Island Living

Written by Jacques Nell

When most people think of island holidays, they picture one thing: the ocean. White sand, turquoise water, cocktails by the pool. Zanzibar has all of that, but it also has something no other island can claim. Just across the water lies Tanzania’s mainland, home to the legendary Big Five of the bush: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

And here in the sea? Zanzibar has its own Big Five: dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, and humpback whales.

It’s this rare combination that is rewriting the future of luxury travel in East Africa.

More Than a Beach Destination

Mauritius and the Seychelles are beautiful, but they are one dimensional. They offer beaches, yes, but not a full spectrum of adventure. Zanzibar gives travelers the Indian Ocean in the morning and the African savannah by afternoon. It’s the only place in the world where you can dive with whale sharks one day and photograph lions the next.

For tourists, that’s a dream itinerary. For investors, it’s a market defining advantage.

Why the Luxury Market is Booming

Global hotel brands are moving in fast. They see the numbers: record breaking tourist arrivals, strong occupancy rates, and a growing demand for five star experiences. They also see the story: a heritage island with Stone Town’s culture, spice plantations, and dhow-studded seas, paired with safari access that no other island can replicate.

This is why Anantara, Ritz Carlton, and other high profile operators are entering. It’s why developers are pre selling villas and apartments off plan with strong absorption. And it’s why investors are enjoying double returns, rental yields from tourism today, and capital appreciation as Zanzibar matures into the Indian Ocean’s most complete luxury destination.

Lessons From Mauritius

Think of Mauritius 20 years ago, before it was filled with golf estates, branded residences, and $5 million villas. Those who entered early saw the entire market multiply around them. Zanzibar is at that stage now: land still affordable, off plan pricing accessible, but the fundamentals all moving in one direction.

The difference? Mauritius never had a Serengeti next door.

The Investor’s Edge

For developers, the formula is clear:

Beachfront + Brand. Partner with a five star operator to unlock premiums. Residential + Resort. Off plan villas or apartments attached to hotels are selling fast and renting well. Lifestyle + Story. Build around the “double big five” narrative that only Zanzibar can claim.

For individual investors, the attraction is equally strong: flexible payment plans, strong rental returns, and the chance to buy in early before values converge with Mauritius and Seychelles.

The Future Is Writing Itself

Zanzibar has always been a meeting point, traders from Arabia, Africa, and India once converged here. Today, the meeting is between bush and beach, between culture and modern luxury, between opportunity and vision.

The island doesn’t just offer the ocean. It offers the ocean and the bush. Two big fives, one destination. That’s why Zanzibar is not only a better holiday, it’s a better investment story.