Zanzibar

Introducing Zanzibar

Zanzibar, a coastal city on an island east of Tanzania in East Africa, lies on the Indian Ocean. The island blends traditional African, Islamic, and Indian cultures. "Zanzibar" means "Black Coast" in Arabic, and Chinese texts from the Song Dynasty referred to it as "Ceba Country." Due to its abundant clove production, Zanzibar is known as the world's most fragrant island, with clove exports accounting for 80% of Zanzibar's foreign exchange earnings. The island is surrounded by the rare turquoise of the Indian Ocean, and its east coast is renowned for its sunrises, resembling a dazzling jewel set against the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean.

Climate and best time to travel

Zanzibar's climate is hot and humid, but the ocean's influence keeps it mild and pleasant. Temperatures are moderate and fluctuate little, with an average of 23°C in July and 28°C in January. Zanzibar receives 400-2000 mm of rainfall annually, while Pemba receives up to 2000 mm. Heavy rainfall between April and May and November and December can lead to floods. Cyclones also occasionally strike Zanzibar, leaving large numbers of people homeless and destroying large areas of clove and coconut trees.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Stone Town in Zanzibar

In 2000, it was included in the World Heritage List based on the heritage selection criteria C (II) (III) (VI).

World Heritage Committee's evaluation:

Zanzibar's Stone Town is an outstanding example of the many coastal commercial cities built by the Swahili people in East Africa. It perfectly preserves its ancient town architecture and beautiful scenery, and boasts numerous exquisite buildings reflecting its unique culture. This culture is a fusion of diverse African, Arab, Indian, and European cultures, organically blended and continuously developing for over 1,000 years.

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Most Popular FAQs for Zanzibar

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Zanzibar (Unguja) is a semi-autonomous archipelago off Tanzania’s coast, historically a center of Indian Ocean trade among Africans, Arabs, Persians, and Europeans. It was a major hub in the spice and slave trade under Omani rule, later under European colonial influence. Its cultural identity is a mix of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences, visible in Stone Town’s architecture and heritage. 

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Zanzibar lies off Tanzania’s east coast in the Indian Ocean, about 35 km from the mainland. The main island is Unguja (often called “Zanzibar Island”). 

To reach Zanzibar: fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar). Or take ferry/boat from Dar es Salaam. Within the island, transport includes taxis, dali-dali minibus, boda-boda (motorbike taxis), and walking within Stone Town. Tuk-tuks also operate in Stone Town. 

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Museums such as the Freddie Mercury Museum open 10:00 to 18:00 daily . The Old Slave Market / Anglican Cathedral Museum has an entrance cost of ~$5 and is open during daylight hours . The Palace Museum charges about USD 5 and has guides . Many heritage buildings open in the morning through late afternoon.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season from June to October, when weather is dry and sea conditions are calm for snorkeling/diving.  The lower tourist season (March–May) sees more rains but fewer crowds. 

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• Old Slave Market / Anglican Cathedral Museum: ~ USD 5 per person, guides are available at entrance 
• Freddie Mercury Museum: entrance ~ £8 (≈ USD ~10–12) 
• The Palace Museum: ~USD 5 and guide included 
• House of Wonders: historically ~6,000 TZS for adults and 4,000 TZS for children (though building has had structural issues) 
• Peace Memorial / Museum of Art & Natural History: combined ticket (~6,000 TZS) for both museums in the complex 
• Tickets are generally purchased onsite at museum entrances. Some guided tours or combined passes may allow advance bookings. 

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For most heritage sites and museums, advance booking is not mandatory—walk-in is fine. But for special tours (boat trips, snorkeling, full-day excursions, and night events) it’s wise to book a few days in advance to ensure availability. For highly visited experiences in peak season, 1–2 weeks ahead booking helps. 

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To cover the highlights (Stone Town, museums, spice tours, beach time), plan 3 to 5 days. If you want relaxation, diving, and island hopping, a week is ideal. 

