Zanzibar With Kids — The Complete 2026 Family Travel Guide

Zanzibar With Kids Travel Guide

Safe beaches. Warm seas. Culture. Nature. Calm vibes. Zanzibar is one of the easiest, most magical places to visit with children — whether you’re traveling with a baby, a toddler, or older kids ready for adventure.

This is your complete guide to planning an unforgettable family holiday in Zanzibar: best beaches, kid-safe resorts, activities, safety, packing, budget, weather, itineraries — everything parents need to know.

Why Zanzibar Is Perfect for Families

Zanzibar offers a rare mix of calm lagoons, powder-soft beaches, friendly culture, and short travel distances — making it one of Africa’s top choices for family travel.

What makes Zanzibar great for kids?

• Warm, shallow ocean water

• Many calm beaches with gentle waves

• Unique wildlife (monkeys, giant tortoises, fish)

• No dangerous land animals

• Family-friendly resorts

• Interesting cultural experiences

• Easy weather year-round

• Short flights from East Africa & Middle East hubs

Age suitability

• Babies (0–2 yrs): Very suitable — calm beaches, warm climate

• Toddlers (2–4 yrs): Perfect for tide pools, short outings

• Kids (5–10 yrs): Best for wildlife, snorkeling, swimming

• Teens (11–16 yrs): Kitesurfing, snorkel trips, Stone Town

Is Zanzibar Safe for Children? (What Parents Must Know).

Things to do in Zanzibar with Kids

Short answer: Yes — Zanzibar is generally safe for families, especially if you choose the right beaches and follow basic precautions.

✔ General Safety

Zanzibar is peaceful, relaxed, and welcoming. Crime targeting tourists is rare, especially in beach areas.

✔ Water Safety

This is the main thing parents need to understand.

• East Coast = big tides (hours of shallow water → great for toddlers)

• North Coast = almost no tides (best for swimming any time)

✔ Mosquito & Malaria

• Zanzibar is low-risk for malaria compared to mainland Tanzania.

• Use nets + repellent in the evenings.

• Many high-end resorts have mosquito-proof rooms.

✔ Health & Medical Care

• Pharmacies available in major areas

• Clinics in Nungwi, Paje, Matemwe

• Serious cases can be treated in Stone Town (private hospitals)

✔ Food & Water

• Stick to bottled water

• Most hotels offer filtered water

• Resorts serve clean, fresh meals

✔ Stone Town Safety

Safe with kids — but:

• Keep children close (narrow alleys)

• Go during daylight

• Avoid pushing strollers (old cobblestone)

Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Zanzibar.

Not all beaches are equal for children. Some have calm lagoons, others have waves or deep water.

Here are the best family beaches, ranked by safety, calmness, access, and kid-friendliness.

Pongwe Beach — Best Overall for Toddlers & Young Kids

Why it’s great:

• Natural lagoon blocks waves

• Warm, shallow water

• Very quiet & private

• Perfect for babies & toddlers

Nungwi / Kendwa — Best All-Day Swimming (No Tides)

Why it’s great:

• You can swim any time

• Minimal seaweed

• Long sandy beaches

• Great kid-friendly resorts

• Best for 4–16 years old

Matemwe — Calm, Safe, Underrated

• Quiet stretch

• Family villas

• Near Mnemba snorkel spots

• Shallow at low tide (safe for small kids)

Paje / Jambiani — Best for Teens & Active Families

• Ideal for kitesurfing

• Shallow lagoons at low tide

• Best for older kids who want activities

• Not ideal for toddlers during high tide

Kiwengwa — Great All-Round Family Beach

• Wide beach

• Large family resorts

• Calm enough for kids

Best Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels (Top Picks)

When choosing accommodation, look for:family rooms, pools with shallow ends, babysitting, calm beach access, and good food options.

