Woman enjoys a peaceful sunset reading session on Zanzibar beach with a coconut drink nearby.

Zanzibar Archipelago, including Stone Town

Dive into Zanzibar’s white sands and the historical marvels of Stone Town. Your unforgettable African adventure begins here.

About Zanzibar

Discover Zanzibar, Tanzania’s island paradise, famed for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and historic Stone Town, a UNESCO site. Its tropical climate is perfect for beachgoers and water sports lovers.

Immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s history with spice tours, experience water sports like diving and snorkeling, or relax on a dhow cruise. With diverse lodging options, Zanzibar ensures a perfect tropical vacation.

Zanzibar boasts a variety of beaches, each with its own charm and attractions. Safe, warm, and clear waters make them excellent for swimming, especially for families.

Best Beaches

Zanzibar features a fantastic range of beaches, each with its own unique attributes, landscapes, and activities. The safe, warm, and clear waters make them ideal for families traveling with children.

Paja Beach

Paje, on Zanzibar’s eastern shore, embodies the ideal tropical beach: palms, white sands, and blue waves. It’s a kitesurfing hotspot and offers excellent reef diving, plus safe kid-friendly swimming and many beachside stays.

Nungwi Beach

Ranked among the world’s best, Nungwi Beach features exciting nightlife and superb snorkeling/diving. Situated on Zanzibar’s northwest coast, it offers breathtaking sunsets, ideal from a dhow. Children can enjoy safe, supervised swimming.

Kizimkazi Beach

Zanzibar’s south coast hosts this quiet fishing village, popular for dolphin swims; use only official guides for ethical interactions. Snorkeling is good, but swimming is not the best. Cultural attractions and several lodging options are found here.

Kendwa Beach

Kendwa beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving enthusiasts. Its sunsets enhance romantic moments, and the nightlife features lively beach parties. The developed beachfront offers many restaurants and resorts. Children can safely swim with adult supervision.

A woman reads by the beach under a thatch umbrella in Zanzibar at sunset.
Elderly couple enjoys a peaceful walk on a pristine Zanzibar beach.

Matemwe Beach

Zanzibar’s longest beach, on its northeast coast, is near Mnemba Atoll. Picture quaint fishing villages under palms. Ideal for diving, snorkeling, and swimming, it’s also popular for sailing and kitesurfing. A few hotels and eateries dot the area; it’s rarely crowded. Children can safely swim with adult supervision.

Activities

Enjoy Zanzibar’s cultural and natural highlights, from idyllic beaches and colorful reefs to historic spice tours and vibrant markets, providing a blend of relaxation and adventure.

Beach

Beach

Relax with a lounger, drink, gentle waves, and soft breeze on Zanzibar’s clean, safe, and tranquil white-sand beaches.

Scuba Diving & Nnorkeling

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Submerge yourself in the warm, clear Indian Ocean and discover a pristine underwater world teeming with vibrant marine life.

Cultural Tours

Cultural Tours

The rich and varied history of Zanzibar, mirroring its tropical beauty, is revealed through a range of tours that span its entire story.

Skydiving

Skydive

Feel the rush of a skydive, offering stunning bird’s-eye views of Zanzibar’s turquoise waters and white beaches, showcasing the island’s incredible scenery.

Authentic cuisine

Spice Tour

Discover Zanzibar’s spice heritage with a sensory tour of its plantations, immersing yourself in this rich cultural aspect.

Cultural Tours

Prison Island

Explore Prison Island, a historical site with giant tortoises and intriguing ruins, while enjoying Zanzibar’s lovely beaches and clear waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania and therefore does not require a separate visa.

Yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended.

Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are some of the best beaches in Zanzibar.

The primary ways to reach Zanzibar are by air, landing at Zanzibar International Airport, or by ferry from Dar es Salaam.

Yes, malaria is present in Zanzibar, so taking malaria tablets is recommended.

While some establishments accept credit cards, cash is preferred, as many places operate on a cash-only basis.

Stone Town, Jozani Forest, Prison Island, and the Spice Farms are some of the top tourist attractions in Zanzibar.

Handmade crafts, spices, and traditional clothing are popular souvenirs to buy in Zanzibar.