Zanzibar, Tanzania

A spice island paradise of Stone Town, dhows, white beaches, and Swahili culture.

zanzibar and sea in Zanzibar, Tanzania

🏛️ Sights & Attractions in Zanzibar

  • House of Wonders — The House of Wonders or Palace of Wonders is a landmark building in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is the largest and tallest building of Stone Town and occupies a prominent place facing the Forodhani Gardens on the old town's seafront in Mizingani Road. It is located between the Old Fort and the Palace Museum. It is one of six palaces built by Barghash bin Said, second Sultan of Zanzibar, and it is said to be located on the site of the 17th-century palace of Zanzibari queen Fatuma. The House of Wonders housed the Museum of History and Culture of Zanzibar and the Swahili Coast.
  • Darajani Market — The Darajani Market is the main bazaar in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is also known as Estella Market and informally as Marikiti Kuu. The market is located in Darajani Road, in the surroundings of the Anglican Cathedral of Christ.
  • Menai Bay — Menai Bay is a bay in Mkinga District of Mjini Magharibi Region of Tanzania. The bay is geographically part of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
  • Hamamni Persian Baths — The Hamamni Persian Baths is located in a historical building of Stone Town, Zanzibar. The name Hamamni is also used to refer to the neighbourhood where the building is located.
  • Kizimkazi — officially Kizimkazi Mkunguni, but also known as Kizimkazi Mtendeni - is a fishing village on the southern coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania, and was once a walled city. It is situated three miles southeast of the Kizimkazi Mosque. In recent years, Kizimkazi has become a ma
  • Stone Town — A UNESCO World Heritage labyrinth of narrow alleys, coral-stone buildings, and carved Zanzibari doors reflecting centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influence. The historic heart of Zanzibar City.
  • Old Fort — A 17th-century Omani stone fortress built on the site of an earlier Portuguese church. The internal courtyard is now a cultural centre with shops and live performances.
  • Old Dispensary — A beautifully restored 1890s building with ornate balconies and Indian-influenced architecture, originally a charity hospital. Now houses a museum and cultural centre.
  • Sultan's Palace — Beit el-Sahel, the former royal residence of the Sultans of Zanzibar, now a museum displaying royal furnishings and historical exhibits.
  • Christ Church Cathedral — An Anglican cathedral built in 1879 on the site of Zanzibar’s last slave market. A powerful memorial to the island’s role in the East African slave trade.
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🥾 Trails & Hikes in Zanzibar

  • Jozani Forest nature trail — A guided walk through Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to spot rare red colobus monkeys, ancient mahogany trees, and tropical flora. Continues to a mangrove boardwalk.
  • Spice plantation walk — A guided walk through a working spice farm to see, smell, and taste cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom growing in their natural state. Ends with fresh fruit tasting.
  • Stone Town alleyway walk — A self-guided wander through Stone Town’s maze of narrow alleys, past carved Zanzibari doors, coral-stone houses, hidden courtyards, and bustling bazaars.
  • Mangrove boardwalk — An elevated boardwalk through the mangrove ecosystem at Jozani, with views of coastal forests, crabs, and marine life. Part of the national park trail system.

🏖️ Beaches in Zanzibar

  • Chwaka Bay — Chwaka Bay is a large indentation in the central east coast of the Tanzanian island of Unguja - the largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. The bay contains several small islands, and the towns of Chwaka and Kae are situated on its coast.
  • Nungwi Beach — Zanzibar’s most popular beach at the northern tip, with minimal tides and deep turquoise water all day. Lively beach bars, restaurants, and the island’s best sunset views.
  • Kendwa Beach — A pristine northwest-coast beach a short walk from Nungwi, with tide-free swimming and famous Full Moon parties. Quieter than Nungwi but with a lively social scene.
  • Paje Beach — The kitesurfing capital of Zanzibar on the east coast, with a 6km white sand beach and dramatic tidal swings. Laid-back beach bars and a bohemian crowd.
  • Jambiani Beach — A fishing village beach on the southeast coast with a slow, local feel. Seaweed farms, traditional dhows, and long walks on the sandbar at low tide.
  • Matemwe Beach — A quiet northeast-coast beach overlooking the Mnemba Atoll, with luxury lodges tucked into coconut palms. Best for snorkelling trips and secluded relaxation.
  • Bwejuu Beach — A peaceful east-coast beach with powdery white sand and shallow turquoise lagoons at high tide. Minimal development and a castaway feel.
  • Kizimkazi Beach — A southern-coast fishing village known for dolphin-watching tours by traditional dhow. Quiet beaches and access to the 12th-century Kizimkazi Mosque.

