Travel to Zanzibar — Tanzania’s Island Paradise

Zanzibar is an archipelago that forms part of the United Republic of Tanzania. The largest and most visited island is Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar), along with Pemba and several smaller islets. The archipelago is renowned for its combination of pristine white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and a complex cultural history that blends African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences — most visible in Stone Town’s narrow alleys and carved doors

1. What is Zanzibar and why should I visit it?

Zanzibar is an archipelago that forms part of the United Republic of Tanzania. The largest and most visited island is Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar), along with Pemba and several smaller islets. The archipelago is renowned for its combination of pristine white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and a complex cultural history that blends African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences — most visible in Stone Town’s narrow alleys and carved doors.

Visitors come for many reasons: beach relaxation, world-class snorkeling and diving, cultural immersion in Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), spice tours, dhow cruises and dolphin watching. Zanzibar is also a convenient and popular beach complement to East African safaris — allowing travelers to move from the savanna to the sea in a short time.

Key benefits of visiting Zanzibar:

  • Unique cultural heritage and history (Stone Town, spice trade legacy).
  • World-class coral reefs and marine biodiversity for snorkelers and divers.
  • Range of accommodation options — from luxury villas to community-run guesthouses.
  • Excellent connectivity to East African safari circuits (Tanzania & Kenya).
  • A laid-back island vibe with authentic local experiences (fishing villages, markets, music).

2. How do I get to Zanzibar (flights, ferries, connections)?

By air: The main gateway is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), located near Stone Town. There are direct and seasonal flights from regional hubs such as Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Addis Ababa, Doha and Dubai. Many international travelers connect via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi with short flights to ZNZ.

By sea: Ferries operate between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town; fast ferries take about 1.5–2.5 hours depending on vessel and sea conditions. Booking ahead is advisable during peak travel periods.

From safaris: If you finish a safari in Tanzania (Serengeti/Ngorongoro/Tarangire) or Kenya (Masai Mara), you can connect via flights to Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro and onward to Zanzibar. Many tour operators offer combined safari + beach packages and coordinate transfers to minimize travel stress.

Practical notes:

  • Check luggage allowances if catching local domestic flights after a safari — light aircraft can have strict weight limits.
  • Ferry schedules change seasonally — confirm departure times and allow buffer time for connections.
  • Consider overnight stays in Dar es Salaam or nearby if international arrival times don’t align with domestic connections.

3. What are the must-see places in Stone Town?

Stone Town is the historical core of Zanzibar and a showcase of Swahili architecture. Key sites to prioritize:

  1. House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib): A major landmark (check for restoration/visitor access) reflecting 19th-century architecture and Sultanate history.
  2. Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe): Cultural hub for performances and local markets; also a vantage point for sunset views.
  3. Forodhani Gardens: The evening food market where locals and visitors sample grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza and tropical fruits from sunset onward.
  4. Anglican Cathedral & former slave market site: An important historical site that documents the island’s difficult involvement in the slave trade and subsequent abolition.
  5. Darajani Market: A bustling, colorful day market for spices, fish and local produce — great for photography and immersive experiences.
  6. Old merchant houses & carved doors: Walk the alleys and look at the ornate doors that signaled wealth and lineage; many restored houses are now boutique hotels and museums.

4. Which beaches are best for swimming, sunsets, and nightlife?

Zanzibar’s beaches each have distinct personalities. Here’s a breakdown so you can choose depending on priorities:

Nungwi & Kendwa (North)

Best for: year-round swimming (tide-independent), lively sunsets, beach parties, resort comforts and water activities.

These beaches are ideal if you want guaranteed swim time regardless of low tide and enjoy an energetic beach atmosphere with restaurants and bars open late.

Paje & Jambiani (South-East)

Best for: kite-surfing, calm village life, yoga retreats, relaxed beachfront cafes and wide tidal flats for long walks.

Paje and Jambiani are scenic and quieter than the north; they attract wind-sport enthusiasts and travelers seeking boutique vibes.

