Zanzibar was one of the most surprising stops on my African backpacking journey. Despite its popularity, and the many images of beach resorts and dolled-up influencers I'd seen plastered on Instagram, Zanzibar still felt local and real. Riding in open-air trucks from village to village, watching the fishermen cast their nets early in the morning, playing football with the local kids at sunset, it was a much different experience than I envisioned. I mean that in the best way. Most people think of the luxurious hotels and restaurants along the coast of Stone Town, but Zanzibar is much more than that. Outside of Stone Town, you'll find little resemblance to its tall, stone buildings and linen-clad tourists.
While I loved wandering aimlessly betwixt Stone Town's crumbling buildings with their peeling paint and imperfections, my favorite parts of Zanzibar were in its small villages. Even though I am far from a beach-lover, Zanzibar stole my heart and sucked me in. Here's everything to know before heading to this paradise island.
This guide will only cover Unguja Island, the largest island of the island chain that consists of Zanzibar.
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Table of Contents
What to Know Before Going to Zanzibar
Do You Need a Visa for Zanzibar?
Yes, despite being a semi-autonomous of Tanzania, the same entry requirements for Tanzania apply to Zanzibar. You will need the visa for Tanzania, which can be obtained on arrival at Zanzibar Airport. Your passport, yellow fever vaccine card, and a fee of $100 is all you need for a visa on arrival. Sometimes, they'll ask to see your return flight or proof of onward travel from Tanzania. I had to scramble to find a cancellable flight last-minute after they refused to let me pass with just my vague promises of hopping on the TAZARA train to Zambia later on.
Recommended and Required Vaccines for Zanzibar
The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory to enter the country. Whether or not they'll actually check for it is totally up in the air. They didn't check mine at all, but it's better to have it than to risk it. It is the only required vaccine to enter Tanzania, although there are many others that are recommended. Here's a full list of recommended vaccines from the CDC.
Currency and Cash in Zanzibar
Zanzibar uses the Tanzanian Shilling, although U.S. dollars are commonly accepted on the island. ATMs in Zanzibar are few and far between. Withdraw money from the airport or in Stone Town before heading to the more remote parts of the island. Diamond Trust Bank close to the fort is my go-to ATM since it didn't charge any fees. Paje Beach also has ATMs, although during high season, they can run out of cash fairly quickly. I couldn't find a functioning ATM in the north of the island.
Staying Safe in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a fairly safe destination, although proper caution should still be exercised. Many locals have advised to stay away from the beaches after dark. Despite being popular among tourists, many of Zanzibar's locals still live in poverty, and view foreigners as a way to make money. While most people won't do anything beyond over-charging you, it's still best to keep your wits about you with regards to theft and pickpocketing.
Overall, there isn't much to worry about in Zanzibar. Just know the local prices and try to avoid over-paying too much. Haggling is common and acceptable in Zanzibar.
Cultural and Religious Norms to Follow in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is almost entirely Muslim, but accustomed to foreigners and open-minded. Still, I'd recommend dressing more conservatively, especially in town and the more local villages. Just be respectful, and you'll be fine. Since Zanzibar is a big tourist destination, it also isn't hard to find alcohol or a good party on the island. Supermarkets won't sell it, but there are a few liquor stores around the island.
Tipping is common, but not expected on Zanzibar. I'd recommending tipping tour guides, but outside of tourist restaurants, most restaurants in Zanzibar aren't focused on service, so it's not expected. Like I said earlier, haggling is fairly common in Zanzibar. It's frustrating because just once, I'd like to be told the actual price and not waste each other's time and energy with the haggling. Tanzania's also been one of the worst countries I've been to regarding how much they try to over-charge you. Like in many places, a 20-30% uptick in price is a fair point to start with. In Tanzania, they'd frequently start with a 500% markup, likely because the clientele here lean towards a wealthier background.
Travel Insurance for Zanzibar
While Zanzibar is generally safe, it's always a good idea to have travel insurance while you're off adventuring across the world. You'll be dealing with poorly-maintained roads at the very least, and adrenaline-inducing adventures that I'd recommend having travel insurance for. I use SafetyWing to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $45 a month, and their coverage includes Uganda among the 190+ countries that they cover.
Best Time of Year to Visit Zanzibar
June to October is the most popular time of year to visit Zanzibar, coinciding with the island's dry season. However, I'd say the shoulder season would be the best time to visit Zanzibar. The chances of sunshine are in your favor, and the tourist scene will be sparse compared to the high season. I visited in May for about two weeks and only had two days of rain. When it rains on Zanzibar, though, it pours. Those roads instantly become flooded and it is not a fun time getting around. Still, I think it's worth the gamble. Even in late May, there were hardly any other tourists on those pristine beaches.
