Zanzibar • Family Travel

Zanzibar with Kids: A Family Holiday Guide

Zanzibar with kids is a wonderful idea. The island has calm, warm water, family-friendly resorts and adventures children love, from feeding giant tortoises to spotting monkeys and swimming near sea turtles. The secret is choosing the right beach and pacing your days. Here's how.

Where to stay with kids

The north coast, especially Kendwa, is a family favourite. The beaches are less affected by the tides, so children can paddle and swim for most of the day. On the east coast, the sea can retreat a long way at low tide, which creates fun rock pools to explore, but you'll want a resort with a good pool for swimming.

Look for resorts with family rooms or villas, a kids' club, shaded areas and flexible meal times. Our guide to where to stay in Zanzibar compares each area.

The best things to do in Zanzibar with kids

1. Meet the giant tortoises of Prison Island

A short boat ride from Stone Town brings you to Prison Island (Changuu), home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some of them more than 100 years old. Children can see them up close and learn how to care for them. It's usually the highlight of the trip for little ones.

2. Visit the sea turtles at Nungwi

At the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond in Nungwi, children can see rescued sea turtles and learn about protecting them, a gentle and memorable introduction to marine conservation.

3. Spot red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest is home to the red colobus monkey, found only in Zanzibar. The monkeys are playful and easy to spot, and the shaded walking trails and mangrove boardwalk are manageable for most ages.

4. A sandbank picnic

A boat trip to a sandbank, such as Nakupenda, is pure magic for children: a little island of white sand surrounded by shallow, clear water, perfect for paddling and building sandcastles.

5. A spice tour

Kids love guessing spices by smell and taste, watching coconut climbers and receiving palm-leaf crowns and toys made by the guides. See our Zanzibar spice tour guide.

6. A shared sunset dhow cruise

A relaxed sunset dhow cruise is calm and fun for families, with snacks, music and a beautiful sunset.

Tip: For older children who swim confidently, a snorkelling trip to Mnemba Atoll can be a real adventure. Reputable operators provide life jackets and child-sized gear.

Watching your child meet a century-old tortoise or spot their first monkey is the kind of moment families talk about for years. Family love stories are written on holidays like these.

Health and safety tips for families

• See a travel clinic early: visit your doctor or a travel clinic several weeks before you go for advice on vaccinations and malaria prevention for your children's ages.
• Sun protection: pack high-factor sunscreen, hats and UV swimwear. The equatorial sun is strong.
• Insect repellent: use a child-safe repellent, especially in the evenings.
• Hydration: keep bottled water handy at all times.
• Reef shoes: helpful for rock pools and coral areas.
• Pace your days: plan activities for the cooler mornings and rest in the afternoons.

How long should a family stay?

About seven days gives families time to settle in, enjoy a few activities and still have plenty of slow beach days. Read our guide on how many days to spend in Zanzibar.

Add a family safari

Zanzibar is the perfect place to relax after a family safari in Tanzania, Kenya or South Africa. Explore our family safari destinations or our Serengeti and Zanzibar itinerary.