Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar: The Complete Travel Guide
Best time to go, what happens each month, how far everything is, and every question answered, written by a locally owned, TALA-licensed Tanzanian safari company.
Book Zanzibar tours →Month-by-month guideDistancesAbout Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the perfect finish to a safari or a mountain climb: white sand, warm turquoise water and a living history in Stone Town’s narrow alleys, carved doors and spice markets. It combines Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences like nowhere else in East Africa.
The island is small enough to see in a week, with very different beach areas. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north are lively with calm swimming, Paje and Jambiani on the east coast suit kite-surfing, and the south around Kizimkazi has dolphins and quiet beaches.
Quick answer: best time
The best time to visit Zanzibar is June to October, when it is dry, breezy and less humid, and December to February, when it is hot and sunny. Expect heavy rain from March to May, when many lodges close, and shorter showers in November.
Top months: Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
Zanzibar month by month
Tap a month to see what is happening, what the weather is like and how busy it gets.
Zanzibar in pictures
What to see and do
Stone Town
Wander the alleys, Forodhani Gardens, the old fort, Freddie Mercury’s house and the Old Slave Market.
Spice farm tour
See, smell and taste cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and tropical fruit on a guided tour.
Jozani Forest
Home to the rare red colobus monkey, with a boardwalk through mangroves.
Beach time
Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and Jambiani offer white sand and clear water.
Dolphins & snorkelling
Boat trips from Kizimkazi and Mnemba Atoll for dolphins and coral reefs.
Sunset dhow cruise
A traditional wooden dhow at sunset is a classic way to end a day.
How far is Zanzibar from nearby places?
Approximate road distances and typical driving times from Zanzibar. Times include normal stops; road and weather conditions vary.
| To / from | Distance | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar AirportFrom Stone Town. | ~7 km | 15–20 min |
| Nungwi / KendwaNorthern beaches, great for sunsets. | ~60 km | 1–1.25 h |
| Paje / JambianiEast coast, kite-surfing and wide beaches. | ~55 km | 1–1.25 h |
| Jozani ForestOn the road to Paje. | ~35 km | 45 min |
| KizimkaziDolphin tours in the south. | ~55 km | 1–1.25 h |
| Dar es SalaamMain gateway from the mainland. | ~75 km by sea | 2 h ferry, 20–30 min flight |
| Arusha / KilimanjaroPopular finish after a safari or climb. | By air | 1–2 h depending on connection |
Accommodation styles
- Boutique hotels in Stone Town for culture and food.
- Beach resorts and villas in Nungwi, Kendwa and Paje.
- Budget guesthouses and bungalows near the beaches.
Plan like a local
- Dress modestly in Stone Town and villages; swimwear is for the beach.
- Check tides before you pick your beach, because east coast tides can go far out.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, since the equatorial sun is strong.
- Book the long-rains months carefully, as many places close.
- Combine a safari and Zanzibar in one trip; we can arrange both.
Trips that include Zanzibar
Every tour is private with your own guide. Open a tour for the full itinerary, inclusions and price.
Zanzibar: your questions answered
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October and December to February. March to May has heavy rains and many closures.
How far is Stone Town from the airport?
About 7 km, around 15–20 minutes.
How far are the beaches from Stone Town?
Nungwi and Kendwa are about 60 km (1–1.25 hours), Paje about 55 km (about 1 hour).
How do I get from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
By ferry in about 2 hours or by flight in about 20–30 minutes.
Can I combine Zanzibar with a safari?
Yes, it is a popular combination. We offer packages that mix Northern Tanzania safaris with Zanzibar beaches.
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally welcoming for visitors. Use normal travel precautions and dress respectfully in local areas.
How many days should I spend in Zanzibar?
4–7 days is a good range: two days in Stone Town and the rest on the beach.
Questions about Zanzibar?
Tell us your dates and what you want to see. We reply within 24 hours with advice and a clear price.