Zanzibar
Zanzibar pairs Stone Town's Swahili, Arab and Indian history with white-sand beaches and a bath-warm Indian Ocean, often as the finale to a Tanzanian safari. Flights from London connect in the Gulf or East Africa, so allow a full travel day. June to October is dry and breezy, January–February hotter but good; avoid the April–May long rains.
Overview
Most visitors spend two or three nights in Stone Town, then move to a beach on the north or east coast for the rest of the week. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north shelve more steeply, so the sea stays within reach and you can swim at any time of day. The east coast, from Matemwe down to Paje and Jambiani, has wide reef-sheltered lagoons where the tide runs out for hundreds of metres, which suits kitesurfers and walkers more than swimmers. Many add Zanzibar after a safari in the Serengeti or Nyerere National Park; during the April–May long rains some beach hotels close.
Map of Zanzibar
Highlights
- 1History
Stone Town
A UNESCO-listed maze of coral-stone houses, carved wooden doors and mosques, best explored on foot with a local guide. See the slave market memorial at the Anglican cathedral, then eat grilled seafood at the Forodhani Gardens night market.
- 2Wildlife
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
The island's only national park protects groundwater forest and mangroves, and is the best place to see the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey at close range. Morning visits are cooler, and the mangrove boardwalk is worth the extra loop.
- 3Wildlife
Mnemba Atoll
A protected reef off the north-east coast with clear water, turtles and frequent dolphin sightings. Boats from Matemwe and Nungwi run easy snorkelling trips; the island itself is private, so you stay in the water.
- 4Beach
Nungwi and Kendwa beaches
Powdery sand at the island's northern tip with deeper water close to shore, so swimming is not ruled by the tides. Nungwi still has dhow builders working on the beach, and sunset dhow cruises leave most evenings.
- 5Food
Spice farm tour
Zanzibar was once the world's leading clove producer, and half-day tours of farms near Kizimbani let you taste fresh nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and lemongrass. Most tours end with a simple lunch, often pilau rice cooked with the same spices.
Where to stay
Stone Town
Characterful boutique hotels in old merchant houses; suits history lovers for two or three nights rather than a beach week.
Nungwi and Kendwa
The busiest beach area, with all-inclusives, bars and sunset dhow trips; suits couples and friends who want to swim at any state of the tide.
Paje
Laid-back east-coast village with backpacker lodges, boutique hotels and kitesurf schools; good for active travellers, though swimming depends on the tide.
Matemwe
A quiet stretch of the north-east coast with small upmarket lodges and the closest boat access to Mnemba; suits honeymooners and keen snorkellers.
When to go to Zanzibar
Best time: Jun–Oct, Jan–Feb.
Average climate in Zanzibar Town
How much does Zanzibar cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £650 off-peak and £1,200 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Zanzibar
Shown for a British passport.
Check the entry requirements
You must have a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania.
If you are planning to work or volunteer, you will also need a work permit. Information on how to apply is available from the Tanzanian Prime Minister’s Office.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BMeaslesMeningococcal diseasePolioRabiesTuberculosisYellow fever
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in all areas of Tanzania below 1,800m (including Zanzibar): antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Tanzania
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Wed 9 Dec 2026 | Independence and Republic Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Boxing Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Tue 12 Jan 2027 | Zanzibar Revolution Day |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Thu 11 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Wed 7 Apr 2027 | The Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day |
| Mon 26 Apr 2027 | Union Celebrations |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | International Workers' Day |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Wed 7 Jul 2027 | International Trade Fair |
| Sun 8 Aug 2027 | Peasants' Day |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Prophet's Birthday (date may shift) |
| Thu 14 Oct 2027 | The Mwalimu Nyerere Day and Climax of the Uhuru Torch Race |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Zanzibar is largely Muslim: cover shoulders and knees away from the beach, especially in Stone Town and villages, and expect quieter days and shorter restaurant hours during Ramadan.
- On the east coast, check a tide table before booking a hotel or planning swims: at low tide the sea can retreat hundreds of metres across the reef flat.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Tanzania guide.
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