Tanzania • The Spice Island
A sun-drenched archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 15 to 30 miles off the coast of Tanzania — where world-class beaches meet centuries of Swahili, Omani, Persian, Indian and European heritage.
6.1659° S, 39.2026° E
PARADISE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
01 — Overview
The “Spice Island” — the ultimate post-safari retreat, or a destination in its own right.
Zanzibar is anchored by the main island of Unguja — usually simply called Zanzibar — and its northern sister island Pemba. This tropical enclave seamlessly blends beach luxury with centuries of Swahili, Omani, Persian, Indian and European heritage.
Renowned around the world as the "Spice Island", Zanzibar is either the perfect coastal retreat after a safari or Kilimanjaro climb, or a standalone destination for beach lovers, history enthusiasts, ocean adventurers and foodies alike.
Destination Essentials
Planning a trip to Zanzibar takes a few practical steps to ensure a smooth arrival and stay.
Zanzibar is warm year-round. June–October is the cool dry season, perfect for beaches and sightseeing; December–February is hot and dry, ideal for diving and water sports. The long rains fall March–May; the short November rains pass quickly.
All foreign visitors need a Tanzania Tourist Visa — apply on the official Tanzanian e-Visa portal before departure or on arrival at major entry points. Check current requirements for mandatory inbound travel insurance or health declarations.
A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory if arriving from or transiting a country with Yellow Fever risk. Malaria precautions are recommended — carry DEET repellent and ask your doctor about prophylaxis. Drink bottled or purified water.
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US Dollars issued after 2009 are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and tour agencies. Card terminals are rare outside major resorts; ATMs are mostly in Stone Town and larger towns.
Swahili is the official language and English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. A few Swahili greetings go a long way with locals.
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Swimwear is fine at resorts and on the beach, but cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town, villages and markets. Public drinking outside licensed bars and hotels is discouraged.
The everyday greeting
You will hear it everywhere
“Thank you very much”
The island pace of life
02 — Coasts & Regions
Each region of Unguja Island has a distinct personality, coastline and tidal profile. Pick your base by whether you want energy, tranquillity or water sports.
Choosing your coastal vibe
Each region of Unguja has its own personality, coastline and tides. Choose your base by the holiday you want — lively, tranquil or active.
| Region | Beaches | Tides | Vibe | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Coast | Nungwi & Kendwa | Swim all day | Lively, social, resorts | Couples, nightlife, luxury |
| Northeast Coast | Matemwe, Kiwengwa & Pongwe | Moderate | Exclusive, serene | Honeymooners, divers |
| Southeast Coast | Paje, Jambiani & Michamvi | Dramatic low tides | Bohemian, active, eco | Kitesurfers, budget, nomads |
| West Coast | Stone Town | Harbour town | Historic, cultural | 1–2 night stopovers |
03 — Marine Life & Wildlife
Zanzibar's only national park, Jozani Chwaka Bay, protects the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey — found nowhere else on Earth — alongside Sykes' monkeys, bushbabies, more than 40 bird species and a mangrove boardwalk.
Offshore, the reefs of Mnemba Atoll and Menai Bay are home to green sea turtles, resident bottlenose dolphins, blue-spotted rays and colourful reef fish, while Prison Island shelters a colony of Aldabra giant tortoises, some well over 100 years old.
Activities & Excursions
From marine conservation and history to adventure and food — the island’s most iconic experiences.
04 — Weather
Zanzibar enjoys a warm tropical climate all year. June to October is the cool dry season, perfect for the beach and sightseeing, while December to February is hot and dry — ideal for diving and water sports. The long, heavy rains come from March to May; the short rains of November usually pass quickly.
June to October & December to February
March to May & November
Transportation
| Mode of transport | Best for | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private airport transfers | Arrival & departure | Pre-book through your hotel or driver; flat rates, with pick-up outside the ZNZ terminal or ferry pier. |
| Local taxis | Point-to-point travel | No meters — agree the fare in USD or TZS before you get in. |
| Car rental / scooters | Independent exploring | Drive on the left. You need an International Driving Permit plus a local temporary permit (about $10, arranged by the rental agency). Expect police checkpoints. |
| Dala-dalas (minibuses) | Budget travellers | Open-air local minibuses on fixed routes between Stone Town and coastal villages — very cheap and authentic, but crowded and slow. |
| Ferries (Azam Marine) | Mainland connections | High-speed ferries link Dar es Salaam and Stone Town in about 1.5–2 hours, several times a day. |
05 — Location
Unguja lies in the Indian Ocean off Tanzania’s coast, a short flight from Arusha, Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti.
