Zanzibar

History and coastline together

Zanzibar sits a short flight or ferry ride from mainland Tanzania, and centuries of trade with Arabia, Persia and India have shaped its culture, architecture and cuisine. Stone Town, the historic quarter of Zanzibar City, is dense with carved wooden doors, narrow alleys and buildings that reflect this layered history, and pairs naturally with time on the island's beaches.

Choosing a coastline

The island's beaches vary by location: the north around Nungwi and Kendwa has less pronounced tides, keeping the water swimmable throughout the day, while the east coast's beaches see more dramatic tidal shifts that expose sandbars and seaweed farms at low tide. Our Zanzibar beaches guide compares these areas in more detail, and our Serengeti & Zanzibar itinerary pairs the island with a mainland safari. Beyond the main island, Pemba and Mnemba offer quieter diving and snorkelling for travellers looking to extend beyond Zanzibar's more visited beaches.

Spice and seasons

Zanzibar's nickname as the Spice Island reflects its historic cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon plantations, some of which now run tours for visitors. The island follows a tropical wet-and-dry pattern: the best windows generally fall between June and October and again from December to February, while the long rains from March to May bring heavier, more frequent downpours best avoided if possible. Seafood, coconut and spice-infused dishes define much of the island's cooking, and a visit to a local night market in Stone Town is a good way to sample a range of it in one sitting.