Matemwe, Pongwe & Mnemba (North-East)

Best for: world-class snorkeling and diving, private villas, and a quieter, romantic stay.

Mnemba Atoll’s reefs are protected and rich with marine life; Matemwe offers a slower pace and beautiful sunrise views.

Kizimkazi (South)

Best for: responsible dolphin trips, local fishing culture and village-level encounters.

5. Which beaches and villages are best for kite-surfing and water sports?

Paje is Zanzibar’s premier kite-surfing hub — consistent winds (especially June–September and December–February), multiple kitesurf schools, and wide tidal flats for safe launching. Jambiani offers similar conditions with fewer crowds.

For windsurfing and SUP, look for packages at Paje and some shallow lagoons near Bwejuu. If you want motorized water sports (jet skis, wakeboarding), Nungwi and Kendwa provide more commercialized options.

6. What are the top Hi2Africa Zanzibar tours I should consider?

Here are the three Hi2Africa Zanzibar tours included in this article — each linked for easy booking and described for quick selection:

7. What happens on a spice tour and where should I go?

A spice tour is a guided walk through plantations where cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper and vanilla are cultivated. Spice tours typically include:

  • A guided walk explaining how each spice is grown and harvested.
  • Tasting fresh fruits (mango, lychee, jackfruit) and trying raw spices.
  • Demonstrations of processing — drying, grinding and oil extraction.
  • A home-prepared island lunch in many tours, using local spices.

8. Where are the best diving and snorkeling sites?

Zanzibar boasts reefs with diverse marine life and varying difficulty levels for divers:

  • Mnemba Atoll: A protected marine area with excellent coral gardens, reef sharks, sea turtles and strong visibility; great for both divers and snorkelers.
  • Chumbe Island: A privately managed sanctuary with top-tier conservation standards and extremely healthy coral systems — access is limited to reduce impact.
  • Menai Bay: for diving and snorkeling plus dolphin viewing and sandbank exploration.
  • Pemba Island (for advanced divers): Off the beaten path with dramatic walls and pelagic encounters.

9. What wildlife and conservation activities are available?

Zanzibar offers important conservation projects and unique fauna, although it is not a big-game destination. Highlights include:

  • Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park: Walks through mangroves and forest to see the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey and other fauna.
  • Turtle projects: Community and NGO-run turtle rescue and release programs; some sites allow supervised visits and releases (seasonal).
  • Birdwatching: Mangroves and coastal wetlands host resident and migratory species; peak migrations attract bird enthusiasts.
  • Community conservation: Coral restoration and beach cleanup projects which often welcome volunteer participation for short-term stays.

10. Where should I stay — luxury, boutique, eco, budget?

Zanzibar accommodates all traveler types. Recommendations by style:

Luxury

  • Beachfront resorts with private villas, spa treatments and full-service amenities — recommended areas: north coast (Nungwi/Kendwa) and exclusive east coast properties.

Boutique & heritage

  • Stone Town boutique hotels (converted merchant houses) for cultural immersion and central location for walking tours.

Eco-lodges & community stays

  • Properties in Jambiani and Matemwe that prioritize solar energy, local employment, and reef-safe operations.

11. What should I know about Zanzibar’s cuisine and food scene?

Zanzibar cuisine is an aromatic cross-cultural cuisine shaped by centuries of trade. Key culinary experiences and dishes:

  • Forodhani Night Market: Evening food hub in Stone Town. Try Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood, sugarcane juice and snacks like samosas and cassava fries.
  • Octopus curry & seafood: Fresh catch often served with coconut milk and local spices.
  • Pilau & biryani: Rice dishes with Arabic and Indian spices, common at celebrations.
  • Urojo (Zanzibar Mix): A popular street soup with a tangy profile and many components — a must-try comfort food.

12. When is the best time to travel and what about weather?

Best months: June–October (cooler, dry) and December–February (hot but dry). These periods offer the calmest seas and best visibility for diving and snorkeling. The long rains (March–May) and short rains (November) may reduce visibility and limit some excursions, but travel during rainy months can yield lower prices and fewer crowds.

