Zanzibar, known as the “Spice Island,” is a dream destination for anyone seeking sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters and a rich mix of cultures. I loved it here. Pairing a visit to Zanzibar with a safari in Tanzania offers a bucket list adventure you’ll never forget. Trust me. In this guide, I’ll share the best Zanzibar highlights, including an exhilarating helicopter tour and tips on booking a smooth package combining Zanzibar and a Tanzanian safari. This is the ultimate Zanzibar Travel Guide! Still deciding which coast to sleep on? I compare 6 areas and my favorite boutique hotels in my guide to the best place to stay in Zanzibar.

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Zanzibar Travel Guide: tips for a smooth trip

1. Best time to visit: the dry seasons run from June to October and from December to February. July is often considered the best month, especially if you combine your trip with the Great Migration safari in mainland Tanzania.
2. Travel insurance: since October 2024 Zanzibar requires a mandatory inbound insurance (44 US dollars per adult), bought online before you fly; mainland Tanzania followed in October 2026. It only covers the basics, so add proper travel insurance for medical care and evacuation.
3. Visa: most nationalities pay 50 US dollars for a Tanzanian tourist visa (US citizens pay 100 dollars), and it covers Zanzibar too. Apply online for an e-visa before you fly; visa on arrival is still possible.
4. Getting there: you land at Zanzibar airport (ZNZ). Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines fly in via Doha and Addis Ababa, and in high season some European cities have direct flights. From mainland Tanzania, take a domestic flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro, or a 1 to 2 hour ferry from Dar es Salaam.
5. Airport transfer: for a stress-free arrival, book your airport transfer in advance. Reliable, fixed prices and no haggling with taxi drivers.
6. Money: the Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted. Zanzibar runs largely on cash and ATMs are scarce outside Stone Town, so stock up in town.
7. Water: drink bottled or filtered water only and skip the tap.

Staying connected on Zanzibar is easy. I always travel with Saily, which lets you download an eSIM in minutes and stay connected as soon as you land. No roaming fees, no SIM card stress.

Stone Town | Zanzibar Travel Guide | Best Things to Do

Introduction to Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar is one of those places that sounds almost too good to be true. White sand, turquoise water, a UNESCO-listed old town with streets so narrow you have to turn sideways. Zanzibar is located about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania. Its largest island, locally known as Unguja, has been collecting visitors for centuries: first Arab traders, then European colonists, now tourists with carry-on luggage and high expectations. Pemba Island lies to the north; Mafia Island, further south, belongs to the mainland.

What makes it interesting is the layering of African, Arab and Indian cultures. Stone Town alone could keep you busy for days, all peeling doorways, spice merchants and mosques wedged between former slave markets. Then you drive about an hour east and you’re on a beach that looks photoshopped. Life here runs on island time, or pole pole (slowly), as the locals say. Zanzibar is not a hidden gem. But it earns the attention.

Palumbo Waves Hotel | Zanzibar hotels 

Stone Town: Zanzibar Travel Guide

Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a maze of narrow streets, colorful markets and carved wooden doors. Its architecture mixes Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences. Explore Darajani Market, the Old Fort and the former slave market, where you learn about the island’s history in the slave trade with the Middle East. Omani sultans held power here for centuries; I recently visited their homeland on my Oman road trip.

Kenyatta Road is the street for souvenirs and also home to Freddie Mercury’s childhood home. During our walk, I stumbled upon the Secret Garden restaurant: an ideal spot for a break. I skipped the strong Zanzibari coffee, since I get overly energetic after just 2 cups. For everyone’s safety. Locals often approach tourists in these streets, so a guided city tour makes it a lot easier, and your guide explains the local culture as you go. Always ask before you photograph people; some expect a small tip for a posed photo.

Zanzibar Travel Guide | Best things to do

Jozani Forest & The Rock

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the best place to spot the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, which lives nowhere else in the world. A visit takes about an hour, and you’re very likely to see them along the marked trails. Local guides spot them in seconds and explain the medicinal plants, the mangroves and the rainforest. Never touch or feed the monkeys. After your walk, treat yourself to lunch at Jozani Maridadi Restaurant!

My tip: groups are small and summer dates go quickly, so book ahead.

For lunch with a view, head to The Rock, the famous rock restaurant in the ocean at Michamvi Pingwe on the southeast coast. You walk there at low tide and take a boat at high tide; reserve your table in advance. Or simply admire it from the beach with a cold drink at the café and hotel The View like we did.

