Zanzibar Travel Guide: Best Things To Do, See & Experience

Zanzibar. The name itself feels like a warm breeze—like the hush of palm leaves swaying against a cerulean sky. Sure, it’s got all the postcard-perfect stuff: powdery white sands, water so clear it looks like glass, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. But honestly, that’s just scratching the surface.

This little archipelago floating off the coast of Tanzania has soul. Real, lived-in, layered soul. Every corner tells a story, and every story carries whispers from across continents. You’ll see it in the carved wooden doors of Stone Town, where Arab traders once bartered spices and gold. You’ll taste it in the coconut-rich curries, smoky grilled seafood, and the tangy tamarind sauces that hint at Indian and Swahili kitchens working side by side.

Whether you're a beach bum, a history geek, a foodie, or someone just looking to zone out for a bit, Zanzibar somehow checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into everything you need to know before packing those breezy clothes and boarding a flight to this East African gem.

Visa Requirements

Most international travelers fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, right outside Stone Town. If you’re coming from Dar es Salaam, the flight is super short—like 20 minutes. You can also hop on a ferry if you’re not in a rush. It's a bit bumpy, but hey, the ocean views are free.

For Indian travelers, good news: Tanzania offers a visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. It’s affordable and pretty straightforward—just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and you’ve got a return ticket. Also, they might ask for proof of yellow fever vaccination, especially if you’ve been to countries where the disease is present.

Best Time To Visit Zanzibar

Timing is everything. Zanzibar has two rainy seasons: March to May (heavy) and November (short). If you’re not a fan of mud and grey skies, avoid those months. The best time? June to October, when it’s sunny but not blistering hot. December to February is lovely too, but it gets busier. If you're keen on diving or snorkeling, visibility is great from July to September. Kitesurfers will love the trade winds from December to March and again from June to September.

Must-See Spots

Stone Town: Wandering through Stone Town is like stepping into a living museum. It’s a maze of narrow alleyways, carved wooden doors, faded coral stone buildings, and sounds that float out of tiny shops—kids laughing, someone playing taarab music, the clatter of a blacksmith’s hammer.

House of Wonders: Once the tallest building in East Africa. It's under renovation, but even from the outside, it's grand.

Freddie Mercury House: Yes, the Queen frontman was born here. It’s more of a photo op than a real museum, but still cool.

Darajani Market: The smells can knock you over, but it’s fascinating—fresh fish, spices, fruits, and fabrics galore.

Old Fort: A great spot for catching local performances or just sipping coffee and people-watching.

Beaches To Bookmark

Zanzibar’s coastline is a showstopper. Powder-soft beaches, calm waters, and postcard-worthy sunsets are pretty much standard here.

Nungwi: Bustling and beautiful. Great for swimming all day (no extreme tides).

Kendwa: Quieter than Nungwi but still close enough for a party. The full moon parties here are wild but welcoming.

Paje: Kitesurfers, digital nomads, and yoga lovers unite. Super chill.

Jambiani: Quieter, more local, perfect for long walks and real island feels.

Matemwe: Ideal for snorkeling trips to Mnemba Atoll.

Water Activities In Zanzibar

If you’re heading to Zanzibar and don’t plan on spending a good chunk of time in the water, you’re missing out on half the magic. The island is practically built for aquatic adventures. We’re talking gin-clear waters, colorful coral gardens, dolphins, starfish, and traditional wooden boats that look like something out of a dream.

Let’s start with snorkeling, because that’s usually the gateway drug. The Mnemba Atoll is the crown jewel here. Just off the northeast coast, this protected marine reserve is a hotbed of sea life. You don’t have to be an expert swimmer—just float along and you’ll be surrounded by schools of fish in every color imaginable. Turtles, too, if you’re lucky.

Scuba divers are in for a treat as well. The reefs are healthy, visibility is fantastic, and there are dives for every level. Whether it’s exploring the coral walls near Tumbatu Island or spotting reef sharks near Leven Bank, the underwater world here is wild in the best way.

Prefer to keep things chill? Go for a dhow cruise. These traditional wooden boats take you sailing into the sunset—literally. They’ll serve up fresh fruit, crack open coconuts, and the crew often bursts into impromptu Swahili songs. It’s romantic, peaceful, and oddly grounding.

Then there’s the Safari Blue tour—an all-day adventure that includes sandbank picnics, dolphin sightings, snorkeling stops, and a seafood feast under a thatched roof on a tiny island.

You can also try kitesurfing in Paje, paddleboarding at dawn, or kayaking through mangroves. There’s something for every pace and every mood.

Day Trips & Hidden Gems

If you're feeling like a change of pace from all the beach lounging (no judgment, it's hard to leave), Zanzibar has a few off-the-radar spots that are worth the detour.

Jozani Forest: This is a nice one to start with. It’s shady, green, and quiet—kind of the opposite of the coast. The Red Colobus monkeys live here, swinging through the trees like they own the place (they kind of do). You don’t need to be a hardcore nature person to enjoy it—just bring comfy shoes and a bit of curiosity.

Makunduchi Village: It’s not touristy, and that’s the whole point. Life feels raw and real here. You’ll see traditional Swahili homes, maybe catch kids playing football barefoot in the dust, and get a sense of what island life looked like before Instagram arrived.

Chumbe Island: It’s tiny, peaceful, and totally protected—an eco-reserve with coral reefs that still look alive and untouched. No loud boats, no garbage, no fuss. Just you, the ocean, and maybe a few snorkel fins. It’s the kind of place that makes you breathe deeper without trying.

