Forest life
Jozani Forest is home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, as well as Sykes’ monkeys, bushbabies and many birds.
Zanzibar Archipelago
Zanzibar – Beaches, Stone Town & Island Travel Guide
White-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and the winding lanes of Stone Town — the perfect place to unwind after a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb.
Indian Ocean · about 1–1½ hrs by air from Kilimanjaro or Arusha
Overview
About Zanzibar Island & Coastal Destinations
Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of mainland Tanzania. Its main island, Unguja — usually simply called Zanzibar — is ringed by palm-fringed beaches and coral reefs, with water in every shade of blue and green.
For centuries Zanzibar was a meeting place of African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European cultures, and its history lives on in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, with carved wooden doors, coral-stone houses, mosques, churches and lively markets. Inland, spice farms grow cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla — the reason Zanzibar became known as the Spice Island.
After the dust and early mornings of safari, Zanzibar is the perfect place to slow down. Swim, snorkel, sail on a traditional dhow at sunset or simply relax — and discover a culture that is very different from the mainland.
Highlights
Top reasons to visit Zanzibar
- 01
Beautiful beaches
Soft white sand and warm turquoise water, from lively Nungwi in the north to quiet coves in the south-east.
- 02
Historic Stone Town
Wander narrow lanes, rooftop cafés and markets in a UNESCO-listed old town.
- 03
Spice farms
Taste and smell cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla on a guided spice tour.
- 04
Snorkelling & diving
Explore coral reefs around Mnemba Atoll and the islands off Stone Town.
- 05
Red colobus monkeys
Meet the rare Zanzibar red colobus in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.
- 06
Safari & beach
The perfect ending to a northern safari or a Kilimanjaro climb — just a short flight away.
Wildlife & birdlife
Animals of Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s wildlife is found in its forests and its warm, clear waters.
Marine life
Reefs teem with tropical fish, starfish and turtles. Dolphins are seen off the south coast — choose operators who keep a respectful distance.
Giant tortoises
Changuu (Prison) Island, a short boat ride from Stone Town, is home to a colony of Aldabra giant tortoises.
Look out for
- Zanzibar red colobus
- Sykes’ monkey
- Green turtle
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Aldabra giant tortoise
- Coconut crab
- Starfish
Landscapes & ecosystems
The land itself
Zanzibar is a low-lying coral island with a patchwork of farms, villages and forest inland and beaches all around. The north and west coasts, around Nungwi and Kendwa, have deeper water and less tidal change, so swimming is possible most of the day.
On the east coast, around Paje, Jambiani and Michamvi, a coral reef shelters a wide, shallow lagoon. At low tide the sea retreats a long way, revealing seaweed farms and rock pools — beautiful, but different from the classic swimming beach. Small islands and sandbanks are scattered offshore, perfect for picnics and snorkelling.
Experiences
Things to do in Zanzibar
- 01
Stone Town walking tour
Discover the history, architecture and markets of the old town with a local guide.
- 02
Spice farm tour
See, smell and taste the spices that made Zanzibar famous.
- 03
Mnemba snorkelling
Boat trips to the reefs around Mnemba Atoll for colourful fish and, often, turtles.
- 04
Jozani Forest
Walk through the forest and mangrove boardwalk to see red colobus monkeys.
- 05
Prison Island
Visit giant tortoises and snorkel on a short boat trip from Stone Town.
- 06
Sunset dhow cruise
Sail on a traditional wooden dhow as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
When to go
Best time to visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar has a warm tropical climate all year. The best beach weather is from June to October and from December to February. April and May bring the long rains; November has short showers.
Dry season
January · Hot and sunny
Hot, humid and mostly dry — ideal beach weather and calm seas.
Dry season
February · Hot and sunny
Very warm with clear water for snorkelling. A great month for a safari and beach combination.
Green season
March · Hot, rains approaching
Still warm, with increasing humidity and the first showers towards the end of the month.
Long rains
April · Long rains
The wettest month, with heavy downpours. Some hotels close for maintenance.
Long rains
May · Rainy and quiet
Rain continues but eases later in the month. Excellent value and few visitors.
Dry season
June · Fresh and breezy
Dry season begins, with pleasant temperatures and steady breezes — perfect after a safari.
Dry season
July · Peak season
Sunny and comfortable. Popular — book beach hotels early.
Dry season
August · Peak season
Dry, breezy and lovely. Great for kitesurfing on the east coast.
Dry season
September · Warm and dry
Beautiful weather and slightly fewer visitors than August.
Dry season
October · Warm and calm
Warm and sunny, with calm seas for snorkelling and diving.
Short rains
November · Short rains
Brief showers, usually in the afternoons, between plenty of sunshine.
Dry season
December · Festive and warm
Hot and sunny for the holidays. Christmas and New Year dates book up early.
- Dry season
- Green season
- Short rains
- Long rains
Getting there
Getting there & getting around
Zanzibar is a short flight from the mainland: around 1–1½ hours from Kilimanjaro or Arusha, and about 20 minutes from Dar es Salaam. Fast ferries also run between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town in around 2 hours. Many international airlines fly directly to Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
On the island we arrange private transfers: Stone Town is about 15 minutes from the airport, the east coast about 1 hour, and Nungwi in the north around 1–1½ hours.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Zanzibar
Choose a beach to suit your style — or split your stay between Stone Town and the coast.
