Dream Beaches
Powder-white sand and turquoise water at Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and many more beaches around the island.
Tanzania Islands
Zanzibar
Dazzling white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, the winding alleys of Stone Town and the scent of cloves and cinnamon: Zanzibar is the perfect island finale to any Tanzania safari.
- Location
- Indian Ocean, off Tanzania
- Known For
- Beaches & Stone Town
- Size
- About 2,462 km²
- Best Time
- June – October, Dec – Feb
Discover Zanzibar
The Spice Island of the Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar enchants and beguiles with its oriental mystique and forgotten exoticism. The very name evokes the Spice Islands and the dhow trade, sultans and palaces built of limestone and coral against palm trees and crashing surf. Covering about 2,462 km², it is an unrivalled, scenic and breathtaking place to spend your holiday.
The island is famed for dazzling sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and coral reefs, but it offers much more: laid-back beach life, water sports, history and culture in Stone Town, wildlife in Jozani Forest and fragrant spice tours. From the spectacular beaches of Nungwi to the magnificent Stone Town, Zanzibar truly feels like paradise on Earth.
Why Zanzibar
A cocktail of beach, culture and nature.
Whatever your interests, Zanzibar adds a perfect finishing touch to your Tanzania adventure.
Historic Stone Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow alleys, carved doors, palaces and markets.
Spice Tours
Visit a spice farm and learn how cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and cardamom are grown and used.
Dolphins & Red Colobus
Swim with dolphins at Kizimkazi and meet the rare Kirk's red colobus monkeys of Jozani Forest.
Location
Where is Zanzibar?
Zanzibar lies in the Indian Ocean about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania. Unguja, commonly called Zanzibar Island, is the largest island of the archipelago, with Pemba to the north and Mafia to the south.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport receives direct international flights and short connections from Arusha, the Serengeti, Nyerere and Dar es Salaam. Fast ferries also link Stone Town with Dar es Salaam in about two hours.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Zanzibar story.
Zanzibar's climate is good throughout the year, with temperatures averaging 21 to 30°C.
Dry Season
The most popular time to visit, with sunny days, cooler breezes and calm seas. July is the coolest month.
Hot & Dry
Hot, sunny weather perfect for beaches and diving. February is the hottest month.
Short Rains
Brief showers and fewer visitors, with lush scenery.
Long Rains
The wettest months, with heavy showers, lower prices and very quiet beaches.
What is the best month to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar can be visited year-round, but each month brings different weather and sea conditions.
Hot and sunny, ideal for beaches and diving.
The hottest month, with calm seas and clear water.
Long rains begin mid-month; good value.
The wettest month; many hotels offer low rates.
Rains ease late in the month; quiet beaches.
Dry season begins, with pleasant breezes.
The coolest month, sunny and comfortable.
Dry and sunny, a perfect safari-and-beach month.
Excellent weather and clear water.
Warm and dry, great for diving and snorkelling.
Short rains bring brief showers.
Hot and sunny again, with festive-season visitors.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Zanzibar.
Each corner of the island offers a different experience.
West coastStone TownThe historic capital, with the slave market, Freddie Mercury House, the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace and Darajani market.
North coastNungwi & KendwaFamous beaches where swimming is possible at any tide, with spectacular sunsets.
Central islandJozani ForestThe last substantial remnant of indigenous forest, home to Kirk's red colobus monkeys and mangrove walks.
South & eastKizimkazi & PajeDolphin trips at Kizimkazi, kitesurfing at Paje and The Rock restaurant on its own rock in the sea.
Wildlife
Island wildlife, from reef to forest.
The Jozani Forest Reserve protects the last substantial remnant of Zanzibar's indigenous forest and is home to Kirk's red colobus monkeys, a primate unique to Zanzibar, along with excellent birdlife including the lovely Fischer's turaco.
Off the southwestern tip at Kizimkazi, humpback and bottlenose dolphins are known residents, and it may be possible to swim with them. Coral reefs around the island teem with tropical fish, turtles and colourful marine life.
8 animals to look for
Kirk's red colobus
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Jozani Forest
A rare monkey found only on Zanzibar, easily seen in Jozani.
1 / 8
Bottlenose dolphin
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Kizimkazi, southwest coast
Resident dolphins seen on morning boat trips.
2 / 8
Humpback dolphin
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Kizimkazi
Also resident in the area, though less often seen.
