Zanzibar Island Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Zanzibar Island
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Zanzibar Island, Tanzania: explore Stone Town, spice farms, coral beaches, Jozani Forest, dhow sailing and Swahili culture across the Indian Ocean.

A Coral Island in the Indian Ocean

Zanzibar Island, also known as Unguja, lies off Tanzania’s coast in the western Indian Ocean. It is the largest and most visited island in the Zanzibar archipelago, a place of coral beaches, shallow turquoise water, coconut palms and settlements shaped by centuries of maritime exchange. The island’s geography changes markedly from west to east: Stone Town and the main port occupy the urbanised western side, while the north and east offer long beaches, lagoons, reef-fringed shores and villages whose economies remain closely connected to fishing, farming and tourism.
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History and Swahili Culture

Zanzibar’s cultural identity grew from African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European connections across the monsoon-driven trading routes of the Indian Ocean. Stone Town, the historic core of Zanzibar City, preserves this layered past in coral-rag buildings, carved wooden doors, mosques, churches, former merchants’ houses and the former sultanate quarter. The Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace and Forodhani Gardens are among the best-known places to understand the island’s history, while the House of Wonders remains a prominent but periodically inaccessible landmark because of restoration work.

Forests, Reefs and Island Landscapes

Away from the capital, Jozani–Chwaka Bay National Park protects one of Zanzibar’s most important remaining forest ecosystems and is associated with the endemic Zanzibar red colobus. The island’s spice farms reflect its historic role in the cultivation and trade of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and other aromatic crops. Around the coast, beaches and reef waters support swimming, snorkelling, diving and boat trips, although tides, currents, seasonal sea conditions and local conservation rules affect access. Accommodation and visitor services are concentrated in Stone Town and coastal settlements such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Paje, Jambiani and Kizimkazi, each offering a different balance of marine activities, village life and resort infrastructure.

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar Island?

Best: July–September · 30–31°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January31110
February31100
March30120
April30130
May31110
June3180
July (best)3180
August (best)3080
September (best)3180
October31100
November31120
December31110

Getting to and around Zanzibar Island

How to get there

Zanzibar Island is reached principally through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport near Zanzibar City or by ferry from Dar es Salaam on mainland Tanzania. The airport receives domestic and international services, though routes and schedules vary by season and carrier. Ferries arrive at the Zanzibar port beside Stone Town, with crossings subject to operational and sea conditions. Visitors arriving from other Tanzanian destinations may connect through mainland airports before continuing to Zanzibar. Stone Town is the principal transport gateway; beach settlements lie elsewhere on the island and require a road transfer after arrival.

Transportation

Taxis, pre-arranged hotel transfers, hire cars and dala-dala minibuses are the main ways to travel around Unguja. Roads connect Stone Town with the northern, eastern and southern coasts, but journeys can be slow where traffic, road conditions or village congestion intervene. Dala-dalas are inexpensive local transport but may be crowded and less convenient with luggage. Cycling is practical in some coastal areas, while walking suits beach villages and Stone Town rather than the island as a whole. Boat excursions depart from several coastal areas, but reef trips and water transport should be arranged through established local providers.

Best attractions in Zanzibar Island

Stone Town is Zanzibar Island’s principal cultural attraction, with narrow lanes, carved doors, the Old Fort, former sultanate buildings, the Darajani market area and the waterfront gardens of Forodhani. Inland, Jozani–Chwaka Bay National Park offers guided walks through forest and wetland habitats associated with the Zanzibar red colobus, while spice farms around the island explain the cultivation of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and other crops that influenced Zanzibar’s history. The northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa are known for broad sands and access to marine excursions; Matemwe and the east coast face reef flats whose character changes dramatically with the tide. Paje and Jambiani combine beach scenery with fishing and seaweed-farming traditions, while Kizimkazi on the southern coast is a departure point for boat trips and a village with longstanding coastal associations. Mnemba Island lies offshore and is not part of Unguja, although excursions from the north-east coast commonly visit its surrounding waters where permitted.