Snorkeling with The Mermaid Experience

The Mermaid Experience was an absolute highlight of my trip to Zanzibar! They leave from Matemwe on the northeast coast to find dolphins and snorkel with them, and they never chase or disturb the animals, unlike some other operators. Onboard, they serve a tasty and very photogenic fruit platter. You can see videos from this underwater adventure on my Instagram. This tour can only be booked through their Instagram account.

More time in the water? Zanzibar is surrounded by coral reefs full of marine life, so scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing and kayaking are all easy to arrange. Mnemba Island off Matemwe is a private island, but boat trips take you to snorkel the reef around it. Head south and the Blue Safari in the Menai Bay Conservation Area combines snorkeling, dolphin spotting and lazy hours on sandbanks.

WHERE TO STAY IN ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar Travel Guide: the best beaches

Zanzibar has pristine beaches for every type of traveler, and they are not all the same. The north coast is the liveliest. Nungwi and Kendwa sit next to each other on the northwest tip, with white sand, clear water you can swim in at any tide and the best nightlife on the island. Nungwi beach is also home to many of Zanzibar’s top hotels, including some luxurious hotels, plus beach bars and restaurants, so you won’t be in bed by 9 unless you want to be.

On Zanzibar’s east coast, Paje beach is the kitesurf spot. The wind is consistent, the beach is long, and this easygoing beach town never feels sleepy. Heading north, Matemwe is the opposite of Nungwi: local villages, smaller hotels and far fewer huge resorts. Better if you want a beach holiday that actually feels like a break. Not sure which area suits you? I compare them all in my guide to the best areas to stay in Zanzibar.

One thing that catches most people off guard: low tide on the east coast is dramatic. The ocean pulls back hundreds of meters, leaving tidal pools full of sea urchins and starfish. Worth timing at least one morning around it.

A practical note: beach boys are part of the experience. Friendly, persistent and everywhere. A firm but polite “no thank you” works fine. Negotiating is expected if you do want something.

Zito Spice Farm | Best Things to Do

Zito Spice Farm: Zanzibar Travel Guide

A trip to Zanzibar isn’t complete without a tour of one of the island’s spice farms. At Zito Spice Farm, you smell and taste vanilla, turmeric and ginger while learning how they’re grown. At the end, you can buy homemade soaps and even a locally made perfume called Coco No. 0 (a playful nod to Chanel No. 5). It smells so good! Everything is made with spices and flowers grown on the farm.

Sunset Cruise: Zanzibar Travel Guide

A romantic sunset cruise on a traditional dhow boat is a classic on Zanzibar. 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. In peak season the boats are often full.

Fun Facts about Zanzibar

Freddie Mercury was born on Zanzibar, and his childhood home in Stone Town is now a museum. The island owes its “Spice Island” nickname to its spice farms and the export of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.

“Jambo” means “hello,” and yes, “hakuna matata” really is a common phrase here. It mostly means “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 10 times in one hour, I realized it’s part of the everyday language here!

Best restaurants and street food on Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s cuisine is a fragrant mix of East African, Arabian, Indian and even Chinese influences. Seafood is the staple: fresh fish, lobster, prawns and octopus, grilled or cooked in coconut curries. In Stone Town, the evening food market in Forodhani Gardens is the place for the street food scene, with Zanzibar pizza, a stuffed and fried pancake, and Urojo, a spicy soup with bhajis and potatoes also known as Zanzibar mix. For dessert, try fresh pineapple, passionfruit and mango, or mandazi, a lightly spiced donut. My picks for local food: the Secret Garden in Stone Town for a break and Jozani Maridadi for lunch after the forest walk.

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

Take to the skies with State Aviation

For a bucket-list adventure, book a helicopter flight with State Aviation. During a 20 to 30 minute flight you glide over turquoise lagoons, palm plantations and endless white sand. I had never been in a helicopter before and was nervous, but the ride was smooth and not scary at all! 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 easy, thanks to daily flights of under an hour. Many lodges offer all-inclusive packages with airport transfers, game drives and boat safaris. We stayed at the Selous Kinga Lodge: no aircon, but spacious huts, delicious food and a pool.

Nyerere is one of Africa’s largest reserves, with fewer crowds than the parks up north. Spot elephants, lions, hippos and even rare wild dogs, and don’t skip a boat safari on the Rufiji River. Then fly back to Zanzibar’s white sand to unwind.

A safari in Nyerere National Park Tanzania | Best Things to Do

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 tall men in their bright red robes, carrying centuries-old traditions.

