Spice-scented Stone Town and white-sand beaches on the Indian Ocean.
Best months to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zanzibar pairs a UNESCO-listed old town, with Arab, Persian, Indian, and Swahili influences, with some of East Africa's best beaches. It combines naturally with a safari on the Tanzanian mainland.
The long rains from March to May make travel harder, and some hotels close. The dry seasons in June–October and December–February are best.
Ideal stay
5–7 days
Budget
$$ · Mid-range
Currency
Tanzanian shilling (TZS); US dollars widely accepted
Language
Swahili, English
Main airport
Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ), ~15 min to Stone Town
Good for
Beaches, snorkelling, history, spice tours
The full guide
Season by season, a day-by-day plan, where to stay, getting around, costs, and local tips — unlocks with a
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When to go
Long dry season (Jun–Oct)
Sunny, breezy, and ideal for beaches and diving.
Short rains (Nov)
Brief showers; still fine for travel.
Short dry season (Dec–Feb)
Hot and calm seas; peak holiday season.
Long rains (Mar–May)
Heavy rain and humidity; some resorts close.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Stone Town walking tour: the Old Fort, House of Wonders area, and the former slave market memorial. Forodhani Gardens night food market.
Day 2
Spice farm tour, then a sunset dhow cruise.
Days 3–5
Beach time in Nungwi or Kendwa (good swimming at all tides) or Paje (kitesurfing).
Day 6
Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll or Jozani Forest to see red colobus monkeys.
Where to stay
Stone Town
History, food, and atmosphere; stay one or two nights.
Nungwi / Kendwa
The north coast's best swimming beaches.
Paje
East coast kitesurfing and a relaxed vibe; tidal flats at low tide.
Getting around
Use taxis or pre-booked transfers between Stone Town and the beaches, and dala-dala minibuses if you are adventurous. Agree taxi fares in advance.
What it costs
Range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Many visitors pay an entry fee or mandatory travel insurance on arrival — check current requirements before you go.
Good to know
Dress modestly in Stone Town and villages; Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim.
East coast beaches have big tides — choose the north coast if you want to swim all day.
Check vaccination and malaria advice with a travel clinic before you go.
Travel information changes often. Prices here are rough guides, and transport, opening hours, and
entry requirements can change without notice. Confirm details with official tourism sites,
operators, and your government's travel advice before you book, and travel with suitable
insurance.
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