LAST UPDATED: 7/24/24 – Ultimate Zanzibar Visitor’s Guide

When we took our trip to Tanzania a few years ago, we really wanted to visit Zanzibar. We had heard such amazing things about the islands. Not surprisingly, we were not disappointed. 

The people we met were so friendly, and the islands were breathtaking. We were able to try some amazing food and enjoy some fun beach activities. It is certainly an experience I will never forget.

The Epicenter of the Slave Trade

Zanzibar has a long and troubled history, as it was the epicenter of the African slave market for centuries.  Slaves captured in the interior of Africa were brought to Zanzibar by Arab slave traders. From there, they were shipped around the world. 

Zanzibar would be the last glimpse of Africa that most would ever see.  You can still tour the slave market and holding cells today, which is a very somber and humbling experience.

Zanzibar was also the launching spot for much of the exploration of Africa that took place in the 18th Century.  Most notably, it was used as a launching spot for Dr. David Livingstone. The famous British explorer started his infamous explorations of Africa from Zanzibar. Subsequently, so did Henry Morton Stanley, the American newspaper writer who set off to find him. 

If you have never read about the story of Livingstone and Stanley, there is an amazing book out called Into Africa that I would highly recommend.  The islands of Zanzibar play a prominent role in that book.

Today Zanzibar is Paradise

Much has changed since the slave traders and explorers used Zanzibar as a launching spot for their exploitation and adventures. However, much has also remained the same. 

Zanzibar still has a busy port that is used for the shipment of a large amount of goods. The islands have also kept their culture and identity that sets them apart from mainland Africa.

While technically part of Tanzania, Zanzibar has a different vibe.  It’s a laid-back vibe that makes it very easy to forget about the stresses of travel and just relax. Happily, that is exactly what we did when we visited.

If you are looking to visit the island’s amazing beaches, you will have many to choose from. If history is your interest, a stroll through historical Stone Town awaits you.

For the foodies, a delightful spice tour will certainly not disappoint. Regardless of your interests, Zanzibar seemingly has it all. Not to mention, it is a great change of pace after going on safari in mainland Africa.

Zanzibar Visitor Guide Navigation Menu

At a Glance

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for Tanzania. 

In addition, you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Tanzania. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use in Tanzania. Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary.

I have included some of this key information in my Zanzibar visitor’s guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport and VISA Requirements

Before you can even start to think about your trip to Zanzibar, you need to make sure that you can meet the Tanzania entrance requirements.

If you don’t meet the requirements, you will not be allowed entry into the country. This will put a huge damper on your safari plans. To assist you in ensuring you meet the requirements, I have linked to my Tanzania Entrance Requirements guide for you to review below.

Immunization Requirements and Recommendations

Before you leave for your trip to Tanzania to visit Zanzibar, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations.  Not only to protect yourself but to protect others.  In fact, depending on where you are visiting from and whether you are making any stops before visiting Tanzania, you might not even be allowed in the country without the proper vaccinations.

Travel Vaccination Advice

You may have questions on what immunizations you will need and what to look out for when you go to get them. In this case, I have linked to my Tanzania Entrance Requirements guide for you to review below. In this guide, I outline the various vaccinations and precautions you can take while visiting Tanzania to stay healthy.

Packing Tips

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to make sure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my Zanzibar visitor’s guide below for you to review.

How to Get to Zanzibar

The Zanzibar Islands are located off the coast of Tanzania.  Technically, Zanzibar is made up of many islands, but the largest one (Ugunja) is what is most often referred to as Zanzibar.  The islands sit roughly 48 miles off the coast of Tanzania, just Northeast of the capital city of Dar es Salaam.

The capital of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City, which is most often referred to as Stone Town.  It sits on the Western Coast of Zanzibar and is the home of Zanzibar’s large shipping port.  The Eastern coast of Zanzibar is where you will find all of the beautiful, white sand beaches that make Zanzibar a famous beach vacation.  No visit to Zanzibar is complete without visiting its pristine beaches.

Zanzibar City (Stone Town)

Getting to Zanzibar by Plane

The easiest way to visit Zanzibar is to fly into Zanzibar City.  There are plenty of affordable flights that arrive from destinations across Eastern Africa daily, so finding a flight shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

If you are visiting Zanzibar from Tanzania, there are daily flights that go from Arusha to Dar es Salaam, to Zanzibar City, and then back multiple times a day, so you have a lot of flexibility when you travel.  Tickets typically cost around USD 100.00 for a one-way ticket from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar City.

