Zanzibar Complete Travel Guide 2026

Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. There is no separate Zanzibar visa. Your Tanzania e-Visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Key Points:

• Since January 30, 2025, all visitors must obtain an e-Visa before arrival
• Visa on arrival is no longer available — not at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, not at the seaport
• Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz
• Standard tourist visa: $50 USD (single entry, up to 90 days)
• US citizens must purchase a multiple entry visa at $100 USD
• Processing time: up to 10 business days — apply well in advance
• Print your e-Visa grant notice and carry it with you

Some nationalities are exempt from visa requirements — primarily East African Community member states. Check the visa-free countries list to see if your nationality qualifies.

Since October 1, 2024, all international visitors to Zanzibar must purchase travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This is a mandatory requirement enforced at all entry points.

By Air

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is Zanzibar's main airport, located about 5 km south of Stone Town. It receives direct international flights and connections from across Africa and the Middle East.

• Direct international routes: Dubai (flydubai, Emirates seasonal), Doha (Qatar Airways), Nairobi (Kenya Airways, Precision Air), Johannesburg (seasonal charters), Muscat (Oman Air seasonal)
• From mainland Tanzania: Multiple daily flights from Dar es Salaam (25 minutes), Arusha/Kilimanjaro (1–1.5 hours) via Precision Air, Air Tanzania, Coastal Aviation, and Auric Air
• European connections: Most European visitors connect through Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Dubai
• Flight time from Dar es Salaam: Approximately 20–25 minutes

By Ferry

Regular high-speed ferry services connect Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (Stone Town). This is a popular and scenic option.

• Operators: Azam Marine (most popular), Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries, Sea Express
• Journey time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
• Cost: $35–40 USD one way (tourist class), $40–50 USD (business class), $50–60 USD (VIP/first class)
• Frequency: Multiple departures daily (typically 7:00, 9:30, 12:30, 15:45 from Dar es Salaam)
• Book in advance: During peak season (July–September, December–January), ferries sell out — book at least a day ahead
• Departure point: Kivukoni Ferry Terminal, Dar es Salaam — arrive 1 hour before departure for ticketing and security

Zanzibar has a tropical climate with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons:

Best overall: June to October offers the most reliable weather with warm temperatures, low humidity, and virtually no rain. January and February are also excellent but hotter. November and early December can be a great time to visit with fewer crowds and lower prices.

For diving: October to March offers the best visibility (20–60 metres) and warmest water temperatures (26–29°C).

Nungwi Beach (North)

Zanzibar's most popular beach. Stunning white sand, turquoise water, and minimal tidal variation (you can swim at any tide). The fishing village atmosphere adds character. Excellent sunset views facing west. Home to Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium (sea turtle conservation). Lively nightlife and beach bars. Best for: swimming, sunsets, nightlife, water sports.

Kendwa Beach (Northwest)

Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa is arguably the most beautiful beach on the island. Pristine white sand, calm turquoise waters, and almost no tidal effect. More relaxed than Nungwi with a mix of budget and luxury accommodation. Famous for the monthly Full Moon Party. Best for: relaxation, swimming, couples, full moon parties.

Paje Beach (Southeast)

The kite-surfing capital of East Africa. A long stretch of white sand with reliable trade winds from June to October and December to February. Low tide exposes a vast sandbar ideal for walking. The village has a growing number of restaurants and boutique hotels. Seaweed farming visible at low tide adds cultural interest. Best for: kite-surfing, beach walks, budget travellers.

Jambiani Beach (Southeast)

A quieter, more authentic alternative to Paje. Long beach with traditional village life visible — fishing boats, seaweed farming, children playing. Strong tidal variation means swimming is best at high tide. Excellent value accommodation. Community tourism initiatives offer cooking classes and village tours. Best for: cultural immersion, budget travel, serenity.

Other Notable Beaches:

• Matemwe: Remote and beautiful with excellent offshore diving at Mnemba Atoll
• Michamvi: The Ping Peninsula offers a dramatic landscape with both sunrise and sunset views
• Bwejuu: Between Paje and Jambiani, quiet and unspoilt
• Kizimkazi: Southern tip, famous for dolphin watching and the oldest mosque in East Africa
• Nakupenda Sandbar: A temporary sandbar that appears at low tide off Stone Town — a popular day trip

Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 2000). It is a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, grand Arab townhouses with iconic carved wooden doors, bustling bazaars, mosques, and a waterfront lined with dhows.

Must-See Highlights:

• Forodhani Gardens Night Market: The most famous food market in East Africa. Every evening, dozens of stalls serve grilled seafood (lobster, octopus, prawns), Zanzibar pizza, sugar cane juice, and local specialities. Arrive at sunset for the best experience.
• The House of Wonders (Beit el-Ajaib): The largest building in Stone Town and a former ceremonial palace. Currently undergoing restoration following a partial collapse in 2020.
• Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe): Built by Omani Arabs in 1699, now a cultural centre with live music, dance performances, and craft shops.
• Anglican Cathedral (Christ Church): Built on the site of the last slave market in Zanzibar. The underground slave chambers can still be visited — a sobering and essential historical experience.
• Palace Museum (Beit el-Sahel): The former Sultan's palace, now a museum chronicling the lives of the Sultans of Zanzibar.
• Freddie Mercury's House: The birthplace of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara in 1946). A small museum and popular photo spot on Kenyatta Road.
• Darajani Market: The main local market — vibrant, chaotic, and full of spices, fish, fruit, and daily life.
• Carved Doors: Over 560 ornate carved wooden doors survive in Stone Town, many dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, reflecting Arab, Indian, and Swahili design traditions.

