Free Zanzibar Archipelago Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Zanzibar Archipelago with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Zanzibar Archipelago
Zanzibar Archipelago photo 2
Zanzibar Archipelago photo 3
All photos

Explore the Zanzibar Archipelago for Stone Town heritage, spice farms, coral reefs, island beaches and the quieter landscapes of Pemba.

The Zanzibar Archipelago is a Tanzanian island region in the western Indian Ocean, lying off the coast of mainland East Africa. Its principal islands are Unguja, commonly called Zanzibar, and Pemba, while smaller islands and sandbanks extend through the surrounding channels. Unguja is the more visited island, combining the historic quarters of Stone Town with palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs, spice farms and mangrove habitats. Pemba is greener, quieter and more lightly developed, with deep channels, forest reserves and some of the archipelago’s most rewarding diving.
Read more about Zanzibar Archipelago
Stone Town, on Unguja’s western coast, gives Zanzibar its most recognisable architectural character. Narrow lanes pass carved wooden doors, coral-rag buildings, former merchants’ houses, mosques, churches, public squares and the waterfront. The town’s history reflects the movement of African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European peoples through the western Indian Ocean, although its heritage should also be understood alongside the painful history of the slave trade. Outside the capital, villages, fishing communities and agricultural landscapes reveal a less monumental but equally important side of island life.
Zanzibar’s climate and soils have long supported cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper and other crops, earning the archipelago its enduring association with spices. Tours of farms and plantations usually combine botany with an explanation of cultivation, cooking and the islands’ trading history. On Unguja, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park protects one of the last substantial areas of indigenous forest and is associated with the Zanzibar red colobus, an endemic primate. Coastal habitats include coral reefs, seagrass, tidal flats and mangroves, all of which are important to fisheries and vulnerable to changing sea conditions.
The beaches vary considerably. The north coast around Nungwi and Kendwa is known for swimming conditions and a concentration of visitor accommodation, while the east coast around Matemwe, Paje and Jambiani is strongly shaped by tides, reef flats, seaweed farming and water sports. Pemba’s coast is less urbanised and its underwater scenery attracts divers, though conditions, operators and access require careful planning. Dolphin excursions, reef trips and visits to smaller islands should be chosen with attention to animal welfare and marine conservation. Zanzibar is therefore not simply a beach destination: it is an interwoven island landscape of commerce, faith, agriculture, seafaring and coastal ecology.

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar Archipelago?

Best: June–August · 28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January3275
February3250
March33150
April31250
May29200
June (best)2875
July (best)2850
August (best)2850
September2875
October29150
November30200
December31150

Getting to and around Zanzibar Archipelago

How to get there

Most international visitors arrive through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on Unguja, which has connections with mainland Tanzania and selected regional and international destinations; routes and seasonal services change, so confirm arrangements before travelling. Ferries from Dar es Salaam, which is outside the archipelago on mainland Tanzania, serve Unguja and are commonly used by domestic travellers, although sea conditions and ticket arrangements matter. Pemba has its own airport with domestic connections, while flights and occasional boat transfers link it with Unguja and the mainland. Check Tanzania’s entry and visa requirements before departure, as Zanzibar is part of Tanzania even though it has its own immigration procedures at some points of entry.

Transportation

Unguja’s main roads connect Stone Town with the northern, eastern and southeastern coasts, but journeys can be slow because of traffic, road conditions and village settlements. Taxis, pre-arranged hotel transfers and hired cars are widely used by visitors; agree fares or booking terms in advance where a meter is not used. Local minibuses known as dala-dala are inexpensive but can be crowded and less convenient with luggage. Pemba has fewer roads, services and traffic-free alternatives, making a locally arranged driver particularly useful. Walking works well in Stone Town and in villages, while cycling is practical only on selected routes and requires caution around traffic and uneven surfaces.