Getting to Zanzibar by Boat

If you are traveling to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, you also have the option of taking a ferry boat from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar.  Azam Marine Company’s Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries can take you from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro in approximately 2 hours.  Tickets are available in economy class for USD 35 or business class for USD 50.

When to Visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar is located near the Equator, so no matter when you visit, you should expect hot weather.  Remember, it is also in the Southern Hemisphere, so the winter and summer seasons are opposite of what we have in the Northern Hemisphere. 

Zanzibar is also subject to the Monsoons, so you if you want to avoid heavy rains, you will want to avoid visiting during the Monsoon season. If you are in the process of planning your trip, I have included some monthly weather information for you to review in my Zanzibar visitor’s guide below.

Temperature (°F)

Because of its location near the Equator, Zanzibar sees fairly consistent, hot weather year-round.  The summer months of December through early March see the warmest temperatures, with the winter months of late May through early August seeing the coolest.  No matter when you visit, you will want to bring protection from the sun with you.

Precipitation (Inches)

Zanzibar is also subjected to Monsoon weather, so being aware of the weather before traveling to Zanzibar is very important in that aspect as well.  For instance, during April and May, Zanzibar typically sees over 10 inches of rain.  If at all possible, I would avoid traveling to Zanzibar during these months.

The winter months of June through September are much drier, with an average of only a couple inches of rain falling during these months.  These are the months that I would target for your trip if you would like to do a lot of outdoor activities.

Where to Stay in Zanzibar

There are a lot of fantastic places to stay in Zanzibar, so you do have plenty of options when making lodging arrangements.  In addition to a fine selection of hotels in both Stone Town and the Paje Beach area, there is also a wealth of properties available for rental on Airbnb.

To give you a sense of when the lodging on Zanzibar Island is cheapest and when it is most expensive, I have included a chart for you to review in my Zanzibar visitor’s guide below.

It outlines the average pricing of hotels per month of the year.  As you can from the chart, prices are the lowest between August and December each year, and most expensive in February and between May and July.

If you are planning to visit both the Zanzibar City (Stone Town) and Paje Beach areas during your trip, then I would recommend that you book separate accommodations in each area.  I have included some great hotel options for you to review in my Zanzibar visitor’s guide below. However, there are also a lot of great options for properties to rent through Airbnb as well.

In Stone Town

No visit to Zanzibar is complete without a stop in Stone Town, which is the capital city of Zanzibar.  To assist you in finding the accommodations in the city that are right for you, I have included ten very good hotel options for you to review in my Zanzibar visitor’s guide below.

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Near Paje Beach

Paje Beach is one of my favorite areas of Zanzibar.  If you are looking to spend some time relaxing on the beach, then a stop in the Paje Beach area is an absolute must.  To make it easier for you to decide on which accommodations best fit your needs, I have provided ten great hotel choices for you to review in my Zanzibar visitor’s guide below.

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Top Things to See and Do in Zanzibar

With its beautiful beaches, wonderful food, and wealth of historical sites, you will not find a shortage of things to see and do while in Zanzibar.  To assist you in planning the most memorable trip possible, I have outlined my top things to see and do in my Zanzibar visitor’s guide below.

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Stone Town

Zanzibar City, which is commonly referred to as Stone Town, is the heart and soul of Zanzibar.  Not only is it the island’s capital, but it also holds many of the island’s main tourism draws. 

Between the bustling markets, a plethora of historical sites, and a beautiful harbor, Stone Town is a must-see for anyone visiting Zanzibar.

When you visit Stone Town, make sure you make it to the harbor at sunset.  There are plenty of food vendors near the harbor, so it is a great place to relax and eat dinner.  Not to mention, the sunsets are absolutely fantastic!

Jozani Forest

If you are into wildlife, then you have to visit the Jozani Forest during your visit to Zanzibar.  The Jozani Forest Preserve is one of Tanzania’s lesser-known national parks, and also one of its most underrated parks. 

The wildlife you have a chance to spot in the park include Red Colobus monkeys, sea turtles, Tree Hyrax, chameleons, dolphins, Zanzibar Leopards, and over 40 species of butterflies.

