Zanzibar Island

Main town: Stone Town (UNESCO)
Flight from Arusha: ≈ 1 hr 20 min
Ferry from Dar: ≈ 2 hrs
Top beaches: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Matemwe
Known for: Spices, reefs, Swahili culture
Best for: Post-safari beach time, honeymoons

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is the perfect end to a safari: warm turquoise water, powder-white sand and a rich history shaped by Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influence.

In Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, narrow alleys lead past carved wooden doors, the Old Fort, the House of Wonders and busy markets. The scent of cloves and cinnamon really does hang in the air.

Choosing your beach

Nungwi & Kendwa (north): the best swimming at all tides and famous sunsets.
Matemwe (north-east): quiet and close to Mnemba Atoll, the island's best snorkelling.
Paje & Jambiani (south-east): wide lagoons, kitesurfing and a relaxed village feel.
Fumba & the west: sunset views and easy access to Safari Blue and Menai Bay.

Things to do

Stone Town walking tour

The Old Fort, House of Wonders, the old slave market and the Darajani bazaar.

Spice farm tour

See and taste clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and pepper growing.

Safari Blue

A full day on a dhow: sandbanks, snorkelling, a seafood lunch and swimming in the Kwale lagoon.

Mnemba Atoll

Snorkel with turtles, reef fish and sometimes dolphins in a protected marine area.

Jozani Forest

Meet the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, found nowhere else.

Prison Island

Visit the giant Aldabra tortoises on a short boat trip from Stone Town.

Nakupenda sandbank

Picnic on a dazzling strip of sand that appears in the middle of the sea.

Sunset dhow cruise

Sail a traditional wooden dhow as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

Gallery

Getting there

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport has direct flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and several international hubs. A fast ferry from Dar es Salaam takes about two hours.