With crystal blue ocean, stellar marine biodiversity, beautiful sunsets, and killer places to stay for all budget-ranges, it’s no wonder Zanzibar has become so popular. We wanted to achieve two things when visiting East Africa – adventure, and then relaxation. Zanzibar was our destination for the latter. And it was achieved. But we didn’t realize how much adventure there actually was on the island, too. So our advice? Do it all, if you can.
How long should I spend on Zanzibar?
As always, it totally depends on your travel goals. But to really explore the island, and get some good relaxation in, you’ll want to plan at least five days here. If you just want some R&R and to not adventure around, and chill at a resort, of course you can get away with just a few days visiting. But there’s so much to do and see here it would be a shame.
There’s also a lot of culture to be found, since Stonetown in a UNESCO World Heritage site. We found ourselves having to slow down a bit so that we could enjoy the awesome hotels we were staying at and opting to do fewer things than we originally set out to do.
Ideally, seven days. That gives you enough time to really get to see Zanzibar, do lots of activities while you’re here, get to know some of the locals, immerse yourself into the local culture, enjoy the amazing beaches, and fully relax.
What’s the Best Place to Stay on Zanzibar?
Where you stay in Zanzibar largely depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re after lively beaches with lots of activities, the north (Kendwa and Nungwi) is a great choice. For a quieter, more secluded retreat, the east coast (Paje, Jambiani, Pingwe) offers serene beachfronts and excellent kite surfing. If you’re interested in culture and history, staying in or near Stone Town will provide access to historical sites, local markets, and traditional Zanzibari architecture.
For those wanting luxury, resorts like Zuri Zanzibar and Le Mersenne offer high-end accommodations, while budget travelers can find guesthouses and boutique hotels in all these areas. It’s worth considering a mix of locations to experience different vibes of the island.
What should I wear when visiting Zanzibar?
As with everywhere in Africa, we always ask ourselves, is it safe to go out sleeveless? In Zanzibar, the majority of the population is Muslim (we were anecdotally told 99% of the population), and dressing modestly is recommended, particularly when visiting Stone Town or local villages. While beachwear is fine at resorts and tourist-heavy areas, it’s respectful to cover shoulders and knees when exploring public spaces.
A good rule of thumb is to carry a lightweight scarf or shawl to throw over your shoulders when needed. Long, flowy dresses, linen pants, and breathable shirts work well with the climate while keeping you comfortable and culturally mindful.
What Should I Do When traveling to Zanzibar?
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Mnemba Atoll is a must-visit for underwater enthusiasts. This small island off the coast of Zanzibar has some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Swimming with dolphins is also an option, but be mindful of ethical interactions and avoid companies that chase the dolphins aggressively.
Stone Town & Prison Island
Stone Town is packed with history, from the former slave markets to the Sultan’s Palace. Wander the narrow streets, visit the bustling markets, and take in the stunning Arabic, Indian, and African-influenced architecture. A short boat ride from here is Prison Island, where you can see the giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old!
Jozani Forest
A great way to experience Zanzibar’s unique biodiversity, Jozani Forest is home to the rare Red Colobus monkeys, only found in Zanzibar. It’s an easy and worthwhile half-day trip from most parts of the island.
The Rock Restaurant
One of Zanzibar’s most famous restaurants, The Rock is perched on a coral outcrop off the coast of Pingwe. Depending on the tide, you can either walk or take a small boat to reach it. The seafood here is fantastic, and the setting is absolutely unforgettable.
Spice Tour
Zanzibar is often called the ‘Spice Island’ due to its long history of spice production. A guided tour through a spice farm allows you to see, smell, and taste fresh spices like cloves, vanilla, and cinnamon. It’s a unique experience that offers insight into Zanzibar’s agricultural heritage.
Excited that you’re exploring East Africa. We had such a cool experience visiting. Since it sounds like Zanzibar is on the table here are some recommendations:
How large is Zanzibar? Zanzibar is BIG.
If you have a specific activity that you have in mind, or spot you want to visit, it could be a good idea to plan where you stay around that. It can take 2+ hours to get from the top to the bottom of the island. Even drives that we had mapped out previously that said they’d take 30 minutes, took double. So just note that driving around this island is a bit more of a pain than you’d think with pretty poor roads. The drivers will tell you that they drive “poli, poli” which means “slowly, slowly”. This is a reflection of island life in general here. We stayed in three different hotels, each for a couple of nights during our six day stay. We liked this because we could check out different sides of the island. The downside is getting around here is not cheap, they charge a premium for car service and you’re looking at $60-$100 a trip depending on how far away you want to go.
How to get around?
Private Drivers & Taxis
Booking a private driver through your hotel is the easiest but most expensive way to get around. Trips can range from $60-$100 depending on the distance, and while convenient, the cost adds up quickly. We booked rides through our hotel, which was nice because they put everything on the bills and we didn’t have to have as much cash on hand. The downside of this was that drivers are expensive. And because everything seems to be far away, private drivers/taxis were less eager to come back to pick us up to go on different adventures.
Beach Vendors & Tour Operators
Booking activities through beach vendors is often significantly cheaper than resort prices. They can also provide transportation as part of the package, making it a cost-effective option. Reserve activities ahead of time with certain booking companies. This is a good way to get around, since sometimes they don’t charge such a premium for rides, since they’re also charging you for an activity.
Pro-tip: if you’re staying at a fancy resort you can always find cheaper activities by booking with the vendors on the beach. Definitely shop around at least once to get an idea of the differences. For us we found it was about half the overall price if you booked with a vendor on the beach. May not be as luxury, but you get to visit the same places and potentially do more with your budget.