Here’s how to choose the right type:

Best Luxury Family Resorts

Perfect for safety, comfort, and activities

• The Residence

• Melia Zanzibar

• Zuri Zanzibar (Nungwi)

• Emerald Zanzibar Resort

Why choose luxury:

• Kids’ clubs

• High-quality food

• Babysitting

• Great pools

• Safe beachfront

Best Mid-Range Hotels

Great for comfort + affordability

• Pongwe Beach Hotel

• Reef & Beach Resort

• Sunshine Bay

Best Family Villas / Bungalows

Ideal for families wanting privacy

• Matemwe Beach House

• Kiwengwa Private Villas

• Paje Beach Villas

Best Budget Options

• Red Monkey Lodge

• Kendwa Rocks (family rooms)

• New Teddy’s (older kids/teens)

Things to Do in Zanzibar With Kids (Age-Based)

Here are the best family-friendly activities, grouped by age for easy planning.

For Toddlers (1–3 years)

• Tide pool exploring

• Shell collecting

• Short boat rides

• Shallow-water beach time

• Resort pool play

For Kids (4–8 years)

• Visit giant tortoises on Prison Island

• Snorkeling in shallow coral gardens

• Spice farm tour

• Butterfly Centre

• Short dhow rides

• Jozani Forest walk

• Take a short safari from Zanzibar

For Older Kids / Teens (9–16 years)

• Kitesurfing lessons in Paje

• Snorkeling Mnemba Island

• Safari Blue (check age suitability)

• Diving intro sessions

• Stone Town treasure hunt

• Cooking classes

Best Kid-Friendly Excursions & Day Trips

Here’s how excursions rate for children:

Excursion	Age Suitability	Safety	Duration	Highlights
Prison Island	3+	Safe	2–3 hr	Giant tortoises
Jozani Forest	All ages	Safe	1–2 hr	Red colobus monkeys
Mnemba Snorkeling	5+	Safe with life jackets	Half-day	Calm coral snorkeling
Blue Safari	7+	Moderate	Full day	Sandbanks, BBQ
Nungwi Aquarium	All ages	Safe	1 hr	Sea turtle rescue
Spice Farm Tour	All ages	Safe	2 hr	Kid-friendly tasting

Family Safari + Zanzibar Beach Combo (Parent-Friendly Guide)

Families often combine Zanzibar with a short safari on mainland Tanzania.This is one of the BEST experiences for kids — animals, nature, culture.

✔ Can you do a safari from Zanzibar with kids?

Yes, You can do a short fly-in safari from Zanzibar with kids into:

• Tarangire National Park (best for kids — elephants everywhere)

• Ngorongoro Crater (short day, high wildlife density)

• Serengeti (older kids 7+ recommended)

✔ Best parks for children

• Tarangire → elephants, giraffes

• Ngorongoro → lions, zebras, buffalo

• Serengeti → migration, big cats

✔ Recommended safari durations

• 1 day: Ngorongoro (ages 3+)

• 2 days safari from Zanzibar to Tarangire + Ngorongoro

• 3 day safari from Zanzibar Tarangire, Ngorongro & Manyara (ideal for ages 5+)

• 4 days safari from Zanzibar: Great Migration trips

✔ Tips for parents

• Bring snacks

• Avoid long days with toddlers

• Choose lodges with swimming pools

• Morning game drives easiest for kids

When to Visit Zanzibar With Kids (Weather & Seasons)

Zanzibar has warm weather year-round.

Best months for families:

June – October (dry, low humidity, calm seas)

Other options

• December – February: great weather

• March – May: rainy season (heavy rains)

• November: short rains (still ok for travel)

Seaweed seasons

• Eastern coast (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe) gets seaweed around April–June

• North coast (Nungwi, Kendwa) is generally seaweed-free

Packing List for Zanzibar With Kids

✔ Essentials

• Lightweight clothing

• UV swim shirts

• Sun hats

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Water shoes

• Mosquito repellent

• Antihistamines

• Oral rehydration salts

• Snacks for picky eaters

✔ For babies & toddlers

• Swim diapers

• Baby formula (can be bought, but limited brands)

• Stroller (only for resorts, not Stone Town)

• Baby carrier (ESSENTIAL for Stone Town)

• Baby-friendly mosquito net

Food, Water & Health: What Parents Should Know

Food

Zanzibar has:

