Zanzibar travel guide: Discover Tanzania’s island paradise
Swaying palm trees, sparkly turquoise ocean and some of the whitest, finest sand I’ve ever seen – this is the image that pops into my mind when I think about my Zanzibar trip.
This beautiful island in the Indian Ocean offers its visitors an exciting mix of culture, history, tropical nature, diverse marine life and some of the best beaches in Africa. I genuinely enjoyed my time in Zanzibar and recommend it to anyone looking for a tropical escape.
In this Zanzibar travel guide, I’ll take you through everything I got up to and learned about during my 10 days in Zanzibar so that you can have an unforgettable trip to this island paradise. I’ll cover how to get there, what to do and see, best areas to stay, best time to visit and some essential Zanzibar travel tips.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. I was invited to visit Zuri Zanzibar and stay at The Nest Hotel but as always, all opinions are my own.
General info about Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania in East Africa. Located in the Indian Ocean, 35 km (22 mi) off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of several islands. Its main island, which is the one I visited, is officially called Unguja, but is commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island.
Zanzibar has an eventful history as the island was an important hub for international trade and has been under the rule of Portugal, Oman and Great Britain. Its culture is a unique mix of Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences, which you can clearly see in its cuisine and architecture, particularly in the UNESCO-listed Stone Town.
Zanzibar is also known as the ‘Spice Island’ because of its long history of cultivating spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg.
Many people combine their trip to Zanzibar with a safari on mainland Tanzania. This is what we did as well and can highly recommend it. This way, you’ll get to see the magical wildlife-filled African savanna, followed by some rest and relaxation on the heavenly beaches of Zanzibar.
How to get to Zanzibar Island
The quickest and easiest way to get to Zanzibar is to fly to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), but it’s also possible to take a ferry from Dar es Salaam in mainland Tanzania. There are direct flights to Zanzibar from several European cities (e.g. Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and others) as well as from South Africa and the Middle East.
We flew to Zanzibar with AirTanzania from Arusha in mainland Tanzania because we were doing a safari in that region. This flight only takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
How to get around the island
Zanzibar is pretty big and its attractions are spread out all across the island. Most people rely on taxis or tours to get around, but this can get pretty expensive. If you do decide to use taxis, be sure to only take licensed taxis with red plates and agree on the price before starting the trip.
What I recommend doing instead (and what we did) is renting a car and doing your own road trip through Zanzibar. Before arriving on the island, we read online that many people were advising against it, stating that the roads are terrible, the traffic is crazy, and the corrupt police are constantly stopping you to make you pay them a bribe.
Perhaps things were like this in the past, but during our 10 days in Zanzibar, we had a very different experience and really enjoyed driving in Zanzibar. There were a few reckless drivers, some potholes and a couple of unmarked speed bumps, but overall it was very easy and safe to drive around. The roads were fine, there wasn’t much traffic, and the police only stopped us twice for a quick check and didn’t make us pay anything.
Just be aware that in Zanzibar, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, which might be different from what you’re used to.
We rented our Suzuki from Kibabu Cars and can definitely recommend renting from this company. They were super friendly and helpful, the car was decent, and the pick-up and hand-over were very easy. Be aware that you need a Zanzibar driving permit, but the car rental company can arrange it for you for just 10 USD.
Visa & insurance
Visitors from most countries are required to have a Tanzania visa to visit Zanzibar. It’s recommended to apply for a visa online at least 6 weeks before your visit, but it’s also possible to get one upon arrival. You should only use the official Tanzania Immigration Services website for the visa application and not any other link. The visa costs 50 USD per person.
If your travel date is getting close and your visa still hasn’t been approved, just email them and they will speed up the process.
Additionally, from October 1, 2024, all tourists are required to buy the mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance to enter Zanzibar. It costs 44 USD per adult and should be purchased before you arrive. You can also pay for it in cash upon arrival, but you must have submitted the online form beforehand.
In theory, this insurance is supposed to cover your emergency medical care, medical evacuation and theft, loss, delay, and damage to your luggage. However, the coverage is mediocre, and whether the insurance would actually cover you in case you need it is questionable.
Many people say that this insurance is essentially just a tourist tax, and it’s unlikely you’d get the support you need from them if you got sick or injured or if your luggage got stolen. Therefore, for our peace of mind, we also purchased travel insurance from SafetyWing as we always do when traveling.
What to do in Zanzibar
People often seem to think that a vacation in Zanzibar means just lying on the beach the entire time, but there’s actually a lot more to do on the island.
