Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Zanzibar
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Zanzibar. We have 42 adventures that vary from 3 days to 22 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best christmas & new year Zanzibar tours
Compiled by
MelissaZanzibar travel expert at TourRadar
- Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) Itinerary (5–7 Days)
- An Unforgettable Island Adventure in Zanzibar 3 Days/2 Nights
- Zanzibar Island Extension
- Zanzibar Holiday experience
- 4 Days Zanzibar Escape | Stone Town Culture, Tropical Beaches & Island Adventure
- 5 Days / 4 Night Zanzibar Holiday
- Zanzibar Beach & Ocean Holiday Trip
- Zanzibar 8 days Diving Holiday, Dive & Relaxation Getaway Trip Experience
- Zanzibar Safari and Beach Holiday 4 Days
- Zanzibar 14 days Beach and Ocean Holidays, Cultural, history & Coastal Adventure trip
Duration 7 days Destinations Zanzibar, Stonetown, Nungwi, Kendwa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
- US$2,715
Duration 3 days Destinations Zanzibar, Stonetown, Jozani Forest, Mnemba Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
- US$1,639
Zanzibar Island Extension
“Swimming before breakfast in the amazing pools. Bushbabies on our balcony at Sunshine Marine beach hotel!”
Kathleen, traveled in October
Stone Town's markets burst with holiday spirit while Matemwe offers peaceful beach days. Historic waterfronts provide perfect New Year's sunset views, complemented by seasonal spice tours and relaxing stays at beachfront lodges.
Duration 5 days Destinations Stonetown Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
- US$990
Duration 4 days Destinations Zanzibar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Operator LOVE AFRICA TRAVEL COMPANY From
- US$975
Duration 4 days Destinations Zanzibar, Stonetown, Nungwi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Africantrust Safari From
- US$900
Traditional dhow sailing to Nakupenda sandbank and Christmas dinner in Stone Town mark the season. Menai Bay sunset cruises precede New Year's celebrations at Forodhani Park Hotel, with seasonal spice tours at Kidichi plantations.
Duration 5 days Destinations Stonetown, Nungwi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator kilimanjaro habitas From
- US$2,500
The tropical paradise of Zanzibar sets the stage for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Dream of Zanzibar resort offers festive programs, while traditional dhows provide special sunset cruises to Prison Island. Shaba Boutique Hotel places you amid Stone Town's vibrant seasonal atmosphere.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zanzibar, Stonetown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Beach and Safari Holidays From
- US$1,026
Paradise Beach Resort hosts island-style celebrations with festive diving excursions and holiday events. Four guided Christmas-season dives showcase Zanzibar's vibrant marine life. Beachfront New Year's celebrations include all-inclusive seasonal dining and activities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zanzibar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Beach and Safari Holidays From
- US$1,292
Zanzibar's UNESCO heritage comes alive during holiday tours of Stone Town. Christmas brings special experiences at spice plantations and Kidichi Persian Baths. Serena Restaurant Mangapwani offers seasonal dining with luxury stays at Zanzibar Serena Inn.
Duration 4 days Destinations Zanzibar, Jozani Forest, Pemba Island Age Range Ages 11+ Operator Click Expeditions From $1,200
50% Off- US$600You save $600
This 14-day trip takes you to Zanzibar's best beaches and cultural spots, where you'll snorkel Mnemba Atoll's colorful coral reefs and meet giant tortoises over 100 years old on Prison Island. You'll stay at Paradise Beach Resort or Dream of Zanzibar with all meals included and check out the 50-meter Kuza Cave in Jambiani's jungle.
Duration 14 days Destinations Zanzibar, Stonetown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Beach and Safari Holidays From
50% Off- US$2,108
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Zanzibar
- 5 Day- Exploring the Magic of Zanzibar
Great experience for solo travel!
- 7 Days Zanzibar Beach Holidays
We selected Great Lake Expedition as our outfitter and went on a safari. I knew I had chosen the proper choice for our trip from the moment I first spoke with you. Raphael planned an adventure we won't soon forget because he recognized our needs! They have surpassed our expectations since they have a true understanding of what they do and because of their knowledge and experience. Furthermore, they gave us a lot of assistance when we encountered difficulties landing at Kilimanjaro airport due to aircraft delays and cancellations. .
This was a great itinerary.a won project to help the local community and environment I especially liked the mangrove canoe trip. The accommodation was better than expected. The food, a bit disappointing.
Ecotourism and Cultural Immersion in Jozani Forest National Park Area, Zanzibar
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Zanzibar
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour to Zanzibar?
For the festive season in Zanzibar booking 6-8 months ahead is essential. The island's most sought-after properties like Paradise Beach Resort and Natural Kendwa Villa quickly reach capacity. Beachfront accommodations in Nungwi and Stone Town hotels are particularly in demand during this peak period. A recent TourRadar traveler mentioned "We booked our Christmas stay at Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel nine months ahead and were glad we did as it was fully booked by September."
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in Zanzibar holiday tours?
The holiday season in Zanzibar brings together local traditions and festive celebrations. Visitors can join Swahili dinners in Stone Town sunset dhow cruises with champagne and beach celebrations at venues like Melia Zanzibar. Activities range from Christmas Day snorkeling at Mnemba Island to New Year's Eve beach barbecues at spots like Dongwe Ocean View. One TourRadar traveler noted "the spice tour was incredibly informative and the evening celebrations were magical with local music and dancing."
What dining experiences are available during Christmas & New Year in Zanzibar?
The holiday season brings special menus across Zanzibar's resorts and restaurants. Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa serves Christmas buffets and New Year's Eve galas while Karafuu Beach Resort plans themed dinner nights and seafood feasts on Christmas Eve. Stone Town restaurants like Emerson on Hurumzi create holiday-specific menus. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The Christmas dinner at Bluebay Beach Resort was exceptional combining traditional holiday dishes with local Zanzibari flavors."
What weather can I expect in Zanzibar during Christmas & New Year?
December and January bring reliable weather to Zanzibar with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C and little rain. Waters around Mnemba Atoll stay clear for diving and snorkeling. The northern beaches near Nungwi and Stone Town experience calm seas perfect for water activities. TourRadar travelers at Zanzibar Bay Resort reported "The weather during Christmas week was perfect - sunny days with refreshing ocean breezes making it comfortable for both beach time and excursions."
Are there any special cultural experiences unique to celebrating Christmas & New Year in Zanzibar?
The island offers distinctive holiday celebrations that blend local traditions with festive charm. Visitors can participate in Swahili Christmas feasts in Stone Town spice farm cooking classes and New Year's dhow cruises featuring Taarab music. The Forodhani Gardens food markets add special holiday items to their evening selections. TourRadar reviews note "experiencing the blend of African Arabic and European holiday traditions in Stone Town made our Christmas truly memorable."
How crowded is Zanzibar during the Christmas & New Year period?
Holiday crowds peak in Zanzibar's popular areas including Stone Town and Nungwi Beach. Key sites like Prison Island and Jozani Forest see increased visitors while resorts such as Dream of Zanzibar and Paradise Beach Resort reach full occupancy. A TourRadar traveler advised "book popular activities and restaurants in advance especially for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve celebrations."