🍽️ Restaurants in Zanzibar

  • Lukmaan Restaurant — A beloved Stone Town institution serving Swahili food cafeteria-style. Point at what you want — octopus curry, fish biryani, pilau rice, and samosas. Excellent value and always busy.
  • Forodhani Night Market — A nightly waterfront food market in Forodhani Gardens serving Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood skewers, urojo soup, and fresh sugarcane juice. The cheapest meal on the island.
  • Emerson on Hurumzi — A rooftop restaurant in a historic hotel serving a set-menu Persian-inspired dinner with live taarab music and sunset views over Stone Town. Reserve ahead.
  • Cape Town Fish Market — A waterfront restaurant in Stone Town serving fresh prawns, grilled fish, and Swahili-inspired seafood dishes with a resident DJ in the evenings.
  • Zanzibar Coffee House — A romantic cafe in one of Stone Town’s oldest buildings, serving freshly brewed Zanzibari coffee, cakes, and continental breakfast.
  • Livingstone Beach Restaurant — An oceanfront restaurant and bar on Shangani Street with sundowner cocktails, grilled seafood, and live music. Named after explorer David Livingstone.
  • 6 Degrees South — A popular Stone Town restaurant-bar on Shangani Street specialising in meat dishes, breakfast, and coffee. A trendy spot for lunch and dinner.
  • Bahari Cafe — A waterfront cafe-restaurant in Stone Town serving Swahili dishes and fresh seafood with ocean views.
  • Radha Vegetarian Restaurant — A no-frills Indian vegetarian restaurant in the Shangani area, popular with budget travelers for its thalis, dosas, and chai.

🍸 Bars & Nightlife in Zanzibar

  • Tatu Pub — A three-floor pub and whisky bar with ocean views, cocktails, and free WiFi. One of Stone Town’s most popular evening spots.
  • Mercury's Bar — A Freddie Mercury-themed bar near the ferry port, opposite the Big Tree. Cocktails, live music, and a lively crowd.
  • Livingstone Beach Bar — A beachside bar on Shangani Street with sundowner cocktails, live music, and ocean views. The go-to spot for sunset drinks in Stone Town.
  • Baraza Shisha Bar — A shisha bar on Hurumzi Street in the heart of Stone Town, with flavoured tobacco, tea, and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • 6 Degrees South Bar — The bar side of 6 Degrees South on Shangani Street, serving cocktails and cold beers in a trendy setting.

