Zanzibar is a great coastal town often called “Spice Island,” located along the shores of the Indian Ocean, south of Tanzania. It’s made up of two main islands: Pemba and Unguja, both offering beautiful beaches lined with palm trees and crystal-clear waters. Zanzibar also has a rich history, partly remembered for the slave trade during the colonial era. The historic Stone Town is spectacular, a fusion of cultures with exciting places like the Sultan’s Palace, spice and food markets, craft markets, and the unique ancient buildings that define the island. Our Zanzibar travel guide takes you through travel costs, culture and customs, activities, and answers all your safety questions:

Zanzibar is a true paradise in Africa, a dream destination for travelers to Tanzania. It’s known for its crystal-clear sandy beaches, coral reefs, rich culture and history, and spices. The people here are friendly and always go the extra mile to make sure you have a great stay. The island covers about 1,554 square kilometers, and the main languages spoken are English and Kiswahili. The culture is a mix of different races due to the many people who came here during the slave trade. Zanzibar is located about 40 kilometers from Tanzania’s mainland, showcasing various architectural styles.

Things to Do in Zanzibar

What to do in Zanzibar? One of the top things is visiting Stone Town, the capital city of Unguja Island. It’s a charming town built from coral stone and gives you a real sense of how old the Swahili town is. The sounds of Islamic prayer at different intervals, along with the cool breeze from the Indian Ocean, make it an unforgettable experience. Stone Town has been through many phases of civilization and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. A tour of Stone Town will take you through its streets to unexpected places, and it’s not complete until you visit the Zanzibar National Museum.

Another must-see is the Jozani Forest, a beautiful sanctuary in Zanzibar. It’s the last place in the world to see the red colobus monkeys, and it’s the greenest part of the eastern island. There are many trails to help you experience the monkeys up close, but it’s best to go early in the morning, before the crowds arrive. It may also be fun to visit the Ngorongoro Crater.

See: Best time to Visit Zanzibar

Don’t miss a visit to Prison Island, which was once used to hold rebellious slaves and to quarantine people brought in with diseases like yellow fever. After the end of slavery, the British bought the island from the Arabs, built a prison, and later turned it into a peaceful hotel.

Zanzibar’s beaches are a huge draw too. Spending the day on the warm, sandy beaches with the breeze from the clear blue waters is an experience you won’t forget. Besides relaxing on the beaches, you can also enjoy activities like snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming with dolphins, swimming with turtles, or even visiting caves. Resorts sometimes host full moon parties, so there’s always something going on.

Zanzibar Travel Guide FAQs

Zanzibar offers a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly to luxury. Booking your stay in advance is important, as space can fill up quickly during busy times.

See: Accommodation in Zanzibar

Other Islands in Zanzibar

Besides Pemba and Unguja, Zanzibar has other smaller islands like Chumbe, Mafia, Kendwa, Nguwi, Matemwe, and Prison Island, each offering unique experiences.

For a more in depth Zanzibar Travel Guide

Read: Our dedicated article on How to get to Zanzibar

Read: Tourist Activities in Zanzibar

Read: Flying to Zanzibar