If you would like to visit the park, I would suggest you arrange a safari through one of the local outfitters.  To assist you in finding a safari that meets your needs, I have included a list of tours that are highly recommended below.

Forodhani Market

If you love to visit markets when you travel, then you are going to love the Forodhani Market in Stone Town.  This famous open-air market has been in operation for centuries and is world-renowned for the spices and other local foods that are available.

In addition to being able to purchase spices such as cinnamon, Turmeric, Paprika, Cumin, Saffron, and Cardamom, you are also able to find Zanzibar staples such as the famous Zanzibar Pizza and sugar cane juice to enjoy.  If you are a foodie, then the Forodhani Market should be at the top of your list of things to see in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar Pizza

Zanzibar Pizza may be one of the most unique food items that I have ever come across in my travels.  It is unlike anything I have ever seen.  These crispy stuffed snacks are filled with a variety of different ingredients and then pan-fried until the exterior of the dough is crispy, and the inside is gooey soft. 

You will find everything from chicken to seafood, to avocado and veggies, to snicker bars inside them, as each vendor you visit offers their own interpretation of this unique dish.  It is definitely a must-try experience for foodies who like to explore the local cuisine.

Palace Museum

Built in the late 19th century to serve as a residence for the Sultan’s family, the Bait As-Sahel (or Sultan’s Palace) was handed over to the people of Zanzibar after the Zanzibar Revolution in 1964 and then turned into a museum in 1994.  If you visit the museum today, you can expect to learn about the history of Zanzibar and the history of the royal family who once lived in the palace.

Take a Spice Tour

Known as the African Spice Islands, Zanzibar is famous for the wide array of spices that it produces.  While it is no longer the leading producer of spices such as cinnamon, Turmeric, Paprika, Cumin, Saffron, and Cardamom, these spices still play a very large role in the local economy.  It isn’t difficult to find these spices for sale in the Forodhani Market or at other street vendors around Stone Town.

If you are into cooking, it can be a really neat experience to go on a spice tour to see how these spices are produced and distributed.  If you are interested in taking a tour, I have listed several recommended tours below for you to review.

The Old Fort

Sometimes referred to as the Arab For, the Old Fort is the oldest building in Stone Town. It is also one of the city’s largest tourist attractions. The fort is open to visitors if you’d like to tour it. You will often see vendors selling merchandise inside the fort walls. It also includes a restaurant and, on most nights, has live music and dancing. There is an incredible atmosphere in the open-air amphitheater.

The Rock Restaurant

This is one of the most incredible restaurants I have visited in my travels. I mean, it isn’t often you get to take a boat to a restaurant. Then, eat your food while surrounded by the ocean in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

If you haven’t read my review of the Rock restaurant, I suggest you do. You will be stunned by how amazing it is. I have included a link for you in my Zanzibar visitor’s guide below.

Paje Beach

If you are looking for a tropical destination with beautiful beaches and warm, welcoming people, then Paje is the place you want to be.  The Paje Beach area had some of the most beautiful beaches I have visited. 

The area is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and just enjoying the island life.  If you do visit the area, make sure you stop by the Rock Restaurant for a one-of-a-kind dining experience!

Visit the Old Slave Market

Everyone who visits Stone Town in Zanzibar should stop by the old slave market to understand just how dark and sad this period of Zanzibar’s history was.  For centuries, Zanzibar was the epicenter of the African Slave Market, and the remnants of that dark history can still be seen today.

There were three big slave markets on the island of Zanzibar at the time, but the most infamous and horrifying was the one in Stone Town. In the courtyard of the Anglican Cathedral and St. Monica’s Hostel on New Mkunazini Road, two slave chambers are open to viewing by the public. 

There are also statues built in remembrance of this horrible piece of history that took place there. To think, upwards of 70 slaves at a time were kept in these miserable chambers, only to be shipped off soon after and never see their homes again. What a sad and horrifying period of history this was.

Zanzibar Photo Gallery

Zanzibar is an incredible place.  There are so many beautiful things to see and fun things to do.  To give you a better understanding of what it is like to visit Zanzibar, I have included a gallery with just some of the pictures we took on the island below.

If you’re interested in exploring more of my travel photography, I’d love for you to join me on Instagram! Creating this blog to share my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips takes a lot of effort, and a follow on Instagram would truly mean the world to me. Your support makes it all worthwhile!

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