Quick Answer
Zanzibar is the spice island off Tanzania's coast with UNESCO-listed Stone Town, white sand beaches on the east coast, and a perfect end to a Serengeti safari. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have year-round swimming. Hotels start from $65/night. June through October and December to February are dry seasons.
Explore Zanzibar in Detail
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Top Tours in Zanzibar
Stone Town Cultural Walking Tour
Walking tour of the UNESCO Stone Town with stops at the House of Wonders, Old Fort, Freddie Mercury house, the slave market memorial, and the Darajani Bazaar.
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Spice Plantation Tour with Lunch
Walk through inland spice plantations to see cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and pepper growing. Tasting and traditional Swahili lunch included.
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Prison Island and Tortoise Sanctuary Half-Day
Boat from Stone Town to Prison Island for a guided walk with the giant Aldabra tortoises (some over 150 years old) and snorkeling at the reef.
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The experiences travelers come back to Zanzibar for, year after year.
Itineraries for Zanzibar
Day-by-day plans built by travelers who actually went.
Zanzibar in 3 Days
The essential first-time itinerary — the must-sees you came for, plus the local moments you came home talking about.
Zanzibar for Couples
Quiet mornings, slow dinners, and the views the brochures don't show. Built for two.
Zanzibar with Kids
Activities everyone enjoys, restaurants that welcome little ones, and downtime built into the plan.
Getting Around Zanzibar
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Zanzibar at your own pace. Compare rates from all major suppliers in one search.
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Best months to visit Zanzibar: April–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season. December–February is coldest but cheapest.
Why Visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is the beach week most Africa-bound travelers tack on to a Tanzania safari and which more should make a destination in itself. The archipelago sits 25 km off the Tanzanian coast, with Stone Town as its UNESCO-listed Swahili capital and a coastline that does the things you flew here for.
Stone Town is the cultural heart and worth two full days. The labyrinth of coral-stone alleys, carved wooden doors, and Arab-Persian-Indian-African architecture earned UNESCO recognition. The House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Forodhani Gardens night food market, and the Slave Market memorial at the Anglican Cathedral are all essential. Freddie Mercury was born here and there’s a small museum dedicated to him in the building where he grew up. Beyond Stone Town, the beaches divide by coast. The north coast (Nungwi, Kendwa) has the best swimming, year-round (because tides don’t expose the reef like the east coast). The east coast (Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu) has lower-key beach villages with tidal flats that empty for snorkeling at low tide. Kiwengwa is the all-inclusive resort strip. The northwestern Pemba Island offers world-class diving without crowds. Spice tours through the inland plantations are a Zanzibar staple (the spice trade made the island for centuries) and best done as a half-day with tasting. Prison Island, 30 minutes by boat, has the giant Aldabra tortoises (some over 150 years old). Zanzibar pairs perfectly with the Serengeti for a 7-10 day Tanzania trip.
Frequently Asked Questions — Zanzibar
How much do hotels in Zanzibar cost?
Budget guesthouses and beach lodges start at $25/night. 3-star and boutique hotels run $65-$140. 4-star beach resorts are $140-$300. Luxury 5-star like Park Hyatt, Mnemba Island, or Zuri Zanzibar are $400-$1,500/night. All-inclusive packages common.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June through October is the long dry season with the best weather (80-85F, low humidity). December through February is the short dry season. March through May is the long rains. November is short rains. Year-round water temperature 80-85F.
How many days do I need in Zanzibar?
Five to seven days minimum: two in Stone Town, three to four on the beach. A safari extension to the Serengeti adds 4-5 days for a 10-12 day Tanzania trip. Many travelers stay 10+ days in Zanzibar alone for diving.
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally safe but petty theft happens around Stone Town's tourist areas and on quieter beaches. Beach hotels have security. Dress modestly in Stone Town (Zanzibar is 99% Muslim) but bikinis are fine on hotel beaches. Solo female travel is comfortable with appropriate awareness.
What area should I stay in?
Stone Town for first nights and culture. Nungwi or Kendwa (north) for best year-round swimming and nightlife. Paje (east) for kitesurfing and tidal flat photography. Matemwe (northeast) for upscale boutique resorts. Bwejuu (southeast) for quietest beaches.
How do I get around Zanzibar?
Taxis are the standard, with set rates between Stone Town and the beach areas ($30-60). The dala-dala (shared minibus) is cheap (under $2) but slow and crowded. Scooter rental is risky on local roads. Most beach hotels arrange transfers.
What food should I try in Zanzibar?
Urojo soup (mango-coconut-tamarind broth) at any Stone Town stall, Zanzibar pizza (savory crepe) at Forodhani Gardens night market, octopus curry at Lukmaan, ugali with grilled fish anywhere, and tropical fruit (jackfruit, custard apple) at Darajani Market.