Zanzibar
The island from the east coast — coral reefs at low tide, spice-scented stone alleys at dusk, and skies that stay clear from June to October.
Tim Hennig — Mchanga sandbank, east coast
| Zanzibar — At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Indian Ocean, 35 km east of Dar es Salaam |
| Main island | Unguja (Zanzibar Island) · 1,657 km² |
| Best months | June–October (long dry) · January–February (short dry) |
| Airport | ZNZ — Abeid Amani Karume International, Stone Town |
| From mainland | ~20 min by plane · ~2 h by fast ferry from Dar es Salaam |
| Visa | Required · USD 50 on arrival for most nationalities 5 sources |
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) · USD widely accepted |
| Language | Kiswahili + English widely spoken |
| Time zone | EAT (UTC+3) · No daylight saving |
Last verified: June 2026
When to go
Zanzibar has two dry seasons separated by two wet seasons. The long dry season — June through October — is the most reliable window. The Kaskazi trade wind keeps afternoon temperatures at 26–29°C, skies are reliably clear, and the Indian Ocean is calm enough for snorkelling, diving and kitesurfing in the lagoon. This is peak season: accommodation costs are highest and Paje fills with kiters.
January and February offer a shorter dry spell with lower prices and fewer crowds. The sea is warmer (29–32°C), visibility underwater is excellent, and temperatures are hotter on land (32–35°C).
The Masika long rains (March through May) bring heavy daily downpours, some lodges close, and beach time is limited. The short rains (November) are milder and shorter — some years barely noticeable on the east coast.
Coasts & areas
East Coast — Paje, Bwejuu & Michamvi Pingwe
- Best months: June–October (kite season, calm lagoon; flat water at low tide)
- Transfer from ZNZ airport: 55–70 min by road
- Signature: kitesurfing, tidal sandbar walks, reef snorkelling off the sandbar
- Who it suits: kitesurfers, couples, divers, anyone who wants a quieter beach
North Coast — Nungwi & Kendwa
- Best months: June–October and December–February (swimmable at all tides year-round)
- Transfer from ZNZ airport: 60–75 min by road
- Signature: sunset dhow cruises, lively beach bars, turtle sanctuary at Nungwi village
- Who it suits: sociable travellers, groups, anyone who wants swimming depth at low tide
Stone Town
- Best months: all year (indoor sights unaffected by rain; cooler June–October)
- Transfer from ZNZ airport: 20 min
- Signature: UNESCO-listed alley maze, Darajani spice market, rooftop bars at dusk
- Who it suits: history travellers, food lovers, pre/post-safari stopovers
Other islands in the archipelago
Zanzibar is three main islands. Unguja is the tourist hub; Pemba and Mafia are for specialists — remote, undeveloped, and rewarding for the right visitor.
Plan & practical
Experiences & activities
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Frequently asked questions about Zanzibar
Do you need a visa for Zanzibar?
Yes. Most nationalities purchase a Tanzanian tourist visa on arrival at Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). The standard single-entry fee is USD 50, payable in cash. US, Canadian, and most EU citizens qualify. East African Community nationals (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan) are exempt. → Full entry requirements guide
What is the best time of year to visit Zanzibar?
June through October is the most reliable window — the Kaskazi trade wind keeps skies clear and the Indian Ocean calm. January and February offer a shorter dry spell. Avoid the Masika long rains (March–May), when heavy daily downpours limit beach time and some facilities close. → Full month-by-month guide
How do you get to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam?
By air (approximately 20 minutes, multiple daily flights with Precision Air and Coastal Aviation) or by fast ferry from Dar es Salaam port (approximately 2 hours). Flights are more reliable — ferry schedules run late and the crossing can be rough May–October. → Getting to Zanzibar guide
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft — phone snatching in Stone Town's alleys, bag theft on beaches — is the main concern; standard urban caution applies. Political demonstrations occasionally occur in Stone Town; avoid large gatherings. The east coast is quieter and considered safer than the north and west. → Safety guide
Is Zanzibar part of Tanzania?
Yes. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of the United Republic of Tanzania. It has its own government (the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar) but shares foreign policy, defence, and currency with the mainland. The same Tanzanian tourist visa covers both Zanzibar and the mainland.
Keep exploring Zanzibar
Tim Hennig, General Manager, Boutique Hotel Matlai, Michamvi Pingwe, Zanzibar.
I live and work on Zanzibar's east coast year-round — managing Matlai, diving the reefs, watching the seasons change. If you have a question this guide doesn't answer, I'm happy to help directly.
Get in touch