ZANZIBAR
Welcome to Zanzibar!
Zanzibar, located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa, consists of several islands, mainly Unguja and Pemba Islands.
It is famous for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and diverse culture, including the spice trade, clear blue waters, and unique buildings in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Zanzibar spans about 2,654 square kilometers (1,023 square miles), including smaller islands and islets.
The population is approximately 1.89 million people, featuring diverse ethnic groups primarily speaking Swahili, with influences from Arabic, Indian, and African cultures shaping the local identity.
Four Reasons to Choose Zanzibar
Beautiful Beaches
Africa's most stunning beaches feature white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for Swimming ,relaxation and water sports like snorkeling, and diving.
Stone Town
Stone Town on Unguja Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases Swahili architecture, winding streets, Local markets, showcasing Zanzibar cultural richness.
Spice Tours
For centuries, Zanzibar has been famous for spices. You can visit plantations to learn, see and taste island's famous spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Culture Diversity
Zanzibar is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe. You can experience this cultural diversity through the local music, art, and cuisine.
Key attractions in zanzibar
Welcome to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history and vibrant culture. As you explore, you’ll walk through narrow streets lined with old Arabian houses, beautifully carved doors, and Local markets. Key attractions include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Sultan’s Palace.
Nungwi Beach,located approximately 55 kilometers (about 1.5 hours drive) north of Stone Town, its famous for its white sands and clear, turquoise waters, creating a true beach paradise. This beach is perfect for a variety of water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving, Additionally, the beach provides stunning sunset views, making it ideal for evening relaxation.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park,located about 38 kilometers (about 45 minutes drive) south-east of Stone Town, it’s the only national park in Zanzibar, covers an area of approximately 50 square kilometers (19 square miles). It is famous for the endangered Red Colobus Monkey. Visitors can enjoy activities such as walking along nature trails that wind through lush forests and mangrove swamps, offering opportunities to observe a variety of flora and fauna.
Prison Island, also called Changuu Island, is situated about 5.6 kilometers (about 20 minutes boat ride) northwest of Stone Town .It was once a prison for rebellious slaves and later a place for quarantining people. Now, it’s famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old. You can enjoy relaxing on beautiful beaches, swimming in clear waters, and snorkeling to see Marine life.
Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town is known for its lively night market with tasty local street food like Zanzibar pizza and grilled seafood. It’s a popular spot to meet locals and other travelers, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and take in ocean views. A great place to experience Zanzibar’s culture and flavors in a memorable setting by the Indian Ocean.
Mnemba Atoll is located approximately 3.8 kilometers northeast of Stone Town. It’s a 1.5-hour drive followed by a 15-minute boat ride to reach there. It is a protected area known for its clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Mnemba Atoll is perfect for diving, snorkeling, and dolphin watching
Famous Activities To enjoy in zanzibar
Take guided tours of spice farms to learn about cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and more. Smell the spices, learn firsthand how spices are grown and harvested, immersing yourself in Zanzibar’s rich agricultural heritage.
Walk through the narrow streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see old buildings, local markets, and cultural places. Experience the blend of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences that have shaped Zanzibar’s unique architecture and vibrant culture.
Explore colorful coral reefs and different sea animals in the clear waters around Zanzibar. You can Visit places like Mnemba Atoll, Nungwi and Menai Bay to see fish and beautiful coral.
Take a Zanzibar Submarine Tour for an exciting underwater exploration. These vessels offer a unique view of colorful marine life and coral reefs beneath the waves. You’ll get up close to coral reefs and marine species for an unforgettable experience in the depths of the Indian Ocean
Take a boat to Prison Island to see big tortoises and relax on its pretty beaches for a day. Feel the calmness of this quiet island, where old buildings and friendly tortoises make a peaceful atmosphere for relaxing.
Sail along Zanzibar’s coast on a traditional boat called a dhow, especially during sunset for beautiful views and a romantic time. Enjoy the calmness of the water and the pretty sunset colors.
Take a boat ride to see dolphins swimming in their home in the sea off Zanzibar’s coast. It’s exciting to watch these smart fish play and sometimes you’ll have opportunity to swim near coral reefs too.
5 popular festivals and events in Zanzibar
ZIFF takes place every July and lasts for ten days. It is the biggest cultural event in East Africa, featuring films from around the world, music performances, and art exhibitions. There are also workshops on filmmaking and other arts. You’ll experience international cinema, meet filmmakers and artists, and enjoy the cultural scene in Zanzibar.
The Zanzibar Reggae Festival happens annually, celebrating reggae culture on the island. Enjoy live reggae music from local and international artists, connecting with fellow enthusiasts. It’s a vibrant event full of positive vibes and cultural exchange, typically held over 2 days in August, though dates can vary from year to year.
Sauti za Busara is a four-day music festival held every February in Stone Town. It brings together musicians from across Africa to perform various African music genres. You’ll enjoy live concerts, dance to traditional and modern African rhythms, and join workshops to learn about African music. You can experience the rich musical heritage of Africa and the vibrant atmosphere of Stone Town.
The Zanzibar Beach & Water sports Festival happens every August and lasts for three days. It celebrates beach culture with activities like kite surfing, beach soccer, and dhow races. The festival also features live music, beach parties, and local food cuisine. You’ll enjoy the joy of watersports, beautiful beaches, and lively beach parties.
