Zanzibar Travel Guide
Tazania’s ‘Spice Island’ blends history, culture and an idyllic coastal escape
Zanzibar – officially known as Unguja – is the largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago and a popular destination for travellers looking to add a beach break to their safari adventure in Tanzania’s iconic national parks.
Located 40 kilometres from the mainland and easily accessible by ferry or scheduled flight, this semi-autonomous region combines centuries of maritime trade history with Swahili, Arab, Persian, and European influences.
The capital, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural heart of the island, while the surrounding coastline offers easy access to luxury beach resorts and some of Africa’s best scuba diving.
Stone Town is the focal point for visitors to Zanzibar and is home to many of the island’s most significant historical and cultural sites. A walking tour through the enigmatic old town reveals 19th-century architecture, intricately carved Zanzibari doors, and key landmarks such as the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the former Slave Market site.
The colourful Darajani Market offers a vibrant introduction to island life, with stalls are piled high with local produce, seafood and spices cultivated on the island. A visit to the Forodhani Fish Market in the early morning is also worthwhile, as the day’s catch is unloaded from local boats and auctioned off.
A popular excursion from Stone Town is the boat ride to Prison Island (Changuu Island), which was originally used as a detention centre and later as a quarantine station. Today, the island is best known for its population of Aldabra giant tortoises and excellent snorkelling on the reefs located a short distance offshore.
To the south of Stone Town, Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park safeguards the island’s last tract of indigenous forest, with forest trails offering sightings of the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, Sykes’ monkeys, galagos, and over 40 species of birds. No visit to Zanzibar is complete without joining a spice tour to the clove, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon plantations that showcase the island’s historic spice trade.
Flights and ferries to Zanzibar depart from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s colourful capital city where curious travellers can explore the National Museum, the vibrant waterfront, and the local crafts of Kariakoo Market.
Zanzibar’s rich history of trade and migration is reflected in its cuisine, with menus blending a rich tapestry of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Swahili influences. In Stone Town, Emerson Spice is a must for high-end dining in a heritage setting, while Lukmaan and The Rock are popular for seafood and Swahili cuisine. Beach resorts and hotels typically offer in-house restaurants that showcase local seafood and spices. Note that outside of international hotels, some local restaurants adhere to Muslim dietary customs, and alcohol may not be served.
Lightweight cotton clothing is best for the humid coastal climate of Zanzibar. Bring swimwear, a sun hat, water shoes, and reef-safe sunscreen. While beachwear is acceptable in hotels and resorts, modest dress is expected in town and when visiting religious or cultural sites.
Zanzibar has a tropical climate with two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains in November. The dry season, from June to October, is the most popular time to visit due to more predictable weather. December to February is also hot and relatively dry, making it the peak season for the island’s beach resorts.
Malaria is prevalent in Zanzibar, and travellers are advised to take prophylactic medication. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing, especially in the evenings, to avoid being bitten.
Zanzibar is easily accessible by air from mainland Tanzania and international hubs such as Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Doha. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is located just 10km from Stone Town. Daily ferries also connect the island to Dar es Salaam, with an approximate crossing time of two hours.
Tanzania Travel Information
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