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Best landmarks in Zanzibar Island

Stone Town is Zanzibar Island’s defining built landmark, recognised for its coral-rag architecture, narrow streets and concentration of buildings linked to the sultanate and Indian Ocean commerce. The Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the Sultan’s Palace and Christ Church Cathedral each represent different periods of the city’s political, religious and commercial history, while the former slave market site addresses the darker legacy of nineteenth-century trade. Outside the capital, the Mtoni Palace ruins and Maruhubi Palace ruins preserve fragments of the island’s royal past. Jozani Forest is a major natural landmark because of its remaining native woodland and association with the Zanzibar red colobus. At the coast, the reef flats, tidal lagoons and coral shores are defining physical features rather than fixed monuments, particularly around Matemwe, Paje and Jambiani, where the changing sea reveals the relationship between island life, reefs and tides.

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Explore Zanzibar Island on the map

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Best restaurants in Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar’s food culture reflects Swahili traditions and the island’s position on Indian Ocean trade routes. Coconut, rice, spices, cassava, plantain, fresh fruit and seafood appear widely, while street food in Stone Town includes dishes such as Zanzibar pizza, grilled meats and spiced snacks. Forodhani Gardens is associated with an evening food market, though stalls and offerings change. Stone Town provides the widest choice of restaurants, cafés and small local eateries, with menus influenced by African, Arab and Indian cooking. Coastal settlements such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Paje and Jambiani have restaurants attached to hotels and guesthouses as well as independent local dining, but options become more dispersed outside tourism centres. Visitors should expect seafood availability to reflect daily landings and seasonal conditions, and should distinguish locally caught produce from imported ingredients on resort menus.

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Best bars in Zanzibar Island

Evening life varies considerably across Zanzibar Island. Stone Town has a relaxed selection of hotel bars, cafés and restaurants, with evening activity concentrated around the waterfront, historic lanes and established accommodation rather than a dedicated nightclub district. In the northern resort areas of Nungwi and Kendwa, visitors may find more beach bars, music and occasional organised entertainment, while Paje and parts of the south-east coast have a sociable but generally informal atmosphere connected with guesthouses, restaurants and watersports communities. Elsewhere, evenings are quieter, with village restaurants and hotel venues providing the main opportunities for a drink or conversation. Events and performances are seasonal and changeable, so visitors should confirm arrangements locally and remain respectful of nearby residential communities and religious observance.

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Best nightclubs in Zanzibar Island

Evening life varies considerably across Zanzibar Island. Stone Town has a relaxed selection of hotel bars, cafés and restaurants, with evening activity concentrated around the waterfront, historic lanes and established accommodation rather than a dedicated nightclub district. In the northern resort areas of Nungwi and Kendwa, visitors may find more beach bars, music and occasional organised entertainment, while Paje and parts of the south-east coast have a sociable but generally informal atmosphere connected with guesthouses, restaurants and watersports communities. Elsewhere, evenings are quieter, with village restaurants and hotel venues providing the main opportunities for a drink or conversation. Events and performances are seasonal and changeable, so visitors should confirm arrangements locally and remain respectful of nearby residential communities and religious observance.

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Best shops in Zanzibar Island

Shopping is most varied in Stone Town, where the Darajani market area, small food shops, galleries and craft businesses offer spices, woven items, paintings, carved objects, clothing and locally produced goods. Visitors should distinguish handmade products from mass-produced souvenirs and ask about the origin of wood, shells and wildlife materials before buying. Spice products, tea, coffee and packaged foods are widely associated with Zanzibar, while textiles and baskets reflect wider Swahili and East African craft traditions. Coastal settlements such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani and Matemwe have smaller selections of souvenirs, beachwear and practical essentials through hotel shops and local traders. Outside the main tourist areas, retail facilities are limited, and village shops are primarily intended for everyday needs rather than extensive souvenir shopping.

