Best places for family beach holidays in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a fantastic destination for activities on and around the water, such as windsurfing, kite-surfing, snorkeling or boat trips. Many of these watersports have age restrictions, whereas others are also suitable for small children. For example, kayaks can be rented round every corner and at many hotels even children at the age of eight can get a taste of diving.
However, you should be aware that the country is malarial, which is why we don't recommend Zanzibar family holidays with toddlers. On the plus side, parents needn't worry about game risks here.
Coconut Beach Holiday
6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$2,300 - US$5,020 per person
White Sand Villas
The two bedroom villas at White Sand's are fantastic for families. With their own private pools and plenty of space, these provide luxurious accommodation for children of all ages. For young children there is a small play area and shallow pool too.
Papaya Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$2,730 - US$4,370 per person
Chumbe Island Lodge
For older, adventurous kids Chumbe Island can be a great choice. There is only one lodge on the island, with lots of space to run around and explore. Teenagers are likely to enjoy snorkelling over the reefs and discovering the tropical forest.
Masala Beach Holiday
9 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$6,170 - US$9,560 per person
Serena Inn
The Serena Inn in Stone Town is a spacious hotel with a large swimming pool, cots and high chairs and babysitting on offer. Don’t expect anything quirky or exclusive here, but a convenient, comfortable base for your family beach holidays in Zanzibar.
Red Colobus Monkey Safari
11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$6,230 - US$8,490 per person
Ikuka Safari Camp
Children over 7 years are warmly welcomed at Ikuka. The camp has recently constructed a family banda which can sleep up to five, and there is a communal swimming pool to enjoy in between game drives.
Dik Dik Safari
12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$8,750 - US$15,130 per person
Qambani
Qambani is a great choice for families looking for luxury in Zanzibar. Three of the villas are ideal for families, either with adjoining or separate rooms. Children can use the kayaks, swim in one of two pools and cook up tasty treats with the chef.
Turaco Safari
12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$5,460 - US$6,830 per person
Lake Manze Camp
Lake Manze Camp makes for affordable Tanzania family safari holidays with sensible children, best aged 10+, in an informal atmosphere. With no electricity and a rustic design, it gives a strong sense of wilderness. Triple rooms and early dining can be arranged.
Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$9,320 - US$16,370 per person
Tulia Zanzibar
Tulia Resort has two fabulous swimming pools and the only waterslides in Zanzibar, and they welcome children here. Air-conditioned and fully closable rooms make for a secure environment, and the kitchen is flexible and creative.
Best camps & lodges for Family holidays in Zanzibar
Serena Inn
The Serena Inn in Stone Town is a spacious hotel with a large swimming pool, cots and high chairs and babysitting on offer. Don’t expect anything quirky or exclusive here, but a convenient, comfortable base for your family beach holidays in Zanzibar.
Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Essque Zalu's suites and villas are well-designed, spacious, and feel full of light and very open. Consider staying here during your family beach holidays in Zanzibar for good food, an impressive pool and an excellent kids club with great activities!
Qambani
Qambani is a great choice for families looking for luxury in Zanzibar. Three of the villas are ideal for families, either with adjoining or separate rooms. Children can use the kayaks, swim in one of two pools and cook up tasty treats with the chef.
Unguja Lodge
With three separate bedrooms, the family villa at Unguja is a great choice for families with younger children, allowing you to all stay in the same space. The lodge is very laid back and unpretentious, with a wide stretch of beach and a pretty pool.
White Sand Villas
The two bedroom villas at White Sand's are fantastic for families. With their own private pools and plenty of space, these provide luxurious accommodation for children of all ages. For young children there is a small play area and shallow pool too.
Breezes Beach Club
The large, family-run Breezes Beach Club has a big pool, a tennis court, movie room, gym and an outstanding watersports and diving centre, plus cots and high chairs available. It welcomes children of all ages on family beach holidays in Zanzibar.
Zoi Hotel
The good-value Zoi Boutique Hotel welcomes children of all ages. With its unpretentious, vibrant atmosphere, nice pools and friendly staff it’s a good choice for family beach holidays in Zanzibar. Cots and high chairs are provided by the hotel.
Chumbe Island Lodge
For older, adventurous kids Chumbe Island can be a great choice. There is only one lodge on the island, with lots of space to run around and explore. Teenagers are likely to enjoy snorkelling over the reefs and discovering the tropical forest.
Dhow Palace Hotel
The charming, great-value Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town offers a stay full of Swahili character during your Zanzibar family holidays. Expect a pool, a table-football table, cots and high chairs and friendly service! Under-fives stay free.
Baraza Resort & Spa
The luxurious Baraza, built in a beautiful Swahili-Arab style, is fantastic for family beach holidays in Zanzibar with children of all ages. Come for a sandy beach and sheltered lagoon, a pool, water sports centre and beautiful gardens!
Sunshine Marine Lodge
With a lively vibe and very relaxed atmosphere, Sunshine Marine Lodge is great for family beach holidays in Zanzibar. Teenagers can go mountain biking or participate in activities organised by the lodge’s state-of-the-art dive centre.
Tulia Zanzibar
Tulia Resort has two fabulous swimming pools and the only waterslides in Zanzibar, and they welcome children here. Air-conditioned and fully closable rooms make for a secure environment, and the kitchen is flexible and creative.
Pongwe Beach Hotel
The simple Pongwe is a great-value hotel for family beach holidays to Zanzibar, especially with independent children who can keep themselves entertained on the secluded sandy beach. Pongwe gives great discounts for children.
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