Beach holidays
Relax on white sand by warm, clear water, from barefoot lodges to beachfront villas.
Your journey, our passion
Experience Zanzibar the African Queen way. Beach holidays, island excursions and safari extensions, planned by our team on the island.
- Based in Zanzibar
- Tailor-made packages
- 24/7 guest support
Zanzibar is our home
Our vision is to be Zanzibar's leading tour company, known for excellence, reliability and genuine personal service.
African Queen Beach Holidays Tours & Travel is a destination management and tour company based in Zanzibar, Tanzania. We plan personalised holidays that show the beauty, culture and calm of the island and beyond.
From the turquoise water of the east coast to the Swahili heritage of Stone Town, our team handles every detail, from the airport pickup to the last sunset cruise, and treats every guest like family.
Why travel with usZanzibar holiday packages
Every package is tailor-made. Tell us your dates and budget and we'll build the right mix of hotels, trips and transfers.
Honeymoons
Romantic getaways with sunset dhow cruises, private dinners and quiet beaches.
Family vacations
Family-friendly hotels and trips for all ages, like sandbank picnics and swimming with turtles.
Cultural and historical tours
Stone Town's carved doors and markets, spice farms and village life.
Excursions and activities
Day trips led by our local guides, with pickup from your hotel.
Stone Town tour
2 to 3 hours, morning or afternoon
A guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage old town: its alleys, markets and carved doors, the Old Slave Market, House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace and the Old Fort.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, light clothing, a camera and bottled water.
Spice farm visit
2 to 3 hours, morning or afternoon
See, smell and taste cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla on a local plantation. Usually includes fruit tasting and a Swahili lunch.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a camera and mosquito repellent.
Prison Island and sandbank picnic
Full day, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sail by dhow to Changuu Island to meet the giant Aldabra tortoises, then relax, snorkel and enjoy a seafood lunch on a nearby sandbank.
What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, water shoes, your own snorkel gear if you have it, and a camera.
Dolphin tour, snorkelling and diving
Departs around 6:00 am, back by 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Head to Kizimkazi or Mnemba Atoll to swim near dolphins in the wild, then snorkel or dive over coral reefs full of tropical fish.
What to bring
Swimwear, towel, a waterproof camera and sunscreen. Snorkel and dive gear can be provided.
Sunset dhow cruise
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, depending on sunset
Sail the coast on a traditional wooden dhow as the sun goes down, with drinks and light snacks on board.
What to bring
A camera, a light jacket and sunglasses.
Safari Blue
Full day, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Zanzibar's best-known sea trip. Sail from Fumba into the Menai Bay Conservation Area to snorkel, swim in lagoons, explore sandbanks and share a seafood barbecue under the palms.
What to bring
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, flip-flops, snorkelling gear and a camera.
Nakupenda sandbank
Half day to full day, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Nakupenda means I love you in Swahili. Relax on this white sandbank near Stone Town, swim, snorkel and enjoy a seafood lunch cooked on the spot.
What to bring
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, a hat and a camera.
Swimming with turtles
Flexible, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (morning or late afternoon is best)
Feed and swim with green sea turtles in a natural lagoon at Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi. Fun for all ages.
What to bring
Swimwear, towel, a waterproof camera and flip-flops.
Village tour
2 to 3 hours, morning or afternoon
See daily life in a Zanzibari village: traditional fishing, coconut harvesting, cooking and the warm hospitality of the community.
What to bring
Modest clothing, a hat, sunscreen and a camera.
Charity tour
Half day, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Give back while you travel. Visit local schools, orphanages or women's cooperatives to donate supplies or volunteer your time.
What to bring
Modest clothing, small donations if you'd like, and an open heart.
Natural caves tour
Half day, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Explore hidden limestone caves such as Kuza or Tazari, hear local legends, and swim in natural cave pools.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, a torch if needed, swimsuit, towel and a camera.
No excursions in this group yet. Choose All to see every trip.
Want to combine several trips?
Add a safari to your beach holiday
Go on safari on the Tanzanian mainland first, then unwind on Zanzibar. We plan the beach and the bush as one trip.
Climbing Kilimanjaro or planning a longer safari? Our sister company African Queen Adventures is based in Arusha.
Serengeti
Endless plains and the Great Migration, with some of Africa's best big cat sightings.
Ngorongoro
A vast volcanic crater with dense wildlife, where you can see the Big Five in a single day.
Tarangire
Large elephant herds among giant baobab trees, especially in the dry season.
Mikumi
The closest park to Zanzibar, ideal for a short safari of two or three days.
Why choose us
Our guests arrive as clients and leave as lifelong friends.
Local expertise
We're based in Zanzibar, and our team knows the hidden gems and the authentic experiences.
Tailor-made packages
No two travellers are the same, so we design each trip around what you want.
Support around the clock
Our team is available 24/7 during your stay, for peace of mind from arrival to departure.
Trusted partners
We work with trusted hotels, airlines and local guides to give you quality and value.
More ways we can help
Services for leisure and corporate travellers, arranged by the same team.
Transfers and logistics
Your driver will be waiting when you land, and we handle every journey during your stay.
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Meet and greet on arrival
- Group coordination and private vehicles
Group and incentive travel
Plan a team trip, conference or celebration on the island with one local partner.
- Corporate retreats
- Conference support
- Destination weddings and special events
Travel that gives back
We support local artisans, guides and community projects that protect Zanzibar's culture and environment. When you travel with us, you help local communities grow.
Travel tips
Weather
Zanzibar is warm all year, so pack light clothing.
Sun and water
Always carry sunscreen, a hat and drinking water.
Local culture
Dress modestly, especially in villages and Stone Town.
Safety at sea
Follow your guide's instructions, especially on marine trips.
Ready to plan your Zanzibar holiday?
Send us your dates and ideas. We'll reply with a tailor-made plan and price.