Best attractions in Zanzibar Archipelago

The archipelago’s attractions range from Stone Town’s lanes and waterfront heritage to forests, spice farms, villages and marine environments. On Unguja, guided walks through Stone Town introduce coral-rag architecture, former merchant houses, markets and sites associated with the island’s trading history, while spice tours explain the cultivation of cloves, cinnamon, pepper and other crops. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park offers forest trails and the chance to see Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, alongside wetlands and coastal habitats. Around the island, boat trips, snorkelling, diving, fishing and carefully managed dolphin excursions reveal coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves. Pemba suits travellers seeking quieter landscapes, rural communities, forest walks and serious diving around its steep reef walls and channels. Beach recreation differs by coast: northern Unguja is generally more resort-oriented, while the east and southeast are shaped by broad tidal flats, seaweed farming and water sports. Smaller islands and sandbanks can be visited by boat, but conditions, conservation rules and local access vary. The strongest experiences usually combine environmental awareness with cultural context rather than treating the coastline as scenery alone.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Zanzibar Archipelago

Stone Town is the archipelago’s principal historic landmark, with a dense townscape of coral-rag walls, carved doors, balconies, mosques, churches, former merchant residences and waterfront buildings shaped by centuries of Indian Ocean commerce. The Old Fort, built during the Omani period on the site of earlier Portuguese and Swahili structures, is one of its most recognisable monuments, while the House of Wonders remains an important symbol of the town’s sultanic-era history despite changing access and restoration conditions. The Anglican Cathedral occupies the site associated with the former slave market and is a significant place for understanding abolition and memory. Outside the capital, the rural landscape of Pemba’s clove plantations and forested interior provides a different kind of landmark, less monumental but closely tied to island history. On Unguja, the ancient mosque and settlement remains at Kizimkazi reflect the long Islamic history of the coast, while the mangroves, reef flats and beaches around Chwaka Bay and the eastern shore are geographical landmarks shaped daily by the tides. The archipelago’s strongest sense of place comes from the relationship between built heritage, ocean routes and changing coastal landscapes.

Show more landmarks

Explore Zanzibar Archipelago on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Zanzibar Archipelago

Zanzibar’s food reflects Swahili, African, Arab, Indian and broader Indian Ocean influences. In Stone Town, visitors encounter spiced rice and pilau, grilled seafood, samosas, flatbreads, coconut-based dishes and the evening food stalls of Forodhani Gardens, where preparation and freshness matter as much as presentation. Across Unguja and Pemba, fish, octopus, prawns and other seafood appear in homes, local cafés and hotel kitchens, often seasoned with lime, chilli, coconut or spice blends. Cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper are important agricultural products, though their role is often as seasoning rather than a single defining dish. Tropical fruit, sugar-cane juice and coconut are common refreshments, while tea culture reflects long commercial connections with South Asia and the wider coast. Dining ranges from simple local restaurants and market stalls to resort kitchens and contemporary venues in Stone Town. Prices, hygiene standards and menus vary, so choose busy establishments with good food turnover and ask whether a listed seafood dish is locally caught or imported.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Zanzibar Archipelago

Evening life is varied rather than concentrated in one large nightlife district. Stone Town has a modest selection of hotel bars, cafés, restaurants and occasional live-music venues, while many historic and residential streets become quiet after dinner. Beach areas on Unguja, particularly around the north coast and the resort belts of the east and southeast, provide more regular evening entertainment, including beachfront restaurants, informal music, cultural performances and seasonal parties. Paje has a noticeable social scene linked partly to kitesurfing and international visitors, though its atmosphere changes with the season. Traditional establishments and hotel lounges are more common than large nightclubs, especially on Pemba, where evenings often centre on dining, conversation and small local venues. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so alcohol is not available everywhere and should be consumed discreetly and only where permitted. Confirm transport back to accommodation in advance, particularly outside Stone Town and in rural coastal areas.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Zanzibar Archipelago