Kizimkazi: This is where the dolphin tours happen. Some are fine, others get way too close. If you go, find an operator that keeps a respectful distance. Even if you don’t spot dolphins, the boat ride itself is worth it. Early morning, open water, and that kind of quiet you don’t get on land.

Safari Blue: This one deserves its own shoutout. Safari Blue is a full-day tour that whisks you away on a traditional dhow for island hopping, snorkeling, a seafood feast, and swimming in a natural lagoon. They serve lobster, grilled fish, coconut rice, and tropical fruits in a rustic setup on one of the sandbanks. Between meals, you’re snorkeling with starfish and dolphins or floating in a serene mangrove lagoon. It’s touristy, sure—but in the best possible way.

Spice Tours & Cultural Experiences

Zanzibar didn’t earn the nickname “Spice Island” for nothing. Take a guided tour through one of the many spice farms near Stone Town or Kizimbani.

You’ll see how cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, and vanilla grow—plus, you'll get to smell, touch, and taste everything. It’s surprisingly interactive. They even weave little palm accessories for you along the way. Super wholesome.

Want something deeper? Book a local cooking class or a Swahili drumming workshop. These little cultural moments are often what travelers remember most.

Food Scene In Zanzibar

If you really want to get to know Zanzibar, skip the souvenir shops and start with the food. The island’s entire personality is on a plate—warm, rich, and full of surprises. Here, meals aren’t rushed. So, take your time and soak it all in!

Coconut milk in Zanzibar isn’t just an ingredient—it’s a feeling. It shows up everywhere, from the rich, bubbling curries to the unexpectedly creamy desserts, tying every bite together with this warm, velvety finish. There’s nothing loud about it—it’s not trying to steal the spotlight—but somehow it makes everything taste like home, even if it’s your first time here.

And then there’s the seafood. Honestly, it doesn’t get more straight-from-the-ocean than this. You’ll find octopus so tender it almost melts, prawns grilled just enough to catch a bit of char, and whole fish cracked open and dusted in smoky Swahili spices. It’s not fussy—just honest, fresh, and full of soul. The kind of meal that makes you stop talking for a second, fork halfway to your mouth, just to take it all in.

But if you really want to feel the heartbeat of Zanzibar’s food scene, hit the streets. Wander through the night markets with the smell of grilled meat and cinnamon in the air. One hand holds a glass of freshly crushed sugarcane juice, the other a still-steaming samosa. You’ll likely end up with your fingers in a bowl of urojo soup—messy, spicy, tangy, and perfect. It’s not just about what you’re eating. It’s the warmth behind it, the rhythm of it, the way it all feels like it belongs exactly where you are.

What to Try: Zanzibar Pizza – Don’t expect mozzarella and tomato sauce. This is a street-side special, more like a stuffed crepe, with fillings that range from minced meat to banana and chocolate. Head to Forodhani Gardens after sunset for the real deal.

Octopus Curry – Creamy, rich, and loaded with spice, this dish is pure coastal comfort. Urojo Soup – Also called “Zanzibar Mix,” it’s a tangy, turmeric-colored bowl of magic—potatoes, crispy bhajias, boiled egg, and sometimes beef, all swimming in a thick, spicy broth.

Pilau Rice – Heavily spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, this fragrant rice dish is often served at celebrations—but you’ll want it every day.

Want to splurge? Make a reservation at Emerson on Hurumzi for rooftop dining with a view—or The Rock Restaurant, which looks like something out of a dream, perched right in the middle of the ocean. Yes, it’s real. And yes, it’s worth it.

Money, SIM Cards & Connectivity

Carrying Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) is a good idea because Zanzibar is mostly a cash-only destination. In order to prevent unpleasant situations, always ask in advance if a restaurant or motel accepts cards.

Remote locations have fewer ATMs than Stone Town and Nungwi. Exchange a decent amount at the airport or in town before heading to the beaches.

SIM cards are cheap and work well. Airtel and Vodacom have good coverage. You’ll find shops at the airport or in Stone Town. Wi-Fi is decent in hotels and cafes, though a bit patchy in villages.

Health & Safety Tips

Zanzibar is generally safe, but a little common sense goes a long way. Here’s the lowdown: Malaria: It’s around, so consult your doctor about anti-malarials and always use repellent. Water: Stick to bottled or filtered water. Dress Modestly: Especially in towns or during Ramadan. Respect is key. Scams: Most locals are lovely, but be cautious of pushy tour sellers or beach boys. Book through trusted providers.

Language & Local Etiquette

The local language is Swahili, and just learning a few words goes a long way. Zanzibaris are warm and friendly, but conservative. Smiling, being polite, and dressing respectfully will open doors—sometimes literally. Locals are proud of their culture and genuinely love when visitors make an effort to connect.

What To Pack

Keep it light, literally and figuratively. The island is warm and humid year-round, so think breathable fabrics—cotton, linen, loose fits.

• Sunscreen (reef-safe, please!)
• A sarong or kikoi (for beachwear or temple visits)
• Swimwear, obviously
• Flip-flops and one pair of decent sandals
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes love newcomers)
• A reusable water bottle
• A waterproof dry bag (great for boat trips)

Don’t forget modest clothing if you’re walking around Stone Town or visiting local villages. It’s a predominantly Muslim region, and it’s respectful to cover your shoulders and knees.

In a nutshell, Zanzibar is the kind of place that seeps into your bones slowly. At first, it might feel chaotic and unfamiliar. But give it a day or two. Let yourself get lost in the alleys of Stone Town, let the sound of the call to prayer wash over you in the evenings, and let the ocean lull you into a different kind of time zone—one where stress isn’t invited.

It’s not just a beach destination. It’s a culture trip, a food journey, and a chance to step out of your own world for a little while.