Zanzibar
A spice island in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar pairs the historic alleys of Stone Town with powder-white beaches, turquoise reefs and a rich Swahili culture.
Things to do in Zanzibar
Tours in Zanzibar
678 tours · prices per person, book with partner
Zanzibar is the spice of the Indian Ocean. This Tanzanian archipelago blends the labyrinthine, history-soaked alleys of Stone Town with some of Africa's most beautiful beaches — soft white sand, turquoise lagoons and dhows drifting on the horizon. Its rich Swahili, Arab and Indian heritage gives the island a culture all its own.
Top Things to Do in Zanzibar
Get lost in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage maze of carved doors, bazaars and the historic spice and former slave trade sites. Take a spice tour through plantations of clove, vanilla and cinnamon that gave the island its name.
Relax on the dazzling beaches of the north and east coasts, and snorkel or dive the coral reefs and the sandbank of the Blue Lagoon and Mnemba Atoll.
Tours Worth Booking
- Stone Town guided heritage walks
- Spice plantation tours
- Snorkelling and dolphin boat trips
- Prison Island and sandbank excursions
Best Time to Visit
The dry seasons of June–October and December–February bring sunny skies and ideal beach conditions. The long rains (March–May) are the wettest and quietest. Zanzibar is warm year-round, with the cooler months most popular.
Getting Around
Taxis and pre-arranged transfers are the usual way to travel between Stone Town and the beach resorts, as distances can be long. Most excursions include hotel pickups, and Stone Town itself is explored on foot.