From visiting a spice farm and spotting rare monkeys in Jozani Forest to learning about the island’s history in Stone Town and relaxing in natural pools that resemble Mexican cenotes, Zanzibar offers plenty of exciting activities. On top of that, you can do all kinds of water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, kite-surfing and kayaking as well as various boat tours to see dolphins or visit sand banks.
Stay tuned for my upcoming blog post, where I will go into detail about all of the best things to do in Zanzibar, as well as a few things not to do.
Honeymoon in Zanzibar
With its idyllic beaches, luxurious hotels, romantic sunsets and various cultural and nature experiences, Zanzibar is also a fantastic destination for a honeymoon. It’s the perfect choice for newlyweds looking to combine relaxation with a bit of adventure.
Even though my husband and I had already had our honeymoon recently on the island of Fernando de Noronha, being in Zanzibar felt like a second honeymoon to us.
There are various beautiful hotels on the island that would be great for a honeymoon, but one that I would personally recommend is Zuri Zanzibar. This eco-conscious 5-star luxury hotel is situated on the dreamy Kendwa Beach and features stylish private bungalows and a freshwater infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
The whole property is like one big tropical garden and has a yoga deck, an outdoor gym and the hotel’s own spice garden. My favorite part about Zuri is their wonderful private beach area with sunbeds, a beach bar and towering palm trees in the powdery white sand. In the evenings, the beach area is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails or a dinner with a sunset view as your backdrop.
If you’re staying in Zuri within a year after your wedding, you can enjoy their honeymoon package, which includes a complimentary dinner and sparkling wine, sundowners on the beach and other benefits.
Where to stay in Zanzibar
I recommend staying in three different areas when visiting Zanzibar – in Stone Town, Kendwa/Nungwi and Paje. This way, you’ll get to experience the different parts of the island and see how each of these places has its own vibe.
Stone Town
Located on the west coast of the island, Stone Town is the historical quarter of Zanzibar City. I loved wandering around its narrow, winding streets, exploring the small boutiques and seeing its unique architecture. It’s a great spot for those who like history, culture, nice restaurants and colorful markets.
My hotel recommendation:
Dhow Palace – Situated in the heart of Stone Town, this boutique hotel is set in a beautifully restored historical building which used to be the home of a wealthy merchant. I really liked the elegant decor of this place, as well as the pool and the rooftop.
Kendwa or Nungwi
These two neighboring villages are located on the north coast of Zanzibar and are known for their dreamy beaches with neon blue waters, blindingly white sand and great sunsets. This area is much less affected by tides than other parts of Zanzibar, which means you can swim all day long. Kendwa and Nungwi also have the best nightlife in Zanzibar if that’s what you’re looking for.
My hotel recommendations:
Zuri Zanzibar – A stunning sustainable high-end resort with a large infinity pool, tropical garden and a perfect location overlooking Kendwa Beach. Their private beach area looks like something from a dream!
Gaia Villas – A small boutique hotel in Nungwi with modern bungalows, a lovely swimming pool and a garden full of lush tropical plants. The breakfast here was delicious as well – the best we had in all of Zanzibar.
Paje
This beach town is situated on the east coast of the island and features a long strip of white sand and turquoise waters. As the beach is so big, it never feels crowded. The area is lively, but not too much. It ended up being my favorite place to stay in Zanzibar.
Be aware that Paje experiences big tidal changes just like the rest of Zanzibar’s east coast. This means that during low tide, you won’t be able to swim as the water recedes very far. I personally didn’t find this to be a problem at all.
My hotel recommendation:
The Nest Zanzibar – This nature-inspired boutique resort is like an Instagrammer’s dream. It has a gorgeous pool with a swing and beautifully designed villas with open-air bathrooms. The location on Paje Beach is also perfect, close to many restaurants and shops. Just be aware that this might not be the right hotel for you if you’re terrified of bugs, since the villas are immersed in nature, and some bugs are likely to get inside.
How many days do you need
The ideal length of time to spend in Zanzibar is 10 days. This gives you enough time to visit the different parts of the island and explore their top attractions, do some of the water activities and relax on the wonderful beaches.
However, if you’re short on time and can only spend 5 days in Zanzibar, it is still worth it. With 5 days, you won’t be able to see all of the island, but you can stay in 1 or 2 areas and still experience a lot.
We spent 10 days in Zanzibar and felt it was just the right amount. We got to see and do almost everything we wanted and didn’t feel rushed at any point.