Mid-RangeMid-Range stays
Relaxed beach hotels and boutique guesthouses with pools, good food and easy access to the sea.
Browse Mid-Range lodges →
LuxuryRiu Palace Zanzibar
Nungwi Beach, north coast of ZanzibarAn adults-only, all-inclusive resort with direct access to Nungwi Beach on Zanzibar’s north coast — sea-view pool, villas with private pools and easy days by the ocean after safari.
View the lodge →
Ultra LuxuryBaraza Resort & Spa
Bwejuu Beach, south-east coast of ZanzibarAn all-inclusive boutique resort on Bwejuu Beach — 30 villas with private plunge pools, a large spa, kids’ club, PADI dive centre and five places to eat and drink.
View the lodge →Recommended itineraries
Safaris that visit Zanzibar
These journeys end on the beaches of Zanzibar — the perfect way to finish a Tanzania safari.
Safari & Zanzibar
8-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
From the wild plains of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater to the white-sand beaches and turquoise water of Zanzibar.
- Begins
- Arusha
- Comfort
- All tiers
- Travel
- Private
from $2,250 ppView journey
Safari & Zanzibar
10-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
Tarangire’s elephant country, two nights on the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater, then three nights on the tropical shores of Zan…
- Begins
- Arusha
- Comfort
- All tiers
- Travel
- Private
from $2,850 ppView journey
Safari & Zanzibar
12-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
Three nights on the Serengeti plains, Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater, then four nights on the turquoise shores of Zanzibar.
- Begins
- Arusha
- Comfort
- All tiers
- Travel
- Private
from $3,450 ppView journey
Regions & areas
Areas to explore
01
History, food & cultureZanzibar
Stone Town
The historic heart of Zanzibar, with markets, museums, rooftop restaurants and the Forodhani Gardens night food market.
02
Swimming & sunsetsZanzibar
Nungwi & Kendwa (north)
Lively beaches with deeper water for swimming at most tides, and beautiful sunsets over the sea.
03
Lagoons & kitesurfingZanzibar
Paje, Jambiani & Michamvi (east)
Long white beaches and a wide lagoon with strong tidal changes, popular for kitesurfing and quiet escapes.
04
Snorkelling & divingZanzibar
Matemwe & Mnemba (north-east)
Peaceful beaches facing Mnemba Atoll, one of the best snorkelling and diving areas in Zanzibar.
Before you go
Essential travel information
Dress respectfully
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages; swimwear is fine on beaches and at hotels.
Tides
East-coast beaches have large tidal ranges. If swimming at any time matters to you, choose the north or west.
Health
Zanzibar is in a malaria area and the sun is strong. Use repellent, high-factor sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Ramadan
During Ramadan some restaurants close during the day; please avoid eating and drinking in public in Stone Town.
Visas & entry
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and uses the same visa. Check the official e-visa site and any local entry requirements before travel.
Fees, rules and opening times can change. For the latest official information, visit Tanzania e-Visa (Immigration Department) ↗
Year-round
National Park
Serengeti
Great Migration, big cats, balloon safaris
Endless golden plains, the Great Migration and some of Africa’s finest big-cat viewing — Tanzania’s most celebrated wilderness, planned around you by…
3–4 nightsExplore
Year-round
Conservation Area & Crater
Ngorongoro
Black rhino, the Big Five in a day
A vast collapsed volcano sheltering a self-contained world of wildlife — from black rhino to lion — surrounded by highland forest, Maasai pastures an…
1–2 nightsExplore
June – October
National Park
Tarangire
Elephant herds, baobabs, birding
Ancient baobabs, a lifeline river and some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa — Tarangire is northern Tanzania’s most underrated park, just…
1–3 nightsExplore
Questions
Zanzibar safari FAQs
Can’t find your answer? Our team in Moshi is happy to help.
Ask on WhatsAppHow many days do you need in Zanzibar?
Four to seven nights is ideal: a night or two in Stone Town and the rest on the beach.
What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October and December to February offer the best weather. April and May are the rainiest months.
Which part of Zanzibar is best for swimming?
The north, around Nungwi and Kendwa, has less tidal change and is best for swimming at most times of day.
Can you combine a safari with Zanzibar?
Yes — it is one of our most popular combinations. Short flights connect the northern parks and Kilimanjaro with Zanzibar.
Is Zanzibar good for families?
Very. Calm beaches, easy excursions and family-friendly hotels make it ideal after a safari.
Is Stone Town worth visiting?
Absolutely. Its history, architecture and food make it one of the most fascinating towns in East Africa.
Photo gallery
Start planning
Plan your Zanzibar escape
Tell us how you like to relax — lively or secluded, beach or culture — and we will find the perfect place on the island.
- Call us+255 762 032 480
- WhatsAppChat with our team
- Email[email protected]
- OfficeMoshi, Kilimanjaro, TanzaniaEvery day · 08:00 – 18:00 EAT