About Zanzibar
Zanzibar City or Mjini District, often simply referred to as Zanzibar, is one of two administrative districts of Mjini Magharibi Region in Tanzania. The district covers an area of 15.4 km2 (5.9 sq mi). The district has a water border to the west by the Indian Ocean. The district is bordered to the east by Magharibi District. The district seat is in Stonetown. The city is the largest on the island of Zanzibar. It is located on the west coast of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, north of the much larger city of Dar es Salaam across the Zanzibar Channel. The city also serves as the capital of the Zanzibar Urban/West Region. In 2022 its population was 219,007.
Cheap flights to Zanzibar
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,140 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Airlines travellers compared most often: Ethiopian Airlines.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to ZanzibarPlaces to visit in Zanzibar
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Stone Town
HistoricThe old quarter of Zanzibar City, a World Heritage maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, mosques, and Swahili houses. Hire a local guide for a first walk, since it is easy to get lost.
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House of Wonders
HistoricA grand nineteenth-century sultan's palace on the Stone Town waterfront, the first building in East Africa with electricity. It has been under restoration after a partial collapse, so check access before going.
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Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Nature · 16 mi from centreA forest park in the center of the island and the main home of the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Walk the boardwalk through the mangrove swamp, and hire one of the park guides at the entrance.
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Prison Island
Nature · 4 mi from centreA small island a short boat ride from Stone Town with giant Aldabra tortoises and the ruins of a former prison. Combine the visit with snorkeling on the nearby reefs, and agree on the boat fare beforehand.
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Nungwi
Beach · 31 mi from centreA village at the northern tip of the island with white sand beaches, a traditional dhow-building yard, and a turtle sanctuary. The tide changes less here than on the east coast, so swimming is good all day.
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Darajani Market
MarketThe main market of Stone Town, a busy place selling spices, fish, fruit, and household goods. Go in the morning when it is liveliest, and ask before photographing vendors.
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Christ Church Cathedral
ReligiousAn Anglican cathedral built on the site of Zanzibar's last open slave market, closed in 1873. Visit the moving memorial and the small museum next door to understand the island's history of the slave trade.
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Mnemba Island
Nature · 27 mi from centreA private island off the northeast coast surrounded by a protected coral reef full of fish, turtles, and dolphins. Book a snorkeling or diving trip from nearby Matemwe, as the island itself is reserved for resort guests.
Things to do in Zanzibar by type
50 tours, tickets and experiences across 9 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Tour & activities 21 experiences Cooking Lesson and Spice tour farm -
Day Trips & Excursions 15 experiences Cooking Lesson and Spice tour farm -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 11 experiences Dolphin Tour -
Cruise & Water Tours 11 experiences Blue Lagoon Snorkeling – Half-Day Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 7 experiences Kuza cave and Jambiani Village Tour -
Art & culture 5 experiences Kuza cave and Jambiani Village Tour -
Specialist tours 3 experiences 2-Day Serengeti National Park Private Safari Trip -
Classes 3 experiences Zanzibar Trip: 1 Day Scuba Diving Course for Beginners with Lunch -
Gastronomy & nightlife 2 experiences ResiRest - Joining a local family at their eating table in Zanzibar
- 3-6 hours 16
- 1-3 hours 10
- Over 6 hours 6
- Couples 11
- Youth 11
- Senior 11
- Families 11
- Private 9
Top experiences in Zanzibar
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 50 available.
Safari Blue: Day of Aquatic Activities
From $168 per adult
Zanzibar Spice Tour
From $75 per adult
Zanzibar Stone Town Tour
From $90 per adult
Stone Town, Spice Tour and Prison Island Day Tour
From $60 per adult
Full Day Tour - Mnemba Island and Nungwi Turtle Aquarium
From $135 per adult
Cruise Seeview from the Ocean of Stone Town
From $109 per adult
Jozani and Kizimkazi Dolphins and Monkey
From $127 per adult
Jozani National Park Tour
From $88 per adult
Mnemba Island Tour
From $92 per adult
Prison Island Tour
From $122 per adult
Dolphin Tour
From $103 per adult
Zanzibar Pure Passion
From $132 per adult
Where to stay in Zanzibar
Popular hotels in Zanzibar, out of 393 properties you can book.
Pearl Beach Resort by Sansi
From $86 per night
Reef & Beach Resort
From $197 per night
Paradise Beach Resort
From $125 per night
Turaco Nungwi Resort, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
From $190 per night
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
From $435 per night
Hakuna Majiwe Beach Resort
From $99 per night
Sea Cliff Resort and Spa Zanzibar
From $198 per night
Zanzibar Bay Resort
From $145 per night
Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel
From $147 per night
Tanzanite Beach Resort
From $78 per night
Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa
From $351 per night
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort
From $98 per night
Best time to visit Zanzibar
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Zanzibar is July, when average daytime highs are around 82°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Zanzibar weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 85° 74° 10%
- Thu 22 Oct 87° 74° 11%
- Fri 23 Oct 89° 74° 65%
- Sat 24 Oct 87° 76° 70%
- Sun 25 Oct 83° 74° 88%
- Mon 26 Oct 86° 75° 87%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Tanzanian shilling (TZS)1 US dollar ≈ Sh2,640
- Languages
- Swahili, English
- Calling code
- +255
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Africa/Dar_es_SalaamUTC+3
- Capital
- Dodoma
Upcoming public holidays in Tanzania
- Independence DaySiku ya Uhuru
- Christmas DayKrismasi
- St. Stephen's DaySiku ya kufungua Zawadi
- New Year's DayMwaka mpya
- Zanzibar Revolution DaySikukuu ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar
- Good FridayIjumaa Kuu
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Zanzibar
These are the airports closest to central Zanzibar. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ZNZ Abeid Amani Karume International Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Zanzibar travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Zanzibar is July, when average daytime highs are around 82°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Zanzibar?
February is usually the warmest month in Zanzibar, with average highs of 92°F (33°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 72°F (22°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 435 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Zanzibar?
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Zanzibar.
How much are flights to Zanzibar?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Zanzibar in the last 30 days was $1,140 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec.
What currency is used in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar uses the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ Sh2,640.
What time zone is Zanzibar in?
Zanzibar uses the Africa/Dar_es_Salaam time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
What are the best places to visit in Zanzibar?
Top sights in Zanzibar include Stone Town, House of Wonders, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and Prison Island. The old quarter of Zanzibar City, a World Heritage maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, mosques, and Swahili houses. Hire a local guide for a first walk, since it is easy to get lost.
What are the top things to do in Zanzibar?
Popular experiences you can book in Zanzibar include Safari Blue: Day of Aquatic Activities, Zanzibar Spice Tour and Zanzibar Stone Town Tour. Destina Holidays offers 50 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Zanzibar?
The most popular types of experiences in Zanzibar are tour & activities (21), day trips & excursions (15), zoo, aquarium & nature (11) and cruise & water tours (11). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Zanzibar?
Popular areas for hotels in Zanzibar include South East Coast, Jambiani and North East Coast. Well-reviewed options include Pearl Beach Resort by Sansi and Reef & Beach Resort.
How many hotels can I book in Zanzibar?
Destina Holidays currently lists 393 properties in and around Zanzibar, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
