Would you like to let your worries float away on a 'paradise' island during your holiday? To give Zanzibar past.
You may not have thought about it before, but the Tanzanian The archipelago has just been crowned one of the best island destinations in the world to visit in 2024, so it's worth putting it on your itinerary.
Looking at factors such as the number of beaches, activities, average hotel prices and average temperatures, Zanzibar came in second place in the Bounce survey, with a more than respectable score of 9.66 out of 10.
It scored highly in terms of weather, attractions and cheap accommodationalong with a dreamy average pint price of £1.55.
And while Zanzibar was just edged out by Phuket, Thailand, it could be a better choice for those who prefer to get off the beaten path.
Not only will you beat the overtourism and inflated prices in the more traditional tourist traps, you'll also avoid jet lag, because Tanzania is only two hours ahead of Britain, despite it being a long journey.
Previous visitors also have great things to say, including Tripadvisor reviewer Frankie79 who noted: 'Zanzibar is a must. It has everything from historic sites like Stone Town to the paradise beaches of Kendwa and Nungwi.”
'No photo can do justice to the beauty of the place, you have to see it to believe it!' added Hal10, while Maha E said: “Definitely my favorite destination so far. Beaches, great people, extremely friendly. Nice weather and delicious food.'
What to do in Zanzibar
The main island (Unguja) is the best base for your trip to Zanzibar and is known for its beautiful sandy beaches with coral reefs. There are plenty of beaches to choose from here, but Pongwe is considered one of the best for swimming, Nungwi for nightlife and Kendwa for incredible sunsets.
Swim in the Indian Ocean (which remains at a comfortable temperature of 25°C to 30°C). all year round), laze on the palm-shaded coastline, or go snorkeling to spot a range of species among the anemone.
Speaking of wildlife, this island has no shortage of animals. The Zanzibar red colobus monkey is endemic to Unguja, and sightings are virtually guaranteed as they come close to the ground and fill in the low-lying vegetation of the Jozani Forest.
In addition to these monkeys, during a tour of this National Park you are also likely to encounter all kinds of butterflies and birds, bush babies, small antelopes and civets.
Dolphin sightings are also common off the coast, some of which include a visit to the Sea Turtles Sanctuary where you can swim with sea life in a natural lagoon.
There's a lot of history to discover in Zanzibar, so it's worth making time to explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. The colorful architecture is beautiful, but you'll get a real feel for the location with a guided tour to explain its rich heritage.
All that learning is sure to whet your appetite, prompting a trip to the Zanzibar Street Food Market, the region's bazaars or the Forodhani Gardens; here you can taste the local delicacy, the Zanzibar pizza. And for a truly magical dining experience, head to the Rock Restaurant on the Michamvi Peninsula for some of the freshest seafood you can imagine.
There are so many more ways to make your holiday unforgettable, from a visit to the pristine Pemba Island to a traditional dhow cruise to a tour of N'Gambwa village on Uzi Island. The choice is yours.
How do you get to Zanzibar?
Journeys from Great Britain to Zanzibar take on average around 13 hours, including a stopover. Since there are no direct routes, you will need to take a connecting flight, usually changing in Istanbul, Dubai, Nairobi or Doha, depending on your airline.
According to Skyscanner, flights to Zanzibar from London cost as little as £491 return, depending on when you travel. September to May is the cheapest time to fly, with return fares over £800 in the peak months of July and August.
Once you reach Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you can take a taxi to your destination, or rent a car if you have a valid international driver's license and want to explore the area.
The best time to visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar is warm all year round, with average temperatures above 25°C no matter when you visit (although February is the warmest at around 28°C).
However, as it has a tropical monsoon climate, it is best to avoid April and May as it is significantly rainier during these months.
In July, the island hosts the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), also known as the Festival of the Dhow Lands, where you can enjoy events showcasing Swahili Coastal art and traditional taarab music.
Or plan your visit for the Seafood Festival in June, the Sauti za Busara Music Festival in February or the annual Soundscapes Zanzi techno festival.
The best island destinations to visit in 2024
- Phuket, Thailand: 10/10
- Zanzibar, Tanzania: 9.66/10
- Crete, Greece: 9.31/10
- Puerto Rico, Caribbean: 8.97/10
- Mallorca, Spain: 8.62/10
- Cozumel, Mexico: 8.28/10
- Mauritius, Africa: 7.93/10
- Aruba, South America: 7.59/10
- Bali, Indonesia: 7.24/10
- Ibiza, Spain together with Sardinia, Italy: 6.55/10
Do you have a story to share?
Contact us by email [email protected].
MORE : The accidental adventurer who walked through Iran in a vintage Burberry mac
MORE : That's why we always board the plane on the left side
Receive the most important travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.
Register here…
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy And Terms of Service to apply.