Zanzibar Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Nungwi Beach
Jambiani Beach
Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach
House of Wonders

Immerse yourself in an interesting mix of African, Arabian, Indian and European culture in this island off Africa’s eastern coast. Visit its beautiful beaches too.

The exotic island of Zanzibar has been populated for more than 20,000 years. See the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stone Town, with a millennia of blended history of Swahili, Arabian, Indian and European cultures. Relax on beaches with soft white sand and clean blue waters.

Many Stone Town buildings were constructed during the 1700s and 1800s. See architecture made of coralline ragstone and wood from the area’s mangroves. The Old Fort overlooks the Indian Ocean, built on the site where a Portuguese church once stood. Next to it is the House of WondersOpens in a new window, housing the Beit El-Ajaib National Museum. Gaze up at its wide verandas and imagine its days as the mansion of a wealthy sultan. In front of these buildings, stroll along the walkways in Forodhani Gardens, where fishermen and artisans display their products.

Walk to the Anglican Church to learn about the region’s past as a Slave MarketOpens in a new window. Inside are displays describing this history as well as a memorial to David Livingstone, the missionary, explorer and avid abolitionist. Outside is the artwork Memory for the Slaves, depicting five slaves in chains.

Travel north to NungwiOpens in a new window, which has one of the island’s favourite spots for sun and sand, Nungwi BeachOpens in a new window. Visit the Mnarani Natural AquariumOpens in a new window, where local residents and conservationists have established a centre to rescue and nurture hawksbill and green turtles and release them to the ocean every February. Spend a month or more here as a volunteer or swim with the turtles in a protected lagoon during a daytrip.

Paje Beach on the eastern coast has extreme tides, resulting in long stretches of sand when the tide is out. Rent equipment to try kite surfing. Scuba near Mnemba Island off the northeastern shore.

Ferry to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam in about 2 hours or fly to Zanzibar International Airport, about a 15-minute drive south of Stone Town. Rent a car to travel conveniently around this relatively small island.

Where to stay in Zanzibar

Old Fort

Stone Town

4/5(33 area reviews)

Stone Town is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Slave Market or House of Wonders.

Stone Town
Default Image

Bwejuu Beach

4/5(5 area reviews)

Unique features of Bwejuu Beach include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Paje Beach or Bwejuu Beach while you're exploring the area.

Bwejuu Beach
The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive
The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive
5 out of 5
Muyuni, Matemwe, Unguja North Region
The price is £527 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
£527
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Matemwe. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (147 reviews)
"Beautiful new resort. Very spacious. Many pool areas and lounge areas. Great friendly staff /service. Feels 5 star. Great food at the buffet and restaurants. But hard to book restaurants. We only were able to book one dinner out of 5 nights. Always booked up."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive
Tembo House Hotel
Tembo House Hotel
4 out of 5
Forodhani Street, Zanzibar Town
The price is £109 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
£109
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (831 reviews)
"Excellent location, great breakfast. All staff really friendly and always there to help. Definitely recommend the tembo if you are in stone town."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Tembo House Hotel
Hotel Riu Jambo - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Jambo - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Nungwi Road, North Coast Zanzibar, Nungwi, Unguja North
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nungwi. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (331 reviews)
"From the staff to the amenities and the beach everything it’s perfect thank you very much"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Hotel Riu Jambo - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aluna Beach Apartments
Aluna Beach Apartments
4 out of 5
Nungwi Beach, 8, Nungwi, Unguja North Region
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Nungwi. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (19 reviews)
"Very good property. Literally a minute away from the beach. Very welcoming and friendly staff. They did their best to make our stay comfortable. Also the complimentary breakfast at Mahi Mahi was also good. I will recommend this place to my friends and family. Try to book room 7 or 8 for the best ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Aluna Beach Apartments
Soul Paje Managed by TOC
Soul Paje Managed by TOC
4 out of 5
The Soul Africa P.O. Box 48, Paje, Unguja South Region
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Paje. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Paje Beach and Jambiani Beach are located ...
"Schöne moderne Appartmentanlage. 20 Minuten vom Strand und nahe an allen lokalen Einkaufsmöglichkeiten. Super nettes und hilfsbereites Personal."

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2025

Soul Paje Managed by TOC
Pazuri Kendwa Beach Hotel
Pazuri Kendwa Beach Hotel
2 out of 5
Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar, Kendwa, Unguja North Region
Stay at this beach apartment in Kendwa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a beach locale. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Beliggenheten var på stranda, noe som var kjempekult. Det var heller ikke lang vei til restauranter og aktiviteter å finne på. Det var mange hyggelige folk rundt og på hotellet. Vi la merke til at lakenet hadde flere flekker, samt at store deler av hotellrommet ikke var helt rent. Aircondition bråket ..."

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Pazuri Kendwa Beach Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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