3 / 8
Green turtle
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Reefs and Mnemba Atoll
Often seen while snorkelling around the reefs.
4 / 8
Aldabra giant tortoise
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Prison Island
Giant tortoises live on nearby Prison Island.
5 / 8
Fischer's turaco
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Jozani Forest
A beautiful green bird of the forest.
6 / 8
Tropical reef fish
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Coral reefs around the island
Colourful parrotfish, angelfish and more on every snorkel trip.
7 / 8
Humpback whale
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Offshore, July to October
Migrating whales are sometimes seen passing the island.
8 / 8
Stone Town
The heart of the Spice Island.
Stone Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, perfect for culture enthusiasts and food lovers. Our local expert guides will take you through the old slave market, Freddie Mercury House, the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace and the Darajani food market.
As the sun sets, join the locals at Forodhani Gardens for Zanzibari street food, or watch the dhows sail across the harbour from a rooftop terrace.
Safaris to 中文
Zanzibar holidays & safari combinations
Beach holidays and safari-and-beach itineraries that include Zanzibar.
Tanzania · 5 days
5-Day Ultimate Fly-In/Out Safari from Arusha/Zanzibar
Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 5 days
5-Day Classic Safari (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara)
Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 14 days
14-Day Southern Circuit: Selous, Ruaha & Zanzibar
Nyerere · Ruaha · Zanzibar
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 6 days
6-Day Zanzibar Island Package
Zanzibar
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 11 days
11-Day Zanzibar Island Package
Stone Town · Nungwi · Kizimkazi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 5 days
5-Day Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 6 days
6-Day Exceptional Zanzibar Tour
Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 11 days
11-Day Wildlife Safari plus Zanzibar Beach Vacation
Ngorongoro · Serengeti · Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania & Kenya · 12 days
12-Day Kenya & Tanzania: The Essence of East Africa Expedition
Amboseli · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Stay in 中文
Where to stay in Zanzibar
From historic hotels in Stone Town to beach resorts in Nungwi.
Silver tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaHorizon Palace HotelA relaxed city hotel in the heart of Stone Town, offering comfortable rooms, rooftop views and easy access to Zanzibar'sStone Town hotelView lodge
Gold tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaTembo Palace HotelA charming Swahili-style hotel on the Stone Town seafront, steps from the Old Fort and House of Wonders, with three poolBeachfront Swahili hotelView lodge
Platinum tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaZanzibar Serena HotelA classic five-star hotel on the Stone Town waterfront, with ocean views, a seafront pool and sunsets over the Zanzibar 5-star seafront hotelView lodge
Silver tier
Nungwi, TanzaniaZanzicrown HotelA small, friendly hotel in Nungwi village, just a short stroll from the white sands of Nungwi Beach on Zanzibar's northeBoutique beach hotelView lodge
Gold tier
Nungwi, TanzaniaThe Z HotelA stylish boutique hotel on the white sands of Nungwi Beach, with an infinity pool, a rooftop bar and sunsets over the IBoutique beachfront hotelView lodge
Platinum tier
Nungwi, TanzaniaRoyal Zanzibar Beach ResortAn all-inclusive beachfront resort on Zanzibar's northern tip, with a private beach, sparkling pools and tropical gardenAll-inclusive beach resortView lodge
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The story behind Zanzibar.
For centuries, Zanzibar was a meeting point of cultures, as traders from Arabia, Persia, India and Africa sailed the monsoon winds. In the 19th century, the Omani sultans moved their capital here, and Zanzibar became the world's leading producer of cloves, as well as a centre of the East African slave trade until its abolition in 1873.
Zanzibar united with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Its rich Swahili culture, architecture and cuisine reflect this long history, and Stone Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October and December to February offer the best weather. The wettest months are March to May and November.
How do I get to Zanzibar?
By direct international flights, short flights from Arusha, the Serengeti or Dar es Salaam, or by fast ferry from Dar es Salaam.
How many days should I spend in Zanzibar?
Four to seven days is ideal to enjoy the beaches, Stone Town and a few excursions.
Can I combine Zanzibar with a safari?
Yes. Zanzibar is the most popular beach extension after a Tanzania safari.
What are the best excursions?
Stone Town walking tours, spice tours, Jozani Forest, dolphin trips at Kizimkazi, Prison Island and Mnemba snorkelling.
Which beach is best?
Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have swimmable water at all tides; Paje in the southeast is great for kitesurfing.
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Let Gip Adventure plan your perfect island escape on the Spice Island.