Zanzibar
Relax on Pristine Beaches
Zanzibar Overview
Welcome to Zanzibar! Located 25–50 kilometers off the coast of Tanzania, this beautiful archipelago includes the main islands of Unguja (Zanzibar Island) and Pemba, with a population of about 1.6 million and covering approximately 2,461 square kilometers (950 square miles).
Zanzibar has a rich history influenced by Persia, Arabia, India, and Europe. The capital, Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively markets. Known as the ‘Spice Islands,’ Zanzibar thrives on tourism, spice farming, and fishing.
You’ll have the opportunity to relax and swim on stunning beaches with clear waters, and explore unique wildlife like the Zanzibar red colobus monkey in Jozani Forest.
Famous activities in Zanzibar
Walking through the historic streets of Stone Town, located on the western coast of Zanzibar Island, you can explore its traditional Swahili houses and intricately carved doors, and visit attractions like the Old Fort and Sultan’s Palace Museum
Enjoy Zanzibar’s stunning beaches such as Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, known for their lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants, or explore quieter spots like Bwejuu and Paje on the east coast for secluded hideaways
Explore Zanzibar’s best snorkeling and diving sites, such as Mnemba Atoll off the northeast coast, the reefs near Pemba Island, or the Menai Bay Conservation Area in southwest Zanzibar. These areas are known for their vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life
Visit a spice plantation located in areas like Kidichi, Kizimbani, or Maruhubi near Stone Town to learn about Zanzibar’s spices. These plantations offer guided tours where you can see how spices like cloves, vanilla, and cinnamon are grown and processed
A dhow cruise is a traditional sailing experience aboard a wooden boat with a triangular sail, common in Zanzibar. It’s a leisurely way to enjoy scenic views of the coastline, often at sunset or during the day, offering a relaxing and cultural maritime experience
Take a guided nature walk through Jozani Forest, located in the central-eastern part of Zanzibar Island. This forest is the only remaining natural forest on the island and is home to the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, among other wildlife species.
Top Famous Places to Visit in Zanzibar
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the historic center of Zanzibar City. It’s a maze of narrow streets lined with coral stone buildings, ornately carved wooden doors, and bustling shops. Stone Town is a great place to learn about Zanzibar’s rich history and culture.
This beach is located in the northern part of Zanzibar. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and relaxed atmosphere. Nungwi is a great place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, and dolphin tours
This island was once used as a prison for slaves. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination where you can visit the old prison ruins, see giant Aldabra tortoises, and relax on the beach.
This forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare Red Colobus monkey, and over 50 species of birds. The park also has several nature trails that wind through the forest and mangrove swamps.
These gardens are located along Stone Town. They’re a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, enjoy the views, and sample Zanzibar’s famous street food. The night market at Forodhani Gardens is a great place to try all sorts of delicious local dishes, from grilled seafood to fresh samosas.
This small island off the northeast coast of Zanzibar is a great place for snorkeling, diving, and swimming with dolphins. Mnemba Island is a protected marine reserve and is home to some of the best coral reefs in Zanzibar. The island is also a popular spot for dolphin watching, and you may even have the opportunity to swim with these amazing creatures.
Best Time To Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar experiences warm and dry weather, making it an ideal time for beach activities, snorkeling, diving, and dolphin tours. During this period, the Sauti za Busara music festival takes place in February, showcasing African music and dance. Crowds are moderate to high as this is a popular time for tourists seeking winter sun.
Zanzibar has its rainy season, with occasional showers in March and frequent rain in April and May. The island becomes lush and green, though beach activities might be limited. It’s a great time to explore places like Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and Stone Town. There are few major events, but you might see the Mwaka Kogwa (Islamic New Year) celebration. This is the quietest and cheapest time to visit, ideal for budget travelers looking for a peaceful experience.
From June to October, Zanzibar enjoys dry and pleasant weather, perfect for beach activities, snorkeling, and diving. It’s also great for exploring cultural sites like Stone Town. Key events include the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in July and Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Expect larger crowds and higher prices during this popular season, which offers the best conditions to enjoy the island’s beauty and culture
In November and December, Zanzibar enjoys warm and pleasant weather before the onset of summer. It’s a great time for beach activities like snorkeling and diving, as well as exploring cultural sites such as Stone Town. you can immerse yourself in local traditions and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Christmas and New Year celebrations. This time sees moderate crowds, making it a relaxed and enjoyable season to visit Zanzibar.
How to get There
By Air: The most common way to reach Zanzibar is by flying. Zanzibar International Airport (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport) receives flights from various international and domestic destinations. You can fly directly to Zanzibar from major cities in East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. If you’re already in Tanzania, there are frequent domestic flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and other cities.
By Ferry: If you are traveling from Dar es Salaam city, you can take a ferry to Zanzibar. The ferry ride takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the service you choose. Several companies operate ferries between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, offering different levels of comfort.
