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About Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a historic cultural crossroads where African, Arabic, and Indian influences meet against a backdrop of white sand beaches and turquoise Indian Ocean waters. The island's historic heart, Stone Town, is famous for its maze of spice-scented alleys, carved mahogany doors, and historical sites like the Old Fort and the Anglican Cathedral. Beyond the town, visitors flock to northeastern and eastern beach towns such as Nungwi and Paje for world-class diving, kitesurfing, and relaxation. The island is also renowned for its inland spice plantations and Jozani-Chwaka National Park, home to the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
When to go
Zanzibar is at its best in the dry season for beaches, spice markets and calm water.
The dry season from June to October is widely considered the best time to visit Zanzibar, featuring low rainfall, clear skies, and comfortable average temperatures around 25°C (77°F). However, this period coincides with safari high season, resulting in larger crowds and higher prices, especially during the kitesurfing season in July and August. Cultural travelers often target July to experience the International Film Festival and the Mwaka Kogwa festival. Conversely, the heavy long rains arrive between March and May, leading many seasonal hotels and restaurants to close.
Pick a neighbourhood.
Zanzibar offers diverse areas to stay, ranging from the historic cultural heart of Stone Town to vibrant or tranquil beach towns across its coastline.
The historical old heart and soul of Zanzibar Town features a maze of narrow alleyways, Omani Arab architecture like the Old Fort, and lively street food gatherings at Forodhani Gardens.
Located on the northern coast, Kendwa offers a wide swimmable beach around the clock with a party atmosphere that ratchets up during the full moon.
Situated at Zanzibar's northern tip, Nungwi mixes traditional dhow building and local village life with western-style hotels and lively evening activities.
This east-coast village provides a chilled vibe with powdery sands, glimpses of local village life, and close proximity to Mnemba's snorkelling reef.
Located on the southeast coast, Jambiani offers insights into local life alongside turquoise waters, coral-rag houses, and a 230m soft sand beachfront.
Known specifically as a prime east-coast destination for kitesurfing and active beachgoers.
A quiet and more isolated area on the east coast, Pongwe is ideal for getting away from crowds with its lush tropical beach gardens and coral rock banks.
Situated on the less developed south coast, Kizimkazi features low coral cliffs and eco-boutique properties nestled in lush gardens.
The things worth planning around.
Zanzibar offers a mix of historic stone alleyways, vibrant local markets, rare wildlife, and clear tropical waters.
Wandering this historic quarter reveals intricately carved mahogany doors, leaning timber balconies, and Omani-influenced architecture.
This waterfront gathering spot serves evening dishes like grilled octopus skewers, urojo soup, and rice-flour bread alongside cheap Arabic coffee.
Zanzibar's only national park features forest trails and protects the rare, endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
Located off the northeast coast near Matemwe, this marine reserve offers clear waters for snorkeling and diving among parrotfish, turtles, and dolphins.
Guided half-day farm visits offer interactive tastings of local crops including cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Built over the former slave trading market, this historic location features underground holding chambers and a memorial exhibit.
Traditional wooden boats set sail from Kendwa or Stone Town, providing evening ocean views accompanied by snacks and taarab music.
Built by Omani Arabs in 1698 after expelling the Portuguese, this massive fortification now operates as a market and theater venue.
Come hungry.
Zanzibar offers a diverse dining scene ranging from vibrant night markets and spice-infused street food to iconic seaside dining destinations.
This waterfront open-air market in Stone Town comes alive after 5 PM with dozens of stalls selling affordable local seafood, skewers, and street snacks.
A popular street food crepe filled with ingredients like beef, egg, vegetables, mayonnaise, and melted cheese, fried crisp on a hot surface.
Perched off Michamvi Pingwe Beach, this famous dining venue is accessible on foot at low tide or by boat at high tide, offering seafood with Italian influences.
Situated high above Stone Town, this rooftop venue serves authentic local cuisine alongside views of the old town rooftops and sunset over the ocean.
Also known as Zanzibar Mix, this soup combines potatoes, chickpeas, bhajia, and kachori floating in a spicy curry chutney topped with crispy fried cassava.
This Unguja island specialty features octopus slices simmered in a coconut milk cream spiced with turmeric and coriander.
Located in Zanzibar City, this spot is celebrated for serving traditional black Ethiopian Arabica coffee spiced with fresh cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
These popular local skewers consist of beef or chicken marinated in spices and grilled over charcoal.
Climate
Climate data: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0).
Ready when you are
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