Zanzibar Tourz
White-sailed dhow on turquoise water beside palm-lined white sand at Nungwi, Zanzibar.
White-sailed dhow on turquoise water beside palm-lined white sand at Nungwi, Zanzibar.

Indian Ocean, Tanzania · Zanzibar Archipelago (Unguja and Pemba)

Stone Town's Swahili Lanes and the Beaches of Zanzibar

Where to stay, the best tours and realistic itineraries — everything you need to book Zanzibar with confidence.

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Zanzibar is a group of Tanzanian islands in the Indian Ocean. Most visitors stay on Unguja, home to the airport and Stone Town, a UNESCO-listed Swahili town of narrow lanes and carved doors. Beaches at Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and Matemwe are 45–90 minutes by car. Day trips cover spice farms, red colobus monkeys in Jozani forest and snorkelling at Mnemba. Allow a night or two in Stone Town, then several nights on the coast.

Good to know

  • Airport ZNZ on Unguja, near Stone Town
  • Daily ferries from Dar es Salaam, about 90 min
  • Government travel insurance required
  • Beaches 45–90 min by car from Stone Town

Where to stay

Stone Town

Culture and short stays

The historic capital on the west coast, close to the airport and ferry port. Markets, food and history on foot, and the base for Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank and Safari Blue boat trips. Most first-timers spend one or two nights here.

Which area suits you?

Nungwi

Nightlife and sunsets

On the north-west tip, where the tide barely changes, so you can swim at any time of day. The liveliest beach area, with the most nightlife and sunset dhow cruises. Beach sellers can be persistent here.

Which area suits you?

Kendwa

Couples and families

Next to Nungwi on the north-west tip, with the same swimmable water at all tides but a quieter, more relaxed feel and fewer beach sellers. Popular for sunset dhow cruises.

Which area suits you?

Paje

Kitesurfing and small budgets

South-east coast beach known for kitesurfing, backpacker hostels and a social scene, generally cheaper than Nungwi. Jozani Forest is a short drive away. Big tides: at low tide the sea goes far out.

Which area suits you?

Jambiani

Village life and quiet

A south-east coast village for quiet days, local life and sunrises over the ocean, with budget options. Like the rest of the east coast, swimming can be impossible at low tide.

Which area suits you?

Matemwe

Luxury and diving

North-east coast with luxury resorts, privacy and the closest access to snorkelling and diving at Mnemba Atoll. East-coast tides apply, leaving sandbanks and pools at low water.

Which area suits you?

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Car hire in Zanzibar

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Things to do in Zanzibar

When to go

  1. June–October

    The long dry season: driest weather, lower humidity, calm seas and clear water for diving. It is also high season on the island and for mainland safaris, so expect crowds and higher prices. Everything is open.

  2. Mid-December–February

    The short dry season: hot, often sunny and good for the beach. A second peak period because of the holidays. February is rated highly for snorkelling.

  3. March–May

    The long rains (masika). March is the hottest, most humid month; April is usually the wettest, with heavy rain for hours. Fewer visitors and lower prices, but some businesses close and boat trips can be disrupted.

  4. November–early December

    The short rains (vuli) bring lighter, shorter showers. A shoulder season with fewer tourists, still workable for beaches and trips.

Weather

Weather in Zanzibar

Weather by month →

Zanzibar weather by month

Zanzibar weather by month
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
High / Low (°C)
29°
27°
30°
27°
30°
27°
29°
27°
28°
26°
27°
25°
27°
24°
27°
24°
28°
24°
28°
25°
29°
26°
30°
27°
Rain (mm)
62
51
119
256
186
29
13
14
22
64
101
92

Average daily high and low (°C) and monthly rainfall (mm) · Forecast: MET Norway (yr.no) · Climate averages: NASA POWER

Practical tips

  • Buy the government's inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation before arrival; it is required even if you already have cover.
  • If you want to swim at any time of day, stay at Nungwi or Kendwa, as east-coast beaches like Paje and Matemwe have big tides.
  • In Stone Town and villages cover shoulders and knees, and keep swimwear for the beach and resorts; the dress code is official and fines are possible.
  • Pick your base by trip: Stone Town for Prison Island and Safari Blue, the north for Mnemba, the south-east for Jozani.
  • During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in the daytime, and expect some restaurants to close until sunset.

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