Hooked on the mix of safari and beach? I did the same in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, with elephants at Tembe Elephant Park, the Indian Ocean at Thonga Beach Lodge and the forest at Kosi Forest Lodge. And if your trip ends in Cape Town, save an afternoon for a long lunch at Delaire Graff in Stellenbosch, my favorite vineyard close to Cape Town.

Best boutique hotels on Zanzibar

Zanzibar has a great selection of intimate boutique hotels that offer a far more personal experience than the large beach resorts. We stayed at 2 lovely hotels close to the sea. I wish I could’ve stayed longer! The breakfast buffet was a treat every morning, and the dinners delicious. Pools with pool bars, so you can enjoy expertly shaken Margaritas in style! You’ll find both hotels, plus my picks per area, in my guide on where to stay in Zanzibar.

These are my top picks:

Be Zanzibar Boutique Hotel

Be Zanzibar Boutique Hotel sits right on the beach in Jambiani, with 19 rooms, beds made from dhow wood and a twisted palm over the Indian Ocean that also features in its logo. It’s part of the MICHELIN Guide hotel selection. This will be my pick when I return!

A safari in Nyerere National Park Tanzania | Best Things to Do

The Loop Beach Resort

The Loop Beach Resort sits right on the beach and offers a relaxed, community atmosphere. A good fit if you want easy access to the water without the crowds of the larger resorts.

Mala Boutique Hotel

Mala Boutique Hotel is a peaceful retreat with beautiful interiors and a calm, unhurried atmosphere. A great choice for couples or solo travelers looking for something more personal.

Tamu Tamu Boutique Hotel

Tamu Tamu Boutique Hotel means “very sweet” in Swahili, and it lives up to the name. Expect warm hospitality, thoughtful design and a handy location.

Zanziblue Boutique Villas

Zanziblue Boutique Villas offers private villa-style accommodation with stunning sea views. One of the most special places to stay on the island for a memorable Zanzibar trip.

What NOT to do on Zanzibar

Many tour operators sell trips to Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach, but I didn’t find these stops worth it. On Prison Island, you’ll see Aldabra giant tortoises, originally from the Seychelles islands. They’re part of important conservation efforts, but tourists often treat them with little respect, and the guards don’t seem to enforce any rules.

Nakupenda Beach is a sandbank a short boat ride from Stone Town, known for its white sand and coral reefs. However, it’s often overrun with tourists having lunch, especially in high season, and the snorkeling was a bit underwhelming during my visit.

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

Zanzibar Travel Guide: final thoughts

Choosing where to stay comes down to your interests: historic Stone Town for culture, Nungwi and Kendwa for beautiful beaches and nightlife, Paje for kitesurfing and a laid-back vibe.

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 is a conservative, mostly Muslim island, so dress modestly in public and cover your shoulders and knees as a woman. Don’t forget to lather on the SPF50 and some DEET. Hakuna Matata!

Zanzibar Travel Guide: Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do on Zanzibar?

The best things to do on Zanzibar include exploring Stone Town’s historic streets, visiting Jozani Forest to spot the red colobus monkey, snorkeling with dolphins, taking a sunset dhow cruise, touring a spice farm and a helicopter flight over the island. A combined Zanzibar and Tanzania safari package makes the trip complete.

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

The best time to visit Zanzibar is the long dry season from June to October, with sunshine and clear water for both the beach and a safari. December to February, the short dry season, is good too, but hotter, with daytime temperatures above 30°C (around 90°F). The rainy seasons run from March to May (long rains) and in November (short rains), with heavy downpours.

Is Zanzibar safe for solo female travelers?

Zanzibar is generally safe, but as a solo female traveler you will get approached regularly in public areas, particularly in Stone Town. I didn’t like walking around alone. Booking a guided tour, traveling with a friend or joining a group tour makes the experience much more relaxed. Always dress modestly in public, covering shoulders and knees, as Zanzibar follows Muslim norms and values.

Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?

Yes, most nationalities need a Tanzanian tourist visa, which also covers Zanzibar. It costs 50 US dollars (100 dollars for US citizens), and you can apply online for an e-visa before you fly. Visa on arrival is still possible at Zanzibar airport.

How do I get around Zanzibar?

Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore the island at your own pace, so compare car rental prices before you go. Dala-dalas, shared minibuses, are the cheapest option but often crowded, so they suit adventurous budget travelers. Tuk-tuks and taxis work for shorter distances.