Zanzibar —
our honeymoon on the Spice Island
We began our honeymoon in 2023 on the extraordinary island of Zanzibar — and what a way to start. Four nights based in the atmospheric Stone Town, a full island tour that took us to a magical cave swim, a day trip out to Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and a wonderfully meandering local-guided wander through the labyrinthine streets of the old city. Zanzibar is diverse, fascinating, warm-hearted and utterly unlike anywhere else on earth.
Three unforgettable experiences
🏘️ Stone Town
UNESCO World Heritage site, labyrinthine streets, carved wooden doors and one of the most atmospheric places we've ever stayed for four nights.
Explore Stone Town🐢 Prison Island
A brilliant half-day trip from Stone Town featuring giant Aldabra tortoises, fascinating island history and a beautiful boat journey.
Explore Prison Island🏊 Island Tour & Cave Swim
Our full-day Zanzibar adventure exploring diverse landscapes and communities, culminating in a magical natural cave swim.
Explore the Island TourThe island at a glance
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric places we have ever stayed — narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, mosques, spice stalls and centuries of history at every turn.
One of the most magical moments of the entire trip — swimming in a natural cave on the island tour is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
A brilliant half day trip — the giant Aldabra tortoises are extraordinary up close, the history of the island is fascinating and the boat ride over is lovely.
Having a local show us around Stone Town completely transformed our understanding of the city — the stories, the history and the hidden spots you simply would not find on your own.
The coexistence of different faiths and cultures on Zanzibar is one of the most striking things about the island — genuinely warm, open and inspiring in a way that is hard to put into words.
From the dhow boats on the harbour at sunset to the call to prayer echoing over the rooftops — Zanzibar has an atmosphere that is completely its own and utterly unforgettable.
Stone Town, the sea and the Spice Island
From the iconic carved doors of Stone Town and the turquoise waters to the local musicians, the boats and the golden light of a Zanzibar evening.
Watch our Prison Island visit
One of our Zanzibar excursions took us across the water from Stone Town to Prison Island. We filmed a short from our visit — including the island atmosphere and our time there.
More from our honeymoon
Book a Zanzibar tour through TourRadar
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a beach escape or an adventure — TourRadar has brilliant Zanzibar tours to suit every kind of trip.
Zanzibar can be enjoyed as a standalone island escape or combined with a Tanzania mainland safari for one of the most extraordinary travel experiences on earth — the Serengeti and Zanzibar together is a truly bucket-list combination. A guided tour takes all the logistics stress away so you can just enjoy every moment.
Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. If you book through it we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Find a hotel in Zanzibar with Klook
If you're planning your own Zanzibar stay, you can browse accommodation options across the island with Klook.
Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. If you book through it we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Book Zanzibar experiences with GetYourGuide
From Prison Island trips and spice tours to snorkelling, dhow cruises and Stone Town walking tours — browse Zanzibar activities here:
Disclosure: If you book through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A stopover in Dar es Salaam
Our journey to Zanzibar also included a stopover in Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian mainland. We weren't there for a full city stay, so we're not pretending this was an in-depth visit — but it was part of our honeymoon route before Zanzibar.
Drive From Home has a virtual Dar es Salaam experience if you'd like to explore more of the city from home.
Common questions
Zanzibar FAQ
What to pack for Zanzibar
Zanzibar packing essentials — what we'd bring
Zanzibar is hot and humid year-round — temperatures typically sit around 28–32°C. Pack light and breathable clothes, bring strong sun protection and remember that Stone Town is a predominantly Muslim area so modest dress is respectful when exploring the old city. These are the things we would not leave home without.
The East African sun is intense — especially on boat trips, beach days and the Prison Island excursion. High SPF is absolutely essential and you will go through more than you expect.
View on Amazon →Mosquitoes are present in Zanzibar, particularly in the evenings. Strong insect repellent is essential — and check with your doctor about malaria prophylaxis before you travel.
View on Amazon →Stone Town is a Muslim-majority area and modest dress is respectful — lightweight linen trousers and tops that cover shoulders are ideal for exploring the old city comfortably.
View on Amazon →Staying hydrated is crucial in the heat — especially on the full day island tour. A reusable bottle keeps you going and saves money throughout the trip.
View on Amazon →Essential for boat trips, the cave swim and any beach time. A waterproof pouch protects your phone and lets you capture those magical water moments without worry.
View on Amazon →Full days out on tours and excursions will drain your battery fast. A power bank keeps you connected and means you never miss a photo opportunity.
View on Amazon →Handy for maps and staying connected — particularly useful when you are out on the island tour or exploring beyond Stone Town.
View on Amazon →Tanzania uses Type D and G plugs. Don't arrive after a long flight with nothing charged — an adaptor is essential.
View on Amazon →Perfect for day trips and excursions — light enough to carry everywhere, with room for water, sun cream, a layer and anything you pick up in the markets.
View on Amazon →Always worth having — particularly for a destination like Zanzibar where pharmacies can be hard to find outside the main areas.
View on Amazon →Disclosure: These are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are all things we'd genuinely pack for a Zanzibar trip.
Planning your own Zanzibar trip?
Zanzibar is one of the most extraordinary islands on earth — combine it with a Tanzania safari for the ultimate African adventure, or simply let the Spice Island work its magic on you. Bring cash, embrace the chaos and fall in love with it.
Affiliate disclosure: if you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only recommend trips and experiences we'd be happy to stand over.