Zanzibar Travel Guide: including a Tanzania Safari

Zanzibar, known as the “Spice Island,” is a dream destination for anyone seeking sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. Pairing a visit to Zanzibar with a safari in Tanzania offers a bucket list adventure you’ll never forget. In this guide, I’ll share the must-see Zanzibar highlights, including an exhilarating helicopter tour and tips on booking a seamless package combining Zanzibar and a Tanzanian safari. This is my Zanzibar Travel Guide!

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Tips for a Smooth Trip – Zanzibar Travel Guide

Best time to visit: June to October is the ideal season for a safari and beach combination. Zanzibar’s dry seasons (June–October and December–February) are perfect for sunshine and clear waters.
Health and safety: Stay up to date on vaccinations and consider malaria prophylaxis. Always drink bottled water.
Currency: While the Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, US Dollars are widely accepted in both Zanzibar and Tanzania.
Visa requirements: Most nationalities can apply for an e-visa to enter Tanzania and Zanzibar. Check your specific requirements before traveling.

Stone Town | Zanzibar Travel Guide | Best Things to Do

Fun Facts

Freddie Mercury was born on Zanzibar, and his childhood home in Stone Town is now a museum. The island is also known as the “Spice Island” due to its many spice farms and the export of products like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Zanzibar is a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, as it is surrounded by stunning coral reefs.

“Jambo” means “hello,” and yes, “hakuna matata” really is a common phrase here. It translates to many things, but mostly “no worries,” “it’s all good,” or simply “have a nice day.” The first time I heard “hakuna matata,” I thought someone was joking, but after hearing it about ten times in one hour, I realized it’s genuinely part of the language here!

Palumbo Waves Hotel | Zanzibar hotels

Stone Town – Zanzibar Travel Guide

Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar, is a maze of narrow streets, colorful markets, and ancient buildings. Explore highlights like the Darajani Market, the Old Fort, and the beautifully carved wooden doors. At the former slave market and its museum, you can learn about the island’s turbulent history. For years, Zanzibar was one of the key locations in Africa for the slave trade with the Middle East. Omani sultans (who ruled here for centuries and where I recently visited) held significant power on the island.

MY TRIP TO OMAN

Stone Town is also a great place to shop for souvenirs, especially along Kenyatta Road, which is home to Freddie Mercury’s childhood home. During our walk, I stumbled upon the charming Secret Garden restaurant: an ideal spot for a break. Don’t miss the chance to taste authentic, strong Zanzibari coffee at one of the many coffee shops. Since I get overly energetic after just two cups, I skipped this for everyone’s safety and well-being… As locals often approach tourists in the streets, I recommend booking a guided city tour for a more relaxed experience. It’s the perfect way to fully enjoy Stone Town’s unique charm.

A GUIDED STONE TOWN TOUR

Zanzibar Travel Guide | Best things to do

Jozani Forest & The Rock

Jozani National Park is the only place in the world where you can spot the red colobus monkey. These playful monkeys have grown accustomed to curious tourists, so you’ll definitely be able to admire them up close. During a guided walk, you’ll learn about the vital ecosystem of the mangroves and rainforest. Always remember: never touch or feed wild animals, as this disrupts their natural behavior and can harm their way of life. After your walk, treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Jozani Maridadi Restaurant!

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR AT JOZANI FOREST

For a truly unique dining experience, head to The Rock, a one-of-a-kind restaurant perched in the middle of the ocean. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the island. You can reserve a table for a memorable lunch or dinner, or simply admire this iconic location from the beach while enjoying a cold drink at the charming café and hotel The View.

Snorkeling with The Mermaid Experience

The Mermaid Experience was an absolute highlight of my trip to Zanzibar! This organization takes you on a magical journey to search for dolphins and snorkel with them. They prioritize the well-being of the animals and will never chase or disturb them, unlike some other operators. What an unforgettable experience! You can see videos from this underwater adventure on my Instagram. Onboard, they serve a delicious and incredibly photogenic fruit platter for everyone to enjoy. This tour can only be booked through their Instagram account.

Discover Pristine Beaches

Zanzibar’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. From the powdery white sands of Nungwi to the tranquil shores of Kendwa, each beach offers its own charm. Relax under swaying palm trees, indulge in fresh seafood, or take part in water sports like snorkeling and kite surfing.

