{"id":78043,"date":"2022-07-20T09:33:20","date_gmt":"2022-07-20T16:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/?p=78043"},"modified":"2022-07-20T09:33:21","modified_gmt":"2022-07-20T16:33:21","slug":"zanzibar-honeymoon-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/zanzibar-honeymoon-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete Guide to Planning a Zanzibar Honeymoon\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Zanzibar is quickly becoming a popular honeymoon destination for couples who seek an idyllic mix of cultural exploration, water sports and white sand beaches. This picturesque archipelago in the Indian Ocean is located about 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It consists of four main islands, including Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island, and Pemba Island, in addition to several smaller ones surrounding the coast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nicknamed the \u201cSpice Islands,\u201d Zanzibar has been one of the world\u2019s prime sources for cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper for hundreds of years. The islands are also known for their pristine beaches, clear, warm waters and rare wildlife, such as the red colobus monkey. Exploring the waters encircling Zanzibar is a real treat, as you\u2019ll discover a wonderland of colorful coral reefs and marine life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a unique honeymoon destination great for newlyweds who want to skip the more cookie-cutter beach destinations. To help kick off your union with a truly memorable journey, we\u2019ve put together a guide with everything you need to know about planning a Zanzibar honeymoon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Zanzibar is a Great Honeymoon Destination <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A major draw of these islands is that they offer a little something for everyone. On the north coast of Zanzibar Island, there\u2019s world-class scuba diving, calm water and fewer crowds. The east coast is where you\u2019ll find spectacular beaches and windier conditions ideal for kitesurfing. The popular Stone Town is on the west coast, in addition to an impressive culinary scene and sightings of sea life like green sea turtles, dolphins and jellyfish. The southern coast will immerse couples in the area\u2019s captivating culture and offers several spice tours to choose from. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zanzibar has been host to various civilizations over the last 20,000 years, creating a diverse population and landscape influenced by ancient Persian traders, the Portuguese and British, among other cultures. Navigating the historic, cobbled streets of Stone Town\u2019s old quarter is especially appealing, as it\u2019s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a fascinating mix of mosques and houses in varying architectural styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For honeymooners who want a relaxing retreat, the assortment of boutique resorts scattered around the coast of Zanzibar Island adds an additional appeal <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When to Go to Zanzibar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This honeymoon destination has two high seasons and two rainy seasons, and there are pros and cons to each. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first high season is from June to October and offers pleasant temperatures in the 80s. There\u2019s almost no rainfall during this time, which draws larger crowds as many travelers visiting Serengeti National Park for the Great Migration pop over to Zanzibar for some beach time. This is a great time for honeymooners to visit the less crowded northern coast of the island of Zanzibar and try an activity like scuba diving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second high season is December to February, which offers warmer temperatures often in the 90s, as well as more wind. This makes it ideal for kite surfers, but not so much for those wanting to rest on the beach with a good book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the \u201clong rains\u201d season, from March to May, many resorts close since it can rain for weeks at a time. However, if you aren\u2019t bothered by wet weather and want to enjoy practically zero crowds and low rates on the few resorts that remain open, this may be a good time for you to honeymoon in Zanzibar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cshort rains\u201d season runs from November to December and is a nice mix between the main rainy season and high season. You may experience some scattered showers throughout the day, but it\u2019s not as common to have a full 24 hours of rain. This time of year offers more moderately priced rates for accommodations, pleasant temperatures and conditions ideal for mixing beach time with cultural tours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get There<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For ultimate convenience, hop on one of the many direct flights to Zanzibar\u2019s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport from cities such as Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels or Milan. Some honeymooners choose to fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, on the coast of mainland Tanzania, then take a ferry or domestic flight to Zanzibar Island. If you\u2019re looking to save money, book a spot on one of the four ferries that make a daily trip to Zanzibar from the main port in Dar es Salaam. The ferry ride is about an hour and 45 minutes each way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also important to note that you\u2019ll need a visa to enter Tanzania, ranging from $50 to $100. The visa can be purchased in advance online or when you arrive at the international airport in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. (For U.S. citizens, the cost is $100.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you arrive, you should rent a car if you want to take day trips from your resort. If you don\u2019t plan on venturing out, many resorts can help you arrange transportation from the airport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honeymoon Accommodations in Zanzibar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Zanzibar offers a variety of resorts that all offer privacy, luxury and stellar views. However, each resort has certain features that make it stand out from the rest. Here are our top choices for honeymoon resorts in Zanzibar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Residence Zanzibar<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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