Zanzibar
Open in Google MapsTravel Itinerary Options
Two ready-made ideas — a quick highlight trip and the full island experience. We tailor either one to your dates and budget.
Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume Airport and check in to Stone Town. Heritage walking tour, then dinner at the Forodhani Gardens night market.
Morning at Prison Island with the giant tortoises, an afternoon spice farm tour, then transfer north to Nungwi for a sunset dhow cruise.
Relax on Nungwi Beach and swim in the non-tidal water before your flight or ferry.
Explore Stone Town and enjoy a rooftop dinner overlooking the harbour.
Full-day Safari Blue sailing trip in Menai Bay, then transfer to the east coast (Paje or Jambiani).
Morning in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park; lunch at The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi.
Kitesurfing lesson, ocean kayaking, or a lazy day on the beach in Paje or Jambiani.
Transfer to the north coast via a spice farm tour.
Morning snorkelling charter to Mnemba Atoll; afternoon on Kendwa Beach with sunset cocktails.
Shop for spices, kanga fabrics and Tanzanite in Stone Town before your flight.
More Facts
Zanzibar caters to every style and budget — from barefoot eco-lodges to palace hotels.
5-star properties in Nungwi, Kendwa and Matemwe with private plunge pools, spas, butler service and private beach access.
Low-impact wooden villas and thatched bungalows in Paje, Jambiani and Michamvi, focused on sustainability, farm-to-table Swahili food and intimate service.
Restored Omani palaces and Swahili merchant houses with courtyard pools, carved poster beds and rooftop breakfast terraces.
Budget-friendly, social stays steps from the water in Paje and Nungwi, with shared kitchens and group excursions.
Safari & Beach
Most of our travellers finish a Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari — or a Kilimanjaro climb — with a few days on Zanzibar. We arrange the flight, transfers and your beach stay in one plan.
06 — FAQ
Practical answers for planning your island stay.
Zanzibar is warm year-round. The dry seasons — June to October (cool and dry, perfect for beaches and sightseeing) and December to February (hot and dry, ideal for diving and water sports) — bring clear skies and low humidity. The long rains fall from March to May; the short November rains usually pass quickly.
Yes. All foreign visitors need a Tanzania Tourist Visa, available on the official Tanzanian e-Visa portal before departure or on arrival at major entry points. Also check current requirements for inbound travel insurance or health declarations.
The north coast (Nungwi & Kendwa) is lively with swimming all day; the northeast (Matemwe, Kiwengwa) is quiet and close to Mnemba Atoll; the southeast (Paje, Jambiani, Michamvi) has dramatic tides, kitesurfing and eco-lodges; Stone Town is ideal for 1–2 nights of history and culture.
Fly into Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ) from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti or Dar es Salaam, or take a high-speed Azam Marine ferry from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town in about 1.5–2 hours.
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, and US Dollars issued after 2009 are widely accepted. Cash is king — card terminals are rare outside major resorts and ATMs are mostly in Stone Town and larger towns.
Swimwear is fine at resorts and on the beach. In Stone Town, villages and markets, cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for local culture, as Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim.
Yes, with sensible precautions. Take malaria precautions (DEET repellent and advice on prophylaxis from your doctor), drink bottled or purified water, and bring a Yellow Fever certificate if you arrive from or transit a country with Yellow Fever risk.
Pre-booked private transfers are easiest. Taxis have no meters, so agree the fare first; car or scooter rental needs an International Driving Permit plus a local temporary permit; dala-dala minibuses are cheap but crowded.
A Stone Town heritage walk, the Safari Blue dhow cruise, snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll, a spice farm tour, the red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, the giant tortoises on Prison Island, a meal at The Rock and a sunset dhow cruise.
Absolutely — it is the classic way to finish a Tanzania trip. Our Safari & Zanzibar packages include the domestic flight, transfers and your beach stay after the safari.
Explore the destination
Finish your safari or Kilimanjaro climb on the beach — our combinations include the flight, transfers and your Zanzibar stay.
Explore Trekking Adventure
Tell us your dates and the kind of beach holiday you want. We’ll match you with the right coast, hotel and excursions — with no pressure to book.
Explore Trekking Adventure
Explore Trekking Adventure (ETA) offers expertly guided treks, authentic cultural experiences, and responsible travel. With local knowledge, quality gear, and personalized service, ETA ensures safe, unforgettable journeys across East Africa.
Selected accommodation
Beach resorts, boutique hotels and Stone Town gems we know and trust.
