Zanzibar

Zanzibar Travel Guide

The 'Spice Island' - an Indian Ocean jewel where Arab, Indian, and African cultures blend. Stone Town's labyrinthine alleys and 500-plus carved wooden doors carry UNESCO charm, while Nungwi Beach's white sand and turquoise water are pure paradise. Spice farm tours awaken all the senses, and Forodhani Gardens night market serves up fresh local seafood.

Essential Zanzibar Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Zanzibar

★ 4.6

Stone Town

Stone Town is the historic old quarter of Zanzibar Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Arab, Indian, African, and European influences meet. Its maze of narrow alleys is famed for more than 500 intricately carved wooden doors, each design reflecting the owner's religion and social standing. Sites packed into the area include Freddie Mercury's birthplace, the former slave market, and the Sultan's Palace, while the night market at Forodhani Gardens by the seafront is a sunset must-do.

HoursOpen 24 hours (night market: sunset-22:00)

LocationStone Town, Zanzibar

TipsTry Zanzibar pizza and grilled seafood at the Forodhani Gardens night market (after sunset). The alleys are easy to get lost in; a local guide can be handier than Google Maps.

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★ 4.8

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach lies at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island and is world-famous for powder-white coral sand and turquoise water that form a tropical paradise. Unlike other Zanzibar beaches, the tide differences here are small, so swimming and snorkeling are possible all day. Traditional dhow sailboats drifting offshore and fishermen mending their nets add a uniquely African atmosphere, and sunset dhow cruises are a popular activity.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationNungwi, Zanzibar

TipsDon't miss the sunset dhow cruise on a traditional sailboat. Snorkeling on the coral reef just offshore is also great. Beachfront bungalows are the recommended place to stay.

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★ 4.4

Spice Farm Tour

The spice farm tour is a quintessential Zanzibar experience on the so-called Spice Island. Visitors tour farms growing clove, cinnamon, vanilla, black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, and more, with guides pointing out the plants, fruits, and roots so you can smell and taste each spice. Highlights include watching a guide climb a coconut tree barefoot and sampling local dishes seasoned with the farm's spices. The tour also covers Zanzibar's history as a global spice trade hub.

HoursTours typically 09:00-13:00 (half-day morning)

LocationKidichi, Zanzibar

TipsAbout 30 minutes by car from Stone Town, with morning tours recommended. Bring cash to buy spices and handicrafts as souvenirs. Don't skip the spiced lunch served at the farm.

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★ 4.5

Prison Island (Changuu Island)

Prison Island (Changuu locally) is a small island about 20 minutes by boat from Stone Town, used in the 19th century to quarantine enslaved people and later as a yellow-fever isolation station. Today it's a sanctuary for over 100 giant Aldabra tortoises - some over 100 years old - introduced from the Seychelles in the late 1800s, which visitors can touch and photograph up close. The surrounding reef offers good snorkeling for tropical fish and coral, and a small beach club serves lunch. Tortoise admission $5. About 20 minutes by boat from Stone Town harbor.

HoursBoat trips typically 09:00-16:00

LocationOff Stone Town, Zanzibar

TipsBring snorkel gear to make the most of the reef. You can feed the tortoises pumpkin leaves, and watching them react when you touch the shell is charming.

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★ 4.4

Jozani Forest (Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park)

Jozani Forest is Zanzibar's only national park, located in the center of the island, and is the most important habitat for the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey (only about 5,000 in the world). On a 1.5-hour guided walk, you can get remarkably close to the troops of red-furred colobus leaping through the trees - they're unafraid of people, so photos are easy. The park's eastern boardwalk through the mangroves is great for spotting crabs, mudskippers, and birds, making it a popular eco-tourism stop. Admission $13. About 40 minutes by car from Stone Town.

HoursDaily 07:30-17:00

LocationJozani-Chwaka Bay, Zanzibar

TipsEarly morning or late afternoon is when the monkeys are most active. Mosquitoes are abundant - bring long sleeves and repellent. A guide is included with the admission.

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★ 4.7

Kendwa Beach

Kendwa Beach is on the northwest coast of Zanzibar, about a 30-minute walk from Nungwi, and is quieter and more laid-back than its famous neighbor. About 3km of wide, soft white sand and minimal tide variation make it possible to swim all day. The monthly Full Moon Party at Kendwa Rocks hotel is Zanzibar's most famous night event, drawing backpackers from around the world. Sunset is unforgettable as dhows cut across the horizon, and reasonably priced boutique resorts make this a great-value base. Free beach access. 30 minutes on foot from Nungwi.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationKendwa, Zanzibar

TipsTime your visit to the full moon for the Full Moon Party, but book accommodations well ahead. Diving and snorkeling tours depart from Kendwa dive centers.

