Zanzibar, Tanzania travel guide

Spice-island history in Stone Town and turquoise Indian Ocean beaches.

Best time to visit: June-October and December-February (dry seasons)
Average daily budget: $50 to $130 USD
Ideal trip length: 5 to 7 days

Zanzibar is two trips in one: the labyrinthine, Swahili-Arab-Indian melting pot of Stone Town, and the powder-white beaches of the north and east coasts. Joy Plus splits your nights so you get both - the history, spice tours and sunset rooftop of Stone Town, then the right beach for your tide and vibe, because the east coast's dramatic tides catch out everyone who didn't plan around them.

Zanzibar itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Explore Stone Town. Get lost in the alleys, see the old fort and former slave market, and shop the carved-door lanes.

Afternoon: Explore Stone Town, The UNESCO old city - carved doors, winding alleys, spice markets, and rooftop bars. Base for culture and history.

Evening: Forodhani night market. Waterfront food stalls at sunset - Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood and sugarcane juice.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Spice farm tour. Walk a working plantation tasting cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla - the island's old trade.

Afternoon: Explore Nungwi (North), Lively beach village with swimmable water at all tides and the best sunsets.

Evening: Mnemba atoll snorkel or dive. Crystal water, reef fish and dolphins off the northeast coast.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Sunset cocktails on a Stone Town rooftop bar like Emerson or Tea House.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Kendwa (North), Calmer sands next to Nungwi, famous for full-moon parties and easy swimming.

Evening: The Rock Restaurant, perched on a tidal outcrop off Michamvi.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Best neighbourhoods

Stone Town: The UNESCO old city - carved doors, winding alleys, spice markets, and rooftop bars. Base for culture and history.
Nungwi (North): Lively beach village with swimmable water at all tides and the best sunsets.
Kendwa (North): Calmer sands next to Nungwi, famous for full-moon parties and easy swimming.
Paje (Southeast): The kitesurfing and backpacker hub, big tides, laid-back beach-bar scene.
Matemwe (East): Quiet, upscale beaches facing Mnemba atoll, best for snorkelling and diving.

Must-do experiences

Explore Stone Town: Get lost in the alleys, see the old fort and former slave market, and shop the carved-door lanes.
Forodhani night market: Waterfront food stalls at sunset - Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood and sugarcane juice.
Spice farm tour: Walk a working plantation tasting cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla - the island's old trade.
Mnemba atoll snorkel or dive: Crystal water, reef fish and dolphins off the northeast coast.

Hidden gems

Sunset cocktails on a Stone Town rooftop bar like Emerson or Tea House.
The Rock Restaurant, perched on a tidal outcrop off Michamvi.
Jozani Forest to see the endemic red colobus monkeys.
A traditional dhow sunset cruise from Nungwi or Kendwa.

Daily budget

$50 to $130 USD per day.

What to eat

Zanzibar pizza and grilled seafood at Forodhani market
Urojo (Zanzibar mix) sour soup
Octopus curry with coconut rice
Fresh tropical fruit and spiced 'Zanzibar coffee'

Getting around

Stone Town is walkable. Between Stone Town and the beaches, use a pre-arranged private transfer or shared minibus (dala-dala) - it's an hour or more to the north and east coasts. On the beaches, walk or hire a bike; agree taxi fares before you ride.

Safety

Zanzibar is a Muslim, conservative island - dress modestly away from the beach and resorts, especially in Stone Town (cover shoulders and knees). It's generally safe but watch for petty theft on beaches and use only licensed taxis at night. Buy a local SIM at the airport, carry cash (USD and shillings), and respect Ramadan timings if visiting then.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Zanzibar?

Five to seven: two nights in Stone Town for the history and food, then three or four on a beach. Splitting the trip gives you both sides of the island.

Which side of Zanzibar has the best beaches?

The north (Nungwi and Kendwa) stays swimmable at all tides and has the best sunsets; the east (Paje, Matemwe) has dramatic tides and is better for kitesurfing and snorkelling. Match the coast to the tide.

Is Zanzibar safe for solo travellers?

Yes, with normal precautions. Dress modestly off the beach, use licensed taxis at night, keep valuables secure on the sand, and be respectful of local Muslim customs. Solo female travellers should expect some attention and dress conservatively.

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

June-October and December-February (dry seasons) is the sweet spot for weather and crowds. Shoulder season brings lower prices and easier bookings, while peak months mean higher accommodation costs and longer queues at the best known sights, so book early if you travel then.

How much does a trip to Zanzibar cost?

Budget around $50 to $130 USD per person per day, covering a mid range room, local transport, two or three meals out and an activity or entry ticket. You can go lower with hostels, markets and free walking tours, or far higher with boutique hotels and private guides.

How much does a solo trip to Zanzibar cost?

Budget on roughly $50-$130 USD per day in Zanzibar as a solo traveller. That covers a hostel bed or simple room, local food, getting around and a couple of paid sights. Mid-range comfort with private rooms, sit-down dinners and the odd tour runs closer to double, while shoestring travellers who cook and stick to street food can come in under it.

How do you get around Zanzibar?

Tours and activities in Zanzibar | Zanzibar in 3 days | Zanzibar in 5 days | Zanzibar in 7 days