Jambo, Zanzibar!

Zanzibar’s reputation as the ‘spice island’ dates back centuries, when cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla helped shape its economy and global importance. Both immersive and educational, a visit to one of the island’s traditional spice farms gives you the chance to see, smell and taste these world-famous crops. Learn how the spices are grown and harvested as well as how they are used in local cuisine, traditional herbal remedies and even perfumes.

Behind the fragrant plantations lies a remarkable and often turbulent history. Zanzibar’s strategic position attracted traders, explorers and rulers from across the seas, each leaving their mark on the archipelago. Exploring the spice farms provides not only an insight into the island’s agricultural heritage, but also a deeper understanding of the events and influences that helped shape modern Zanzibar.

Stone Town, the oldest part of Zanzibar City, is a captivating maze of narrow alleyways, hidden courtyards and centuries-old buildings. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into Zanzibar’s African, Arab, Indian and European cultural influences.

Wandering through Stone Town, you’ll discover the bustling markets, colourful shops and lively cafés around every corner. Historic landmarks such as the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib), the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) and the former Sultan’s Palace tell the story of Zanzibar’s rich Swahili history, shaped by generations of merchants and international settlers. And as the sun begins to set, head to the Forodhani Night Market where you can sample local specialities such as freshly grilled seafood, mishkaki (grilled meat skewers), Zanzibar pizza and sugar cane juice.

Step beyond the coastline and discover a different side of Zanzibar. The island’s most famous nature reserve, Jozani Forest, is the only national park in Zanzibar and the best place to spot the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey, a species found nowhere else in the world. Guided walks take you through lush woodland, tropical vegetation and mangrove boardwalks, providing fascinating insight into the island’s unique flora and fauna. During your walk, look out for the distinctive red banana trees that thrive in the forest. Their fruit can be eaten fresh and is also used in many local savoury and sweet dishes.

If you prefer quieter trails, Masingini Forest offers scenic walking through eucalyptus and indigenous woodland. The forest is home to Sykes' Monkeys (often referred to as blue monkeys), various species of bushbabies and the rare Aders’ Duiker antelope. The forest canopy serves as a refuge for a range of bird species, including the Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul and the stunning Paradise Flycatcher.

Zanzibar's warm, turquoise waters are home to some of the most spectacular marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. The waters surrounding Mnemba Island are widely regarded as the island’s premier snorkelling destination, with excellent visibility and thriving coral gardens teeming with colourful reef fish. There’s also a good chance to encounter dolphins, sea turtles and a variety of mesmerising marine species that inhabit the protected conservation area.

Other popular underwater locations include the reefs off Kendwa and Nungwi, known for their clear waters and accessible snorkelling, while Chumbe Island Coral Park offers a pristine marine sanctuary with some of the healthiest coral reefs in East Africa.

Zanzibar’s northern coast is an excellent place to see wild bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Alternatively, the waters around the southern village of Kizimkazi offer some of the best opportunities to encounter these amazing creatures. Ideally, you should head out early morning to enjoy watching the dolphins leap and play in the waves around your boat.

Reflecting Zanzibar’s commitment to responsible tourism, dolphin-watching experiences prioritise conservation, wildlife protection and meaningful connections with local communities. Tour operators will keep to a respectful distance to avoid disrupting the dolphins’ natural behaviour while still offering you a memorable encounter. You will also be able to hear from local fishermen, who have lived alongside dolphins for generations, about their sustainable fishing practices that protect the ocean’s delicate ecosystem.

Holidays to Zanzibar from the UK typically involve a short stopover, with total journey times usually ranging from 12 to 16 hours. If you prefer to break up the journey, you can, for example, book a flight via Abu Dhabi and stay for a couple of nights to explore the city. Zanzibar is 2 hours ahead of the UK during British Summer Time and 3 hours ahead during the winter months.

A tourist visa is needed for your holiday on Zanzibar. British and Irish citizens can apply in advance through the official Tanzania Electronic Visa Application System or obtain a visa upon arrival. Furthermore, all visitors must purchase local inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. This insurance is mandatory, even if you already have a single-trip or annual policy in place.

The ideal length of a Zanzibar holiday depends on the experience you want. In light of the flight times, we recommend at least a 7-day stay to make the most of a relaxing beach break. This means there will be plenty of time to unwind on the white sands, swim in the warm Indian Ocean and enjoy activities such as snorkelling and diving.

If you are interested in exploring Zanzibar’s Swahili culture and history, you may want to stay for 10 to 14 days or longer. This will give you time to wander through the historic streets of Stone Town, visit the nature reserves and learn about the island’s multifaceted heritage. Many travellers also choose to combine a Tanzania and Zanzibar holiday, pairing a safari adventure on the mainland with a relaxing beach stay on the island.

Zanzibar enjoys a warm tropical climate throughout the year, making it an attractive destination in every season. You can generally expect average temperatures between 25°C and 32°C, with plenty of sunshine and warm sea temperatures ideal for swimming and water sports.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is typically from June to October, when the weather is warm, dry and less humid, providing ideal conditions for sightseeing and beach holidays. Another popular period is from December to February, when temperatures are slightly higher and sunshine is plentiful.