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★ 4.4

Forodhani Gardens Night Market

Forodhani Gardens Night Market unfolds every evening after sunset in Stone Town's seafront park and is Zanzibar's signature night market. Dozens of stalls grill fresh prawns, octopus, lobster, kingfish, and barracuda on skewers, alongside freshly made Zanzibar pizza, urojo (Zanzibar mix), and sugarcane juice. Prices can be negotiated and TZS 10,000-25,000 per person buys a hearty dinner. Set between the Sultan's Palace and the seafront breeze, it brings locals and travelers together in an energetic atmosphere. Free entry. Stone Town waterfront.

HoursDaily sunset-22:00

LocationStone Town, Zanzibar

TipsCheck prices upfront at each stall and order by portion. For hygiene, pick freshly cooked items - and ask for lime to be added to the sugarcane juice.

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Things to Do in Zanzibar

Culture

Stone Town Walking Tour

A 3-hour cultural walking tour through Stone Town's maze of alleys with a local guide - 500 carved doors, Freddie Mercury's birthplace, the old slave market, and the Sultan's Palace.

Price $25-40 per personDuration About 3 hours

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Culture

Spice Farm Tour with Lunch

A half-day visit to a Kidichi spice farm 30 minutes from Stone Town - touch and taste 20+ spices including clove, cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom, then enjoy a spiced farm lunch.

Price $25-40 per person (lunch included)Duration About 4-5 hours

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Adventure

Prison Island Tortoise Visit

A 4-hour half-day boat trip from Stone Town to Changuu Island, 20 minutes away, to meet century-old Aldabra giant tortoises up close and snorkel on the surrounding reef.

Price $30-50 per person (boat + admission)Duration About 4 hours

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Tour

Sunset Dhow Cruise

A 2-hour sunset sail on a traditional Arab dhow off Stone Town or Nungwi - fresh fruit, drinks, and sometimes live music accompany the Indian Ocean sunset.

Price $25-45 per personDuration About 2 hours

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Adventure

Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling

A day trip to the Mnemba Atoll reef for snorkeling and a dolphin safari - boat out to swim with dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish, then grilled seafood lunch on a quiet beach.

Price $60-100 per person (lunch included)Duration About 7-8 hours

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Nature

Jozani Forest Colobus Trek

A 1.5-hour guided trek in Jozani Forest, Zanzibar's only national park, to see endangered red colobus monkeys up close and walk the mangrove boardwalk.

Price $13-30 (guide + admission)Duration About 2 hours

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Must-Try Food in Zanzibar

Zanzibar Mix (Urojo)

🍢 Street Food

Zanzibar's signature street snack of fried potato, cassava, and banana topped with a spicy sauce. TZS 3,000-8,000 per serving. Available at Stone Town market and Forodhani Gardens night market.

Pilau

🍱 Traditional

Zanzibari spiced rice cooked with clove, cardamom, and other aromatic spices. TZS 5,000-15,000 per serving. Available at Stone Town restaurants and beach resorts.

Spiced Chai

🍵 Drink

Zanzibar-style spiced tea brewed with clove, cardamom, and ginger. TZS 500-2,000. Available at Stone Town cafes and on spice farm tours.

Zanzibar Pizza

🍢 Street Food

Thin dough loaded with minced meat, onion, pepper, mayo, and egg, then folded and griddled - or stuffed with Nutella and banana for a sweet version. TZS 4,000-10,000 each. The Forodhani Gardens night market is the original.

Octopus Coconut Curry

🍱 Traditional

Locally caught Indian Ocean octopus simmered tender in coconut milk, turmeric, and curry spices - a Zanzibar coastal classic, served with coconut rice. TZS 15,000-25,000 per serving. Try The Rock Restaurant or Lukmaan.

Biryani Zanzibari

🍱 Traditional

Zanzibar-style biryani scented with saffron, clove, and cinnamon, available with lamb, chicken, or prawns and served with raita. TZS 10,000-18,000 per serving. Try Lukmaan or Forodhani Cafe.

Zanzibar Coffee (Kahawa)

🍵 Drink

Strong Zanzibar coffee brewed in a small clay pot with cardamom, clove, and ginger, served in tiny cups. TZS 1,000-3,000 per cup. Try the kahawa carts and cafes in Stone Town's alleys.

Zanzibar Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

The June-October dry season and December-February are best. Avoid the long rains of March-May.

How much does it cost to travel in Zanzibar?

Daily budget approx. $45-105 (lodging $20-55, food $7-20, tours and transport $15-30)

How do I get around in Zanzibar?

Arrive via Zanzibar Airport or by ferry from Dar es Salaam (about 2 hours). Get around the island by daladala, taxi, or rented scooter. SIM cards available at the airport (Zantel, Airtel). Cash (shillings or dollars) is the norm; cards only accepted at upscale resorts. SIMs also available at the ferry terminal. Tipping 10%.

Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar?

Korean passport holders need a visa on arrival or pre-applied e-Visa (up to 90 days, USD 50).

Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?

Easy to get lost in Stone Town's alleys - a guide is recommended. Keep an eye on belongings at the beach.

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