THE BEST RENTAL CARS IN ZANZIBAR

Zito Spice Farm | Zanzibar Guide

Zito Spice Farm – Zanzibar Travel Guide

A trip to Zanzibar isn’t complete without a tour of one of the island’s many spice farms. At Zito Spice Farm, you’ll be guided through the fields where you can smell and taste exotic spices like vanilla, turmeric, and ginger, while learning how they are cultivated. At the end of the tour, you can purchase homemade soaps and even a locally made perfume called Coco No. 0 (a playful nod to Chanel No. 5). It smells amazing! Everything is crafted using the spices and flowers grown right on the farm.

BOOK A SPICE FARM EXCURSION

Sunset Cruise – Zanzibar Travel Guide

A romantic sunset cruise on a traditional dhow boat is highly recommended. As the sun slowly sets over the Indian Ocean, you can enjoy snacks, a cold beer, or a lovely glass of African wine and sometimes there’s even live music on board.

BOOK A SUNSET BOAT TOUR

A bucket-list helicopter flight with State Aviation | Zanzibar Guide

Take to the skies with State Aviation

For a true bucket-list adventure, book a helicopter flight with State Aviation. This exhilarating experience gives you a bird’s-eye view of Zanzibar’s incredible landscapes. Glide over turquoise lagoons, lush palm plantations, and endless stretches of white sand during a 20–30-minute flight. Having never been in a helicopter before, I was initially nervous, but the ride was incredibly smooth and not scary at all! The dazzling shades of blue and green below made it worth every second. If you’re prone to motion sickness, a travel tablet might give peace of mind, but I didn’t need it after all.

Helicopter view | Zanzibar Travel Guide | Best Things to Do

How to Book a Zanzibar and Safari Package

Combining Zanzibar with a 3-day visit to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) is quick and easy, thanks to daily flights under an hour. Many lodges offer all-inclusive packages with airport transfers, guided game drives, and boat safaris, so everything is arranged for you. We stayed at the Selous Kinga Lodge and even though we had no aircon, this place was beautiful with spacious huts, delicious food and a pool.

Nyerere is one of Africa’s largest and most diverse reserves, with fewer crowds than other parks. Spot elephants, lions, hippos, and even rare wild dogs in their natural habitat. Don’t miss a boat safari along the Rufiji River for a unique perspective on the wildlife. After the adventure, head back to Zanzibar’s white sands and turquoise waters to unwind. This combination of safari excitement and beach relaxation is unforgettable!

ROOMS AND RATES SELOUS KINGA LODGE

A safari in Nyerere National Park Tanzania

I’ve been fascinated by the Maasai for years, a nomadic tribe primarily living in East Africa. It was an honor to be guided by these incredibly tall people, dressed in their stunning red robes and carrying centuries-old traditions.

MY STAY AT THE THONGA BEACH LODGE

A safari in Nyerere National Park Tanzania

MY STAY AT TEMBE ELEPHANT PARK

Zanzibar hotels: where to stay?

We stayed at two wonderful hotels in Zanzibar. The first, Palumbo Waves Hotel, isn’t beachfront but offers a huge pool and a fantastic rooftop bar serving delicious cocktails. The comfortable rooms overlook the pool and sea, perfect for sunset views. And the restaurant is excellent!

Our second hotel, Palumbo Mnemba View, was my favorite. Right by the sea, it’s even more beautiful than the photos and beautifully designed. I wish I could’ve stayed longer! The breakfast buffet is a treat every morning, and the dinners are delicious. With two pools, one featuring a pool bar, you can enjoy expertly shaken Margaritas in style!

THE BEST HOTELS IN ZANZIBAR

Restaurant The Rock | Zanzibar Travel Guide | Best Things to Do

What NOT to do?

Many tour operators offer trips to Prison Island and Nakupenda Island, but I didn’t find these stops worth it. On Prison Island, you’ll see giant tortoises, but tourists treat them with little respect, and the guards don’t seem to enforce any rules. I’ve heard this was the case last year as well, so it doesn’t look like much has changed. Nakupenda Island is a stunning sandbank, but it’s overrun with tourists having lunch. Also, the snorkeling here was a bit underwhelming.

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN ZANZIBAR

The combination of lounging on a sunbed by the pool or the sea and an adventurous safari in Tanzania makes for an unforgettable trip. It’s like walking around in an Instagram filter all day! As a female solo traveler, I’m not sure I’d feel completely at ease here since you do get approached quite a bit. However, with a package trip, a friend, partner, or a group tour, you’re bound to have the time of your life. Zanzibar follows Muslim norms and values, so dress modestly when in public and make sure to cover your shoulders and knees as a woman. Don’t forget to lather on the SPF50 and some DEET, and soak up all these unique experiences. Hakuna Matata!