Zanzibar Travel Guide — Beaches, Stone Town & Spice Tours

After the dust, early mornings, and adrenaline of a Tanzania safari, Zanzibar is the perfect counterpoint. White sand beaches, turquoise water, fresh seafood, and a rich Swahili culture that has been shaped by centuries of Arab, Indian, and African influence.

The archipelago lies 25-50 km off Tanzania's coast. Unguja ("Zanzibar Island") is the main island, with Pemba to the north and dozens of smaller islets. Most travelers stay on Unguja's east or north coasts, visit Stone Town, and fly home from Zanzibar International Airport.

Zanzibar's beaches vary by coast. Each has a different character:

• Nungwi & Kendwa (North) — Calm, clear water year-round. Best swimming. Lively nightlife in Nungwi, quieter in Kendwa. Best for: first-timers, families, sunset lovers.
• Paje & Jambiani (East) — Vast tidal beaches, kite surfing capital of East Africa, quieter than the north. Best for: kite surfers, budget travelers, those seeking space.
• Matemwe & Kiwengwa (Northeast) — Exclusive, quiet, excellent snorkeling. Best for: honeymooners, luxury travelers, privacy seekers.
• Stone Town (West) — No beach, but the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Best for: history buffs, food lovers, those wanting a night or two of urban exploration.

Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a labyrinth of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, spice markets, and mosques. It was the historic center of the Indian Ocean slave trade, and that complex history is visible everywhere.

Must-do experiences: Walk the alleys at dusk, visit the House of Wonders, explore the Darajani Market, eat at Forodhani Gardens night market, and take a spice tour to see where cloves, vanilla, and cinnamon grow.

• Spice tours — Walk through plantations where cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon grow. Taste fresh tropical fruits straight from the tree.
• Diving & snorkeling — Mnemba Atoll (north) and Menai Bay (south) offer world-class coral reefs, turtles, and dolphins.
• Dhow cruises — Sail into the sunset on a traditional wooden boat. Many include snorkeling and a beach barbecue.
• Jozani Forest — Home to the rare red colobus monkey, endemic to Zanzibar. A 2-hour walk through mangroves and forest.
• Prison Island — Historic quarantine station and home to giant Aldabra tortoises. Short boat trip from Stone Town.
• Kite surfing — Paje is East Africa's kite surfing capital. Lessons available for beginners.

June to October — Cool, dry, and sunny. Best beach weather. Calm seas for diving. Peak season, so book early.

December to February — Hot and humid but beautiful. Great for beach holidays after a Christmas safari. Windy on the east coast.

March to May — Long rains. Heavy afternoon downpours. Some lodges close. Lowest prices. Mornings are often clear.

November — Short rains. Unpredictable but often just brief showers. Good value.

The classic Tanzania combination is 7-10 days on safari + 4-5 days on Zanzibar. Fly from Arusha or the Serengeti to Zanzibar in under 2 hours. Many of our itineraries include this "bush to beach" transition.

Explore our Zanzibar itineraries or plan your safari + beach combination.