🎯 Activities & Tours in Zanzibar

  • Affordable and Reliable Taxi Services in Zanzibar Island — Our services are reliable and affordable, our drivers are very friendly and they are willing to provide extra help to our customers to reach where they want to go easily. We are punctual and we value the time.
  • Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar — Private Tour of Stone Town Zanzibar It is fascinating to explore the historic city (stone town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it is easy to get lost in the narrow streets. Join our team of local guides with extensive knowledge of Zanzibar. Our team is 100% French speaking.
  • Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar — Explore the enchanting streets of Stone Town on this immersive walking tour, perfect for anyone wanting to uncover the hidden gems of Zanzibar. With a knowledgeable guide, delve into the rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. W
  • Stone Town Walking Tour | Best thing to do in Zanzibar 2025-2026 — The Stone Town Walking tour stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it offers an intimate and immersive experience of exploring the city on foot, allowing you to absorb its charm and atmosphere up close. Secondly, the tour is led by Nalisis, a knowledgeable and experienced guide
  • Walking City Tour in Zanzibar Island — Discover the wonders of historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, without losing your way amidst its enchanting maze of narrow streets. Opt for a private guide steeped in local culture to navigate the labyrinth and unlock hidden gems. Whether you seek vibrant textiles, c
  • Historical Walking Tour in Zanzibar — To experience the real history of the stone town and the culture of Zanzibar Island, you need to unpack it by slowing down and strolling through the alleys. Explore the town at your own pace when you set off on our private walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Our loca
  • Dolphin tour, Jozani Forest, Jambiani Kuza Cave, Paje Beach &The Rock restaurent — Exclusive Zanzibar Tours & Excursions offers!!! To enjoy absolute mixture of Full Day Tours for your Holidays in Zanzibar, start your day for swimming with playful Dolphins over majestic Mnemba Island, then Discover Jozani Forest in the south of Zanzibar. Witness rare Colobus Mon
  • Zanzibar Mnemba Island Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching Adventure — Discover the beauty of Zanzibar on an unforgettable Mnemba Island Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour. Cruise across the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean in search of wild dolphins in their natural habitat before snorkeling in the protected Mnemba Marine Conservation Are
  • Full-Day Private Stone Town +Spice Farm and Prison Island Tour — Take a day tour from Zanzibar city (Stone town) to explore 2 of the Sultanate's most enchanting forts. Travel inland to the ancient capital of Unguja and the towns of Darajani Spice Market and Foradhani to experience the heritage and history of Zanzibar. Experience the motorized
  • Explore Zanzibar's 6 Quintessential Southeastern Charm Full day — This is a full day tour, that will give you a driving tour experience around the southern and eastern part of Zanzibar island. You will experience the beauty of Zanzibar beaches and caves with nice locations and best spots for taking photograph. Never miss this exciting trip to g
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🏨 Hotels & Stays in Zanzibar

  • Zanzibar Serena Hotel — 5-star heritage hotel in Stone Town, restored from 18th and 19th-century seafront buildings. 51 rooms and suites with Swahili-inspired decor, ocean views, and private balconies. Contributed to Stone Town's UNESCO World Heritage status.
  • The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town — 5-star boutique hotel in Stone Town with sun terrace, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi. Steps from Stone Town Beach and near the Old Fort of Zanzibar. Restaurant serves international cuisine with halal, vegetarian, and vegan options.
  • Mizingani Seafront Hotel — Seafront hotel 2-minute walk from the Zanzibar Ferry Terminal. Restaurant, outdoor pool, and hammam. Zanzibari decor with mosquito nets and unique bathtubs. Excellent location score of 9.5.
  • Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique — 4-star hotel in Stone Town with outdoor pool, restaurant, fitness center, and rooftop restaurant. AC rooms with 42-inch smart TV and mini-fridge. Indian, Chinese, Zanzibari, and international cuisine.
  • Shaba Boutique Hotel — Boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town with Zanzibari-style furnishings. 2-minute walk from the House of Wonders and 5 minutes from Forodhani Gardens. Free WiFi. Excellent location score of 9.0.
  • Tembo House Hotel — Hotel on Shangani Street in Stone Town with sea views, restaurant, and bar. Swimming pool and terrace. Walking distance to the beach and historic sites. Good mid-range option in Stone Town.
  • Z Hotel Zanzibar — Boutique luxury hotel on Nungwi Beach with infinity pool, spa, restaurant, and bar. Oceanview rooms and suites. Best for couples seeking a beachfront luxury experience away from Stone Town.
  • Kendwa Rocks Beach Resort — Beach resort on Kendwa Beach with pool, restaurant, bar, and water sports. Known for its full moon parties. Best for travelers wanting a lively beach atmosphere and affordable accommodation.
  • Babalao Bungalows — Babalao Bungalows is a hotel in Zanzibar city center, Zanzibar. Guest review score: 9/10. Check current rates and availability via the booking link.
  • The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive — The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive is a hotel in Zanzibar city center, Zanzibar. Guest review score: 9.2/10. Check current rates and availability via the booking link.
  • +6 more hotels & stays
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