Zanzibar, Tanzania
"Spice island where the tide redraws the beach twice a day"
Zanzibar at a glance
- Best time to go
- Roughly June to October is the main dry season and the most popular time, with warm, sunny days and lower humidity. December to February is a secondary, shorter dry window, hot and good for swimming. The long rains (roughly March to May) are Zanzibar's wettest stretch, with some smaller resorts closing, and the short rains (roughly November) bring brief afternoon downpours rather than a total washout.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest five to seven days on the island, longer if combining it with a mainland Tanzania safari, since June to October also overlaps with Tanzania's safari high season.
- Who it's for
- Beach lovers, honeymooners and safari-and-beach combiners who want turquoise water, Stone Town's history and reliably warm temperatures.
- Might not be for you if
- You're visiting during the long rains (roughly March to May) hoping for full resort service. Some smaller properties close, and heavy afternoon downpours are common, even though mornings are often clear.
Zanzibar pairs a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of coral-stone alleys with the kind of turquoise shallows that don't look real. Stone Town smells of cloves and diesel; the east coast is dhows, seaweed farms and tides that pull the sea half a kilometre out. It's a beach holiday with actual culture attached.
Best Time to Visit
June to October and December to February
Jun – Oct
Cool dry season, best all-round conditions and clear water.
Nov – Dec
Short rains — brief afternoon showers, fewer people.
Jan – Feb
Hot, dry and bright; peak diving visibility.
Mar – May
Long rains, many beach hotels close, lowest prices.
Getting Around
One main island, one airport, and roads that take longer than the distance suggests.
🚕 Private Transfers
The standard way between Stone Town and beach hotels; fix the price beforehand.
🛵 Scooter
Fun on the east coast; a local permit is technically required.
🚐 Dala-dala
Shared minibuses — cheap, crowded and slow but genuinely local.
⛵ Dhow Boats
For sandbank trips, sunset sails and snorkelling at Mnemba.
💡 Ferries from Dar es Salaam are cheap but rough; flights are 20 minutes and often barely pricier.
Suggested Itineraries
Arrive Stone Town
Two nights in the old town, dinner on a rooftop.
History Day
House of Wonders area, slave market memorial, Darajani market.
Spice Farm
Tour, lunch, then transfer to the north.
Nungwi
Swimmable-at-any-tide beach, dhow sunset sail.
Mnemba Snorkel
Boat to the atoll for reef fish and dolphins.
East Coast
Move to Paje or Jambiani, Rock restaurant lunch.
Departure
Jozani forest en route to the airport.
🌱 Psst — you don't have to do it all. The best souvenirs are slow mornings and one unplanned detour you'll still be talking about years later.
Highlights
Must See
- Stone Town & Forodhani market
- The Rock restaurant
- Jozani forest colobus monkeys
- Mnemba atoll snorkelling
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
East-coast beaches have huge tides — check the tide chart before booking if you want to swim at any hour.
Zanzibar travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
Roughly June to October is the main dry season and the most popular time, with warm days, lower humidity and calm seas. December to February is a shorter secondary dry window, hot and good for swimming. The long rains, roughly March to May, are the wettest stretch, and the short rains, roughly November, bring brief, often afternoon, showers rather than continuous rain.
Does Zanzibar work well with a Tanzania safari?
Yes, and many visitors combine the two. June to October overlaps with mainland Tanzania's safari high season, making it a natural pairing: wildlife viewing in parks like the Serengeti, followed by beach time in Zanzibar.
Do you need a visa for Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the same entry rules apply. Many nationalities need a visa, and Tanzania offers an e-visa that can be arranged online before you travel. Check current requirements and fees for your passport before booking.
When is diving season in Zanzibar?
Roughly June to October and December to February, during the drier months, generally offer the best visibility, since heavy rain in the wetter months can reduce water clarity near the coast. Manta ray and whale shark sightings are seasonal and location-specific, so check with local dive operators for current conditions.
Details last checked 23 September 2026.