Zanzibar is known as the "Spice Island" — for centuries, it was the world's leading producer of cloves, and today it grows an extraordinary variety of spices, fruits, and herbs.

What You Will See and Taste:

• Cloves: Zanzibar's signature spice — still a major export
• Nutmeg and mace: From the same tree (the nut is nutmeg, the lacy covering is mace)
• Cinnamon: Peeled from the bark of the cinnamon tree
• Black pepper: Growing as a vine climbing up trees
• Cardamom: The "queen of spices" — aromatic pods on low plants
• Vanilla: The orchid that produces vanilla pods — hand-pollinated here
• Turmeric, lemongrass, ginger: All growing wild
• Tropical fruits: Jackfruit, breadfruit, durian, starfruit, rambutan, passion fruit, custard apple

Tour Details:

• Duration: 3–4 hours (morning tours are best)
• Cost: $20–35 USD per person (includes transport, guide, and fruit tasting)
• Location: Spice farms are in the interior of Unguja island, about 30–45 minutes from Stone Town
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, insect repellent, camera
• Combine with: Many tours include a visit to Mangapwani Slave Caves or Kidichi Persian Baths

Zanzibar offers some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean, with warm waters (25–29°C), excellent visibility (often 20–40 metres), and diverse marine life including whale sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and colourful reef fish.

Top Dive Sites:

• Mnemba Atoll: The crown jewel — a protected marine conservation area off the northeast coast. Pristine coral, green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and (October–March) whale sharks. Day trips from Matemwe or Nungwi.
• Chumbe Island: A fully protected coral park with one of the most pristine reef ecosystems in the world. Limited to a small number of snorkellers daily — book ahead.
• Tumbatu Island: Less visited, excellent wall dives and reef formations. Accessed from Nungwi.
• Leven Bank: An offshore reef system with pelagic fish, barracuda, and reef sharks. For experienced divers.
• Pange Reef: Close to Stone Town, good for beginners and snorkellers.

Costs:

Best season for diving: October to March offers the warmest water and best visibility. June to September is also good but water is slightly cooler (24–26°C) and visibility can be reduced in some areas.

Zanzibar offers accommodation for every budget, from backpacker hostels to ultra-luxury private island resorts.

Where to Stay by Interest:

• History and culture: Stone Town — stay in a converted Arab townhouse
• Beach and nightlife: Nungwi or Kendwa
• Kite-surfing: Paje
• Quiet and authentic: Jambiani or Bwejuu
• Diving: Matemwe (closest to Mnemba Atoll)
• All-round: Nungwi or Kendwa for first-time visitors

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, US Dollars are widely accepted for tourist services (hotels, tours, restaurants). Euros and British Pounds can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change.

Daily Budget Guide:

Money Tips:

• ATMs: Available in Stone Town and larger tourist areas (CRDB, NMB, Exim Bank). Withdraw in TZS. Maximum withdrawal typically 400,000 TZS (~$155 USD) per transaction.
• Credit cards: Accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants. Visa more widely accepted than Mastercard. Many mid-range and budget places are cash only.
• US Dollars: Carry crisp, undamaged bills printed after 2009 (older bills are often refused). Small denominations ($1, $5, $10) are useful for tips and small purchases.
• Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. 10% at restaurants, $2–5 for guides, $1 per bag for porters.
• Bargaining: Expected at markets and for taxi fares. Not appropriate at restaurants or established shops with fixed prices.

Health Precautions:

• Malaria: Zanzibar is a malaria zone. Take antimalarial prophylaxis (consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel), use insect repellent with DEET, and sleep under a mosquito net. See our malaria prevention guide.
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country.
• Water: Do not drink tap water. Stick to bottled or purified water. Avoid ice in drinks at street vendors.
• Sun protection: The equatorial sun is intense. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.
• Vaccinations: Recommended (not mandatory): Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria. See the vaccination guide.
• Medical facilities: Limited on the island. Serious conditions require evacuation to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.

Safety Tips:

• General safety: Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) can occur in Stone Town and busy beach areas — use common sense.
• Swimming: Be aware of strong currents, especially on the east coast. Not all beaches have lifeguards. Check with locals before swimming in unfamiliar areas.
• Dress code: Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. In Stone Town and villages, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). On the beach, swimwear is acceptable but topless bathing is not.
• Ramadan: During Ramadan, respect local customs. Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful. Many restaurants in Stone Town close during the day but open after sunset.
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people. Some locals may request a small payment.
• LGBTQ+ travellers: Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania. Exercise discretion.

• Dala-dala (minibus): The cheapest option (500–3,000 TZS per ride). Local minibuses connecting Stone Town to beach areas. Crowded and slow but an authentic experience. Main departure point: Darajani Market.
• Taxi: Available at the airport, Stone Town, and hotels. Always agree the fare before getting in (there are no meters). Airport to Stone Town: $10–15 USD. Stone Town to Nungwi: $35–50 USD.
• Scooter/motorbike rental: $15–25 USD per day. An international driving permit is technically required. Helmets are mandatory. Roads can be poor quality — ride carefully.
• Car hire: Available from $40–80 USD per day (with or without driver). A driver is recommended as roads are narrow, poorly signposted, and driving is on the left.
• Bicycle: Available for rent in Paje, Jambiani, and Stone Town for $5–10 USD per day. Good for exploring local areas but distances between beaches are long.
• Boat taxis: Available for trips between coastal towns. Negotiate fares. Ensure the boat has safety equipment.