Evening life is varied rather than concentrated in one large nightlife district. Stone Town has a modest selection of hotel bars, cafés, restaurants and occasional live-music venues, while many historic and residential streets become quiet after dinner. Beach areas on Unguja, particularly around the north coast and the resort belts of the east and southeast, provide more regular evening entertainment, including beachfront restaurants, informal music, cultural performances and seasonal parties. Paje has a noticeable social scene linked partly to kitesurfing and international visitors, though its atmosphere changes with the season. Traditional establishments and hotel lounges are more common than large nightclubs, especially on Pemba, where evenings often centre on dining, conversation and small local venues. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so alcohol is not available everywhere and should be consumed discreetly and only where permitted. Confirm transport back to accommodation in advance, particularly outside Stone Town and in rural coastal areas.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Zanzibar Archipelago

Shopping is most varied in Stone Town, where small shops, market stalls and galleries sell textiles, baskets, carved wood, jewellery, paintings, spices and locally produced food items. The Darajani area is useful for seeing everyday commerce and buying packaged spices, tea, coffee and dried goods, although visitors should check labelling and packaging before taking agricultural products across borders. Curio shops and craft outlets are widespread in tourist areas, so compare quality and ask about materials and provenance, particularly for shells, coral and wildlife-related products. Outside the capital, beach settlements offer modest selections of clothing, handicrafts and souvenirs rather than large retail centres. Pemba is better suited to buying local produce and crafts through small shops or arranged community visits than to extensive browsing. Markets are part of ordinary island life, not simply attractions, so dress respectfully, ask before photographing vendors and bargain courteously where bargaining is customary. Good practical purchases include well-labelled spices, woven goods, locally made soaps and artwork, provided they can be transported legally and sustainably.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Zanzibar Archipelago, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Zanzibar Archipelago essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Tanzanian shilling, abbreviated TZS, and the same national currency applies throughout Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Hotels, larger restaurants, tour companies and established shops commonly accept bank cards, although connectivity or machine availability may sometimes affect transactions. Tanzanian shillings are useful for markets, local transport, small cafés, village services and purchases away from resort centres. US dollars may be accepted in parts of the tourism economy, but visitors should use current notes in good condition and confirm the price and currency before paying. Carry cash discreetly and use reputable exchange services or banks.
Safety
Take ordinary precautions with valuables, phones and cash, particularly in crowded parts of Stone Town, transport areas and busy beaches. Use established taxis or transfers after dark and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar, poorly lit areas. On the coast, heed tide information, keep away from unstable reef edges and ask local guides about currents before swimming or boating. Strong sun, heat, dehydration and mosquitoes require practical preparation. Roads can be busy and unpredictable, especially around settlements, so take care when walking or cycling. Marine excursions should use properly equipped operators that explain life-jacket, reef and weather procedures.
Emergency Situations