13. Practical tips — money, visas, health, transport, communication?

  • Currency & payments: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US dollars are accepted broadly in tourist areas, but local cash is useful for markets and tips. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants.
  • Visas: Depending on nationality, apply for an e-visa or get a visa on arrival; always verify up-to-date entry requirements with official government sites before travel.
  • Health: Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis recommendations vary — consult your travel health clinic. Carry insect repellent and basic first aid. Avoid drinking untreated tap water; bottled water is widely available.
  • Transport: Local taxis, boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) in some areas, car hire and hotel transfers are common. Dala-dala minibuses operate but may be crowded for tourists.
  • Connectivity: Buy a local SIM (Vodacom, Airtel) at the airport or in town with passport ID. Data is inexpensive and reliable in populated areas.
  • Electricity: 230V, 50Hz — UK-style plugs (Type G) are common; many hotels provide adapters. Remote eco-lodges may rely on solar with limited backup power.
  • Tipping: Not mandatory but customary — small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are appreciated.

14. Recommended day trips and multi-day itineraries (7–14 days)

Popular Day Trips

  • Prison Island (Changuu): Giant tortoise sanctuary & snorkeling.
  • Safari Blue: A full-day dhow experience: snorkeling, seafood BBQ, sandbank relaxation.
  • Jozani Forest: Red colobus monkeys and mangrove walk.
  • Spice farm tours: Cultural and culinary immersion in plantation settings.

7-Day Zanzibar-only Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive ZNZ → Stone Town orientation, Forodhani at night.
  2. Day 2: Stone Town guided walk & museums; sunset dhow cruise.
  3. Day 3: Spice tour + cooking class; travel east to Paje/Jambiani.
  4. Day 4: Kite-surfing lesson or beach relaxation.
  5. Day 5: Full-day Safari Blue or Mnemba Atoll snorkeling.
  6. Day 6: Village visit (Matemwe/Kizimkazi) & community tour.
  7. Day 7: Final beach time, shopping and depart.

10–14 Day Safari + Zanzibar Itinerary (Detailed)

  1. Days 1–3: Kenya or Tanzania safari (Masai Mara or Serengeti). Early morning game drives.
  2. Day 4: Transfer day to Arusha/Dar es Salaam; evening flight to Zanzibar.
  3. Days 5–9: Stone Town, spice tours, safari blue, diving/snorkeling, beach time.
  4. Days 10–12 (optional): Pemba Island extension for advanced diving and remote island experience.
  5. Day 13: Return via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi depending on flight routing.

15. How to travel sustainably and support local communities?

Sustainable travel is essential to protect Zanzibar’s reefs, mangroves and cultural heritage. Practical actions:

  • Choose eco-certified lodges and operators that support reef restoration and community projects.
  • Minimize single-use plastics; carry a refillable water bottle and reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Buy local crafts directly from artisans and request fair prices — avoid mass-produced imports.
  • Respect wildlife viewing codes (dolphins, turtles) and prefer operators with transparent practices.
  • When possible, join community-led initiatives like beach cleanups or coral planting experiences.

16. Packing list and recommended gear for Zanzibar trips

Essentials:

  • Passport (6+ months validity) and printed copies of bookings.
  • Lightweight cotton clothing, sarongs, modest clothing for towns and religious sites.
  • Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard for snorkeling.
  • Hat, polarized sunglasses, lightweight rain jacket (short rains) and good sandals.
  • Basic first-aid kit, insect repellent, any personal medications.
  • Waterproof dry bag for boat trips and underwater camera or GoPro.
  • Adapters for UK-style plugs (Type G) and a backup power bank.

Optional gear for active travelers:

  • Snorkel mask (many operators provide basic gear but having a well-fitting mask enhances comfort).
  • Kite-surf or windsurf gear only if you’re bringing your own; otherwise rent locally.
  • Binoculars for birdwatching and coastal wildlife spotting.

17. Detailed sample 10-day itinerary (safari + Zanzibar)

This sample assumes international arrival to Nairobi or Kilimanjaro; swap to Dar es Salaam if preferred.

