Zanzibar Travel Guide

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of mainland Tanzania, part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Its main island, Unguja — commonly called Zanzibar Island — is the destination most visitors mean when they say 'Zanzibar.' A smaller inhabited island, Pemba, lies to the north and is known for its diving.

The archipelago's character is defined by its layered history. For centuries it was a hub of Indian Ocean trade, successively shaped by Shirazi Persian, Omani Arab, Indian, and later British colonial influence, all of which fused with Bantu African culture to produce the distinct Swahili civilization visible in the architecture, cuisine, language, and daily rhythms of the islands.

Today Zanzibar balances two very different draws. Stone Town, the historic core of Unguja, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow lanes, coral-stone buildings, carved wooden doors, and vibrant markets. A short drive in almost any direction brings you to beaches fronted by the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean — each coast with its own character, from the lively north to the wind-swept kitesurfing flats of the southeast.

The island is also genuinely bio-diverse. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park protects the only wild population of the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey, while Mnemba Atoll offshore ranks among East Africa's finest snorkeling and diving sites.

Visas and Entry

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania, including Zanzibar. Entry requirements can change; do not rely on secondhand accounts. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current requirements directly with the Tanzania Immigration Services Department before you travel.

Health

Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country; carry your certificate. Malaria is present on Zanzibar — consult a travel health clinic or doctor about prophylaxis well before departure. Up-to-date routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid) are also commonly recommended. Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled or filtered water is widely available.

Money

ATMs are available in Stone Town; availability outside the capital is limited, so carry sufficient cash if venturing to remote beaches or villages. Many tour operators and mid-range to upmarket hotels quote prices in US dollars and accept card payments, but small guesthouses and street vendors typically deal in Tanzanian Shillings. Check with your bank about foreign transaction fees.

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable clothing; modest dress for Stone Town and mosques
• A light layer or rain jacket even in dry season — sea breezes can be cool at night
• High-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe formulations are encouraged near Mnemba Atoll)
• Insect repellent
• Any prescription medications you need, as specific brands may be hard to source

By Air

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), located a few kilometres south of Stone Town, receives direct international flights from several regional hubs, including Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, and Dubai, among others. Connections from Europe, North America, and Australia typically involve at least one transit. Check current routes and schedules with airlines or a booking platform, as service changes seasonally.

By Ferry from Dar es Salaam

High-speed passenger ferries run regularly between the Dar es Salaam ferry terminal and Stone Town's port. The crossing takes roughly two hours on fast services. Schedules, operators, and ticket prices change — buy tickets in advance during peak season and verify departure times on arrival. Luggage limits apply; confirm these with your operator. Note that the crossing can be rough during the rainy season.

Port Entry

Whether arriving by air or sea, immigration and customs formalities are processed on Zanzibar. Have your documentation — passport, visa (if obtained in advance), return or onward ticket, and yellow fever certificate if applicable — readily accessible.

Dalla-dallas (Shared Minibuses)

Dalla-dallas are the local shared minibus network and the most affordable way to travel between Stone Town and the island's villages and beach areas. Fares are very low; verify the fare before boarding. They can be crowded but offer an authentic slice of daily life.

Taxis and Tuk-tuks

Private taxis and tuk-tuks operate throughout Stone Town and in resort areas. There are no meters, so agree on the fare before you set off. Your hotel can usually recommend a reliable driver or help arrange a car for a day trip.

Scooters and Bicycles

Renting a scooter or bicycle is a popular choice for independent travelers, particularly in beach areas like Nungwi and Paje. Road quality varies considerably outside main routes; exercise caution, wear a helmet, and verify the rental includes third-party insurance.

Organized Day Tours

Most hotels and guesthouses can arrange guided excursions — spice farm tours, dolphin-watching trips to Kizimkazi, snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, and Prison Island visits. Comparing a few operators on price and inclusions is worthwhile, especially in Stone Town where tours are heavily marketed to arriving visitors.

Getting Between Unguja and Pemba

Small aircraft and ferry services connect Unguja to Pemba Island. Schedules are limited; book ahead and reconfirm closer to travel, as services are subject to change.

Stone Town

The UNESCO-listed historic quarter rewards slow, aimless walking. Specific landmarks worth finding include the House of Wonders (Beit el-Ajaib), the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), the Sultan's Palace Museum, and the former slave market site, now home to an Anglican cathedral and a sobering memorial. The carved wooden doors that line the lanes are a signature of Zanzibari architecture — many are centuries old and tell stories through their decorative motifs.

Beaches

• Nungwi (north): One of the island's most popular resort stretches; the northern tip largely avoids the tidal extremes that expose seagrass on other coasts, making it swimmable at most times of day.
• Kendwa (north): A short walk or boat ride from Nungwi; somewhat quieter, known for full-moon beach parties.
• Paje (southeast): Flat, shallow lagoon and consistent trade winds make this East Africa's most established kitesurfing destination. Several schools offer lessons for all levels.
• Matemwe (northeast): Quieter, with views across to Mnemba Atoll.

Mnemba Atoll

Located off the northeast coast, the atoll's reef is one of the healthiest in the region and supports dolphins, sea turtles, and a wide array of reef fish. Day trips for snorkeling are bookable from several beach areas; certified divers can arrange excursions through dive operators based in Nungwi, Matemwe, and Stone Town.

