Zanzibar: Stone Town, beaches and spice island tips

Stone Town

Stone Town, the old heart of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a maze of coral stone houses, carved wooden doors, mosques, churches and bustling markets. Spend at least a day here. Visit the Old Fort, the House of Wonders area by the seafront, the Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the old slave market with its moving memorial and exhibition, and Darajani Market. In the evening, Forodhani Gardens fills with food stalls grilling seafood and making Zanzibar pizza. Stone Town is a conservative, Muslim community, so cover shoulders and knees when walking around.

Choosing a beach

• **Nungwi and Kendwa (north):** lively, with swimming at most tides and the best sunsets. Kendwa is calmer than Nungwi.
• **Paje and Jambiani (south east):** wide white beaches and shallow lagoons, the island's kitesurfing hub, with a relaxed, sociable feel.
• **Matemwe and Kiwengwa (north east):** quieter, with resorts and views toward Mnemba Atoll for snorkelling and diving.
• **Michamvi and Bwejuu:** peaceful, with sunset views on the bay side of the Michamvi peninsula.

On the east coast the tide goes out a long way, so swimming depends on the time of day. Check tide tables before choosing where to stay if swimming matters to you.

Things to do

• A spice farm tour to see cloves, nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon growing
• Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey
• Snorkelling around Mnemba Atoll, booked with an operator who follows the marine rules
• Prison Island, a short boat trip from Stone Town, with giant tortoises
• A sunset dhow cruise
• Pemba Island to the north for diving and very few visitors

Getting there

Zanzibar has its own international airport with direct flights from the Gulf, Europe and East Africa. From the mainland, short flights connect Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Kilimanjaro, and fast ferries run between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town. Use the official ferry ticket offices and ignore touts at the port.

Rules to know before you go

Zanzibar requires inbound visitors to hold a specific travel insurance policy, bought through the official Zanzibar insurance scheme. Check the current rule on the official Zanzibar tourism site before you travel. Drones need permits, and plastic bags are banned.

Respect and safety

Dress modestly away from the beach, and during Ramadan avoid eating or drinking in public in Stone Town during daylight. Use licensed guides rather than beach boys offering tours. Lock valuables away and avoid walking on empty beaches at night.

Arriving from a safari? Read about the Serengeti and plan the link with our free trip planner.

Beyond the beaches

Give Zanzibar time beyond the sand. Take a spice farm tour inland to see cloves, nutmeg and vanilla growing, walk through Jozani Forest to spot the endemic red colobus monkeys, and visit the boardwalk through the mangroves there. In Stone Town, join a guided walk to understand the carved doors, the old fort, the House of Wonders area and the former slave market. Boat trips from Fumba or Stone Town reach sandbanks and Prison Island, home to giant tortoises. Respect local culture by dressing modestly away from the beach and being especially mindful during Ramadan. Use our free trip planner to balance beach days with culture.