Zanzibar Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

There is a moment, usually on the first morning, when you step onto a Zanzibar beach and understand why people come back year after year. The sand is white and fine as powder. The water is a shade of turquoise that seems too vivid to be real. The Indian Ocean stretches to the horizon, warm and calm.

Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands off the coast of Tanzania — the main island, Unguja, is what most people mean when they say "Zanzibar." It is a place of extraordinary contrasts: ancient Swahili culture and modern beach resorts, spice plantations and coral reefs, the labyrinthine streets of Stone Town and the empty white beaches of the north and east coasts.

For most of our guests, Zanzibar is the final chapter of a Tanzania safari — a few days of rest and beauty after the intensity of the bush. It is, without question, one of the finest beach destinations in the world.

Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar City and one of the most atmospheric places in East Africa. Its narrow, winding streets — too narrow for cars in many places — are lined with carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings, and the mingling scents of spices, coffee, and the sea.

The city has been a centre of Indian Ocean trade for over a thousand years. Arab, Persian, Indian, Portuguese, and British influences have all left their mark on the architecture, the food, and the culture. In 2000, UNESCO designated Stone Town a World Heritage Site.

What to see and do in Stone Town:

The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe): Built by Omani Arabs in the late 17th century, the Old Fort is the oldest surviving building in Zanzibar. Today it houses a cultural centre and open-air amphitheatre.

The House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib): The largest and most ornate building in Stone Town, built as a ceremonial palace in 1883. It was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator.

The Slave Market Memorial: Zanzibar was the centre of the East African slave trade until the late 19th century. The Anglican Cathedral and the underground slave chambers are a sobering and important part of understanding the island's history.

Forodhani Gardens Night Market: Every evening, the waterfront gardens transform into an open-air food market. Fresh seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugarcane juice, and grilled lobster — it is one of the best street food experiences in Africa.

The Spice Markets: Zanzibar was known as the "Spice Island" for its production of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. The spice markets in Stone Town are a sensory experience unlike anything else.

Zanzibar's beaches vary dramatically depending on which coast you are on. Understanding the tides and the seasons is essential to choosing the right location.

The north coast beaches are the most popular on the island, and for good reason. Nungwi and Kendwa have calm, swimmable water year-round (the tides here are less extreme than the east coast), a lively atmosphere, and a wide range of accommodation from boutique hotels to luxury resorts.

Best for: Swimmers, those who want a lively beach scene, water sports (snorkelling, diving, kitesurfing).

The east coast is wilder and more dramatic than the north. The beaches are long and empty, the water is a vivid turquoise, and the tides are extreme — at low tide, the sea retreats hundreds of metres, revealing vast tidal flats. At high tide, the water is perfect for swimming.

Paje is the kitesurfing capital of East Africa, with consistent winds and a dedicated kitesurfing community. Jambiani is quieter and more traditional.

Best for: Kitesurfers, those seeking a quieter, more authentic experience, photographers (the tidal flats at sunset are extraordinary).

The northeast coast is home to some of Zanzibar's most exclusive resorts, including the legendary Mnemba Island Lodge — a private island surrounded by one of the finest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Matemwe on the mainland is quieter and more affordable, with excellent snorkelling and diving.

Best for: Luxury travellers, divers, snorkellers, honeymooners.

The south of the island is less developed and more traditional. Kizimkazi is famous for dolphin watching — spinner and bottlenose dolphins are resident in the waters here year-round.

Best for: Dolphin watching, those seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience.

Zanzibar's coral reefs are among the finest in the Indian Ocean. The waters around Mnemba Atoll are particularly spectacular — visibility can exceed 30 metres, and the reef is home to sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and hundreds of species of tropical fish.

A half-day spice tour through the plantations of central Zanzibar is one of the island's most popular activities. You will see cloves, vanilla, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg growing in their natural environment, and taste fresh tropical fruits along the way.

Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are resident in the waters off Kizimkazi year-round. Early morning boat trips offer the best chance of swimming with them.

A short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island was originally built as a detention centre for rebellious slaves. Today it is home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old.

A traditional wooden dhow sailing into the sunset off Stone Town is one of Zanzibar's iconic experiences. Most cruises include sundowners and fresh seafood.

June – October (Dry Season): The best overall time to visit. Clear skies, warm temperatures (25–30°C), and calm seas. This is peak season — book accommodation well in advance.

January – February: A second dry season with excellent weather. Slightly quieter than the June–October peak.

March – May (Long Rains): Heavy rainfall, particularly in April and May. Many resorts close or reduce services. Not recommended.

November – December (Short Rains): Brief afternoon showers that usually clear quickly. Good value and fewer crowds.

Zanzibar is the natural complement to a Tanzania safari. After days of early morning game drives and the intensity of the bush, the beaches of Zanzibar offer a perfect counterpoint — rest, warmth, and beauty.

Our most popular combination itineraries:

Classic Safari + Beach (10 days): 6 days in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, followed by 4 days in Zanzibar. This is our most requested itinerary.

Migration + Beach (14 days): 8 days following the Great Migration in the northern Serengeti, followed by 6 days in Zanzibar. Ideal for the July–October season.

Kilimanjaro + Beach (14 days): 7 days climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, followed by 7 days recovering on Zanzibar's beaches. The contrast between the mountain and the island is extraordinary.

Getting there: Zanzibar has its own international airport (ZNZ) with direct flights from Dar es Salaam (25 minutes), Nairobi, and several European cities. Most safari guests fly from Arusha or the Serengeti airstrips.

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) and US Dollars are both widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants.

Language: Swahili is the primary language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Visa: Zanzibar is part of Tanzania — your Tanzania visa covers the island.

Health: Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Consult your doctor before travel.

We handle all logistics for Zanzibar extensions — flights, transfers, accommodation, and activities. Whether you want a luxury private villa or a boutique beach hotel, we know the island's best properties and will match you with the right one.

Contact us to add Zanzibar to your Tanzania itinerary.