For an urgent police, fire or ambulance response, dial Tanzania’s emergency number 112 where the service is available, and ask accommodation staff or a local guide for help contacting the appropriate authority. Mobile coverage can vary on remote parts of Pemba, smaller islands and some coastal stretches, so do not rely solely on a phone during boat or diving excursions. Tell an operator clearly whether the incident concerns a road, beach, vessel or dive site. Keep travel insurance details accessible, and note that serious medical treatment or evacuation may require transfer to a larger facility on Unguja or mainland Tanzania.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly in Stone Town, villages and other non-beach settings, covering shoulders and knees where practical, while ordinary swimwear is better confined to beaches, pools and resort grounds. Ask before photographing people, religious buildings, ceremonies or workers, and remove shoes when entering places where this is customary. Greet people respectfully and avoid public displays of intimacy that may cause offence. Do not take shells, coral or marine life, walk on living reef, or leave rubbish on beaches. Bargaining is normal in some markets, but it should remain courteous; tipping is discretionary and best based on service rather than treated as a legal requirement.
Local Tips
Stone Town is most legible on foot with a knowledgeable guide, but allow time to walk slowly and return before evening traffic becomes congested. The east coast’s tidal rhythm affects swimming, reef access and the appearance of beaches, so ask local hosts rather than assuming conditions from photographs. Paje and Jambiani have strong connections to seaweed farming and kitesurfing, while northern beaches generally offer easier access to swimming at some states of the tide. On Pemba, distances, boat arrangements and accommodation options need more advance planning. Learn a few Kiswahili greetings, respect mosque areas and buy locally made goods where provenance is clear.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHujambo[hoo-jam-bo]
GoodbyeKwaheri[kwa-heh-ree]
YesNdiyo[n-dee-yo]
NoHapana[ha-pa-na]
Please/You’re welcomeTafadhali[ta-fa-dha-li]
Thank youAsante[a-san-te]
Excuse me/SorryPole[po-le]
How are you?Habari gani?[ha-ba-ri ga-ni]
Fine. And you?Nzuri. Na wewe?[n-zuri na we-we]
Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?[u-na-zun-gum-za ki-in-ge-re-za]
I don't understandSielewi[si-e-le-wi]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I’d like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali[nin-ge-pen-da ku-o-na men-yu ta-fa-dha-li]
I don't eat meatSikula nyama[si-ku-la nya-ma]
Cheers!Afya![a-fya]
I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali[nin-ge-pen-da ku-li-pa ta-fa-dha-li]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Nisaidie![ni-sai-di-e]
Go away!Ondoka![on-do-ka]
Call the Police!Piga simu polisi![pi-ga si-mu po-li-si]
Call a doctor!Piga simu daktari![pi-ga si-mu dak-ta-ri]
I’m lostNimepotea[ni-me-po-te-a]
I’m illNinaumwa[ni-na-umwa]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I’d like to buy...Ningependa kununua...[nin-ge-pen-da ku-nu-nu-a]
I’m just lookingNatazama tu[na-ta-za-ma tu]
How much is it?Ni kiasi gani?[ni ki-a-si ga-ni]
That’s too expensiveHiyo ni ghali sana[hi-yo ni gha-li sa-na]
Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?[u-na-we-za ku-pun-gu-za bei]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ni saa ngapi?[ni saa ng-a-pi]
It’s one o'clockNi saa moja[ni saa mo-ja]
Half past (10)Nusu ya (10)[nu-su ya (10)]
MorningAsubuhi[a-su-bu-hi]
AfternoonMchana[m-cha-na]
EveningJioni[ji-o-ni]
YesterdayJana[ja-na]
TodayLeo[le-o]
TomorrowKesho[ke-sho]
1Moja[mo-ja]
2Mbili[m-bi-li]
3Tatu[ta-tu]
4Nne[n-ne]
5Tano[ta-no]
6Sita[si-ta]
7Saba[sa-ba]
8Nane[na-ne]
9Tisa[ti-sa]
10Kumi[ku-mi]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wapi...?[wa-pi]
What's the address?Nini anwani?[ni-ni an-wa-ni]
Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (katika ramani)?[u-na-we-za ku-nyo-ny-e-sha ka-ti-ka ra-ma-ni]
When's the next (bus)?Basi inayofuata ni lini?[ba-si i-na-yofu-a-ta ni li-ni]
A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda....)[ti-ke-ti kwen-da]