By Private Boat: For a more personalized experience, you can arrange for a private boat or charter a yacht to sail to Zanzibar. This option is more expensive but offers a unique and scenic journey.
Once you arrive in Zanzibar, you can easily get around by taxi, rental car, or local transport to explore the islands and their attractions.
Accommodations In Zanzibar
Boutique Hotel are accommodations known for their unique architectural design, personalized service, and focus on providing guests with a distinctive and intimate stay, Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic experience that blends local culture with modern comforts.
Luxury Resorts
Unique Beach Resort on the east coast, are designed to provide you with a truly exceptional experience. Enjoy spacious villas, delicious dining options, rejuvenating spa treatments, and private beach access. These resorts are perfect for guests seeking both comfort and luxurious services
Beachfront Villas in Zanzibar are luxurious homes located right by the beach, blending modern comforts with local design. They offer privacy, great ocean views, and often come with private pools and direct access to the beach, perfect for a peaceful and exclusive vacation.
Recommended Days Stay in Zanzibar
Minimum (3-5 days): Suitable for a quick visit, allowing you to relax on the beach, explore Stone Town, and perhaps do one- or two-day trips. It’s enough to get a taste of Zanzibar’s main attractions.
Ideal (7-10 days): Allows for a more comprehensive experience. You’ll have the opportunity to see all the major sights, partake in various excursions (like snorkeling, diving, or visiting spice farms), and have ample time to relax and enjoy the island’s atmosphere.
Luxury (10 days or more): Perfect for those wanting a truly immersive experience. This allows for a leisurely pace, giving you plenty of time to unwind on the beaches, thoroughly explore different parts of the island, and indulge in the luxury amenities and activities Zanzibar has to offer.
Whether you have a few days or more, Zanzibar offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. Explore our packages options below to find the ideal experience that suits your schedule and budget.
Our Zanzibar Packages
Zanzibar FAQS
We offer Zanzibar packages with must-see attractions including Stone Town, Nungwi Beach, Jozani Forest, Prison Island, and the Spice Farms.
You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy activities including snorkeling, diving, spice tours, visiting historical sites, exploring Jozani Forest, and relaxing on the beaches.
Zanzibar’s cuisine is a blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences, featuring dishes like biryani, pilau, seafood, and the famous Zanzibari pizza.
The currency used is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are also widely accepted.
The electricity voltage is 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Plugs are typically type D and G.
Taarab is a popular traditional music genre in Zanzibar, characterized by its blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences. Traditional dances include the Ngoma, performed during celebrations and important events. These dances are often accompanied by rhythmic drumming and singing
Important festivals in Zanzibar include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are celebrated with prayers, feasts, and communal gatherings. The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is a major cultural event showcasing African and international films, music, and arts. The Mwaka Kogwa festival in Makunduchi is another traditional celebration that marks the Shirazi New Year with rituals, music, and dance. Please contact us to arrange the type of events you want to enjoy based on your budget and preferences.
Yes, Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim region, so modest clothing is appreciated, especially in Stone Town and rural areas. Visitors should avoid wearing revealing clothes such as short skirts, shorts, and tank tops in public places. Swimwear is acceptable on beaches and in resorts.
While alcohol is available in many hotels, restaurants, and bars catering to tourists, it is important to be respectful and discreet when consuming alcohol. Drinking in public places outside of these establishments is frowned upon.
For a honeymoon, a stay of 7 to 10 days is recommended. This duration allows couples to enjoy the romantic beaches, indulge in luxurious resorts, take sunset cruises, and explore the scenic and cultural beauty of the island at a relaxed pace.
Zanzibar is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it perfect for activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing, and sailing. The coral reefs around Mnemba Atoll and the waters of Pemba Island are particularly popular for diving and snorkeling.
Our offers give you the opportunity to visit Jozani Forest to see the endemic red colobus monkeys and explore the lush mangroves. Prison Island is another popular spot where you can see giant tortoises and enjoy the beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
Popular day trips include visiting Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, for its history and giant tortoises, and taking a boat trip to Mnemba Atoll for snorkeling and diving. You can also take a dhow cruise to explore nearby sandbanks and enjoy sunset views. Feel free to contact us to arrange any day trip in Zanzibar based on your preferences and budget.
Our Zanzibar packages offer unique experiences including taking a sunset dhow cruise along the coast, exploring the lively Forodhani Night Market for local street food, and swimming with dolphins in Kizimkazi. Additionally, visiting the historic sites of Stone Town, such as the House of Wonders and the Old Fort, provides a memorable glimpse into Zanzibar’s rich history.
Yes, it is important to avoid behaviors that may be considered disrespectful to the local culture. This includes refraining from taking photos of people without permission, especially women and children, and avoiding discussions or actions that may be offensive to the Islamic faith.
A stay of 3 to 7 days is recommended to experience the main attractions of Zanzibar. This allows enough time to explore Stone Town, relax on the beaches, visit the spice farms, and take part in various activities such as snorkeling and diving.