ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Zanzibar in September

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

View Photos

Zanzibar in September

Team Member Headshot

By Vihann Van Wyk

Safari Travel Planner

Safari Enquiry

If August is a great time to be on Zanzibar, then September just gets better. It’s one of the sunniest, driest months across the islands, with average daytime temperatures gradually climbing over 30°C (86°F).

Tropical beach in Zanzibar.
Tropical beach in Zanzibar.

The southern ‘kusi’ wind has blown steadily since May but now eases back to a cooling breeze. In Paje, some kitesurfing is still possible until October, but the season is slowly drawing to a close.

Matemwe beach in Zanzibar
Matemwe beach in Zanzibar

With the gentling breeze, the seas of Zanzibar are also calm, and by the middle of September, the more challenging deep-water dive sites are usually accessible.

Beach hammock in the sunset, Zanzibar.
Beach hammock in the sunset, Zanzibar.

The sea starts to warm up (to around 26°C / 79°F), and September and October can produce some of the best diving conditions of the year.

Dolphins in the waters of Zanzibar.
Dolphins in the waters of Zanzibar.

September is a wonderful month all over Zanzibar, but the Mafia archipelago has something special to offer. Not only are the turtles of Juani Island still hatching, but the calmer seas allow for some incredible diving in the deeper channels.

Tropical coral reef in the waters of Zanzibar.
Tropical coral reef in the waters of Zanzibar.

Here you’ll find colossal 3-meter grouper, and for even bigger thrills, it’s the start of the annual whale shark season.

Free diver swimming with a whale shark, Zanzibar
Free diver swimming with a whale shark, Zanzibar

Above the waves, September is ideal for the beach, and all the islands’ resorts are popular at this time of year. Nungwi and Kiwengwa can get particularly busy, but it’s quieter in the less developed regions such as Matemwe and Pingwe.

Travel Tips
  • Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most astounding wildlife experiences on the planet, and these giant, gentle creatures begin to arrive off Mafia Island in September. By the end of the month, the water visibility increases – up to 25m (82ft) on the calmest days. All over Zanzibar, the diving is excellent, and the warm, sunny days make for perfect beach time too.
  • September’s major disadvantage is its popularity and unless you book well in advance, you may not get your first-choice hotel. The smaller boutiques can fill up especially fast as they’re often in the most sought-after areas, where the beaches are least busy.

How it Works

2

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

3

Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect African safari for your adventure.
24/7 Support
Flexible
Authentic
Personalized

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their Africa trips with Discover Africa Safaris
Professional.

10 Day Masai Mara & Beach Safari

Layla, United States
26 Jul 2023
A brilliant experience!

4 Days On A Kruger Safari Review

James, United Kingdom
16 Mar 2023
Beyond our Expectations--Trip of a Lifetime!

Luxury Cape Town & Sabi Sands Safari Review

Mike, United States
26 Dec 2022
The travel arrangements and accommodation all worked as planned!

7-Day Tanzania Safari Review

Richard M, United Kingdom
05 Oct 2022
Excellently planned custom trip that included Kilimanjaro, safaris and beach time.

Climbing Kilimanjaro Review

Beth - 56 year old adventurer, United States
29 Jul 2019
Masai Mara goodness. Thank you Discover Africa for your amazing planning!

Great Migration Holiday Review

Jates and Hil Oettle, South Africa
01 Aug 2013

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Steve Conradie, Co-founder, Discover Africa

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

HELP ME PLAN
Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | Zanzibar in September | Last Updated: 29 September 2023