Zanzibar Travel Guide 2026

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise off the Tanzanian coast, famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, UNESCO-listed Stone Town, world-class diving, and centuries-old spice trade. The perfect add-on to a mainland Tanzania safari.

No separate visa needed. Your Tanzania e-Visa covers Zanzibar. Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz.

Best Beaches

BeachLocationBest For
Nungwi BeachNorthern tipSwimming (no tidal issues), sunset, nightlife, dhow building
Kendwa BeachNorthwest coastSwimming at all tides, full moon parties, relaxation
Paje BeachSoutheast coastKitesurfing, windsurfing, backpacker scene
JambianiSoutheast coastQuiet, authentic, seaweed farming, low tide walks
MatemweNortheast coastSnorkeling, diving access to Mnemba Atoll
BwejuuSoutheast coastRemote, peaceful, turquoise waters
Tidal note: East coast beaches have significant tidal changes - the sea can recede hundreds of metres at low tide. Nungwi and Kendwa on the north/west are less affected.

Stone Town

Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Key highlights:

  • Guided Walking Tours: Explore narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, and historic buildings blending Swahili, Arabic, Indian, and European architecture
  • Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe): 17th-century Omani fort, now a cultural centre with evening performances
  • House of Wonders: The largest building in Stone Town, former Sultan's ceremonial palace
  • Old Slave Market / Anglican Cathedral: Powerful memorial to the East African slave trade
  • Freddie Mercury Museum: Birthplace of the Queen frontman at 42 Shangani Street
  • Forodhani Night Market: Waterfront street food market - grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugarcane juice. Open nightly from 6pm.
  • Sultan's Palace Museum: Royal history and artefacts of the Zanzibar Sultanate

Diving & Snorkeling

Mnemba Atoll

Zanzibar's best dive and snorkel site. A marine conservation area with crystal-clear waters, coral gardens, sea turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whale sharks. Accessible by boat from Matemwe.

  • Snorkeling trips: $50-80 per person (half-day)
  • Scuba diving: $120-200 per dive (PADI certified operators)
  • Best conditions: October to March (calm seas, 30m+ visibility)

Other Dive Sites

  • Leven Bank: Deep water site, pelagic fish, advanced divers
  • Tumbatu Island: Wall diving, varied coral
  • Chumbe Island: Pristine coral reef sanctuary, eco-lodge

Spice Tours

Zanzibar is the "Spice Island" - a legacy of the 19th-century spice trade. Spice tours visit rural farms where you can see, smell, and taste:

  • Cloves (Zanzibar's main export)
  • Nutmeg and mace
  • Cinnamon
  • Black pepper
  • Vanilla
  • Cardamom
  • Turmeric
  • Lemongrass
  • Ginger
  • Cocoa

Cost: $25-40 per person (half-day including transport and lunch). Book through your hotel or Stone Town tour operators.

Getting to Zanzibar

By Air

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) receives international flights from Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai, Muscat (Oman Air), Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and seasonal European charters. Domestic flights from Dar es Salaam (20 min) and Arusha (1.5 hours).

By Ferry

Fast ferries run between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town multiple times daily. Journey time: 1.5-2 hours. Major operators: Azam Marine, Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries. Cost: $35-40 (economy) to $50-60 (business class).

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

SeasonMonthsWeatherNotes
Best (Dry)Jun-OctWarm, dry, breezyPeak season, best beach weather
Good (Dry)Dec-FebHot, mostly dryFestive season, good for diving
Short RainsNovBrief afternoon showersShoulder season, good value
Long RainsMar-MayHeavy rain, humidLow season - cheapest rates, some closures

Important Tips

  • Dress code: Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Dress modestly when outside beach resorts - cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages
  • Ramadan: During Ramadan, many restaurants close during daylight hours in Stone Town. Resort areas are less affected
  • Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US Dollars widely accepted. ATMs available in Stone Town
  • Malaria: Present in Zanzibar. Take antimalarial medication and use mosquito repellent
  • Tap water: Not safe to drink. Use bottled water

FAQ

No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. Your Tanzania e-Visa covers both mainland and Zanzibar. Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz.

3-5 days is ideal. Day 1: Stone Town. Days 2-4: Beach relaxation, diving/snorkeling, spice tour. Day 5: Departure or extension to Pemba Island.

Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists. Take normal precautions: don't walk alone at night in Stone Town, keep valuables secure, and respect local customs. Most resort areas are very safe.

Quick Facts

  • Airport: ZNZ (Abeid Amani Karume)
  • Ferry: 1.5-2 hrs from Dar
  • Best Time: Jun-Oct, Dec-Feb
  • Currency: TZS / USD
  • Religion: Muslim majority
  • Famous For: Beaches, Stone Town, spices

Related