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Discover Zanzibar Island's Wonders

Hakuna matata is Swahili for "no worries", and this is exactly the spirit that fills the atmosphere of Zanzibar —the Spice Island of Tanzania. A heavenly world sprinkled with charming colonial buildings, white sandy beaches, colourful markets, and flavours of exotic cuisines from all over the world.

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Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Useful information

Population:

1.3 million (2012 census) Unguja (main island) around 0.9 million

Currency:

Tanzanian shilling (shilingi), 1 TSh (or TZS) = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

112

Opening Hours:

Business hours are usually from 9 am to 5 pm. Businesses and government offices (excluding shops) close around noon on Fridays.

Do & See

Christ Church Cathedral

Owing to its strategic position, Zanzibar was a long-dreaded slave market site throughout the 19th century. This Anglican cathedral, neighbouring the popular Darajani Market, was built in the late 19th century to mark the end of slavery on the island.

Darajani Market

If you are looking to get the most of local vibe on the island, head to Darajani Market: there's nothing you will not find here — intense flavours, fresh seafood, colourful souvenirs, and even electronic gadgets. The main structure of the market was built back in 1904.

Hamamni Persian Baths

Although the public baths were in use until 1920 and are now open for a short visit only, it's worth stopping by to absorb some of the island's Middle Eastern heritage.

House of Wonders (being restored)

One of the most important landmark buildings in Stone Town, the House of Wonders had been closed due to disrepair, with large sections collapsing in 2012, 2015 and 2020. The former palace and museum used to showcase European and Omani influence not only in appearance, but also through the various exhibitions.

Jozani Forest

Zanzibar's only national park represents the island's diverse indigenous flora and fauna, such as the emblematic red colobus. The 50-square km reserve also includes Chwaka Bay, with its extensive seagrass beds and neighbours on the Zala reptile park as well as the Butterfly Centre. Join a tour at the entrance and learn about the mythical Zanzibar leopard.

Kitesurfing

Move off those well-stocked fish platters with some kitesurfing lessons: Zanzibar is a top-notch waveriders' paradise.

Malindi Mosque

Islam is still the largest religion in Zanzibar, and there are over 50 mosques adorning the island's skyline. Located in the neighbourhood of the same name, this 15-century mosque is one of the oldest landmarks of the rich Arabic heritage.

Mercury House

A small museum with a photography collection paying homage to the most famous person ever born on this island, Farrokh Bulsara, better known as Freddie Mercury.

Dining

6 Degrees South Grill & Wine Bar

Whether it's the catch of the day, a beef barbecue (mishkaki), or something exotic like the coconut-dusted octopus, this restaurant has an extensive menu presenting you the rich flavours of Spice Island. Happy hour specials are from 7 pm to 9 pm daily. Enjoy the view from the rooftop bar!

Abyssinian Maritim

Try a stew platter served on injera (flatbread) and wash it down with a fresh smoothie, or join a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, all this in a charming Africa-inspired stetting.

Al-Jabry

This is one of those restaurants that don't need an intricate design concept to attract visitors —the rich local flavours will do the job. The best place to try boko-boko, a porridge soup made of meat, usually beef.

Chef's Baking Shop — Nungwi

Don't expect regular fish or chicken at Chef's: meals are spiced up with curry sauce or coconut gravy, and vegetable sides are just as appetising as the main dish that caught your attention.

Lukmaan Restaurant

An award-winning restaurant conquering tourists and locals as well: there is hardly any better place on the island to get a taste of Zanzibari cuisine. Try the octopus curry, and freshen up with a delicious fruit smoothie!

Secret Garden & Tea House

Both venues belong to Emerson Spice and offer an exclusive dining experience in the heart of Stone Town. At Tea House, demand is high for the five-course rooftop dinners and the "Sundowner" drinks, while Secret Garden is famed for its Zanzibar-inspired à la carte lunch, served in a hidden romantic ruin garden.

The Passing Show

Another staple in the Zanzibari food scene, the Passing Show is most acclaimed for its biryani and rice pilau dishes, served around the clock. Their tamarind juice is a must try.

The Rock — Michamvi

A restaurant outstanding in every aspect: not only for its location on top of a rock, but for the great care fresh local ingredients are selected and prepared with, to serve guests with fine Tanzanian dishes. Tempura is popular as a starter, and you can't go wrong with the lobster special or the pasta dishes with the flavours of the sea.

Cafés

Cafe Africa Shops

An eclectic small cafe you'll probably accidentally come across after getting lost in the buzzing alleyways of Stone Town. Stop by for a coffee and browse the adorable handmade souvenirs!

Jaw’s Corner

Jaw’s Corner is a unique square where men gather in the early morning to socialise and bond over cups of black Zanzibar coffee. There are certain things in life that don't need any sweetening: the Zanzibari coffee, or these few lines about Jaw's Corner. Just grab a cup, and listen to the stories of locals.

Mr Kahawa

A vibrant beach-side lodge and cafe with fresh coffee and healthy munchies, daily three-course menu, a craft shop on site, and a laid-back atmosphere that will make you want to extend your stay in Paje.

Puzzle Coffee Shop

A flagship cafe in Zanzibar offering premium Brazilian coffee and treats like the famous cheese bread, plus workshops for true lovers of caffeine.

