Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean, about 35 kilometers off the Tanzania coast. The main island is Unguja, commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island. Pemba Island sits 80 kilometers to the north and is far less visited. Both are semi-autonomous regions of Tanzania. Stone Town, the historic capital on Unguja’s west coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The island has been shaped by centuries of Arab, Indian, Persian, and Swahili influence. Stone Town’s narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, and spice markets tell that history more clearly than any museum can. The slave trade passed through here. So did the spice trade. You can walk through both histories in an afternoon.

The beaches are the main reason most safari travelers add Zanzibar to their itinerary. The north coast around Nungwi and Kendwa has calm water year-round and stays swimmable even during the southeast trade winds that affect the east coast from June through September. The east coast beaches at Paje and Jambiani are quieter and better for kitesurfing when the wind is up. The south and west coasts are more sheltered and less developed.

Snorkeling and diving are excellent. The coral reefs around Mnemba Island, just off the northeast coast, are among the best in East Africa. Green turtles nest on several beaches and can be seen year-round.

Honest note: Zanzibar is well developed as a tourist destination. The beaches around Nungwi can feel busy in peak season. If you want quieter, we point you toward the south coast or toward Pemba, which sees a small fraction of Unguja’s visitors and has some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean.