Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Zanzibar
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Zanzibar. We have 33 adventures that vary from 3 days to 22 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, 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)
- Zanzibar Beach Holidays
- 5 Days Zanzibar Beach Tour
- Zanzibar Holiday experience
- 5 Days / 4 Night Zanzibar Holiday
- 4 Days - Zanzibar Safari and Beach Holiday
- 3 Days Zanzibar Beach Tour
- Zanzibar Beach & Ocean Holiday Trip
- Zanzibar 8 days Diving Holiday, Dive & Relaxation Getaway Trip Experience
- Zanzibar Independent Short Break
Duration 7 days Destinations Zanzibar, Stonetown, Nungwi, Kendwa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From $1,500
8% Off- US$1,380You save $120
Tembo House Hotel and Sunshine Hotel Zanzibar welcome holiday visitors with seasonal cheer. Mercury's Restaurant presents special Christmas and New Year dinners, while traditional dhow sailing to Prison Island and holiday snorkeling at Minai Bay Marine Reserve round out the festivities.
Duration 5 days Destinations Zanzibar Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Spirit of Kilimanjaro From
8% Off- US$3,000
5 Days Zanzibar Beach Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Kilimanjaro Safari Experience comes highly recommended from us.”
MarianneDwyer, traveled in October
Zanzibar's shores come alive with festive Swahili feasts in Stone Town and beachfront celebrations. Seasonal sailing to Nakupenda sandbank and Christmas seafood barbecues at Kwale Island lead to New Year's relaxation at Nungwi beach.
Duration 5 days Destinations Zanzibar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator Kilimanjaro Safari Experience From
8% Off- US$1,720
Duration 4 days Destinations Zanzibar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Operator LOVE AFRICA TRAVEL COMPANY From
8% Off- US$975
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
8% Off- US$2,500
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
8% Off- US$1,104You save $96
Stone Town's decorated alleyways and historic sites showcase holiday magic. The House of Wonders and Palace Museum display festive grandeur, while Nakupenda sandbank offers crystal-clear waters perfect for holiday swimming.
Duration 3 days Destinations Zanzibar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Kilimanjaro Safari Experience From
8% Off- US$1,250
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
8% Off- 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
8% Off- US$1,292
Duration 4 days Destinations Zanzibar, Stonetown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Intrepid Travel From
8% Off- US$598
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Zanzibar
The whole team at the nature camp were really outstanding. Deogratius especially was a phenomenal host. He made my time there fun, engaging, and informative. I was thrilled to hear about all the cool stuff that volunteers are doing, fascinated to learn about the economy of the local villages, and in awe of the natural creatures and plants I encountered on my tours. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
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."