Stone Town Cafe

Part of a cosy B&B, this place will make you feel at home even if you only drop in for a quick coffee or meal. Their quesadillas and avocado toast never disappoint.

Zanzibar Coffee House

A quaint cafe with an extensive coffee list including everything from the classics to iced and bulletproof coffee, to be had with sandwiches, a light lunch, or freshly baked scones and brownies, in a setting reminiscent of colonial times.

Zenji Cafe

A cosy place to have a cup of tea, milkshake, or try Tanzanian coffee and Zenji's famous chocolate brownie. Fancy something more? Breakfast is served all day long, and sandwiches, pasta and pizza are available for takeaway, too.

Bars & Nightlife

B4 Beach Club (Paje)

A laid-back beach bar priding itself on being the first location dedicated to electronic music in East Africa. They most probably prepare the best burgers you'll ever have on the beaches of Zanzibar! Additionally, regular visitors are given a discount on a kite-surfing course. Events are organised weekly.

Coccobello (Nungwi)

One of the hottest nightspots of Nungwi with live entertainment every night of the week. Food is also served. Wednesday and Sunday nights are the most happening, when the party doesn't stop until 5am. No haggling — just dancing, drinks and a great time.

Kendwa Rocks (Nungwi)

There's a lot more to Kendwa than an exclusive hotel-restaurant: it is rumoured to throw some of the best parties in entire Zanzibar. Their monthly Full Moon Parties with grills and acrobat shows are the most talked about events on the island!

Mercury's Bar

Another tribute to the music legend born on this island, Mercury's bar plays live music every weekend, but also welcomes visitors with special cocktails and freshly caught fish throughout the whole week.

Rooftops Bar at Z Hotel (Nungwi)

With its idyllic location, happy hours, and refreshing colourful cocktails, Rooftops is the number one place to watch the sunset in entire Nungwi.

Sunset Bar at the Africa House

At every sunset, the rooftop bar of the Africa House Hotel fills up with the loud chatter tourists, taking in the golden view over a refreshing cocktail and some crispy samosas.

Tatu

"Tatu" is Swahili for three, referring the three floors this place has to entertain its visitors: a buzzing bar on the first, a pub with affordable food on the second, and a lounge on the third floor overlooking the sea.

Shopping

Aromas of Zanzibar

Unique souvenirs made with great local care, from recycled materials and with a sense of social responsibility.

Darajani Market

Fahari

An internationally acclaimed company with a wide range of fabrics showcasing Zanzibar's rich Indian and African cultural heritage, made with the use of unique materials like oyster shells and palm leaves.

Memories of Zanzibar

The largest souvenir shop in Zanzibar, this is where you can do all the souvenir shopping under one roof, across two floors.

Surti & Son's

This tiny shop has been providing locals and visitors with premium quality leather products like sandals and bags for several decades now.

The Coins Shop

A local craftsman company selling uniquely designed coin jewellery. Find the medal that best fits you, or show them the drawing of your favourite symbol! They also ship worldwide.

Zanzibar Curio Shop

Souvenir stalls are found easily everywhere in Stone Town, but visit the Curio Shop if you are on the lookout for some really exciting finds. It's a huge shop with every souvenir and gift item imaginable: clothing, keychains, bags from local artists reflecting the artworks of Zanzibar, new and antique treasures.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

The most popular time to travel to Zanzibar is during the dry season, from July to September. The archipelago's tropical climate is characterised by stable temperatures throughout the year, but the amount of rainfall varies considerably. The most precipitation is recorded between March and May, and to a lesser extent around November and December. Similar weather patterns prevail in mainland Tanzania. The temperatures usually stay between 21°C (70°F) and 33°C (91°F). It can be somewhat warmer under the influence of the seasonal northeast monsoon winds that blow day and night during the Zanzibar summer (November to March). The southwest monsoon winds blow in the Zanzibar winter (June to mid October) and bring slightly cooler temperatures.

Passport / Visa

Visitors from any country not listed below may enter Tanzania visa-free or get a visa on arrival (USD 50–100) for 90 days, provided they have a passport with at least six months of validity upon arrival. A pre-arranged visa is necessary for citizens of the following countries: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen. To find out what applies for your country, contact your embassy or visit the website below.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is located 7 km south of Zanzibar City, and serves several international airlines including Qatar, Oman Air and Ethiopian Airlines. However, most visitors fly into Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR), and take the ferry to Zanzibar, which takes ca. 1 hour 40 minutes (Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries, link below). Domestic flights between DAR and ZNZ are also available, and take 15 minutes.

Public Transport

Dala dalas — the minibus share taxis used for public transportation — are a cheap but not the fastest way to travel on the island, and you may not be allowed to board if you have bulky luggage with you. Darajani Bus Station is found on Creek Road.

Eddie Taxi Driver (Paje)

Eddie is a reliable taxi driver and tourist guide who works inn Paje area. He can pick you up from the airport and organised excursions in the whole island. Cars are comfortable, with AC and wifi.

Ibra Taxi Driver (Paje)

Ibra is one of the leading taxi and tourism chauffeurs in Zanzibar. He's always on time, speaks great English and doesn't overcharge.

Zanzitaxi

Contact any of the providers below for a lift from/to the airport, or within the island. It is recommended to agree on the price beforehand.

Ztrans Taxi

It is recommended to agree on the price beforehand.

Trips

Zanzibar Escapade

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