Public Transport (Daladalas)
For the adventurous, local minibuses (daladalas) are an option. They’re incredibly cheap but crowded and not the most comfortable, especially with luggage. If you’re traveling light and don’t mind the adventure, it’s a great way to experience local life.
Car & Scooter Rentals
Renting a car or scooter is another possibility, though driving conditions can be challenging. Roads are often in poor condition, and local driving habits take some getting used to. If you choose this route, ensure you have the necessary permits. Based on various feedback we received on this option, this would not be my recommendation.
What’s the Best Place to Stay in Zanzibar?
Where you stay in Zanzibar depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re after lively beaches with plenty of activities, the north coast—particularly Kendwa and Nungwi—is a great choice, offering stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. For a quieter, more secluded retreat, the east coast—including Paje, Jambiani, and Pingwe—features serene beachfronts and world-class kite surfing. If history and culture are your priority, Stone Town provides access to historical sites, local markets, and traditional Zanzibari architecture.
For those seeking luxury, resorts like Zuri Zanzibar and Le Mersenne offer high-end accommodations, while budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses and boutique hotels across the island. Many travelers opt for a multi-location stay to experience Zanzibar’s diverse landscapes and atmospheres.
Below are some of the best areas and hotels we visited during our trip:
Kendwa & Nungwi
Kendwa and Nungwi are ideal for those looking to snorkel, swim, and soak up Zanzibar’s best sunsets. The beaches here are lively, with vendors offering day trips to Mnemba Atoll, a premier snorkeling destination (see below). While hotels offer excursions, booking through local vendors on the beach can be more budget-friendly.
Accommodation options range from laid-back guesthouses to high-end luxury resorts. The beaches can get crowded, but the crystal-clear, blue waters make it an excellent swimming spot. The area is very walkable, with plenty of restaurants and beach bars to explore.
Best Places to Stay in Kendwa & Nungwi:
Zuri Zanzibar (Kendwa) – A luxurious, gated resort with a beautiful private beach and crystal-clear waters. We spent a day visiting our friends on their honeymoon here, and while it’s on the pricier side, it’s worth the splurge for a couple of nights. The vibe is lively but not overly crowded—highly recommended for a luxury getaway.
The Z Hotel (Nungwi) – A boutique hotel with stunning ocean-view rooms. The beach is busy, but the water is beautiful. While the restaurant serves excellent food, the service could be improved. Not a full-scale resort, but a great base for exploring. Just steps from Terrace Nungwi, an amazing local-feeling restaurant we loved so much we ate there twice. Also a great spot for booking snorkeling trips to Mnemba Atoll.
Pingwe
Pingwe was certainly a quieter part of the island, with large, private resorts along the coast. This and any surrounding areas are a good home base for checking out the Jozani Forest, since it’s inland about 20 minutes South.
Where to Stay in Pingwe:
Le Mersenne (Pingwe) – Now a Marriott Autograph Collection resort, this hotel offers gorgeous ocean views and a romantic getaway vibe. While there’s no beach due to the rocky coastline, there is a pier for ocean swimming—I regretted not bringing my snorkeling gear! Keep in mind that it’s not walkable to anything, so you’ll need transportation.
Paje
Another lively stretch of beach with abundance of beach bars with laid back vibes. Most of the lodges and bungalows are beachfront or second row. Paje, along with Jambiani and Dongwe is prime location for kite surfing specially during December till February and between May to October.
Kiwengwa
Nicknamed “Little Italy”, Kiwengwa is popular among Italian tourists, but we didn’t personally experience much Italian influence. So we can’t confirm that this is a thing. The beaches along this stretch where we stayed were full of seaweed in December, and the high tide really affected your ability to get into the water. We had some great meals at our hotel, and went out on the long pier to have happy hour which was a fun experience as well. Overall if you are looking for beautiful water, and want to do a lot of ocean swimming, we might not go here.
Where to Stay in Kiwengwa:
Mvuvu Boutique Resort (Kiwengwa) – if you want something cheap, and want to explore this area, this was a pretty good one. Cool vibes, good restaurant. Great for windsurfing. “Roughing” it a bit more, but not really 🙂
Flying In and Out of Zanzibar
Flying in and out of Zanzibar can be a bit of an adventure itself. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid Precision Air if possible, as flight cancellations without refunds are common.
- Arrive at the airport at least two hours early to account for unexpected delays.
- Bring cash for visa fees or unexpected charges, as credit card machines are unreliable.
- If flights aren’t an option, you can take a ferry to Dar es Salaam (about 2 hours). First-class tickets are recommended for more comfort, they pack people in.
- Expect the unexpected Expect the unexpected! I had trouble with my visa, so it’s a good idea to bring cash in case you need to make any adjustments—especially since their credit card machine wasn’t working.
- You can obtain a Tanzanian visa upon arrival If you don’t want to acquire a Visa ahead of time, there are two queues: one for e-visas and another for visas on arrival (which is often shorter). To complete the process, you’ll need your arrival declaration card (provided on your flight or available in the arrivals hall), your passport, and payment via card. It’s a straightforward process, but be prepared.
Final Thoughts
Zanzibar exceeded our expectations, blending relaxation with adventure in the most spectacular way. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, underwater exploration, or simply lounging on pristine beaches, Zanzibar has something for everyone. Plan ahead, embrace the island’s slow pace, and get ready for an unforgettable trip!
What a Lovely Place 
Leave a comment