Zanzibar
Tanzania
Best Season
Jun - Oct
Hotels
2 Properties
Activities
4 Things to Do
Best Value
Overview
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania that feels like stepping into another era -- a place where the intoxicating aromas of clove, cinnamon, and vanilla drift through the narrow alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a centuries-old blend of African, Arab, Indian, and Portuguese influences.
For points travelers, Zanzibar's crown jewel is the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, located in a restored historic building on the Stone Town waterfront. As a Category 5 Hyatt property, it can be booked for as few as 25,000 points per night -- remarkable for a luxury Park Hyatt with cash rates typically $500-$700.
Zanzibar also pairs beautifully with a Tanzanian safari. The island offers world-class diving and snorkeling around Mnemba Atoll, dolphin tours, and spice farm excursions that connect you to the island's rich trading heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Jun - Oct (Recommended)
The primary dry season from June to October offers the best beach weather with warm temperatures (25-28°C) and almost no rain. A shorter dry spell in January-February is also pleasant. The long rains (March-May) bring heavy downpours and some hotels close. Water visibility for diving is best October to March.
Top Hotels on Points
The best hotels in Zanzibar you can book with loyalty points, ranked by CPP value.
Top Pick
Things to Do in Zanzibar
Walk the UNESCO World Heritage labyrinth of narrow alleys, ornate carved doors, rooftop terraces, and the former Sultan's palace.
$25
Tour a working spice farm to see, smell, and taste cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg growing fresh — Zanzibar is the 'Spice Island'.
$30
Relax on the island's best beach on the northern tip where traditional dhow boats sail past and the sunsets are legendary.
Free
Boat to Mnemba Atoll for pristine coral reef snorkeling with a chance to swim alongside wild dolphins.
$50
Getting There
Flights & Transfers
Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Direct flights from Nairobi (1.5 hrs), Dar es Salaam (20 min), Dubai (5.5 hrs), and Doha (5 hrs). From the US, connect through Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), or Nairobi. Total travel time from the US East Coast is approximately 18-22 hours.
Plan Your Zanzibar Trip
Have questions about traveling to Zanzibar with points? Our AI advisor can help you compare hotels, find transfer strategies, and plan the perfect island getaway.