• Fresh fruit

• Grilled seafood

• Mild curries

• Plenty of kid-friendly options

• Pasta, rice, chicken dishes at resorts

Water

• Use bottled water

• Avoid ice outside hotels

• Brush teeth with bottled water for young kids

Medical

• Bring your own medication

• Resorts have basic first aid

• Hospitals available 45–60 minutes away

Getting Around Zanzibar With Kids

Transport Options

• Private taxi (best)

• Resort transfers

• Self-drive (not recommended with kids)

• Local daladala (not recommended)

Car seats

• Some transfer companies provide them

• Always request in advance

Travel times

• Airport → Nungwi: 1.5 hours

• Airport → Paje/Jambiani: 1 hour

• Airport → Pongwe: 45 minutes

• Airport → Stone Town: 15 minutes

How Much Does a Family Trip to Zanzibar Cost?

Accommodation

• Budget: $40–80/night

• Mid-range: $90–180/night

• Luxury: $250–500/night

• Ultra luxury: $600–1200+/night

Food

• $10–15 per kid meal

• $15–40 per adult meal

Excursions

• Prison Island: $20–35

• Jozani Forest: $10–15

• Safari Blue: $60–120

• Mnemba Snorkeling: $40–70

Family safari from Zanzibar

• 1 day: $350–450 pp

• 2 days: $600–900 pp

• 3 days: $1200–1800 pp

Budget examples

• 3 days: $800–1300 (family of 4, mid-range)

• 5 days: $1,300–2,200

• 7 days: $1,900–3,500

Sample Family Itineraries (1–7 Days)

3-Day Family Beach Break

Day 1: Relax at beach resortDay 2: Jozani + Prison IslandDay 3: Beach + Stone Town

5-Day Zanzibar Family Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, beach dayDay 2: Jozani ForestDay 3: Mnemba snorkelingDay 4: Spice Farm + Stone TownDay 5: Free beach day

7-Day Safari + Beach Family Combo

Day 1: Arrive ZanzibarDay 2: Fly to mainland → Tarangire SafariDay 3: Ngorongoro CraterDay 4: Fly back to ZanzibarDay 5: Mnemba snorkel tripDay 6: Beach dayDay 7: Stone Town + departure

FAQs: Zanzibar With Kids

Is Zanzibar a good destination for families with kids?

Yes, Zanzibar is a great family destination thanks to calm beaches, warm weather, and plenty of kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, dolphin watching, and cultural tours. Many resorts also offer family rooms, kids’ clubs, and shallow beachfronts, making it easy for parents to relax while children enjoy safe, supervised fun.

What is the best time to visit Zanzibar with children?

The best time for families is during the dry seasons: June–October and December–February. These months offer comfortable temperatures, calm seas, and fewer rain interruptions—ideal for beach time and outdoor activities. Avoid the long rainy season (March–May) when humidity and heavy showers can affect travel plans.

Are the beaches in Zanzibar safe for kids?

Most popular beaches—like Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje—have gentle waves and soft sand, making them safe for children. Always supervise kids near water, especially during high tide. Some beaches have seaweed seasons, but this doesn’t impact safety; it’s just a natural part of the ecosystem.

What activities can kids enjoy in Zanzibar?

Children can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, dhow boat cruises, spice farm tours, visiting Jozani Forest, kayaking, and exploring local villages. Many activities are educational and hands-on, giving kids a fun introduction to local culture, wildlife, and marine life without being overwhelming.

Is Zanzibar safe in general for traveling families?

Zanzibar is considered safe for families, especially in tourist areas. Resorts have security, and locals are generally welcoming. As with any destination, keep an eye on belongings, stick to well-known areas at night, and follow basic travel safety habits to ensure a smooth trip.

What should I pack when visiting Zanzibar with kids?

Pack lightweight clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, water shoes, hats, mosquito repellent, reusable water bottles, and basic first-aid supplies. For younger kids, bring snacks, floaties, and sun-protective clothing. Most essentials are available locally but may be more expensive or limited in variety.

