Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the same visa rules apply. Citizens of most Western countries (USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) can obtain a single-entry Tanzania Tourist Visa on arrival at Zanzibar Airport or Dar es Salaam for USD 50. We recommend applying for an e-Visa before travel at eservices.immigration.go.tz.

Can I combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar?

Yes � this is our most popular itinerary style. We call it "Bush & Beach." A typical combination is 5�7 days on safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) followed by 3�5 days relaxing on Zanzibar. Domestic flights connect Arusha to Zanzibar in under 2 hours.

What is the best beach in Zanzibar?

It depends on what you prefer. Nungwi and Kendwa (north) are best for swimming year-round with calm, clear water. Matemwe (northeast) is quieter and superb for snorkelling. Paje (east) is the kite-surfing capital. For seclusion, the small islands (Mnemba, Chumbe) are extraordinary but require day trips.

Is Stone Town worth visiting?

Absolutely � Stone Town is one of East Africa's most fascinating destinations. The UNESCO-listed old city preserves centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian and Portuguese influence in a living, breathing city. Key sites include the Old Fort, Palace Museum, Freddie Mercury birthplace, spice market, and the sunset front at Forodhani Gardens.

What water activities are available in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar offers world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, dolphin swimming at Kizimkazi, deep-sea fishing, kitesurfing at Paje, traditional dhow sailing, glass-bottom boat tours, and sea kayaking. Mnemba Atoll is rated one of East Africa's top dive sites with visibility often exceeding 30 metres.

Zanzibar Tanzania Tours | Beaches, Stone Town & Spice Islands

Overview

About Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar is Tanzania's legendary Spice Island � an archipelago of white coral sand, turquoise lagoons and ancient Swahili culture floating in the Indian Ocean. The island's rich history as a centre of the spice trade and its UNESCO-listed Stone Town create a destination unlike anywhere else in East Africa.

Zanzibar's main island, Unguja, offers an intoxicating blend of natural beauty and historical depth. The northern and eastern coasts boast some of East Africa's finest beaches � Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe and Paje are particularly beloved � while the famous Stone Town preserves 1,000 years of Swahili, Arab, Persian and Indian cultural heritage within a labyrinth of narrow streets and elaborately carved doorways. Beneath the surface, Zanzibar's coral reefs are alive with colour � snorkelling and diving reveal an underwater world of sea turtles, dolphins, reef sharks and kaleidoscopic fish. Spice tours, sunset dhow cruises, and fresh seafood barbecues on the beach complete what many consider to be Africa's most perfect island escape.

Highlights

Why Visit Zanzibar Island

White Sand Beaches

Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe and Paje � some of East Africa's most beautiful beaches.

Stone Town

UNESCO World Heritage city with 1,000 years of Swahili, Arab and Indian history.

Snorkelling & Diving

Pristine coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins and manta rays in crystal waters.

Spice Tours

Visit clove, vanilla, cinnamon and pepper plantations � taste the island's heritage.

Dhow Cruises

Sail on a traditional wooden dhow at sunset with the golden Indian Ocean horizon.

Dolphin Watching

Swim with wild spinner dolphins at Kizimkazi on Zanzibar's southern coast.

Wildlife

Animals You May See

Spinner Dolphin Green Sea Turtle Hawksbill Turtle Reef Shark Manta Ray Red Colobus Monkey Flying Fox Flamingo Dugong

Best Time

When to Visit Zanzibar Island

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Peak Season Good Fair Low Season

Jun�Oct: Cool and dry, perfect beach weather. Dec�Feb: Warm and dry, ideal for diving. Apr�May: Long rains � some resorts close. Best diving: Oct�Feb (clearest waters). Best waves for surfing/kite: Jun�Sep.

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