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Things to do in Zanzibar
Discover adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments
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Historic Stone Town
Guests can wander Stone Town’s spice-scented lanes, visiting Old Fort, House of Wonders and markets.
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Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Guests can explore Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, spotting red colobus monkeys and mangrove boardwalks.
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Safari Blue Trip
Guests can join Safari Blue Trip for dhow sailing, snorkelling, swimming and dreamy sandbank stops.
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Kitesurfing at Paje Beach
Guests can try kitesurfing at Paje Beach with Zanzibar Kite Paradise, catching steady coastal breezes.

Discover Zanzibar - Explore the Map

Zanzibar weather

Zanzibar City, including Stone Town on Unguja Island, stays warm year-round. Average highs range from 29°C to 32°C, with the hottest months from January to March. Lows generally range from 21°C to 25°C. The coolest period runs from July to September, offering slightly milder evenings and more tropical conditions for visitors.

Jan
32°C 25°C
Feb
32°C 25°C
Mar
32°C 25°C
Apr
30°C 24°C
May
30°C 24°C
Jun
29°C 23°C
Jul
29°C 22°C
Aug
29°C 21°C
Sep
30°C 21°C
Oct
31°C 22°C
Nov
31°C 23°C
Dec
31°C 24°C

Zanzibar - Things to know

Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar?

You must have a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania, which includes Zanzibar. Your passport must have six months' validity. Please click here to check visa updates.

What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

Zanzibar feels at its best from June to October, with dry days, calm seas, and warm beach weather.

What currency is used in Zanzibar, can I use credit cards?

The Tanzanian Shilling is the currency. Credit cards suit resorts and hotels. Keep cash for markets and small shops.

Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?

Zanzibar feels calm and warm. Use trusted taxis, keep valuables safe, and respect local customs in Stone Town.

What transportation options are available in Zanzibar?

You can use taxis, resort transfers, ferries, private cars, and light flights to Pemba. Most resorts arrange transfers.

Are there any cultural customs I should follow?

Dress with care outside resorts. Cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town, and show respect near mosques.

 

Zanzibar - Flight information

Average flight time

12 hours & 45 minutes

Distance from London

7400 kilometre

British Airways (Non-direct)

British Airways (Non-direct)

Emirates (Non-direct)

Emirates (Non-direct)

Qatar Airways (Non-direct)

Qatar Airways (Non-direct)

Etihad (Non-direct)

Etihad (Non-direct)

Kenya Airways (Non-direct)

Kenya Airways (Non-direct)

Zanzibar holidays

Nungwi and Kendwa bring pale sand, clear sea, and soft sunset light on the north coast. Matemwe feels calm and refined, with views towards Mnemba Atoll. Paje suits those who like wide sand, warm wind, and a clean, open beach scene.

Dive centres near Mnemba Atoll, Nungwi, and Pemba Channel open the door to reefs, rays, turtles, and bright reef fish. You can snorkel, sail by dhow, try gentle kite surfing at Paje, or take a spice tour near Stone Town.

Stone Town gives Zanzibar its deep charm. You see Omani-style carved wood doors, old forts, markets, and palace sites. Swahili culture blends African, Arab, Indian, and Persian roots. That mix gives the island its food, music, dress, and warm coastal feel.

Jozani Forest brings rare red colobus monkeys and cool green paths. Mnemba Atoll has clear water and rich reef life. Pemba feels lush, with clove farms and deep sea channels. Mafia Island, south of the main archipelago, draws divers for whale shark trips.

Zanzibar suits slow, polished days. You can wake to sea views in Matemwe, swim before lunch in Nungwi, then take sunset drinks near Kendwa. Private villas, spa rituals, quiet pools, and all-inclusive dining help you switch off with ease.

Zanzibar tastes of spice and sea. You can enjoy Swahili cuisine, coconut fish curry, grilled lobster, pilau rice, chapati, fresh mango, and spiced tea. Indian, Arab, and coastal African flavours meet here, so each meal feels rooted in place.

Zanzibar feels made for slow love stories. Mnemba views, Kendwa sunsets, Stone Town roof dinners, and candlelit beach meals set a soft mood. You can share a dhow sail, a spa day, or a villa pool with only the tide nearby.

Families can enjoy calm beach time in Nungwi, reef trips near Mnemba, and spice farms close to Stone Town. Older children may love Jozani Forest, boat rides, and gentle snorkel spots. The island gives rest, fun, and culture without rush.

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