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Zanzibar Travel Guide: Stone Town, Beaches & Spice Tours
by: Maryam
Planning a trip to Zanzibar? You’ve picked one of East Africa’s most magical destinations. This Indian Ocean archipelago combines pristine beaches, rich Swahili culture, and historic Stone Town into an unforgettable experience.
Quick Facts About Zanzibar
Zanzibar isn’t just one island – it’s an archipelago of 50 islands off Tanzania’s coast. The main island, Unguja, is where most travelers stay. Here’s what makes this place special:
- Population: 1.3 million people
- Capital: Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (USD widely accepted)
- Languages: Swahili, Arabic, English
- Religion: 99% Muslim population
- Climate: Tropical with two rainy seasons
According to the Tanzania Tourism Board, Zanzibar welcomed over 500,000 international visitors in 2023, making it one of East Africa’s top beach destinations.
Planning Your Zanzibar Adventure
When Should You Visit?
Zanzibar enjoys warm weather year-round, but timing matters for your experience. The best time to visit Zanzibar depends on what you want to do.
Dry Season (June – October)
- Perfect beach weather
- Great for diving and snorkeling
- Busiest tourist period
- Higher accommodation prices
Short Rains (November – December)
- Fewer crowds
- Lower prices
- Brief afternoon showers
- Still plenty of sunshine
Hot Season (January – March)
- Hottest temperatures (up to 32°C/90°F)
- Calm seas for water activities
- Peak season pricing continues
Long Rains (April – May)
- Lowest prices of the year
- Some restaurants and hotels close
- Heavy daily downpours
- Not recommended for beach holidays
Getting There and Entry Requirements
Most international travelers fly into Zanzibar through Dar es Salaam or directly via chartered flights. How to get to Zanzibar varies by your starting point, but here are the main options:
By Air
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
- Direct flights from Dubai, Istanbul, Nairobi
- Domestic connections through Dar es Salaam
By Ferry
- Daily ferries from Dar es Salaam (2 hours)
- Scenic but can be rough in bad weather
- Book tickets in advance during peak season
Visa Requirements
- Tourist visa required for most nationalities
- Available online or on arrival ($50 USD)
- Passport valid for 6+ months required
- Yellow fever certificate needed if arriving from affected areas
Where to Stay in Zanzibar
Your accommodation choice shapes your entire experience. Each area offers something different. Here’s our breakdown of where to stay in Zanzibar:
| Area | Best For | Vibe | Price Range |
| Stone Town | Culture, history, nightlife | Bustling, authentic | $30-200/night |
| Nungwi | Beaches, water sports | Party atmosphere | $40-300/night |
| Kendwa | Sunset beaches, relaxation | Laid-back | $35-250/night |
| Paje | Kitesurfing, backpackers | Young, energetic | $25-150/night |
| Matemwe | Luxury, privacy | Exclusive, quiet | $100-800/night |
| Jambiani | Local culture, budget-friendly | Authentic, simple | $20-100/night |
Stone Town puts you in the heart of Zanzibar’s culture. You’ll walk narrow alleys past spice markets, historic buildings, and rooftop restaurants. It’s the only place where you can explore on foot without needing transport.
North Coast (Nungwi & Kendwa) offers the best beaches for swimming. The tides don’t affect these areas much, so you can swim anytime. Expect beach bars, water sports, and sunset cruises.
East Coast (Paje, Jambiani) faces the Indian Ocean with dramatic tidal changes. When the tide goes out, you can walk for miles on exposed coral reefs. Perfect for kitesurfing and authentic village experiences.
Top Things to Do in Zanzibar
Zanzibar mixes beach relaxation with cultural adventures. Our complete guide to things to do in Zanzibar covers everything, but here are the highlights:
Stone Town Exploration
Walk through UNESCO-listed Stone Town’s winding streets. Visit the House of Wonders, old slave market, and Forodhani Gardens night market. The architecture tells stories of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.
Spice Farm Tours
Zanzibar earned its “Spice Island” nickname for good reason. Tour working spice farms to see cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves growing. You’ll taste tropical fruits and learn about traditional medicine.