Do kids need any vaccinations to travel to Zanzibar?

Basic routine vaccinations are recommended. Depending on your home country, Yellow Fever vaccination may be required if you’re arriving from a region where it’s active. Consult a travel doctor for updated advice, but generally, families don’t need unusual vaccines to visit Zanzibar.

Are there family-friendly hotels and resorts in Zanzibar?

Yes. Many resorts in Nungwi, Kendwa, and Kiwengwa offer family suites, kids’ pools, kids’ clubs, babysitting services, and varied menus. Some even have shallow beachfronts perfect for young swimmers. When booking, look for properties that advertise family amenities.

Is the food in Zanzibar kid-friendly?

Most hotels offer international menus with pasta, grilled foods, fruit platters, and familiar snacks for kids. Local dishes can be mild and flavorful, but picky eaters can easily stick to simple options. If your child has allergies, notify the hotel staff in advance.

How long should a family stay in Zanzibar?

A stay of 5–7 days works well for families. This allows time to relax on the beach, explore Stone Town, visit Jozani Forest, and enjoy a few fun excursions without tiring the kids. If you prefer a slower pace, 10 days is ideal.

Is snorkeling safe for children in Zanzibar?

Snorkeling is generally safe for children who can swim confidently. Choose calm areas like Mnemba Atoll or shallow house reefs near resorts. Many operators provide child-sized life vests and gear. Always choose reputable guides and avoid deep or rough-water sites.

Can kids visit Stone Town?

Yes, Stone Town is kid-friendly when explored at a gentle pace. Children enjoy the narrow alleys, colorful markets, and historical sites. For comfort, visit early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler, and keep kids close due to busy streets.

Is transportation easy for families in Zanzibar?

Most families use hotel transfers or private drivers, which are safe and convenient. Taxis are also available, and many vehicles have air conditioning. If you need a child seat, request one in advance, as availability can vary across providers.

Can toddlers enjoy Zanzibar?

Absolutely. Shallow beaches, soft sand, and warm water make Zanzibar ideal for toddlers. Many resorts have shaded areas, gentle pools, and family rooms. Just keep essentials like snacks, diapers, and sunscreen handy, as some brands may be harder to find.

Are there medical facilities for children in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar has private clinics and hospitals suitable for common illnesses or minor injuries. For serious issues, medical evacuation to mainland Tanzania or Nairobi may be recommended. Travel insurance with medical coverage is highly advisable for families.

How expensive is a family trip to Zanzibar?

Costs vary depending on season and resort type. Mid-range family-friendly resorts offer good value, while luxury properties can be pricey. Activities, food, and transport are reasonably affordable. Planning ahead and traveling outside peak holidays can reduce costs.

Do kids need visas to enter Zanzibar?

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Many countries can obtain visas on arrival in Tanzania, including for children. Always check updated entry rules before traveling, and ensure passports have at least six months of validity.

Is the sun too strong for children in Zanzibar?

The sun can be strong, especially midday. Apply reef-safe sunscreen regularly, use hats, sunglasses, and lightweight UV-protective clothing. Plan beach playtime in the mornings or late afternoons to keep kids comfortable.

What cultural experiences can kids enjoy?

Kids enjoy visiting spice farms, trying coconut treats, learning traditional crafts, and watching local dance performances. These activities are interactive, educational, and fun, helping children connect with Zanzibar’s rich culture in an accessible way.

Is Zanzibar suitable for a multi-family trip or group with kids?

Yes, Zanzibar is great for group trips. Many resorts offer family villas, group dining, and activities that work well for mixed-age groups. Shared experiences like boat trips, snorkel sessions, and cultural tours make it a memorable destination for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Zanzibar Is One of Africa’s Best Family Destinations.

Zanzibar combines relaxation, nature, culture, and warm tropical beaches in a way few destinations can match. With calm lagoons for toddlers, gentle adventures for curious kids, and world-class snorkel trips for teens, it’s a true family paradise.

If you plan well — choosing the right beach, resort, season, and activities — you’ll create the kind of memories your children will remember for life.