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Zanzibar Island
The Spice Island
Turquoise water, powder-white sand and the winding alleys of Stone Town — the perfect place to relax after your safari.
Beaches, spices and Swahili history.
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of mainland Tanzania. Its main island, Unguja, is what most people mean by "Zanzibar" — a tropical island of coconut palms, coral reefs and wide white beaches.
For centuries Zanzibar was a hub of Indian Ocean trade, and its history is written in the coral-stone buildings of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences meet in its carved wooden doors, markets, mosques and churches.
The "Spice Island" still grows cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper. After the dust of the safari trail, a few days here are pure bliss — and it is just a short flight from Arusha.
Stone TownHighlights of the island.
There is far more to Zanzibar than its beaches.
Stone Town
Get lost in the maze of narrow alleys, carved doors, bazaars and rooftop cafés of the old town.
Spice farms
Smell, taste and learn about cloves, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon on a guided spice farm tour.
Beaches
From Nungwi and Kendwa in the north to Matemwe and Paje on the east coast — white sand and warm water.
Coral reefs
Snorkel the clear water around Mnemba Atoll, home to tropical fish, turtles and often dolphins.
Red colobus monkeys
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park protects the endemic Zanzibar red colobus and a mangrove boardwalk.
Giant tortoises
Take a boat to Prison Island to meet its colony of giant Aldabra tortoises.
When to visit.
Zanzibar is warm all year. The long rains in April and May are the only real low season.
Dry & breezy
Sunny days, cooler nights and a fresh sea breeze — ideal after a dry-season safari.
Hot & dry
Hot, sunny and calm — perfect beach weather and clear water for snorkelling.
Long rains
April and May bring heavy showers; some beach hotels close for a few weeks.
Things to do 
in Zanzibar.
Stone Town walking tour
Explore the old fort, the Sultan's palace, the slave market memorial and the Forodhani Gardens night food market.
Spice farm tour
Discover where your spices come from — and taste fresh tropical fruit straight from the tree.
Snorkelling at Mnemba
Swim with tropical fish over the coral gardens of Mnemba Atoll, with a good chance of dolphins.
Sunset dhow cruise
Sail along the Stone Town waterfront in a traditional wooden dhow as the sun goes down.
Jozani Forest
Walk among the red colobus monkeys and along the mangrove boardwalk in Zanzibar's only national park.
Beach time
Do absolutely nothing on a white-sand beach — you have earned it after your safari.
Zanzibar
in pictures.
A glimpse of what is waiting for you.
Getting there.
Practical tips to help you plan your visit to Zanzibar.
By air
Short scheduled flights connect Arusha and Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar in around an hour to an hour and a half.
By ferry
Fast ferries link Dar es Salaam and Stone Town in about two hours.
Where to stay
Boutique hotels in Stone Town and beach resorts in the north and east — we choose the right coast for you.
Good to know
Zanzibar is mainly Muslim. Please cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages, especially during Ramadan.
Safaris that visit Zanzibar.
View All Safaris
Frequently asked
questions.
Finish on a white-sand beach.
Add Zanzibar to any safari for the perfect bush-and-beach holiday.