Tanzania's island paradise
ZanzibarTravel Guide
White-sand beaches, turquoise water, the winding streets of Stone Town, and centuries of Swahili, Arab and Persian history all come together on this small island off the Tanzanian coast.
Beaches
Powder-white sand and calm, warm water.
Stone Town
A UNESCO World Heritage old town of narrow streets and carved doors.
Spices
Cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg grown across the island.
Welcome to Zanzibar
An island shaped by trade and the sea
Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of mainland Tanzania, made up of Unguja (the main island most people mean by "Zanzibar") and Pemba to the north.
For centuries it sat at the crossroads of African, Arab, Persian and Indian trade routes, and that history is still visible today in Stone Town's architecture, its food, and the languages spoken on the island.
For most travelers, Zanzibar is combined with a mainland safari or with Dar es Salaam — beaches and island life after (or before) time spent inland.
What makes Zanzibar special?
- ✓ White-sand beaches and warm ocean
- ✓ Stone Town's UNESCO-listed old city
- ✓ Spice farms and spice tours
- ✓ Swahili, Arab and Persian history
- ✓ Snorkeling and diving reefs
- ✓ Easy connection to Dar es Salaam
- ✓ A relaxed pace after a mainland safari
Why visit Zanzibar?
An island for slowing down
Whether you come for the beaches, the history, or both, Zanzibar rewards travelers who give themselves a few unhurried days.
Beach Life
Calm, warm, shallow water and some of East Africa's best beaches.
Stone Town
Narrow alleys, carved doors, markets and centuries of history.
Spice Tours
Walk through farms growing cloves, vanilla, cinnamon and more.
Snorkeling & Diving
Coral reefs and marine life just offshore.
Explore the island
Different sides of Zanzibar
Stone Town
The historic heart of Zanzibar, with markets, museums, restaurants and the old fort.
Nungwi
A popular beach area in the north known for nightlife, diving and sunset views.
Kendwa
Wide beaches close to Nungwi, popular for full-moon parties and swimming.
Paje
A beach town on the east coast known for kitesurfing and a laid-back atmosphere.
Jambiani
A quieter east coast fishing village with long stretches of beach.
Jozani Forest
Home to the red colobus monkey and a mangrove boardwalk, inland from the coast.
Centuries of history
Zanzibar was once a powerful sultanate and a major trading post for spices, ivory and, for a darker period of its history, the slave trade. That layered past shaped the mix of cultures still visible on the island today.
Discover the past
Places and experiences to explore
House of Wonders
A landmark building in Stone Town reflecting the island's sultanate history.
Old Slave Market
A memorial and museum documenting Zanzibar's role in the East African slave trade.
Old Fort
A historic fortification near the seafront, now used for markets and events.
Forodhani Gardens
A seafront park known for its evening food market.
Taste Zanzibar
Food you should discover on the island
Zanzibari food blends African, Arab, Indian and Persian influences, built around fresh seafood and locally grown spices.
Zanzibar Pizza
A popular street-food snack sold in Stone Town and Forodhani Gardens.
Seafood
Fresh fish, octopus, prawns and lobster from the surrounding ocean.
Biryani & Pilau
Spiced rice dishes reflecting the island's Indian and Arab influences.
Local Spices
Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla flavour much of the local cooking.
Coconut Dishes
Coconut milk and cream appear in many Swahili coastal recipes.
Mishkaki
Grilled meat skewers, a common street-food choice.
Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)
A tangy street-food soup unique to the island.
Spiced Tea & Coffee
Tea and coffee flavoured with local spices.
Things to do
Build your own Zanzibar experience
Beach Day
Relax by the Indian Ocean on white sand.
Stone Town Walk
Wander the old town's alleys and markets.
Spice Tour
Visit a working spice farm outside town.
Snorkeling
Explore coral reefs and marine life.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Sail a traditional wooden boat at sunset.
Prison Island
Visit giant tortoises just offshore from Stone Town.
Jozani Forest
See red colobus monkeys in their natural habitat.
Kitesurfing
Try the wind and waves off the east coast at Paje.
Getting there
Reaching Zanzibar
Zanzibar is most commonly reached from Dar es Salaam, either by air or by sea, or with a direct international flight.
By Air
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport takes short flights from Dar es Salaam (around 20 minutes) as well as direct international flights from several countries.
By Ferry
High-speed ferries run between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town, taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the operator and conditions.
Getting Around
Taxis, private transfers and tour operators are the easiest way to reach beach areas from Stone Town or the airport.
Continue your journey
Where can you go from Zanzibar?
Zanzibar pairs naturally with a wider Tanzania or East Africa itinerary.
Zanzibar → Dar es Salaam
Return to the mainland by ferry or short flight.
Zanzibar → Arusha
Connect toward northern Tanzania and safari country.
Zanzibar → Pemba
Visit the quieter sister island to the north.
Zanzibar → Moshi
Continue toward Mount Kilimanjaro country.
Zanzibar → Mombasa
Continue north along the East African coast.
Zanzibar → Nairobi
Connect Tanzania with Kenya.
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Where to stay
Choose an area that matches your trip
Stone Town
Best for history, culture, restaurants and easy access to the ferry and airport.
North Coast (Nungwi & Kendwa)
Popular for nightlife, diving, and calm swimming beaches.
East Coast (Paje & Jambiani)
A choice for a quieter, more laid-back beach stay, or kitesurfing.
Simple trip ideas
How long should you spend in Zanzibar?
1–2 Days
A short stop to explore Stone Town and get a taste of the beaches nearby.
3–5 Days
Combine Stone Town with proper beach time on the north or east coast, plus a spice tour.
Longer Journey
Combine Zanzibar with Dar es Salaam, a mainland safari, or Mount Kilimanjaro for a fuller Tanzania trip.
Travel smart
Practical safety advice
Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, so modest dress is appreciated away from the beach, especially in Stone Town. Use sun protection, stay hydrated, use reputable tour operators for water activities, and take normal precautions with valuables, same as any popular travel destination.
Explore Tanzania
Zanzibar is only one part of the journey
Tanzania offers beaches, islands, wildlife, mountains, cities and cultural experiences. Use Zanzibar as one gateway into a much wider travel network.
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