The Zanzibar Full Moon Party is a vibrant one-night event celebrating the full moon. Held on the first Saturday after each full moon, it transforms the island’s picturesque beaches into a lively scene with music and dancing under the moonlight. While commonly associated with summer months, the party can occur any time of year based on the full moon cycle
Accommodation Options In Zanzibar
Hotel
Hotels offer rooms, dining options with local food, and pools with ocean views, providing a comfortable stay to explore Zanzibar's beauty.
Luxury Resort
Luxury resorts in Zanzibar have fancy rooms, beach views, local food, spa treatments, and special services, perfect for relaxing in luxury.
Beachfront Villa
Villas offer privacy, direct ocean access, stunning sunsets, peaceful surroundings, spacious living areas, and local cuisine.
How To Reach zanzibar
By Air
You can fly to Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ), 5 km from Stone Town, on both domestic and international flights.
By ferry
You can also reach Zanzibar by ferry from Dar es Salaam.The ferry ride takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the type of ferry.
Cruise Ship
Cruise ships dock at the port in Stone Town, allowing passengers to explore the historic town and its surroundings.
Explore Our Zanzibar Packages
Our Zanzibar FAQs
Visiting during the rainy season is possible but less ideal. Heavy rains might limit outdoor activities and beach time. However, the island is less crowded, and some accommodations offer lower rates during this period, making it a budget-friendly option.
Yes, you can participate in activities like traditional dances and beadwork. These activities offer a hands-on experience of Maasai culture.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is usually held in July. It showcases films from Africa and beyond, promoting the work of filmmakers from around the world. The festival also includes workshops, discussions, and cultural events.
Absolutely! You’re warmly welcome to join and enjoy these festivals. These events provide a great opportunity to experience local culture and Zanzibar’s traditions firsthand. Contact Us to arrange any of the cultural festivals in Zanzibar based on your budget and preferences.
A stay of at least 3 to 7 days is recommended. This allows you to explore the main attractions, such as Stone Town and the beautiful beaches, and relax. A longer stay gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s culture and relax in stunning beaches.
Zanzibar offers romantic activities for honeymooners like sunset dhow cruises, private beach picnics, spice tours, candlelit dinners on the beach, snorkeling, and exploring historic Stone Town. It’s a perfect destination for a memorable honeymoon.
Yes, you can explore Zanzibar in 3 days. Day one, tour Stone Town and enjoy a sunset dhow cruise. Day two, visit a spice farm and relax at Nungwi Beach. Day three, explore Kendwa Beach and Prison Island. This itinerary covers the highlights, offering a glimpse into Zanzibar’s culture and scenery but to fully experience Zanzibar, a stay of at least 5 to 7 days is ideal.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry seasons, from June to October and December to February. The weather is perfect for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. These months offer sunny skies and warm temperatures, ideal for exploring Zanzibar.
Yes, beach weddings are possible in Zanzibar. We can help you arrange a beautiful beach ceremony for your special day. A beach wedding offers a picturesque and unique setting for exchanging vows, making your wedding in Zanzibar unforgettable
Yes, the Mwaka Kogwa festival celebrates the Shirazi New Year. It involves traditional rituals, music, and dance, and takes place in July. The festival is an important cultural event for the Shirazi community and offers a unique sight into Zanzibar’s customs and traditions
Nungwi and Kendwa Beach are popular areas for honeymooners. They offer luxurious accommodations, stunning beaches, and a range of activities. These areas are known for their vibrant yet romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples seeking a memorable honeymoon in Zanzibar.
Yes, when visiting mosques or religious sites, wear long sleeves and long skirts or pants. Women should also cover their heads with a scarf. This dress code shows respect for the religious and cultural significance of these sites in Zanzibar
Yes, many festivals and events occur during the dry season. This includes the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July and the Sauti za Busara music festival in February. These events enhance the cultural experience for visitors during these months.
Yes, you can wear a swimsuit on the beach. However, cover up when leaving the beach area to respect local customs. Wearing a cover-up or changing into more modest clothing when away from the beach is appreciated in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar offers a range of accommodations, including luxury resorts, boutique hotels, beachfront villas, and budget guesthouses. There’s something for every budget and preference. Each type of accommodation provides a unique experience in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar offers a mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. You can enjoy relaxing on beaches, exploring historic sites, and engaging in local traditions. The island’s unique blend of Swahili, Arab, and European influences create a fascinating experience in Zanzibar.
It’s respectful to wear modest clothing in public places. Cover your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. This shows respect for the local customs and traditions in Zanzibar.
Yes, there are many budget-friendly options like guesthouses and hostels. These provide basic amenities at affordable prices. Budget accommodations are perfect for travelers who want to explore Zanzibar without spending too much.
Zanzibar has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. It has two rainy seasons, from March to May and November to December. During the rainy seasons, heavy rains can affect travel plans, while the dry seasons are more pleasant for visitors.
No, you don’t need to wear traditional clothing. Just dress modestly and comfortably for the climate. Lightweight and breathable fabrics are ideal for the warm weather in Zanzibar.