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Stone Town’s old quarter, carved doors, alleyways, marketplace
• House of Wonders (museum building) and adjacent palaces
• Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) and its amphitheater
• Sultan’s Palace (People’s Palace) Museum
• Old Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral Museum
• Freddie Mercury Museum
• Hamamni Persian Baths
• Spice farms on the island’s interior
• Prison Island with giant tortoises
• Beaches, snorkeling & diving sites along the coast
• Evening at Forodhani Gardens night market

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes. Local guides (in English, Swahili, sometimes French) lead walking tours of Stone Town and heritage sites. Some museums may provide guided tours; audio guides are less common. Tour operators often bundle multiple site entries. 

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• From rooftops in Stone Town overlooking winding alleys and the sea
• Seafront façade of House of Wonders, Old Fort, and Palace Museum
• During sunset from stone town coastline or Forodhani Gardens
• On boat trips/dhow cruises over turquoise waters
• Beach fringes and coral reef edges
• Spice farms and clove plantations for lush green backdrops

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Day 1: Stone Town walking — House of Wonders, Old Fort, Palace Museum, Old Slave Market, Hamamni Baths, Freddie Mercury Museum
• Day 2: Spice farm tour in morning → Prison Island in afternoon → evening at Forodhani Gardens night market
• Day 3: Beach time / snorkeling / diving in Mnemba or coastal sites → optional sunset dhow cruise
• Day 4+: More beach relaxation, island hopping to smaller islands, or exploring the interior villages

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes — the Old Fort hosts evening performances, music, dance. The Forodhani Gardens becomes a lively night food market. Some heritage walking tours in Stone Town may be offered in evening hours. However, most museums close by late afternoon. 

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Tourist crowds are highest during the dry season (June–October) and holiday peaks. The off-peak months (March–May) are less crowded though weather may be wetter. Within each day, mornings and late afternoons are quieter in Stone Town and museums. 

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Museums and heritage buildings usually have restrooms and small gift shops or information desks
• Numerous cafés, street-food stalls, restaurants in Stone Town and coastal resorts
• Water provision via bottled water is standard (tap water not always safe to drink) 
• Public seating, shade areas along narrow alleys and seafront paths
• Shops, artisan stalls, galleries in Stone Town, Old Fort, and along major streets

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

• Many heritage sites involve narrow alleys, steps, uneven floors — challenging for mobility-impaired visitors
• Some museums and newer buildings offer more accessible paths, but accessibility is limited overall
• Children often enjoy the museums, tortoise island visits, beach and boat trips

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash (Tanzanian shilling) is commonly needed for smaller vendors, local shops, museums, entrance fees, and transport. Some hotels, upscale restaurants, and tour operators accept card payments, but card acceptance is not universal — always carry cash. 

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Cafés and restaurants in Stone Town (serving Swahili, seafood, fusion, international cuisine)
• Night market stalls in Forodhani Gardens for local street food (grilled seafood, Zanzibari snacks)
• Coastal resort restaurants along Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, etc.
• Beachside cafés, bars, and seaside dining in resort zones

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

• Many Swahili and local dishes are halal (meats prepared under Islamic tradition)
• Vegetarian/vegan options include coconut curries, vegetable stews, plantains, beans, root vegetables, grilled veggies
• Restaurants in tourist areas often list vegetarian or vegan menu items explicitly

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Stone Town boutique hotels, heritage guesthouses, guesthouses within walking distance of heritage sites
• Beach resorts in Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Bwejuu, Michamvi etc.
• Mid-range lodges and beach villas on the coast or near towns (e.g. near Stone Town outskirts)

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Mnemba Atoll (for snorkeling and marine life)
• The islands around Zanzibar (e.g. Chapwani, Bawe, Tumbatu) for day trips
• Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (for red colobus monkeys and mangrove walks) 
• Mangrove forests, dhow sailing along coastlines, and small fishing villages

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Souvenir stalls in Stone Town’s alleys, Old Fort, and markets
• Typical souvenirs: carved wooden doors, textiles, batik, kanga, Zanzibar spices (cloves, vanilla, nutmeg), jewelry, seashell crafts, local artwork
• Galleries and museum shops may carry curated art and heritage reproductions

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Ferry or boat services to mainland Tanzania (Dar es Salaam, mainland cities)
• Flights from Zanzibar airport to other Tanzanian destinations (Dar-es-Salaam, Dar to Serengeti, Arusha, etc.)
• Private boat charters to neighboring islands
• Local bus or minibuses for movement within Zanzibar and to coastal towns