The short answer
- Nights
- 3 to 6
- Best months
- June to October, December to February
- Wettest
- April and May
- Swim at any tide
- Nungwi and Kendwa
Zanzibar is an island of about a million people off the coast of mainland Tanzania, once the centre of a trading empire linking Africa, Arabia and India. Its old quarter, Stone Town, is a maze of coral stone houses, carved doors and mosques, and its coast is ringed with white beaches and reefs.
Stone Town
- Forodhani Gardens: The waterfront park, with a busy street food market every evening.
- The Old Fort: Built by the Omanis in the 1600s, now a cultural centre.
- The slave market site: Christ Church Cathedral stands on the site of the last slave market, with a moving exhibition on the East African slave trade.
- Carved doors and lanes: Walk with a local guide to understand the Arab and Indian styles and the town's history.
- Darajani Market: Spices, fish and fruit in the main market.
Which beach?
| Area | Good for | Tides |
|---|---|---|
| Nungwi and Kendwa (north) | Swimming, sunsets, bars and dhow trips | Deep water: swim at any tide |
| Kiwengwa and Matemwe (north east) | Resorts, diving and snorkelling at Mnemba | Sea goes out a long way at low tide |
| Paje and Jambiani (south east) | Kitesurfing, guesthouses, a relaxed scene | Very tidal, great for walking at low tide |
| Michamvi (east) | Quiet hotels and sunset views over the bay | Tidal on the east side |
Tip: Check the tide tables for your dates. On the east coast, low tide can leave the sea a kilometre away for several hours, which is perfect for walking and seaweed farms, less so for swimming.
Things to do
- Jozani Forest: Zanzibar's only national park, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
- Spice tour: Visit farms growing cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla, which made Zanzibar famous.
- Mnemba Atoll: Snorkelling and diving on a protected reef, often with dolphins on the way.
- Prison Island: Giant tortoises a short boat ride from Stone Town.
- Dhow sunset cruise: From Stone Town or Nungwi.
Getting there and practical tips
- By air: Zanzibar's international airport has flights from Europe, the Gulf and Africa, and short flights from Arusha, the Serengeti and Dar es Salaam.
- By ferry: Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam take about 2 hours.
- Insurance: Every visitor needs Tanzania's compulsory US$44 inbound insurance. See visa and entry.
- Dress code: Zanzibar is mostly Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees away from the beach, especially in Stone Town; the government can fine visitors for inappropriate clothing in public.
- Ramadan: Many restaurants close during the day; eat discreetly in public.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | ZanzibarStone Town |
|---|---|
| Jan | 32° / 24°70 mm |
| Feb | 32° / 24°60 mm |
| Mar | 32° / 24°150 mm |
| Apr | 30° / 24°350 mm |
| May | 29° / 23°250 mm |
| Jun | 28° / 22°55 mm |
| Jul | 28° / 21°45 mm |
| Aug | 28° / 21°40 mm |
| Sep | 29° / 21°50 mm |
| Oct | 30° / 22°90 mm |
| Nov | 31° / 23°200 mm |
| Dec | 32° / 24°140 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Zanzibar?
Three to six nights: one or two in Stone Town and the rest on a beach.
Which part of Zanzibar is best?
Nungwi and Kendwa in the north for swimming at any tide and sunsets; the east and south coasts for quieter beaches, kitesurfing and resorts.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October and December to February. April and May are the wettest months, and some hotels close.
Is Zanzibar safe?
Generally yes with normal precautions, but crime does occur in Stone Town and on beaches. Dress modestly and check your government's latest advice. See [is Tanzania safe](/guides/tanzania/is-tanzania-safe).
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