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Your essential guide to Zanzibar: Weather, winds, and when to visit

Dreaming of a tropical escape to the spice island of Zanzibar? Your perfect beach holiday is calling. With warm temperatures year-round and distinct seasonal changes driven by the Indian Ocean's monsoon winds, planning your trip is easy with this monthly weather guide.

The best time to visit Zanzibar

For the ultimate beach holiday with reliable sunshine and minimal rain, the best times to visit are during the island’s two dry seasons:
  • Long Dry Season (June–October): The most popular time to visit, with sunny days, low humidity, and pleasant temperatures averaging 28–32°C. Excellent for all water activities.

 

  • Short Dry Season (mid-December–mid-March): Another fantastic period, offering hot, dry weather with plenty of sunshine. Temperatures are at their peak, often reaching 32–34°C, with crystal-clear water ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Trade winds and seasons explained

Zanzibar’s climate is governed by the two annual monsoon winds:
  • Kaskazi (North Wind): This warm, dry wind blows from the northeast between mid-December and mid-March. It brings hot and dry conditions, creating ideal, flat-water conditions for beginners and intermediate kitesurfers.

 

  • Kusi (South Wind): The Kusi is the stronger of the two winds, blowing from the southeast between June and October. It is most consistent in July, August, and September, and is ideal for experienced kitesurfers

What to wear in Zanzibar

Respectful and practical clothing is key for your trip to Zanzibar.
General packing advice:
  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics: Given the heat and humidity, pack loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk.
  • Sun protection: The sun is strong year-round. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor, reef-safe sunscreen are essential.
  • Insect repellent: Pack effective insect repellent, especially for evenings when mosquitoes are most active.
For Stone Town and local villages:

As a conservative, predominantly Muslim society, modesty is important when visiting Stone Town or local villages.
  • For women: Maxi dresses, long skirts, or loose-fitting trousers are recommended. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. A light scarf is also useful for visiting religious sites.
  • For men: T-shirts or polo shirts with lightweight, knee-length shorts or trousers are appropriate.
For resorts and beaches:

Resort and beach areas are more relaxed, but full nudity is illegal.
  • Swimwear: Bikinis and swimsuits are fine on the beach and by the pool.
  • Cover-ups: When walking along the beach or heading to a restaurant, a kaftan, sarong, or lightweight cover-up is recommended.
Footwear:
  • Sandals and flip-flops: Essential for the beach and exploring resort grounds.
  • Walking shoes: Comfortable closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals are ideal for exploring Stone Town’s uneven streets and going on forest walks.
  • Reef shoes: Consider packing these to protect your feet from sea urchins and coral, especially during low tide.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ZANZIBAR AND OUR PACKAGES

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  • Mara Kati Kati is a mobile camp strategically situated in north Serengeti, ideal for exploring the Mara Ecosystem. The camp offers comfortable accommodation together with the unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari experience on a camp. In its comfortable tents one will feel completely immersed in the surroundings and one can enjoy the rich animal life and vegetation of the area.

    An original form of accommodation which resembles the old camps of the first explorers in Africa, with all the commodities of today.

    The camp has been designed to cause a minimum impact on the environment. All of the infrastructure is mobile and the philosophy of the company is not to leave anything behind.

    The tents at Mara Kati Kati are meticulously designed to blend the essence of classic safari adventures with modern comforts. Each tent is furnished with plush bedding, locally inspired décor, and ensuite bathrooms equipped with hot showers and eco-friendly toiletries. The subtle lighting, soft linens, and rustic yet sophisticated furnishings create an ambiance that seamlessly merges the raw beauty of the wilderness with the elegance of a homey accommodation.

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    Experience the Wild…

    Welcome to Tarangire Simba Lodge, Tarangire National Park is a gem on the northern safari circuit. Teeming with wildlife, especially in the dry season, this area is a safari-goers dream. Located near the new Sangaiwe Gate of Tarangire National Park. Tarangire Simba Lodge is situated in a wildlife-rich area with unhampered views to beautiful Lake Burunge, bordered by the park and a Wildlife Management Area. The setting is stunning; with a giant old Baobab tree anchoring one corner and a permeating feeling of real Africa.

    The lodge opened in mid 2015 (July) and has 24 classic tents under thatch. Resident wildlife includes lion, zebra, bushbuck, impala, porcupine, monkeys, warthog, mongoose and more. Elephant, buffalo, ostrich and giraffe frequently pass through while the bird life is prolific and vibrant.

    Areas surrounding national parks are critical for conservation. The location of Tarangire Simba Lodge creates a buffer between the park and the nearby village areas, which, although currently sparse in population, are under cultivation and could be subject to human/wildlife conflict. We work closely with the rangers at the nearby station to ensure that the wildlife is not compromised.

     

     

    During the dry season groups of elephant, giraffe, waterbuck, zebra and more come to a small waterhole located in front of the lodge. Lucky guests can watch wildlife right from their rooms or the elevated viewing platform near the pool.

    Guests are able to enter, exit and re-enter from the Sangaiwe gate of Tarangire National Park with ease.

     

    Fine hospitality for safari travellers

    Accommodation at Tarangire Simba Lodge is in sixteen classic canvas safari tents situated permanently under thatch. The spacious tents are constructed on platforms complete with wooden floors, large en-suite dressing room, toilet and shower. There are twin and queen tents; triples are possible. There is also a family tent with two queen-sized beds. Additionally there is an outdoor shower and each tent has a private veranda with views to the bush and Lake Burunge. Furnishings are handcrafted from African hardwood complimented with tastefully selected fabrics; electricity and hot water are solar powered. Full amenities are provided.

    If you’re lucky you may see wildlife right from your room or verandah!

    Each room has a torch (flashlight) and umbrella for you to use during your stay with us and there is a power strip to charge your devices.