Jozani Forest

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, in the island's interior, is the only place in the world to see the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey in the wild. Guided walks through the forest are available; an entrance fee applies (verify the current amount locally). Early morning visits typically yield the best wildlife sightings.

Prison Island (Changuu Island)

A short boat ride from Stone Town, the island hosts a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises — some reportedly over a century old. The ruins of the former quarantine station and prison buildings are also explorable. Boat trips and entry fees are best confirmed through local operators.

Spice Farm Tours

Zanzibar's historic identity as the 'Spice Island' is still tangible in its working farms. Tours typically include guided walks through clove, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, and cinnamon trees, with the chance to taste and purchase fresh spices. Quality and depth of experience varies between operators — ask your accommodation for a recommendation.

What to Eat

Zanzibari cuisine reflects the island's trading history: Arab, Indian, and African influences combine in dishes built around local seafood, coconut, and the island's own spices. Key dishes to try:

• Biryani: Fragrant rice dishes spiced with locally grown cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon — a staple at local restaurants and family tables.
• Grilled seafood: Octopus, lobster, kingfish, and prawns freshly grilled over charcoal are widely available, especially in coastal areas.
• Zanzibar pizza: A misleadingly named street-food item — a thin, folded crepe cooked on a griddle and stuffed with combinations of minced meat, egg, vegetables, and cheese. Found primarily in Stone Town.
• Pilau: Spiced rice cooked with meat, a common everyday dish.
• Urojo (Zanzibar mix): A tangy, complex soup-like snack sold by street vendors, combining fried dough, potatoes, mango, and various chutneys.

Forodhani Night Market

The gardens along Stone Town's waterfront come alive after dark with a string of charcoal grills and food stalls. This is one of the most enjoyable and affordable ways to eat in Stone Town — try the grilled seafood skewers, fresh sugar cane juice, and Zanzibar pizza on the spot. Go early in the evening for the freshest options and smaller crowds.

Drinks

Fresh tropical fruit juices are excellent and widely available. Locally brewed coffee, often spiced, is served at cafés in Stone Town. Alcohol is available at hotels, beach bars, and licensed restaurants, though Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim community — drink only in appropriate venues and be mindful of local sensibilities. Bottled water is recommended over tap water throughout the island.

Emergency Contacts

Verify current emergency contact numbers locally upon arrival. Tanzania's general emergency services number and the nearest hospital to your accommodation should be confirmed at check-in. Your travel insurance provider's 24-hour line is an important number to keep accessible.

Connectivity

Local SIM cards offering data are available at the airport and in Stone Town; bring an unlocked phone. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many cafés in Stone Town, though speeds and reliability vary. Coverage becomes patchy in more remote beach areas.

Electricity

Zanzibar uses the British-standard three-pin plug (Type G) at 230V/50Hz. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use other plug types.

Tipping

Tipping is not formally required but is customary and meaningful given local wage levels. A modest tip for guides, drivers, and restaurant servers is appreciated. Some tour operators add a service charge — check your bill before adding an additional tip.

Official Tourism Information

For the most current entry requirements, health advisories, and official tourism guidance, consult the Tanzania Tourist Board (tanzaniatourism.go.tz — verify the URL is current) and your own government's foreign travel advisory.

Zanzibar is generally considered safe for tourists, and serious crime against visitors is not a defining feature of the destination. That said, petty theft — bag snatching, pickpocketing — does occur in Stone Town and on busy beaches, particularly after dark. Keep valuables secured, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or cameras unnecessarily, and be alert on quieter lanes at night.

Swimming safety varies significantly by coast and tidal state. Some beaches, particularly on the east coast, have strong currents or sharp coral at low tide. Ask locally about conditions before entering the water, and observe any flags or warnings where they are posted. The north coast (Nungwi, Kendwa) is generally calmer but currents can be unpredictable anywhere.

Boat trips — to Prison Island, Mnemba Atoll, or for dolphin watching — are generally well-established tourist activities, but standards vary between operators. Prefer operators whose boats carry life jackets and who do not appear to overload vessels. The dolphin-watching boats at Kizimkazi in particular have received criticism for harassing animals; consider choosing operators who maintain a respectful distance.

Always check your home government's current travel advisory for Tanzania before and during your trip, as the situation on the ground can evolve.

Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim society, and Islamic traditions shape the rhythm of daily life — particularly in Stone Town and rural villages. The call to prayer is a constant presence, and Ramadan observance affects the hours and availability of food, services, and entertainment. Travelers are welcome but should be sensitive to local practice during this period.

Dress modestly when visiting Stone Town, markets, mosques, or any village away from the beach. Covering shoulders and knees is a simple courtesy that is genuinely appreciated. Swimwear is appropriate on tourist beaches but not in town.

Photography of people, especially women, should always be preceded by asking permission. In the Forodhani market or busy lanes, a smile and a gesture go a long way. Many locals are happy to be photographed; others prefer not to be, and that preference should be respected without negotiation.

Zanzibar's Swahili language and culture extend well beyond a few tourist phrases, but even basic greetings — jambo (hello), asante (thank you), karibu (welcome) — are warmly received and visibly appreciated by local people.