Beach Activities
Each coast offers different experiences:
- Diving and snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll
- Kitesurfing in Paje during windy season
- Sunset dhow cruises from Kendwa
- Dolphin tours from Kizimkazi (morning trips work best)
Day Trips and Excursions
- Jozani Forest to see red colobus monkeys
- Prison Island for giant tortoises and snorkeling
- Safari Blue full-day boat trip with seafood lunch
- Pemba Island for advanced diving
Cultural Experiences
- Cooking classes learning Swahili recipes
- Traditional music and dance performances
- Village tours in local communities
- Sunset prayers at Stone Town mosques
Zanzibar Travel Costs
Budget planning makes or breaks any trip. Our detailed cost of travel in Zanzibar guide breaks down expenses by travel style:
Budget Travel ($30-50/day)
- Guesthouse accommodation: $15-25/night
- Local food and street eats: $5-10/day
- Public transport (dala dala): $1-2/trip
- Basic activities and beach time
Mid-Range Travel ($75-150/day)
- Boutique hotels or resorts: $50-100/night
- Restaurant meals: $15-25/day
- Private transport and some tours: $20-40/day
- Diving, spice tours, cultural activities
Luxury Travel ($200+/day)
- High-end resorts: $150-500/night
- Fine dining: $40-80/day
- Private guides and exclusive experiences
- Helicopter transfers, luxury safaris
Local Culture and Customs
Zanzibar is 99% Muslim, so respectful behavior matters. Cover shoulders and knees when walking through Stone Town or local villages. Beachwear is fine at resorts and tourist beaches.
Tipping Guidelines
- Restaurants: 10% if service charge not included
- Hotel staff: $2-5 per day for housekeeping
- Tour guides: $5-10 per day
- Taxi drivers: Round up the fare
Bargaining is Expected
- Markets: Start at 30-40% of asking price
- Souvenirs: Always negotiate
- Transport: Agree on price before starting
- Tours: Compare several operators
Food and Dining
Zanzibar’s cuisine blends African, Arabic, Persian, and Indian influences. Must-try dishes include:
- Zanzibar pizza (chapati filled with meat, cheese, vegetables)
- Urojo soup (tangy street food soup with various toppings)
- Octopus curry (tender octopus in coconut curry sauce)
- Pilau rice (spiced rice with meat or fish)
- Tropical fruits (jackfruit, passion fruit, baobab)
Street food is generally safe if it’s hot and freshly cooked. Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in rural areas.
Health and Safety
Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but take normal precautions:
Health Preparations
- Yellow fever vaccination if arriving from affected countries
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended (consult your doctor)
- Travel insurance including medical evacuation
- Basic first aid kit with anti-diarrhea medication
Safety Tips
- Don’t walk alone in Stone Town late at night
- Keep valuables in hotel safes
- Use licensed tour operators for activities
- Respect local customs and dress codes
- Check current political situation before travel
Getting Around Zanzibar
Dala Dala (local buses): Cheap but crowded public transport. Routes connect major towns but infrequent to beaches.
Taxis: Negotiate prices upfront. No meters available. Typical rates: Stone Town to airport $15-20, Stone Town to northern beaches $25-35.
Car Rental: Requires international driving permit. Roads vary from paved highways to sandy tracks. 4WD recommended for remote areas.
Motorbike Rental: Popular but risky. Many accidents involve tourists unfamiliar with local driving habits.
Private Drivers: Most comfortable option for multiple destinations. Daily rates around $50-80 including fuel.
Sample Itineraries
5-Day First-Timer Itinerary
- Day 1-2: Stone Town exploration, spice farm tour
- Day 3: Move to beach, relax and swim
- Day 4: Water activities (diving, dhow cruise, or Prison Island)
- Day 5: Beach relaxation, departure
7-Day Beach and Culture Itinerary
- Days 1-2: Stone Town, spice tour, cultural sites
- Days 3-5: Northern beaches (Nungwi/Kendwa) with water sports
- Days 6-7: East coast (Paje) for different beach experience
10-Day Complete Experience
- Days 1-3: Stone Town and cultural immersion
- Days 4-6: Northern beaches and water activities
- Days 7-8: East coast villages and kitesurfing
- Days 9-10: Luxury resort relaxation before departure
Packing Essentials
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics (cotton/linen)
- Modest clothes for Stone Town visits
- Swimwear and beach cover-ups
- Light rain jacket (rainy seasons)
- Comfortable walking sandals
Other Essentials
- Strong sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum)
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Reusable water bottle
- Universal power adapter
- Waterproof bag for beach days
- Cash (USD preferred, small bills)
Wedding couples are may interested reading our guide about what to pack for your Zanzibar destination wedding.
Best Photography Spots
- Stone Town rooftops during golden hour
- Forodhani Gardens at sunset with dhow boats
- Spice farms with colorful spices and tropical plants
- Northern beaches with traditional dhow boats
- Jozani Forest for wildlife photography
- Local markets for cultural street photography (ask permission)
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this Zanzibar travel guide provides everything you need to plan an amazing trip to one of East Africa’s most beautiful destinations.
Learn more about Zanzibar:
Maryam is a renowned Zanzibar expert and travel writer dedicated to unveiling the hidden gems of her island home. With an intimate knowledge of its pristine beaches, cultural heart, and secret spots, she expertly guides couples in weaving authentic travel adventures into their dream wedding celebrations. Her writing is inspired by a deep passion for sharing the true essence of Zanzibar, from the spice-scented air to the warm smiles of its people.