Zanzibar Tanzania Travel Guide

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of mainland Tanzania, consisting of two main islands — Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar Island) and Pemba — along with several smaller islets. It sits roughly 35 kilometers off the Tanzanian coast in the Indian Ocean and has a population of well over one million people.

The island's identity is shaped by centuries of Indian Ocean trade. Arab, Persian, Indian, Portuguese, and British influences have all left visible marks on its architecture, cuisine, religion, and language. Islam is the dominant faith and Swahili the everyday tongue, but the cultural fabric is genuinely layered and complex.

Stone Town, the historic core of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of East Africa's most atmospheric urban environments. Beyond the city, the island offers turquoise lagoons, dhow fishing villages, spice farms, and coral reefs that draw divers and snorkelers from around the world.

Zanzibar is administered separately from mainland Tanzania. Visitors should be aware that it has its own immigration procedures and some rules that differ from the mainland — particularly around alcohol, dress codes in public spaces, and public conduct aligned with local Islamic customs.

Visas and Entry

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania but operates its own immigration checkpoint. Most visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania, which may be stamped at the Zanzibar airport or port separately from or in addition to a mainland entry. Visa rules change and vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Tanzania Immigration Services website before you travel.

Health

Malaria is present in Zanzibar. Consult a travel health professional about prophylaxis well before your trip. Routine vaccinations should be up to date. Yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk — verify requirements with your doctor and the official immigration authority. Tap water is generally not safe to drink; use bottled or filtered water.

What to Pack

• Light, breathable cotton clothing
• Modest clothing for Stone Town, mosques, and local villages (shoulders and knees covered)
• High-SPF sunscreen and reef-safe options if you plan to snorkel or dive
• Insect repellent (DEET or equivalent)
• Any prescription medications, as supplies can be limited

Connectivity

Local SIM cards are available from major Tanzanian carriers. Coverage is reasonable in Zanzibar City and the main tourist areas, though more remote parts of the island may have limited signal.

By Air

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar City handles direct regional flights from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and several other East African cities. International travelers typically connect through Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International Airport, DAR) or Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Flight times from Dar es Salaam are roughly 20 to 30 minutes; from Nairobi, approximately 2 hours.

By Ferry

Regular ferry services operate between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar City. The crossing takes approximately 2 hours on fast ferries. Several operators run multiple departures daily, though schedules and sea conditions vary by season. Book tickets in advance during peak travel periods, and verify current schedules and operators locally or through reputable booking platforms — services change. The ferry terminal in Dar es Salaam is at Kilindini and in Zanzibar at Malindi Port.

Note on Safety at Sea

The Tanzanian coast can experience rough seas, particularly between March and May during the long rains (masika). If you are prone to motion sickness or travelling with small children, take appropriate precautions and consider flying during unsettled periods.

Within Stone Town

Stone Town is compact and best explored on foot, though its narrow, labyrinthine lanes can be disorienting at first. Most guesthouses and hotels are within walking distance of the main sights. Taxis are available for longer journeys or late at night.

Around the Island

• Dala-dalas: Minibus shared taxis that connect Zanzibar City with towns and villages across Unguja. Very inexpensive; crowded and slow but a genuine local experience.
• Taxis and private hire: Widely available. Agree on a fare before you get in, as meters are not standard. Many hotels can arrange drivers for day trips.
• Motorbike taxis (boda-bodas): Available but carry inherent risks; exercise caution.
• Scooter and bicycle rental: Available from various shops, especially in tourist areas like Nungwi and Paje. Confirm the condition of the vehicle and whether you need an international driving permit before renting.

Between Islands

Boat services connect Unguja and Pemba, though schedules are infrequent. Small charter flights are also available. Verify schedules locally.

Stone Town

Wandering Stone Town's alleys is an experience in itself. Key sites include the House of Wonders (Beit el-Ajaib), the Old Fort (Arab Fort), the Palace Museum (People's Palace), and the former slave market site — now home to a poignant Anglican cathedral and memorial. The waterfront Forodhani Gardens host an evening street food market that has long been a gathering point for locals and visitors.

Beaches

Zanzibar's coastline varies considerably depending on tides and location. The east coast (Paje, Bwejuu, Jambiani) is known for wide, shallow tidal flats popular with kiteboarders and seaweed farmers. The north coast (Nungwi, Kendwa) has deeper water that is swimmable most of the day regardless of tides. The west coast faces the channel and can have stronger currents. Always ask locally about swimming conditions before entering the water.

Diving and Snorkeling

Zanzibar sits within a biodiverse coral ecosystem. Popular dive and snorkel sites include Mnemba Atoll (a protected marine conservation area northeast of the main island), Nakupenda sandbank, and various sites around Prison Island. Dive operators are concentrated in Nungwi and Paje. Verify operator credentials, equipment standards, and whether they follow responsible marine practices before booking.

