Zanzibar Travel Guide
White beaches, warm turquoise water, spice farms and the old streets of Stone Town. Everything you need to plan a Zanzibar holiday — on its own or after a safari.
Plan your trip
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Dry seasons, rainy months, winds and the warmest sea. Read the guide
How to Get to Zanzibar
Flights, ferries and island transfers. Read the guide
Zanzibar Entry Requirements
Visa, Zanzibar's mandatory insurance and the other rules. Read the guide
Zanzibar Holiday Cost
Hotels, excursions, food and extras — and package prices. Read the guide
Zanzibar Packing List
Beachwear, modest town clothes, sun protection and documents. Read the guide
Safari and Zanzibar: Bush and Beach
How to combine a safari with the beach — days, flights and packages. Read the guide
On the island
Best Beaches in Zanzibar
North, east and south-east coasts compared — and the tides. Read the guide
Where to Stay in Zanzibar
Stone Town or the beach? The areas, and the hotels we book. Read the guide
Things to Do in Zanzibar
Spice tours, Prison Island, Jozani, snorkelling and sunset dhows. Read the guide
Stone Town, Zanzibar: Visitor Guide
History, carved doors, markets and the sights worth seeing. Read the guide
Snorkelling and Diving in Zanzibar
Mnemba, Menai Bay, Pemba and the best season. Read the guide
Zanzibar Honeymoon
Romantic beaches, experiences and a safari before the beach. Read the guide
Know before you go
Is Zanzibar Safe?
Town, beaches, the sea, health — and simple precautions. Read the guide
Zanzibar Culture and Dress Code
What to wear, Ramadan, greetings and respectful behaviour. Read the guide
Zanzibar Food: What to Eat
Pilau, seafood curries, street food and spiced coffee. Read the guide
Zanzibar Family Holidays
Beaches, hotels, activities and health tips for families. Read the guide
Zanzibar travel insurance
The mandatory insurance every visitor needs — cost, cover and how to buy it. Read the guide
The Spice Island in a few lines
Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania. Its main island, Unguja — usually just called Zanzibar — has long white beaches on every coast, coral reefs and lagoons, and in Stone Town a historic old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The second island, Pemba, is greener, quieter and known for diving.
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania but has its own government, and a culture shaped by centuries of Indian Ocean trade. It is the perfect place to rest after a safari: a short flight from the northern parks. See our Zanzibar beach holidays and Zanzibar tours.
Zanzibar: the questions travellers ask us
How many days do I need in Zanzibar?
Four to five days lets you see Stone Town, take a spice tour and a boat trip, and still have time on the beach. A week or more is ideal if you mainly want to relax.
Is Zanzibar part of Tanzania?
Yes. Zanzibar united with Tanganyika in 1964 to form Tanzania. It has its own semi-autonomous government, and your Tanzania visa covers it.
Can I combine a safari with Zanzibar?
Yes, and many of our guests do. Fly from the safari areas to Zanzibar in about an hour or two. See safari and Zanzibar.
Ready for the beach? Talk to our team
Tell us your dates and plans — our team in Arusha will shape the trip around you.