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Zanzibar Island essentials

Currency and Payment
The national currency is the Tanzanian shilling, abbreviated TZS. Hotels, larger restaurants, tour businesses and many established shops commonly accept international cards, while smaller cafés, market stalls, local transport and village businesses often require cash. US dollars are also used in parts of the tourism economy, but visitors should check the quoted currency and receive change carefully. Cash machines are concentrated in Zanzibar City and larger tourist settlements rather than remote beach areas, so carrying a reasonable reserve of Tanzanian shillings is practical. Card acceptance, connectivity and withdrawal limits can vary.
Safety
Zanzibar’s heat, strong sun and high humidity require regular water, shade and sun protection. On the coast, tides can expose extensive reef flats and affect swimming, while currents, waves and boat traffic make local guidance important. Use marked or locally recognised access points and take care on wet rocks and uneven coral surfaces. In Stone Town, keep valuables secure in crowded lanes and transport areas. Dress sensitively away from resort beaches, particularly near mosques and villages. Reef visitors should follow marine instructions, avoid standing on coral and never handle wildlife.
Emergency Situations
For an emergency in Tanzania, dial 112 where available and clearly state whether police, fire or medical assistance is required; mobile coverage and response times can be less predictable outside Zanzibar City. Give the name of the nearest village, beach, road or hotel and share a pin or landmark when possible. Visitors with serious medical needs should seek prompt assistance in Zanzibar City and confirm that travel insurance covers evacuation or treatment. Keep accommodation contact details and passport information accessible, and ask local staff or guides to help communicate during an emergency.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly in Stone Town, villages and other places away from resort beaches, covering shoulders and knees when visiting religious or culturally important sites. Ask before photographing people, homes or ceremonies, and remove shoes where requested. Do not enter mosques unless access is explicitly permitted, touch coral or marine life, buy shells or protected wildlife products, or leave litter on beaches and in forests. Respect private compounds, fishing activities and conservation boundaries. Bargaining is customary in some markets, but it should remain courteous, and visitors should avoid photographing or approaching children without permission.
Local Tips
Stone Town works well as an initial base for history, food and short excursions, while coastal bases reduce travel time for marine activities. The north coast around Nungwi and Kendwa generally has a strong tourism infrastructure, whereas the east and south-east coast is particularly shaped by tidal changes, reef flats and village life. Jozani is most easily combined with a southern or eastern island itinerary. The dry seasons are popular for beach travel, but conditions remain variable; confirm sea access, road transfers and conservation arrangements locally rather than relying solely on old timetables.
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
HelloJambo[jahm-boh]
GoodbyeKwaheri[kwah-heh-ree]
YesNdio[n-dee-oh]
NoHapana[hah-pah-nah]
Please/You're welcomeTafadhali[tah-fah-dah-lee]
Thank youAsante[ah-sahn-teh]
Excuse me/SorrySamahani[sah-mah-hah-nee]
How are you?Habari yako?[hah-bah-ree yah-koh]
Fine. And you?Salama. Na wewe?[sah-lah-mah. nah weh-weh]
Do you speak English?Unasema Kiingereza?[oo-nah-seh-mah kee-een-geh-reh-zah]
I don't understandSieelewi[see-eh-leh-wee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNataka kuona menyu, tafadhali[nah-tah-kah kwoh-nah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dah-lee]
I don't eat meatSili nyama[see-lee nyah-mah]
Cheers!Mambo![mahm-boh]
I would like to pay, pleaseNataka kulipa, tafadhali[nah-tah-kah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dah-lee]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Msaada![msah-ah-dah]
Go away!Nenda zako![nen-dah zah-koh]
Call the Police!Piga polisi![pee-gah poh-lee-see]
Call a doctor!Piga daktari![pee-gah dahk-tah-ree]
I'm lostNimepotea[nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
I'm illMimi ni mgonjwa[mee-mee nee m-gohn-jwah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Nataka kununua...[nah-tah-kah koo-noo-noo-ah...]
I'm just lookingNinatazama tu[nee-nah-tah-zah-mah too]
How much is it?Bei ni kiasi gani?[beh-ee nee kee-ah-see gah-nee]
That's too expensiveHicho ni ghali sana[hee-choh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
Can you lower the price?Unaweza kushusha bei?[oo-nah-weh-zah koo-shoo-shah beh-ee]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Saa ngapi?[sah-ah ngah-pee]
It's one o'clockNi saa moja[nee sah-ah moh-jah]
Half past (10)Nusu kumi[noo-soo koo-mee]
MorningAsubuhi[ah-soo-boo-hee]
AfternoonMchana[m-chah-nah]
EveningJioni[joh-nee]
YesterdayJana[jah-nah]
TodayLeo[leh-oh]
TomorrowKesho[keh-shoh]
1Moja[moh-jah]
2Mbili[m-bee-lee]
3Tatu[tah-too]
4Nne[n-neh]
5Tano[tah-noh]
6Sita[see-tah]
7Saba[sah-bah]
8Nane[nah-neh]
9Tisa[tee-sah]
10Kumi[koo-mee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?[ee-koh wah-pee]
What's the address?Anuani ni ipi?[ah-noo-ah-nee nee ee-pee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?[oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah (kweh-neh rah-mah-nee)]
When's the next (bus)?Basi lijalo ni saa ngapi?[bah-see lee-jah-loh nee sah-ah ngah-pee]
A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ....)[tee-keh-tee (kwen-dah)]

