Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Zanzibar
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Zanzibar. We have 51 adventures that vary from 3 days to 22 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, 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)
- From Zanzibar : 14 days Culture and Beach Holiday, Spices, Relaxation and History Trip
- Discover Magic Zanzibar; Nungwi Beaches
- 10 Days Zanzibar Beach Holiday
- 5-Day Impressive Zanzibar Beach Holiday - Luxury
- Zanzibar Holiday experience
- 5 Days Zanzibar Beach Tour
- An Unforgettable Island Adventure in Zanzibar 3 Days/2 Nights
- 3 Days Zanzibar Beach Tour
- Zanzibar Paradise: 6 Days of Spice, Culture, and Turquoise Bliss
Duration 7 days Destinations Zanzibar, Stonetown, Nungwi, Kendwa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
- US$2,915
Dream of Zanzibar resort presents signature holiday celebrations with festive beachfront dinners and entertainment. Special New Year's celebrations complement seasonal Stone Town market visits and festive sunset Dhow cruises.
Duration 14 days Destinations Zanzibar, Stonetown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Beach and Safari Holidays From $1,766
15% off- US$1,501
Ring in the holidays aboard a traditional dhow during Safari Blue in Menai Bay, where you'll snorkel coral reefs and swim with dolphins near Kwale Island's mangrove lagoons, then have a seafood buffet lunch at Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco and snorkel at Mnemba Atoll to spot sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins.
Duration 10 days Destinations Zanzibar, Nungwi, Mnemba, Jozani Forest, Stonetown, Changu Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Zote Tours From
15% off- US$2,606
Swahili Beach Resort radiates holiday spirit with festive activities. Stone Town tours take on a seasonal theme, while Safari Blue adventures await. Kizimkazi Beach provides a romantic setting for year-end escapes.
Duration 7 days Destinations Zanzibar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Kilimanjaro Safari Experience From
15% off- US$1,750
5-Day Impressive Zanzibar Beach Holiday - Luxury
“The blue waters of the sea, the white sand beaches, and the hospitality of the luxurious resorts made our holiday unparalleled.”
Raul, traveled in January
Kizimkazi's sunset cruises and Prison Island's tortoise sanctuary offer special holiday charm. Zanzibar Serena Hotel's holiday packages include breakfast specialties and Safari Blue's crystal water adventures.
Duration 5 days Destinations Zanzibar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Lights on Africa Destinations & Safaris From
15% off- US$2,910
Duration 4 days Destinations Zanzibar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Operator LOVE AFRICA TRAVEL COMPANY From
15% off- US$975
5 Days Zanzibar Beach Tour
“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
15% off- US$1,720
Duration 3 days Destinations Zanzibar, Stonetown, Jozani Forest, Mnemba Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
15% off- US$1,839
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
15% off- US$1,250
Duration 6 days Destinations Stonetown, Changu Island, Jozani Forest, Nungwi, Kendwa, Mnemba Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Operator Lonely Site Tours & Safari From
15% off- US$1,530+$20 upfront costs
Explore our featured Zanzibar tours
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What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Zanzibar
- 7 Days Zanzibar Beach Holidays
Did a Kilimanjaro climb with Great Lake Expedition, as well as a safari. For both, absolutely great pre-trip guidance & advice (thanks Damsoni), and great team of guides, drivers & support staff. Safety was a top priority, especially during the climb: twice-daily med-checks, walking & climbing support, and comfortable tents (including the hot-water bunnies!). Special thanks to Sam, Thomas, Innocent and Tom, as well as Jacky! As to the safari, special thanks to Abdul who drove safely, located some great game and treated us to some great 'picnics' along the way.
- 5-Day Impressive Zanzibar Beach Holiday - Luxury
It was just as advertised and open to flexibility if I wanted to add or change certain activities. Chorlo my guide was efficient, informative and good fun, making sure I had everything I needed.
- 5 Day- Exploring the Magic of Zanzibar
Great experience for solo travel!
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."