tour leader, with private transport.

Our on-site coordinator is also there to look after us throughout.