Spice Tours

Organized half-day tours visit working spice farms in the island's interior, where guides demonstrate and identify cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, turmeric, cardamom, and other crops. These tours offer genuine insight into the agricultural history that shaped Zanzibar's economy and its nickname, the Spice Island.

Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park

This is the only national park on Zanzibar Island. It protects one of the last remaining habitats of the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, an endemic and endangered species. Entry fees apply; verify current rates at the gate or in advance. The park also includes mangrove boardwalks.

Prison Island (Changuu Island)

A short boat ride from Stone Town, this small island holds a colonial-era building historically associated with detention, and is now home to a population of giant Aldabra tortoises. Boat trips and entry fees apply; verify locally.

What to Eat

Zanzibar's cuisine is a direct product of its trading history: coconut milk, tamarind, cardamom, cloves, and fresh seafood are recurring elements. Look for:

• Urojo (Zanzibar Mix): A tangy, spiced soup served with fritters, potatoes, and chutney — widely considered the island's signature street food
• Mishkaki: Skewered and marinated grilled meat or seafood
• Pilau rice: Spiced rice cooked with whole spices, a staple throughout the Swahili coast
• Octopus curry: Particularly good in fishing villages on the south and east coasts
• Fresh fruit: Zanzibar produces jackfruit, passion fruit, mango, and breadfruit seasonally

Forodhani Night Market

The waterfront Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town host an informal evening food market most nights. Vendors sell grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza (a street food crepe-style dish), sugar cane juice, and urojo. Prices are generally low; inspect food hygiene conditions and choose stalls with visible turnover.

Alcohol

Zanzibar is a majority-Muslim island. Alcohol is available in hotels, upmarket restaurants, and some beach bars catering to tourists, but it is not universally present. Public consumption outside designated venues is considered disrespectful. Do not consume alcohol in or near mosques, markets, or residential neighborhoods.

Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian options are available but can be limited in non-tourist-facing restaurants. Seafood is abundant and generally fresh in coastal areas. Those with allergies should communicate clearly, as shared cooking equipment is common in small kitchens.

Money

The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels, tour operators, and many restaurants, but small businesses and markets work in shillings. ATMs are available in Zanzibar City but can be unreliable; carry some cash. Check ATM withdrawal limits and international transaction fees with your bank before travel.

Emergency Contacts

For emergencies, the general police number in Tanzania is 112. Medical facilities on the island are limited compared to mainland Tanzania. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Verify the location of the nearest hospital or clinic when you check in to your accommodation.

Electricity

Zanzibar uses the same electrical system as mainland Tanzania: 230V, 50Hz, with British-style three-pin square plugs (Type G). Bring a universal adapter. Power outages occur and can be extended; many hotels have generators.

Time and Business Hours

Verify opening hours locally, as they vary by season and can change without notice. Government offices, banks, and some businesses may close during Friday prayers. Many markets and smaller shops follow flexible hours.

Zanzibar is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard urban precautions apply in Stone Town, particularly after dark. Petty theft (bag snatching, pickpocketing) has been reported in crowded areas and on beaches. Keep valuables secured and avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or phones unnecessarily in public.

Beach safety deserves specific attention. Tidal variations on the east coast are dramatic — the sea can recede hundreds of meters at low tide. Swimming in strong currents or unfamiliar conditions without local advice is risky. There have been incidents of harassment on beaches, particularly toward solo female travelers. Traveling in pairs or groups and choosing reputable beach operators can reduce risk.

Road safety is a concern island-wide. Traffic accidents involving scooters and motorcycles are not uncommon. If renting a bike or scooter, wear a helmet, ride cautiously, and avoid night riding on unlit rural roads.

Water and food hygiene: stick to bottled or purified water, be selective about street food vendors (look for busy stalls with visible turnover), and avoid raw shellfish if you are uncertain of its freshness.

Islam and Daily Life

The majority of Zanzibaris are Sunni Muslim, and Islamic practice shapes daily rhythms. The call to prayer is heard five times daily. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is deeply disrespectful and may be prohibited. Travelers should adjust their behavior accordingly during this period.

Dress Code

In Stone Town and other towns or villages, modest dress is expected and appreciated — covered shoulders and knees for both men and women. At beach resorts, swimwear is acceptable on the beach itself, but covering up when walking to or from the beach through public areas is the respectful norm. Toplessness is not appropriate anywhere on the island.

Photography

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and elderly residents. Some people will decline; respect that. Do not photograph government buildings, ports, or military installations. At markets and the Forodhani Gardens, vendors may request a small tip for photos — this is a matter of personal negotiation.

Tipping

Tipping is not a formal obligation but is appreciated in the service industry. In restaurants that do not include a service charge, rounding up or leaving a small amount is customary. For guided tours and drivers, a tip commensurate with the service quality is conventional.