History of Zanzibar Archipelago

Early settlement and Indian Ocean exchange

The islands have been inhabited for many centuries by communities connected to the East African coast. Archaeological evidence and historical traditions point to farming, fishing and seafaring societies whose lives were shaped by monsoon navigation across the Indian Ocean. Unguja and Pemba became part of a wider commercial world linking the Swahili coast with southern Arabia, Persia, India and, indirectly, the Mediterranean and China. Trade in foodstuffs, timber and other commodities helped establish coastal settlements, while Islam gradually became an important influence in island society and architecture.

Swahili towns and Islamic culture

From the medieval period onwards, Zanzibar’s coastal settlements participated in the development of Swahili civilisation, a maritime culture formed through African foundations and Indian Ocean connections. Mosques, coral-stone buildings and trading communities developed around the coast, while Kiswahili became the region’s principal language of everyday communication. Pemba’s fertile interior supported agriculture alongside coastal commerce, and Unguja’s western harbour grew in importance. Surviving archaeological remains and religious traditions reflect a history that was neither solely African nor simply imported from overseas, but produced through long-term interaction.

Portuguese intervention and Omani rule

Portuguese forces established influence along the East African coast in the sixteenth century, disrupting established trading networks and imposing control over strategic ports. Omani power later expanded in the region, and Zanzibar became increasingly important to the Omani sultanate during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Sultan Said bin Sultan moved his court to Zanzibar in the nineteenth century, strengthening the islands’ role as a political and commercial centre. Stone Town’s coral buildings, waterfront and merchant houses bear architectural traces of this period, although its prosperity was inseparable from coercive labour systems and the slave trade.

Clove cultivation and the nineteenth-century trading economy

Under Omani rule and later sultanic administration, Zanzibar became one of the world’s major clove-producing areas. Plantations on Unguja and Pemba relied on enslaved labour, while the islands also traded ivory and other goods from the African interior. Indian merchant communities played a significant role in finance, retail and long-distance commerce. The wealth generated by plantations and trade transformed Stone Town, producing grand residences, warehouses and public buildings. Pemba retained a more agricultural and dispersed character, but its clove economy also connected villages to global markets and left a lasting mark on landholding and rural society.

The abolition of the slave trade and changing sovereignty

The suppression of the slave trade during the nineteenth century and the eventual abolition of slavery profoundly altered Zanzibar’s economy and society. The islands remained under the authority of the sultanate while British influence increased, and a British protectorate was established in 1890. Commercial agriculture continued, but plantation systems and social inequalities persisted in different forms. Zanzibar became independent from British rule in December 1963. Its modern history cannot be separated from debates about representation, land, class, ethnicity and the legacy of the sultanate.

The 1964 Revolution and union with Tanganyika

In January 1964, a revolution overthrew the sultanate and the post-independence government. The upheaval brought major political and social change, with violence and displacement affecting communities associated with the former ruling order and Arab and South Asian minorities. In April 1964, Zanzibar united with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar retains a constitutionally recognised degree of internal self-government within Tanzania, including its own institutions for many domestic matters. The revolution and union remain central to public memory and political life across the islands.

Tourism, conservation and contemporary Zanzibar

From the late twentieth century, tourism became a major part of Zanzibar’s economy, alongside cloves, fishing, farming and maritime trade. Stone Town gained international recognition for its historic urban fabric, while beach development expanded around Unguja’s north, east and southeast coasts. Pemba has seen more limited development, helping preserve a quieter rural character but also leaving it with fewer visitor services. Contemporary debates concern coastal access, environmental pressure, water and waste management, marine conservation, employment and how historic communities benefit from tourism. These issues are important parts of the archipelago’s present identity.

Zanzibar Archipelago in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Zanzibar Archipelago

The closest regions to Zanzibar Archipelago, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Tanzania
More of the region

Explore more of Tanzania

Discover Tanzania: From the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro to the stunning Serengeti and the serene beaches of Zanzibar, experience the best of nature and culture in East Africa.

Explore Tanzania
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Zanzibar Archipelago

Discover the best of Zanzibar Archipelago with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for easy trip planning
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Unlock the secrets of Zanzibar Archipelago with Evendo, your comprehensive, free travel guide app. Explore attractions, book tours, and experience the best of this stunning destination.

  • History of Zanzibar Archipelago and travel essentials
  • Local advice to ensure you get the most out of your visit
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and city
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Imagine stepping onto the pristine beaches of Zanzibar Archipelago with an expert guide right in your pocket. Evendo is your ultimate travel companion, offering detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Zanzibar Archipelago. Discover the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its winding alleyways and bustling markets. Relax on the powdery white sands of Nungwi Beach or explore the vibrant marine life at Mnemba Atoll.

Our app provides rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, making it easy to plan and organize your trip. Whether you're looking to dine at the famous Emerson on Hurumzi or explore the lush Jozani Forest, Evendo has you covered. Plus, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

With features like the history of Zanzibar Archipelago, travel essentials, and tons of local advice, you'll feel like a local as you navigate through the city. The 'Near me' feature helps you discover what's around you, no matter where you are. And with curated local tips, you'll uncover hidden gems and unique experiences that typical tourists might miss. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Download Evendo today and start your unforgettable journey in Zanzibar Archipelago!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.