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Sunsets, spices and snorkelling in Zanzibar
Book flights to Zanzibar to explore the namesake city of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Located off the coast of Tanzania in Africa, this collection of islands provides breathtaking scenery at every turn – from postcard-perfect beaches to lush mangrove parks.
Discover historic forts and old-world streets in Stone Town, the capital city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, it’s just a short walk to Zanzibar’s stunning shoreline. Fancy an aquatic adventure? Plan a boat trip to one of the city’s nearby islands where you can meet giant tortoises and go snorkelling in the Indian Ocean.
You can’t fly to Zanzibar without visiting the lively markets. Darajani Bazaar is the place to go for spices and souvenirs, while the night market in Forodhani Gardens is the ultimate spot for sampling fresh seafood and other local delicacies.
What’s the weather like in Zanzibar?
Average temperature Average rainfall
JAN
27°C
8.9cm
FEB
28°C
5.6cm
MAR
26°C
15.3cm
APR
26°C
40.1cm
MAY
26°C
25.5cm
JUN
25°C
6.8cm
JUL
24°C
4.8cm
AUG
24°C
4.7cm
SEP
25°C
5.0cm
OCT
25°C
9.7cm
NOV
26°C
22.6cm
DEC
27°C
19.4cm
The weather in Zanzibar is consistently sunny, with warm yet comfortable temperatures throughout the year. Fly to Zanzibar between July and September to make the most of the archipelago’s dry season – perfect for beach days.
Don’t be put off travelling in the months of November and December. Their short rains offer a welcome break from the sun and usually leave behind beautiful blue skies. It tends to be less crowded too.
Reasons to visit Zanzibar
Magical island beaches
Irresistibly sandy shores and enticing turquoise waters – Zanzibar is a beach lover’s dream come true. The city is nestled along the island’s western coast, so there’s plenty of stunning shoreline to enjoy – from Zanzibar Beach Resort to Chukwani Beach.
You’ll also find several island beaches surrounding the city. Plan a morning boat trip to Nakupenda Beach – the paradise isle, ‘nakupenda’ meaning “I love you” – where you can sunbathe and snorkel before the sands disappear with the afternoon tides.
And don’t forget to venture to nearby Changuu Island for an unforgettable meet-and-greet with giant tortoises at the island’s sanctuary.
Historic Stone Town
Step back in time with a trip to Stone Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with crumbling buildings, bustling markets and elaborate architecture.
Explore the 17th-century Old Fort that once protected the city and now hosts several festivals and concerts. Then, learn about Zanzibar’s history at the People’s Palace Museum, housed in an original Sultan’s palace.
Stone Town, Zanzibar is also the birthplace of legendary Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury. Visit his childhood home – known as Mercury House – then check out the dedicated Freddie Mercury Museum for a glimpse into his early years and rise to stardom.
After a day of exploring, book a table at the Emerson Spice Tea House rooftop for a five-course sunset dinner overlooking this remarkable city.
Bustling markets
Zanzibar is known for its sensational spices and is one of the world’s main sources for cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper.
Stop by the Darajani Bazaar to soak up the smells and sights of the local stalls, selling everything from fresh fruit and fragrant spices to African art, masks and fabrics. You can even pick up a few spices of your own to take back as a souvenir.
Darajani Bazaar is ideal for haggling in the day while Forodhani Gardens is the place to go after sunset. Every night this urban park along the beachfront transforms into an open-air market. Find a table nestled between the stalls where you can sample fresh seafood, as well as local delicacies such as the Zanzibar pizza.
Things to know before you fly
Getting around
Most of Zanzibar City is easy to get around on foot, especially in Stone Town. Taxis are also available in the main tourist spots, while local dala-dala buses are the most affordable way to reach other areas on the island.
Airport transfers
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the main airport for flights to Zanzibar. From here, it’s a 30-minute taxi ride into Stone Town or you can catch the local dala-dala bus from right outside the airport.
Currency
Zanzibar’s official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), though most hotels accept US dollars (USD) too. If you need to exchange your money for some Tanzanian shillings, you’re best to visit the licensed bureaus in Stone Town.
Public holidays
Zanzibar shares many public holidays with Tanzania, including national holidays like Zanzibar Revolution Day on 12 January and religious festivals, such as Easter and Eid ul-Fitr. Most schools and businesses are closed on these days.
Flying to Zanzibar: FAQs
Where should I stay in Zanzibar?
Stay in Stone Town and you’ll be within walking distance of Zanzibar’s top historic attractions, as well as charming restaurants and sandy coastline. Elsewhere on Zanzibar Island, the north-east coast is the place to go for blissful beach resorts and upscale hotels.
There are also several private island resorts dotted along the coast, where you can enjoy added peace and relaxation.
How many days should I spend in Zanzibar?
You can spend as little or as long as you like in Zanzibar, but we recommend staying in the city for between three to seven days. This should give you enough time to explore the historic Stone Town and still enjoy some downtime along the shores.
You can also add in a few excursions to the surrounding islands – such as Pemba – to lengthen your trip, or board the ferry to mainland Tanzania for a change of scenery.
What food is Zanzibar known for?
Zanzibar is known for its incredible spices and freshly caught seafood, often served with rice cooked in creamy coconut milk.
You can also try a beloved local delicacy, the Zanzibar pizza – a crepe-like creation stuffed with all your favourite sweet or savoury ingredients. Head to Forodhani Gardens’ open-air night market to try one for yourself.
What language is spoken in Zanzibar?
Swahili is the official language spoken in Zanzibar. However, there may be some parts of the city – mainly in the tourist areas – that also speak English, French, Italian and Arabic.
Why we love Zanzibar
Zanzibar is your very own island paradise in the Indian Ocean. Glimmering turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelling, while pristine sands offer a comfortable spot to relax and unwind. Stop by the local seafood shacks and browse the spice markets – you can’t beat a break on this beautiful island.