Tip: In addition to exploring Zanzibar, I also recommend spending 4-6 days in mainland Tanzania to do a safari. The best area for this is northern Tanzania, where you’ll find the most famous national parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Zanzibar itinerary
Below is my recommended Zanzibar itinerary for 10 days:
- Day 1-2: Stone Town & a spice farm tour
- Day 3-4: Kendwa & Nungwi
- Day 5: Mnemba Island tour
- Day 6-10: Paje area & southeast of Zanzibar
I’ll soon be sharing my detailed Zanzibar itinerary blog post, where I’ll cover all the activities and places to visit on each of the days.
Is Zanzibar safe?
Based on my experience, Zanzibar is very safe. We felt safe everywhere we went on the island. Just follow the basic safety precautions that apply to most places in the world – don’t flash your cash, don’t walk alone in dark alleys at night, don’t accept drinks from a stranger, etc.
With that said, I have read about some unfortunate incidents where people’s belongings have been stolen from their hotel room, either when they’re not in the room or at night, when they’re asleep. Therefore, you should always carefully read the reviews about the hotels you’re about to book, use the safes in hotel rooms to store your valuables and have travel insurance that covers theft.
I also don’t recommend leaving your things unattended on a beach when you go for a swim, unless it’s a private beach area of a hotel and there’s a guard.
Lastly, if you want to use taxis, only use licensed taxis (with red number plates) or get your hotel to arrange them for you.
Best time to visit Zanzibar
The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October, which is Tanzania’s cool, dry season. This coincides with the best time to go on a safari in mainland Tanzania, so it makes perfect sense to combine this experience with your Zanzibar trip.
We visited Zanzibar in July and the weather was just perfect – around 28°C (82°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night, and only a light drizzle of rain a few times.
December to February (i.e. the ‘short dry season’) is also a good time to visit, but it will be much hotter, with daytime temperatures often reaching 35°C (95°F).
What to wear in Zanzibar
As the vast majority of Zanzibar’s population is Muslim, it is recommended to dress conservatively when visiting Stone Town or the local villages. For women, this means covering your shoulders and knees. For men, shorts are acceptable, but shoulders should still be covered.
With that said, we saw lots of people in Stone Town wearing skimpy clothing, but I don’t recommend doing this. You’ll look like an ignorant tourist who didn’t familiarize themselves with local culture before coming to the island.
Flowy pants, linen shirts, kimonos, maxi dresses and long skirts are all great options for when you need to dress more conservatively. Choose light, breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton or silk.
On the beaches, in hotels and in the more tourist-centric areas, you can wear whatever you like as the locals there are more accustomed to seeing foreigners. Be sure to also bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun and a pair of sunglasses, because the dazzling white sand will blind you otherwise.
Final tips for visiting Zanzibar
- Dining out: Restaurants tend to be a bit slow. Arrive at the restaurant before you get ‘hangry’ and be prepared to wait.
- Local language: The official language in Zanzibar is Swahili. It’s good to be aware of some Swahili words and phrases that you’re going to be hearing over and over again during your vacation – jambo (hello), karibu (you’re welcome), hakuna matata (no worries), pole pole (slowly/take it easy).
- Vaccinations: There are no vaccination requirements to visit Zanzibar, apart from a yellow fever vaccine in case you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. The risk of getting malaria is extremely low in Zanzibar, especially compared to mainland Tanzania, but the possibility is still there. Consult with your doctor to discuss your specific needs.
- Mosquitos: Get yourself a good mosquito repellent that contains DEET and use it generously in the evenings. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants after sunset also helps to avoid getting bitten. Sleep under mosquito nets if your hotel room has them.
- Beach boys: On the more popular beaches such as Kendwa, Nungwi and Paje, you will be frequently approached by young Maasai men, known as beach boys, trying to sell you souvenirs or tours. Just give them a firm ‘no thank you’ and keep walking to make them stop bothering you.
- Currency and cash: The currency used in Zanzibar is Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars (and in some cases euros) are also accepted. The majority of restaurants and hotels take card payments, but they usually add a 5% fee. You should also have some cash for smaller purchases, such as boat tours, sunbed rental, coconuts, souvenirs, fuel at a gas station (in case you rent a car) and for tipping where necessary. I recommend withdrawing local currency from the ATMs at the airport or in Stone Town. There are ATMs also in other parts of the island, but they are often not working.
- Drinking water: Tap water in Zanzibar is not safe to drink. Drink bottled water or use a water purifier bottle like the one from Grayl to clean the tap water and thereby avoid creating plastic waste.
I hope you enjoyed reading this travel guide to Zanzibar and that you found it useful for planning your dream trip to the beautiful Spice Island of Tanzania!
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.
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