A Guide To Visiting Zanzibar
Discover Zanzibar — The Jewel of the Indian Ocean!
Welcome to Zanzibar, an island paradise where crystal-clear turquoise waters meet powdery white-sand beaches, creating one of the most breathtaking coastal escapes in the world.
Located off the coast of Zanzibar, this magical archipelago is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty — a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and romance.
Wander through the narrow alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where centuries of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences blend into a fascinating cultural tapestry. Discover ancient doors, spice markets, and the rhythmic sound of Swahili life at its purest.
For adventure seekers, Zanzibar offers world-class diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs of Mnemba Atoll, thrilling dhow cruises, kite surfing, deep-sea fishing, and mesmerizing sunset sails along the Indian Ocean.
Explore the island’s famous Spice Farms, where you can see, smell, and taste the exotic spices that once made Zanzibar the heart of the ancient spice trade — from cloves to cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Nature lovers will be captivated by the Jozani Forest, home to the rare Red Colobus monkeys, mangrove boardwalks, and lush tropical canopies.
For honeymooners and beach lovers, the island’s luxurious resorts and serene beaches in Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, and Matemwe offer the perfect setting for romance, peace, and pure island bliss.
Zanzibar’s charm lies not only in its beauty but in the warmth and hospitality of its people, its rich traditions, and the relaxed rhythm of island life that makes every moment unforgettable.
Book your Zanzibar Holiday with Finding Paradise Tours Limited and experience the magic of the Spice Island — where every sunset paints a memory, and every breeze whispers paradise.
Kenyan citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Zanzibar. Applicants are required to be present when applying for the Zanzibar Visa free. This tourist visa typically allows a short term stay. The Zanzibar tourist visa remains valid for 3 months.
Language: Swahili and English.
Capital City: Zanzibar City.
Currency: Zanzibarn Shilling.
Credit Cards and ATMs: In Zanzibar, the majority of lodges, hotels, and resorts charge in US dollars; very few accept traveler’s checks, but most accept credit cards, with a possible transaction fee. If you’re traveling to Zanzibar, we advise you to bring enough US dollars with you. ATMs are available in Stone Town and the airport, but they are uncommon in resorts.
Plugs: In Zanzibar, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type D and type G are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.
Safety: Zanzibar is generally safe to visit, but travelers should be cautious about petty theft, which is common in tourist areas. Violent crime is rare, but it does occur, so staying vigilant is important.
Popular Places To Visit In Zanzibar
Mnemba Island:Mnemba Island is a small island just 3 km off the coast of Unguja. It’s only 500 meters in diameter, but it is stunning to walk on and enjoy the turquoise blue water.
Visit The Rock:The Rock restaurant is pretty synonymous with Zanzibar and is usually mentioned in every best Zanzibar restaurants guide. The restaurant is located in Pongwe (the southeast part of the island) and is accessible by motorbike or taxi cab from Paje.
Stone Town:One of the best things to do in Zanzibar is wander the streets of Stone Town. There are many unique places to see in Stone Town, including beautiful boutique shops and plenty of fabulous restaurants. Venture around the Forodhani Gardens and the Old Fort!
Go Shopping At Darajani Market:The Darajani Market (or Bazaar) is the main bazaar in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It’s the most popular place to come and get spices, dates, bread, fruits, and almost anything you could need. Beyond getting some souvenirs, it’s a fantastic place to soak in the culture.
Learn About The Slave Trade:Zanzibar was the Africa Great Lakes’ main slave-trading port. It’s said that as many as 50,000 slaves passed through here in the 19th century. These slaves were sold at the slave markets until the late 1800s
Prison Island:Prison Island is one of those great places of interest in Zanzibar. Take a boat just 5 km from Stone Town to reach the iconic Prison Island or Changuu Island to be technical. Built-in the late 1800s, this prison served as an island for slaves, violent prisoners, and quarantines.The main joy of visiting prison island is seeing the nearby tortoise sanctuary. Some of the giant Aldabross tortoises also call Seychelles home. Make sure to bring sunblock for the boat transfers and snorkeling.
Safari Blue Cruise: On this island, visitors can get the best views of the blue ocean while snorkeling and enjoying the cool morning air with fresh fruit.Afterward, there are options to keep snorkeling or see a hidden lagoon before enjoying a seafood buffet lunch on Kwale Island. It is here that there are massive baobabs, small shops, and more beach paradise
Zanzibar Butterfly Centre:The Zanzibar Butterfly Center is near Jozani Forest, so is a really great experience if you are already in the area. It offers an interactive environment that both children and adults will love.
Spice Tour:Zanzibar is often referred to as “Spice Island” for its centuries of clove, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon production and is one of the top five things to do in Zanzibar. Most of these spice tours depart from Stone Town and take you to a large spice farm to see, touch, and taste the many flavors of Zanzibar.
Paje Beach:The beach has hip cafes, burger joints, kite surfing companies, bars, and hostels, making it one of the great places to visit in Zanzibar. We spent a few days relaxing in the inviting turquoise waters, which is the perfect thing for those looking for free things to do in Zanzibar.
Dine At Forodhani Gardens: Forodhani Gardens refers to a public park in Stone Town. These gardens are set right in front of its most famous buildings, Old Fort and House of Wonders. It’s sometimes referred to as Jubilee Gardens, Forodhani Park, or the main town square.
House Of Wonders:When wondering what to do in Zanzibar, a visit to Stone Town is essential. Or the “Palace of Wonders” is the tallest building in Stone Town and a main Zanzibar point of interest. It’s right next to the Old Fort and is a sight to see while in Stone Town.
Seaweed Center:The Seaweed Center (now called Mwani Zanzibar) is a women’s initiative that employs local women to make products from the abundance of seaweed around the island. Guest can take a full tour to see the daily tasks of the seaweed farmers, or they can relax at the shop with a glass of seaweed fruit juice!
Jozani Forest:Jozani Forest is one of the most popular places to visit in Zanzibar. The forest is the last sanctuary in the world to see the Zanzibar red colobus monkey. The forest is located in the Eastern part of the island and is one of the lushest places on Zanzibar. It’s a staunch reminder of what we have done to our environment over the centuries.
Best Time To Visit Zanzibar
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the archipelago’s dry season, from July to September, which is a very popular time to travel. However, it’s worthwhile travelling at most times of year, with balmy temperatures between 28°C and 34°C and sunshine the norm.
During the short rains in November and December, downpours are followed by blue skies. It’s only very wet during the peak of the long rains in April and May.
