Zanzibar

Tanzania, East Africa

Zanzibar travel guide

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 35 kilometres off the coast of mainland Tanzania. The main island, Unguja, is what most visitors refer to as Zanzibar. It holds Stone Town - a UNESCO-listed historic quarter that reflects the island's Arab, Indian, and Swahili trading heritage - as well as white-sand beaches, coral reefs, spice farms, a national park, and a range of water activities. Zanzibar is the most natural extension of a Tanzania mainland trip and is reached from Arusha or Moshi by a short domestic flight. Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days on the island as a beach ending to a safari or Kilimanjaro climb.

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At a Glance

Zanzibar key facts

Location	Indian Ocean, 35 km east of mainland Tanzania
Main island	Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar)
Area	Unguja: approx. 1,660 sq km
Airport	Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), near Stone Town
Best time to visit	June to October (dry, good for diving); December to February (hot, clear)
Key highlights	Stone Town (UNESCO), spice farms, Jozani Forest, Mnemba Atoll, east coast beaches

What to Know

Zanzibar highlights

Stone Town

Stone Town is the old quarter of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, coral-stone buildings, and layered history of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influence make it one of the most distinctive urban environments in East Africa. Key sites include the Palace Museum, the Arab Fort, the Old Dispensary, Forodhani Gardens (a seafront night food market), and the former slave market. Stone Town is a living neighbourhood as well as a historic monument - the best way to experience it is on foot with a local guide.

Zanzibar beach with dhow and turquoise water

Beaches

Zanzibar's beaches vary significantly by location and season. The north coast around Nungwi and Kendwa has the calmest water and is the most year-round reliable for swimming, as the beach is less affected by the tidal flats that dominate parts of the east coast. The east coast around Paje, Jambiani, and Bwejuu has the most dramatic tidal movement and is the kite surfing centre. The south coast is quieter and less developed. We advise on beach location based on your travel dates and what you want from the beach.

Domestic flight to Zanzibar International Airport

Getting there

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Zanzibar from the mainland is by domestic flight - approximately 1 hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport or 45 minutes from Arusha. Several Tanzanian domestic airlines operate daily scheduled services. Ferries from Dar es Salaam take approximately 2 hours but require travelling through Dar es Salaam, which adds time to an itinerary based in the north. We arrange all domestic flights and transfers as part of any Zanzibar package.

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