History of Zanzibar Island

Coral Island and Early Settlement

Unguja is a low-lying coral island formed through the geological processes that shaped the East African coastal platform and surrounding Indian Ocean reefs. Human settlement on Zanzibar long predates written records, and archaeological evidence shows early communities living through fishing, farming and maritime exchange. Bantu-speaking populations established the foundations of Swahili society along the coast, while the island’s position between mainland Africa, Arabia, Persia and the wider Indian Ocean brought new goods, beliefs and cultural influences. The resulting Swahili culture was not a single imported tradition but a coastal society formed through sustained interaction between African communities and overseas traders.

Indian Ocean Trade and Kilwa Connections

From the medieval period, Zanzibar participated in the commercial world linking East Africa with Arabia, Persia, India and beyond. Monsoon winds enabled seasonal sailing, and ports on the Zanzibar coast traded in foodstuffs, timber, ivory and other goods. Islam became deeply established in coastal communities, while Swahili language and customs developed through local and international contact. Portuguese power reached the East African coast at the end of the fifteenth century, and Portuguese influence remained part of the region’s political history until Omani forces displaced them from Zanzibar in the late seventeenth century.

Omani Rule and the Sultanate

Omani influence expanded during the eighteenth century, and Zanzibar became increasingly important to the Omani sultanate. Sultan Seyyid Said moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar in 1840, strengthening the island’s position as a commercial and political centre. Clove cultivation expanded on plantations across Unguja, while Zanzibar City grew as a port connected to trade across the western Indian Ocean. This prosperity depended heavily on coerced labour and the slave trade, whose history remains central to understanding the island. The former slave market site in Stone Town, now associated with Christ Church Cathedral and memorial displays, addresses this difficult legacy.

Stone Town and a Cosmopolitan Port

During the nineteenth century, Stone Town developed as a densely built port and administrative centre, with coral-rag buildings, narrow lanes, mosques, churches, merchant houses and the palaces of the sultanate. Indian merchant communities played an important role in commerce, while Arab, African and other communities contributed to the city’s social and architectural character. The port also became connected with European exploration and colonial competition. Although many historic buildings have changed use or fallen into disrepair, Stone Town retains an unusually concentrated record of Zanzibar’s maritime, commercial and political past.

Revolution, Union and Conservation

The Zanzibar Revolution of January 1964 ended the sultanate and reshaped the island’s political order. Later in 1964, Zanzibar united with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania, while retaining a distinct constitutional position and strong local identity. In the late twentieth century, tourism expanded around Stone Town and the island’s beaches, alongside renewed attention to historic conservation and environmental protection. Jozani–Chwaka Bay National Park, established in 2004, formalised protection for important forest and wetland habitats, while marine conservation initiatives have sought to reduce pressure on coral reefs, seagrass beds and coastal ecosystems.

Zanzibar Island in Photos

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

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Cities in Zanzibar Island

The towns and cities of Zanzibar Island, and the easiest places to base yourself.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Zanzibar Island

Discover Zanzibar Island with Evendo: a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more for an unforgettable trip.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your ultimate free travel guide app for Zanzibar Island. Discover attractions, book hotels, tours, and experiences, and navigate the island with ease.

  • History of Zanzibar Island
  • Travel essentials for visiting Zanzibar Island
  • Curated local tips
  • Easy navigation through the app and the island
  • 'Near me' feature to see what's around you

Planning a trip to Zanzibar Island, Tanzania? Look no further than Evendo, your all-in-one, free app-based travel guide designed to help you make the most out of your adventure. From the pristine beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa to the bustling markets of Stone Town, Evendo has detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Imagine exploring the historic Stone Town, visiting the famous Freddie Mercury Museum, or taking a spice tour to discover Zanzibar's rich history. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences right from the app.

No more endless searches for what to see, do, and experience; Evendo has it all in one place. Whether you're craving a culinary adventure at The Rock Restaurant or a relaxing day at Jozani Forest, our app provides images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location.

Features like the 'Near me' option make it easy to see what's around you, no matter where you are on the island. With curated local tips, you can experience Zanzibar like a local. Plus, our easy-to-use navigation ensures you won't miss a thing.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Beyond Zanzibar, the app covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, making it a must-have travel companion.

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