Zanzibar Travel Guide

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off Tanzania's coast, historically known as the "Spice Island" for its clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon plantations, and today known mostly for its white sand beaches and turquoise water.

Stone Town

The historic capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow alleys shaped by centuries of Swahili, Arab, Persian, and Indian influence layered on top of each other. It's worth at least a day even for travelers mainly here for the beach.

Choosing Where to Stay

Zanzibar's coastline has real differences by area — the east coast tends toward classic white-sand beaches with tidal variation, while the west and north offer calmer, more consistent water. Where you stay genuinely changes the trip.

Best Time to Visit

June to October and December to February are Zanzibar's two dry seasons, and the easiest windows for combining it with a mainland safari.

Pairing With a Safari

Zanzibar is the natural close to a Tanzania trip — most itineraries put it at the end, as a genuine change of pace after several days of early starts and long game drives.