· TZ

Zanzibar

Zanzibar, Zanzibar Urban/West, Tanzania

Zanzibar: Spice Island Paradise Awaits Escape to the captivating island of Zanzibar, a jewel nestled off the coast of Tanzania. More than just a beach destination, Zanzibar is a melting pot of cultures, a sensory explosi…

#Island#Beach#Historic#Culture#Tourism

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Zanzibar.

Top Hotels in Zanzibar

Top Flights to Zanzibar

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Zanzibar.

Tours

Explore Stone Town

Discover the historical heart of Zanzibar with its narrow streets, old buildings, and bustling markets.

Jozani Forest Tour

A guided exploration of Jozani Forest, home to unique wildlife including the Red Colobus Monkey.

Visit Zanzibar Spice Farm

Tour a spice farm to learn about and taste various spices that have made Zanzibar famous.

Prison Island Tour

Take a boat trip to Prison Island, known for its history and giant tortoises.

Zanzibar Butterfly Centre

Visit a butterfly conservation project supporting the local environment and communities.

Shopping

Shopping in Darajani Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Darajani Market where locals sell a variety of fresh produce, spices, and crafts.

Shopping at Memories of Zanzibar

A charming shop in Stone Town offering authentic Zanzibari crafts and souvenirs.

Outdoor

Relax at Nungwi Beach

Enjoy the pristine sands and crystal waters of Nungwi Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Dive at Mnemba Atoll

A diving experience in the clear waters of Mnemba Atoll, rich with marine life.

Evening Dhow Cruise

Sail along the coast of Zanzibar on a traditional Dhow boat while enjoying a stunning sunset.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Zanzibar.

Currency

TSh | TZS | Tanzanian Shilling

Population

Information not available.

Languages

Swahili, Swahili, Arabic, English

Average weather

Zanzibar

Jan

32°25°

Feb

32°25°

Mar

31°25°

Apr

29°24°

May

28°23°

Jun

28°22°

Jul

28°22°

Aug

28°22°

Sep

29°22°

Oct

30°23°

Nov

31°24°

Dec

31°24°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Zanzibar.

What people love

Zanzibar, located in Tanzania, is a popular travel destination known for its stunning beaches, rich history, diverse culture, and unique attractions. Here are some pros of traveling to Zanzibar:

Beautiful Beaches: Zanzibar is home to some of the most pristine and picturesque beaches in the world. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy shores, and swaying palm trees, it's the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Rich History and Culture: Zanzibar has a fascinating history influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures. Visitors can explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to discover ancient architecture, vibrant markets, and historical landmarks.
Exotic Spice Tours: Zanzibar is known as the "Spice Island" due to its history of spice trading. Travelers can take guided tours of spice plantations to learn about and sample a variety of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.
Water Activities: Zanzibar offers a range of water activities for adventure enthusiasts, including snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and kite surfing. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are teeming with marine life and colorful coral reefs.
Unique Wildlife: Zanzibar is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered red colobus monkey found in Jozani Forest. Visitors can also spot dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species while exploring the island.
Local Cuisine: Foodies will enjoy sampling Zanzibar's delicious cuisine, which blends African, Arab, and Indian flavors. Don't miss trying local dishes such as pilau rice, seafood curries, and Zanzibar pizza.
Authentic Cultural Experiences: Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending traditional music and dance performances, visiting local villages, and interacting with friendly Swahili-speaking residents.

Overall, traveling to Zanzibar offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, culture, and natural beauty that appeals to a wide range of travelers.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Zanzibar could include:

Health risks: Zanzibar is a tropical destination, so travelers may be at risk for mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever. It's important to take necessary precautions such as using insect repellent and taking anti-malarial medication.
Safety concerns: While Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or markets. It's important to be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings.
Limited infrastructure: Zanzibar is a developing region, so some areas may have limited infrastructure and amenities compared to more developed tourist destinations. This could include unreliable internet connections, intermittent power outages, and limited healthcare facilities.
Cultural differences: Zanzibar has a predominantly Muslim population, so visitors should be respectful of local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or local villages.
Environmental concerns: Like many popular tourist destinations, Zanzibar faces challenges related to waste management and environmental conservation. Visitors should be mindful of their environmental impact and strive to minimize waste and protect the local ecosystem.

Overall, while Zanzibar is a beautiful and unique destination, travelers should be aware of these potential cons and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Zanzibar, located off the coast of East Africa, is an archipelago that includes the main island of Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar) and its sister island, Pemba. The region has a rich and diverse history influenced by various cultures and civilizations over centuries.

Early History

Pre-Islamic Period: The islands were initially inhabited by Bantu-speaking peoples. Archaeological evidence suggests that Zanzibar was engaged in trade with the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and the Indian subcontinent as early as the 1st millennium AD.
Arrival of Islam: Islam was introduced by Arab traders around the 7th century. By the 12th century, Zanzibar had become an important trading hub for the Swahili coast, facilitating the exchange of goods such as ivory, gold, and slaves.

15th to 18th Century

Portuguese Influence: Vasco da Gama's arrival in 1499 marked the beginning of European interest in the region. The Portuguese controlled Zanzibar from the early 16th century until the end of the 17th century, using it as a strategic outpost.
Omani Rule: In 1698, the Sultanate of Oman gained control over Zanzibar, marking the start of a long period of Arab influence. The island became central to the Omani Sultanate’s trade network, particularly in the slave trade.

19th Century

Sultanate of Zanzibar: In 1840, Sultan Said bin Sultan moved his capital from Muscat to Stone Town in Zanzibar, highlighting the island's importance. Zanzibar became a major center for the spice trade, particularly cloves, and maintained its strategic role in the slave trade.
British Influence: British interest in the region grew as part of broader colonial ambitions in Africa. In 1890, Zanzibar became a British protectorate, although the sultan retained nominal power.

20th Century

Zanzibar Revolution: In 1963, Zanzibar gained independence from Britain, but the following year, the Zanzibar Revolution overthrew the Arab-dominated sultanate. This led to the establishment of the People's Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba.
Union with Tanganyika: In April 1964, Zanzibar merged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania, while retaining a semi-autonomous status.

Significant Historical Figures

Said bin Sultan: The Omani sultan who established Zanzibar as his capital and expanded its trade networks.
Abeid Amani Karume: The first president of Zanzibar after the revolution and a key figure in the union with Tanganyika.

Important Landmarks

Stone Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is renowned for its unique architecture, reflecting Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. Notable sites include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Sultan's Palace.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park: Known for its biodiversity, including the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
Spice Plantations: These plantations are a reminder of Zanzibar's historical role in the global spice trade.

Zanzibar's history is a tapestry of cultural interactions and economic exchanges that have shaped its unique identity. From its early days as a trading hub to its role in the slave trade and its more recent political transformations, Zanzibar remains a place of historical and cultural significance.