  1. Day 1: Fly in; transfer to Nairobi/Kilimanjaro; overnight in a comfortable city hotel (recover from flight).
  2. Day 2–4: Safari (Masai Mara or Serengeti) — daily game drives, sundowners, bush dinners; optional hot air balloon (subject to availability).
  3. Day 5: Final morning game drive; flight to Arusha/Dar es Salaam then to Zanzibar; evening relax at your beach lodge.
  4. Day 6: Stone Town walking tour, House of Wonders, Forodhani market at night.
  5. Day 7: Spice farm tour + cooking class; transfer east to Paje or Jambiani.
  6. Day 8: Full-day Safari Blue (snorkeling, sandbank picnic, seafood BBQ).
  7. Day 9: Dive or snorkel Mnemba Atoll; sunset dhow cruise.
  8. Day 10: Last beach time and departure.

18. Common FAQs — safety, telecom, electricity, tipping

  • Is Zanzibar safe? Generally yes for tourists — exercise common-sense precautions with valuables and use trusted transport at night.
  • Is it family friendly? Yes — many resorts cater to families with pools, shallow beaches and kid-friendly menus.
  • Phone & internet: Local SIMs provide adequate coverage; hotels generally offer Wi-Fi.
  • Electricity: 230V, 50Hz — Type G plugs common. Some remote lodges use solar with limited power for charging.
  • Tipping guidelines: Small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are appreciated; check bills for service charges before tipping extra.

19. Why choose Zanzibar over other Indian Ocean islands?

Zanzibar stands out for its blending of cultural depth (Stone Town & the spice history) and natural beauty (reefs, beaches). Unlike some islands solely geared to resort tourism, Zanzibar offers layered, affordable, and authentic experiences — from cultural learning and market life to marine adventures and luxury stays. Its proximity to East African safari destinations also makes it uniquely convenient for combining wildlife and beach in one trip.

20. Official resources and where to book trusted tours

Authoritative resources:

Trusted booking options:

Extended deep-dive — history, architecture, festivals, people and economy

Historical overview: Zanzibar’s strategic position on trade routes shaped its identity: Persian and Arab traders established coastal settlements; later the Omani Sultanate made Zanzibar a major trading post. The island was pivotal in the clove trade and carried central roles in regional exchange networks. Colonial periods and the era of the slave trade left deep socio-cultural imprints; museums and memorials explore these legacies today.

Architecture & carved doors: Stone Town’s carved wooden doors are not just decorative — they were historically status symbols. Intricate carvings and brass studs indicate family lineage, clan affiliations and wealth. Many restored properties now operate as boutique hotels; walking the alleys rewards curiosity with hidden courtyards and rooftop viewpoints.

Festivals & arts: Zanzibar hosts events like Sauti za Busara (music festival) and annual cultural weeks that showcase taarab and contemporary Swahili arts. Timing travel to coincide with local festivals can create memorable cultural immersion, but book well ahead as accommodations fill fast.

People & livelihoods: Traditional livelihoods include fishing, smallholder agriculture (spices), tourism services and crafts. Growth in tourism has created opportunities but also pressures — affordable housing and environmental concerns highlight the need for sustainable planning. Responsible tourism helps redirect benefits to local communities through fair employment, training and microenterprise support.

Practical booking checklist (before you travel)

  1. Confirm passport validity (6+ months) and visa requirements for your nationality.
  2. Book domestic flights or ferries in advance if connecting from safaris to Zanzibar.
  3. Reserve diving/snorkeling trips, safari blue tours, and cooking classes ahead in high season.
  4. Check health advisories and recommended vaccinations; bring required medications.
  5. Read guest reviews for accommodations and operators; choose places with transparent sustainability policies where possible.

Final notes & contact

Zanzibar’s combination of cultural depth and marine beauty makes it a rare East African gem. Whether your trip is a short island break or the climax of a longer safari journey, planning with local operators and respecting the island’s environment ensures a richer and more lasting travel experience.