Overview
Zanzibar's main island, Unguja, lies off the coast of Tanzania. Stone Town, its historic port, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with carved wooden doors, narrow lanes and Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences.
Its east and north coasts have white beaches, coral reefs and big tidal changes. Spice farms inland show cloves, nutmeg and vanilla growing.
Best time to visit
June to October is cool and dry; December to February is hot and mostly dry. March to May brings the long rains.
Highlights
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1
Stone Town
Lanes, markets and the waterfront Forodhani Gardens night market.
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2
Spice tours
Visits to farms growing cloves, cinnamon and other spices.
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3
Jozani Forest
A forest reserve with red colobus monkeys.
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4
Nungwi and Kendwa
Northern beaches where swimming is less affected by the tides.
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5
Mnemba Atoll
Snorkelling and diving trips off the north-east coast.
Getting there
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport has flights from Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and some international routes. Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam take about 2 hours.
Practical tips
- Opening & tickets
- Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
- Time needed
- Five days to a week.
Official information: Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
Map
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