Zanzibar Travel Guide.
Zanzibar, which is an autonomous island archipelago along the east coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, is a very popular travel destination in Africa. Known for its pure white sand beaches, bright turquoise waters, diverse cultural background, and the historic Stone Town, Zanzibar draws in a large international audience of beachgoers, honeymooners, culture enthusiasts and marine life lovers.
Positioned at around 35 km from the Tanzanian mainland is the Zanzibar Archipelago, which is made up of two main islands, Unguja, which is also known as Zanzibar Island, and Pemba, along with several smaller islets. The archipelago’s capital, Zanzibar City, situated on the west coast of Unguja, is the cultural, commercial and historical heart of the islands, which also includes the Stone Town.
This guide is a detailed resource of what a visitor needs to know in order to plan a knowledgeable trip to Zanzibar, which includes primary attractions, practical logistics, accommodation options, cultural issues, and season-based advice.
Key Attractions in Zanzibar
Stone City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stone Town is the heart of Zanzibar City, which is the archipelago’s most cultural and historical site. Living proof of the island’s role as a key player in the Indian Ocean trade from the 10th century and beyond is Stone Town’s urban structure, which is a blend of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European architectural and cultural elements.
Visitors in Stone Town will find themselves in a complex network of narrow roads and alleys, which play host to beautifully carved wooden doors, a hallmark of the old town’s architecture. Also in the mix are the historic structures like the House of Wonders (Beit el Ajaib), Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), Palace Museum (Beit el Sahel) and the Anglican Cathedral, which was built on the site of the former slave market. At the slave trade memorial and in the underground slave chambers below the cathedral is a very serious element of any visit to Stone Town.
In the coastal area, which is Stone Town’s Forodhani Gardens, travellers will find a nightly street food market, which is a great way to experience what Zanzibar has to offer in terms of food, which also includes the local Zanzibari pizza, sugarcane juice and many kinds of fresh-caught fish dishes.
Beaches
Zanzibar is known internationally for the high quality of its beaches, which vary in character along the different sections of the coast. The east coast, which includes areas like Paje, Jambiani, and Bwejuu, is noted for its large white sand beaches, shallow turquoise lagoons at low tide, and steady trade winds, which make it the number one destination for kitesurfing in Zanzibar. Also, this coast has a broken reef system, which causes dramatic tidal changes that visitors should take into account when planning their beach activities.
The north, which includes the areas of Nungwi and Kendwa, has calmer waters and less tidal variation, which in turn makes it a great option for all-day swimming. Also in Nungwi, which is the most developed of the tourist areas, we see a wide choice of accommodation, dining, and water sports facilities.
The eastern coast, which includes Matemwe, is a more peaceful and less touristy beach setting, which is also the access point to Mnemba Atoll, which is a premier snorkelling and scuba diving destination in the Western Indian Ocean.
Spice Tours
Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island”, which it earned through many years of being a large-scale producer and exporter of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom and vanilla. Also available from many operators in and around Zanzibar City are the guided spice farm tours, which serve as great cultural and educational experiences for visitors to the country’s inland agrarian areas. These are a must-do for all tourists visiting the island.
Marine Environments and Diving
The marine ecosystems around Zanzibar are very healthy and diverse. At Mnemba Atoll, which is found on the northeast coast of Unguja, we have a marine protected area that also has a very high population of reef fish, sea turtles, and dolphins, as well as many types of coral. Also, it is a consistent leader among the best diving and snorkelling locations in the Indian Ocean.
Pemba Island to the north is known for its very dramatic underwater terrain, which includes steep drop-offs and walls that, in turn, support advanced international diving. Also, Pemba, which receives relatively few visitors compared to Unguja, is a preferred destination for those looking for a more private and pristine marine environment.
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar has a tropical monsoon climate, which sees two wet and two dry seasons every year. It is important to be aware of this pattern when planning any trip.
For June through to October, which is the long dry season, we see it as the best time to visit Zanzibar. During this period, rainfall is at a minimum, temperatures are mild, humidity is low, and the sea is very calm, which in turn is very good for water-based activities. Also, this is the peak tourist season, which sees the highest number of visitors.
The short dry season from December to February also has very good weather, which sees warm days and little rain, and during that time, we see large numbers of European winter visitors. In February, the dolphin watching off Kizimkazi on the southwest coast is at its best.
The main rainy seasons which we see are from March through to May for the long rains and in November for the short rains. These times see high amounts of rain, high humidity, and low tourist numbers. During these rainy periods, travel is usually not recommended if visitors are focused on beach activities, but at the same time, they will find that accommodation prices have dropped.
Getting to Zanzibar
Zanzibar can be reached by way of two main transport modes from the Tanzanian mainland.
By Air: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is located some 6 km south of Zanzibar City, which sees large-scale international flights from many regional hubs that include Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Johannesburg. From the Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport, short-haul flights run multiple times a day and report a travel time of around 20 minutes.
By Sea: High-speed passenger ferries run daily from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar City, which is a 2-hour trip. Many operators are licensed to run this service, and we recommend that travellers book in advance in peak times.
Accommodation in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is home to a large variety of accommodations for all types of visitors.
Luxury: A large number of what are known worldwide as luxury resorts and boutique hotels are to be found mostly along the north and east coasts, which present high-end facilities like private beach access, infinity pools, spa services and all-inclusive packages. Also in the picture are The Residence Zanzibar, Baraza Resort and Spa, and Zuri Zanzibar.
Mid-Range: In large tourist areas, we have a great choice of mid-range guesthouses, small hotels, and self-catering apartments; they offer comfortable stays at affordable prices.
Budget: Budget options, which include hostels and locally run guesthouses, are mainly in Stone Town and the more traditional beach resort areas, which also offer what are, for the most part, very affordable choices for independent travellers.
Essential Travel Tips for Zanzibar
Visa Requirements: In most countries, citizens require a Tanzania visa for entry into Zanzibar. Also, at the airport and ferry terminal and in advance via the Tanzania e-visa portal, the visas may be obtained. What also may be noted is that those who arrive at the mainland of Tanzania do not need a separate visa for Zanzibar, which is part of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Cultural Considerations: Zanzibar has a large Muslim population, which means that visitors are to adhere to proper standards of dress and conduct, especially in Stone Town and local villages. Modest wear, which covers the shoulders and the knees, is to be worn out of beach areas. Public display of affection is out of the culture.
Currency and Payments: The official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), which is used along with the US dollar in most tourist-orientated places. In Zanzibar City and main resort areas, a traveller will find ATMs. As for credit cards, acceptance depends on the establishment.
Health: Zanzibar reports high levels of malaria. It is advised that travellers see a health professional before they leave to discuss which preventative medicines, shots, and general health tips are right for them.
Conclusion
Zanzibar provides a very diverse travel experience, which includes world-class beaches, a UNESCO-recognised historical urban setting, excellent marine environments, and a cultural heritage that is very in-depth and complex. It’s easy to access from the Tanzanian mainland, which in turn makes it a perfect add-on to a Northern Tanzania safari, which includes the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and also a very good standalone destination in itself.
For travellers who are after a location which presents them with natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences in one package, Zanzibar is the best in the African area.
For assistance with travel planning, accommodation booking, and itinerary design, consult a licensed Tanzania tour operator with specialist knowledge of Zanzibar and the broader East African region.
