Is Zanzibar good for families?
Yes. Short distances, warm shallow water, friendly people and plenty to do make Zanzibar easy with children. Many families combine a few days of safari with a week on the beach — see safari and Zanzibar and our post on family safaris in Tanzania.
Best beaches for children
- Kendwa and Nungwi in the north — swimming at almost any tide.
- Kiwengwa — larger resorts with pools and kids' facilities.
- The east and south-east — great for exploring rock pools at low tide, but swimming depends on the tide, so choose a hotel with a pool.
See the best beaches.
Choosing a family hotel
- A pool, so swimming does not depend on the tide
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Shade on the beach and a children's menu
- Kids' clubs or activities, at some larger resorts
- Mosquito nets or air-conditioning
Tell us your children's ages and we will suggest suitable hotels — see where to stay.
Activities children love
- Meeting the giant tortoises on Prison Island
- Spotting red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest
- Snorkelling in shallow, calm water — or looking into rock pools at low tide
- A spice tour where they can smell, taste and touch everything
- A dhow trip to a sandbank
- Watching dhows being built on the beach in Nungwi
More in things to do.
Health and safety for families
- Talk to your doctor about malaria prevention suitable for each child's age, and use repellent and nets.
- Strong sun: high-factor sunscreen, hats, rash vests and plenty of water.
- Water shoes protect little feet from urchins and sharp coral.
- Life jackets for children on boat trips — ask for child sizes.
- Bring a small medical kit including rehydration salts.
- Children need their own passports, visas and Zanzibar insurance — see entry requirements.
Tips
- Keep transfers short — choose one or two hotels, not many.
- Plan outings in the cooler morning and late afternoon.
- Book school-holiday dates early.
