Zanzibar works well with children. It works considerably better when someone has thought about the practical details first.
The two things that decide the area
The tide. On the north coast at Kendwa and Nungwi the sea stays swimmable through the day. On the east coast it retreats for hours, which is fine with a good hotel pool and frustrating without one.
The drive. Nungwi is an hour and fifteen minutes from the airport. Stone Town is fifteen minutes. After a long-haul flight with a tired child, that difference matters. We often suggest a first night in Stone Town before moving to the coast.
Excursions that work with children
- Jozani Forest for the red colobus monkeys, a short flat walk with animals close by
- The butterfly centre next door
- The turtle sanctuary at Nungwi, where children feed and swim with the turtles
- The spice farm, for the smelling, tasting and coconut climbing
- Prison Island for the giant tortoises
- Nakupenda Sandbank, with child life jackets and shade provided
Long boat days such as Safari Blue are wonderful but run eight hours. We will tell you honestly whether your children will manage it.
What we arrange
Child seats in every vehicle at no extra cost, family rooms and connecting rooms, cots and high chairs, private excursions timed around naps, and kitchens willing to cook simple food.