Zanzibar

Introduction

You will find yourself in a Tanzanian semi-autonomous region situated off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean. This archipelago consists of numerous small islands along with two larger landmasses known as Unguja Island and Pemba Island.

Your journey may lead you to Zanzibar City, the capital located on Unguja Island. Within this city, you can explore the historic centre of Stone Town, which is recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding the unique geography and historical layers of Zanzibar. The island is divided into three distinct regions: Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar North, and Zanzibar Urban/West. While the capital city sits on the central west coast, you can explore other major population centers such as Mbweni, Mangapwani, Chwaka, and Nungwi. The surrounding waters are dotted with smaller islands like Tumbatu, Uzi, and Mnemba Atoll.

Your journey will be shaped by a complex history of cultural influence and political change. You can explore archaeological sites such as Unguja Ukuu and see the lasting impact of Arab culture from centuries of rule under the Sultanate of Oman. The island's past includes its time as a British protectorate and the site of a brief conflict in 1896, eventually leading to a revolution that shaped the modern nation of Tanzania.

Getting there

You can reach the island by sea via various ferries and catamarans departing from Dar es Salaam. While some vessels offer a faster journey, others provide a slower night ferry that anchors overnight before entering the port. If you choose to travel by boat, arrive at the port early to clear immigration and luggage security. Be wary of touts at the terminal who may offer inflated prices or misleading information about schedules and ticket types; it is best to head directly to your chosen company's ticket office. If you prefer to fly, several domestic and international airlines serve the island. Upon arrival at the airport, you can find taxis for a negotiable fare or use a local dala dala bus if you are traveling with minimal luggage.

• Ensure you have a valid passport for entry into Stone Town, as the island maintains its own immigration service.
• Be prepared to show vaccination records for yellow fever during immigration checks.
• If taking a ferry, consider taking anti-seasickness pills before boarding if you are prone to motion sickness.

Getting around

When exploring Stone Town, you should navigate its historic streets on foot. Most of the alleys are narrow enough that only a bicycle can pass through them, making walking the most practical way to experience the area's architecture and character.

For travel beyond Stone Town, you have several transportation options:

• Taxis and private cars provide comfortable transport to locations such as Nungwi, Paje, and Kizimkazi. While your hotel can arrange a private car for you, be aware that they may add a commission; negotiating the price before you depart is recommended to ensure you are paying a fair rate.
• Daladalas—a network of minivans, small buses, and pickup trucks—offer an authentic way to reach major villages at a low cost. These are ideal for those traveling with light luggage, though keep in mind there is no direct daladala service running north to south; you must change buses in Stone Town to travel between these directions.
• Shared taxis offer flexible pick-up and drop-off points across the island, provided you book your tickets online in advance.
• Renting a car provides freedom of movement, but you should exercise caution due to poor road conditions and potential obstacles like animals or pedestrians. If you choose to drive, ensure you have your license, insurance sticker, and a temporary Zanzibar driver's permit ready for frequent police checks.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of accommodations across different regions of the island, ranging from the historic atmosphere of Stone Town to coastal destinations like Jambiani, Kendwa, Kilombero, Kizimkazi, Matemwe, Nungwi, and Paje.

While budget options are available in Stone Town, those staying at beach locations should expect higher costs. You may find better opportunities for negotiation during the low season when some establishments close their doors due to a lack of guests.

Food & drink

Experience a wider variety of flavors in Zanzibar compared to the mainland. While common stalls offer staples like chapati, rice, chips, and Ugali, Stone Town provides more diverse culinary options. Visit Forodhani Gardens in the late afternoon for a lively atmosphere by the water where you can sample local favorites such as crab claws, calamari steaks, and savory Zanzibar pizza—a crepe-like dish filled with beef, eggs, and salad. You can also find skewers of octopus, chicken masala, or beef dipped in hot sauce before being barbecued.

Refresh your palate with local drinks like sugar cane juice and fresh coconut milk found in Stone Town, or try a spicy ginger soda known as tangawizi. While the island is predominantly Muslim, you can find small bars throughout the area. Beach bars offer local beer and cocktails, including the Dawa cocktail, while certain spots provide elevated views of the harbor and beaches.

What to see and do

Explore the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town, where you can wander through an area blending Moorish, Middle Eastern, Indian, and African architectural traditions. While exploring this historic inner city on foot, you can visit the House of Wonders—the first building in East Africa to feature electricity, running water, and an elevator—or visit the Former Slave Market. This site includes a memorial and a church built on the location of a former whipping post, as well as cellar chambers that provide a glimpse into the history of the slave trade. To experience the island's natural beauty, hike the trails of Jozani Forest to see exotic trees and playful Red Colobus Monkeys, or visit the nearby Zanzibar Butterfly Centre to see local species in a tropical garden.

Adventure seekers can head to the coast for various aquatic experiences:

• Relax on the white sands of East Beaches near Paje or Jambiani, or visit Kendwa Beach on the northwest coast to swim in teal waters.
• Go snorkeling or scuba diving among the reefs in crystal clear water.
• Join a dolphin tour starting from Kizimkazi to see dolphins and explore the coastline.
• Take a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow.

When to go

You can experience warm weather in Zanzibar throughout the entire year. During the dry season, you will encounter minimal rainfall and enjoy strong sea breezes from the northeast monsoon that help cool the heat, particularly along the north and east coasts.

If you visit during the primary rainy season, you should expect frequent and intense rain while the islands remain warm. A secondary rainy season also occurs later in the year, where conditions stay warm but with increased precipitation. During periods of warm weather with light rain, the northeast monsoon continues to moderate temperatures with refreshing sea breezes.

Three days in Zanzibar

Day one, you can explore the historic streets of Stone Town. This World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the past of Zanzibar City and its history under the Sultanate of Oman and British rule.

Day two, travel to the northern coast of Unguja Island. You can visit the beaches of Nungwi or find yourself near the Mnemba Atoll for a day in the coastal waters.

Day three, head toward the southern region of Zanzibar. You can explore the area around Chwaka or Mbweni to experience the coastal landscapes of the island.