Why go to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is two things at once. One is a maze of coral-stone alleys where Swahili, Arab, Indian and European history is stacked on top of itself. The other is a long, soft coastline of white sand and turquoise water that looks like a screensaver. Most islands give you one or the other. This one gives you both, and you can swap between them in an hour's drive.
It is also easy to pair with a safari on the Tanzanian mainland. Fly in for the beach after a week of dust and early starts and you will understand why people do it.
What to see in Zanzibar
Stone Town
The old quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the island. Put the map away and get lost on purpose. Carved wooden doors, tiny mosques, barbershops, kids playing football in lanes barely two metres wide. Go early, around 7am, when it is cool and locals are heading to work.
Forodhani Gardens
The waterfront park by the old Fort turns into a night food market at dusk. Grilled seafood skewers, sugarcane juice, Zanzibar pizza. It is touristy, yes, but still the best place to watch the sun go down with a plate in your hand. Agree on prices before you eat.
House of Wonders and the Old Fort
The House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib) is the big white palace on the seafront, and a landmark even when parts are closed for restoration, so check access before you plan around going inside. The nearby Old Fort has a courtyard with craft stalls and an open-air stage.
Darajani Market
Fish, spices, fruit, meat, plastic buckets. It is loud, smelly and honest. Go in the morning and keep your camera discreet around the fish hall.
Prison Island (Changuu)
A short boat ride from Stone Town. The giant Aldabra tortoises are the draw, and the snorkelling around the island is decent. Take the first boat to beat the tour groups.
Jozani Forest
This is the place to see the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, which are surprisingly relaxed about humans. A guided walk takes about an hour, and the mangrove boardwalk is a pleasant extra.
Nungwi and Kendwa
The north is where the water stays swimmable at all hours, since tides matter much less here. Nungwi is livelier, with dhow builders on the beach, and Kendwa is calmer with sunset parties on full moons.
Paje, Jambiani and the east coast
The east has the most dramatic scenery, but the tide goes out a long way. At low tide you walk past seaweed farms, where women tend lines in the shallows. At high tide the water is gorgeous. Paje is the kitesurfing hub.
Mnemba Atoll
The best snorkelling and diving off the island, reached by boat from Matemwe or Nungwi. Dolphins sometimes show up on the way.
The Rock, Michamvi
A restaurant perched on a rock just off the southeast coast. You can wade out at low tide or take a small boat at high tide. Book ahead if you want sunset.
Things to do
- Spice tour: cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemongrass, with a lunch included at many farms. Touristy, but you learn why the island was called the Spice Island.
- Dhow sunset sail: from Stone Town or the north coast. Pick a small boat if you can.
- Dolphin trip from Kizimkazi: go early and choose an operator that keeps its distance from the animals.
- Sandbank lunch: a boat to Nakupenda or similar sandbanks off Stone Town for seafood on the sand.
- Kitesurfing or diving: lessons in Paje, courses and dives in Nungwi and Matemwe.
- Slave history: the former slave market site in Stone Town and the Mangapwani slave chamber north of town. Sobering, and worth it.
How many days and a suggested route
Five to seven days is the sweet spot. Three is possible but you will spend a lot of it in transfers.
- Days 1-2: Stone Town. Wander, eat at Forodhani, do Prison Island or a spice tour.
- Days 3-4: East coast (Paje or Jambiani). Jozani on the way, kitesurfing or lazy beach time.
- Days 5-6: North coast (Nungwi or Kendwa). Snorkelling at Mnemba, sunsets.
- Day 7: Back to Stone Town or straight to the airport.
When to go
The driest and most comfortable months run from June to October, with clearer skies and lower humidity. December to February is hotter and sticky but also sunny and good for swimming. The long rains hit from roughly March to May, and many smaller places close or slash prices. November brings shorter showers. The island is close to the equator, so it is warm all year, and the sun is stronger than it feels.
Where to stay
- Stone Town: best for history and food. Guesthouses in old merchant houses run from budget to boutique. You will want at least one night here.
- Nungwi and Kendwa (north): best for swimming at any tide, plus nightlife. Resorts for every budget.
- Paje and Jambiani (east): backpackers, kite schools and small beach lodges. Quieter and more local.
- Matemwe and Michamvi: peaceful and upscale, with villas and lodges. Good for couples.
Budget travellers can find beds from around 20-40 USD. Mid-range rooms often land between 80 and 180. Top-end resorts go well beyond 300.
What to eat and where
Swahili cooking leans on coconut, cardamom, cloves and fresh fish. Look for urojo, the tangy "Zanzibar mix" soup, and octopus in coconut curry. Try pilau and biryani, fresh grilled kingfish or tuna, and cassava with chilli. The Zanzibar pizza is not Italian, it is a thin pocket of dough stuffed with minced meat, egg and cheese and fried on a griddle, and it is excellent at Forodhani.
Spiced tea and fresh juices are everywhere. Alcohol is available in hotels, beach bars and some Stone Town restaurants, but it is not widely sold elsewhere, because the island is mostly Muslim. Dress modestly in town: shoulders and knees covered. During Ramadan, expect many local eateries to be closed in daylight.
Getting from the airport and getting around
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is about 6 km from Stone Town. A taxi takes 15 to 20 minutes and costs roughly 10-20 USD. Hotels on the coast can arrange transfers, which take about an hour to the north or east. Fast ferries also run from Dar es Salaam, usually about two hours.
Within the island, you have several options. Dala-dalas (shared minibuses) are very cheap but slow. Taxis and private drivers are the practical choice for beach hopping, and you should agree on a fare first. Scooters are popular in the east and north, but you need a valid licence, and roads can be rough.
Rough daily budget
- Budget: around 40-70 USD with a hostel or simple guesthouse, local meals, and shared transport.
- Mid-range: around 100-200 USD with a comfortable beach hotel, a tour or two and restaurant dinners.
- High-end: 300 USD and up for luxury lodges and private boats.
Cash in US dollars and Tanzanian shillings both work, and cards are accepted in bigger places. Many excursions and park entries are priced in dollars.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Most visitors need a Tanzanian visa, and an e-visa is available. Check the current rules for your passport before booking.
Is Zanzibar safe?
Generally yes. Watch for pickpockets in crowded Stone Town spots, avoid walking alone on empty beaches at night, and ignore pushy touts with a polite no.
Which side of the island is better for swimming?
The north (Nungwi and Kendwa) has the most reliable swimming through the day. The east is lovely at high tide but can turn into a mudflat at low tide.
Can I visit Zanzibar in the rainy season?
Yes, and it is cheaper. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts, but some businesses close and boats can be cancelled, so keep your plans flexible.
What should I pack?
Light cotton clothes, a cover-up for Stone Town, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and sandals you can wade in. Bring some small cash for tips and market stalls.
Photo: This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov. Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Z · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Guide updated 21 Oct 2026