Zanzibar is the perfect way to end a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb: warm water, white sand and a fascinating old town. The island is small, but each area feels different, so a little planning goes a long way.
How many days?
Four to seven days works well. A good split is two nights in Stone Town and the rest on the beach.
Stone Town: culture and food
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow alleys, carved doors, markets and old merchant houses. Visit the Forodhani Gardens at sunset, the old fort and the Old Slave Market, and take a guided walking tour. Add a spice farm tour for cloves, cinnamon and vanilla.
Which beach to choose
- Nungwi and Kendwa (north): about 60 km from Stone Town. Lively, great sunsets and calm swimming at most tides.
- Paje and Jambiani (east): about 55 km away. Wide beaches and kite-surfing, but tides go far out.
- Kizimkazi (south): about 55 km away. Quieter, and known for dolphin trips.
Do not miss
Jozani Forest, about 35 km from Stone Town, is home to the rare red colobus monkey. A sunset dhow cruise and snorkelling are other favourites.
Best time to visit
June to October is dry, breezy and less humid. December to February is hot and sunny. March to May has heavy rain and many places close, and November has short showers. Our Zanzibar travel guide has a month-by-month calendar and a distance map.
Getting there
From Dar es Salaam you can take the ferry (about 2 hours) or fly (20 to 30 minutes). From Arusha or Kilimanjaro, flights take about 1 to 2 hours depending on the connection, which is why many guests combine a safari with Zanzibar in one trip.
Trips we recommend
Try our 7-day Zanzibar adventure, culture and relax or the 10-day Tanzania and Zanzibar safari. Staying on the mainland? Our 2-day safari from Zanzibar shows you Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Before you fly, see our guide to the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro.
Plan it with a local team
Tell us your dates and what you want to see, and we will reply within 24 hours with a tailor-made private itinerary and a clear price. Send us your questions or message us on WhatsApp. Let’s Wander Tanzania is locally owned and TALA licensed (#036127).