How To Get To Zanzibar
Flying to Zanzibar
Flying to Zanzibar is the quickest and most convenient way to get to the island. There are direct flights to Zanzibar from several international and domestic destinations on the continent. Flights from outside the continent will likely require a layover in Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. If you're already in Tanzania, flights can be as low as $50-60 if you book far enough in advance.
From Zanzibar's airport, it will cost $15 to take a taxi to Stone Town, and about $50 to get everywhere else on the island. You can also take a dala-dala for like, 15 cents, but I'm not sure if these leave from the airport or if you have to walk a little bit.
Taking the Ferry to Zanzibar
There are multiple ferries going between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. The ferry itself takes about two hours and costs $35. It also conveniently drops you off in Stone Town. There are different companies that undergo the journey, but I'd recommend Azam Marine since they were the cheapest and were comfortable enough. Best air-conditioning I've had in Africa, not that there was much competition.
For those that get seasick easily, try to book a ferry with a morning departure. The waves tend to be choppier in the afternoon, which makes for a bad combination with the boat captains who simply want to go as fast as possible. I took the late afternoon ferry and was surrounded by people violently vomiting and workers frantically handing out barf bags. It was an experience, but otherwise fine.
How To Get Around Zanzibar
Zanzibar isn't a huge island by any means, but many of its best beaches are on totally different sides of the island. Figuring out how to get around is key. The easiest way would be to just take private taxis everywhere, but those are pricy and rob you of the timeless experience of riding a dala-dala.
Dala Dala (Local Buses)
These local buses are the way to go for affordable travel around Zanzibar. There are a few different types of dala-dalas. Some are actual buses, and some are trucks with open-air seating in the back. They're comparable in price, so I'd just hop on whichever comes by first. They'll be slower than private taxis because they stop every few minutes to let people on and off, but you can get anywhere on the island in less than two hours.
If you plan on heading north from Stone Town, go to Saateni to catch the dala-dala towards Nungwi. A motorcycle taxi from Stone Town costs around 5,000 shillings. The dala-dala itself will cost 2,500 shillings. The buses are labeled with their destinations in the front. Look for the one that says Nungwi on it. It's bus #116 if I remember correctly.
If you want to visit the eastern side of the island, head to Mwanakwerekwe, usually just called Kwerekwe. Buses to Michamvi and Bwejuu drop you off in Paje or further north up the east coast. Buses to Jambiani will take you to the eastern coast and then head south. These also cost 2,500 shillings for the full ride. Jozani Forest is along the way, about halfway to Paje.
Buses may try to overcharge you. Some told me I had to pay for my bags, even though they've got giant sacks of potatoes ten times the size of my bag clogging up the aisle. I didn't really mind, since it was only about 1,000 shillings each per bag, but one time the guy collecting the cash would lie and say the ticket was 10,000 shillings. Just stand firm and pay him the actual amount due.
Renting a Scooter on Zanzibar
The freedom of exploring the island without being at the mercy of crowded buses or expensive taxis is the best way to see the island at your own pace. I saw scooter rentals for $10 a day while in Paje, which is a fantastic deal for the liberty that a scooter allows you. It also said it was a "low season special", but I'm sure you can get close to that price during the high season. More commonly, I've seen scooter rentals starting at between $25 to $40 per day depending on the type of bike. As everything in Tanzania, that can surely be haggled.
Where To Stay on Zanzibar Island
Choosing where to stay on Zanzibar Island can set the tone for your trip. I've already mentioned a few of the different spots on the island, but to break it down, there are three main places I'd recommend staying at as a backpacker.
Stone Town
Stone Town is the largest city on Zanzibar and an excellent home base on the island. It is very photogenic, with its historic architecture and colorful markets and shops. It is very touristy, though, so be prepared to be hustled and hassled near-constantly. I'd recommend finding your footing here before venturing out to the island's more remote villages. Take advantage of the reliable ATMs, get information from tour agencies, and enjoy the island's best restaurants.
- Stone Town House - This hostel is centrally-located in Stone Town, but also tucked away on a quiet side street. The rooms are spacious, come with A/C, and the workers are extremely kind and helpful.
- Shoki Shoki Hostel - This budget-friendly hostel is centrally-located, closer to the local parts of Stone Town. It is on a market street, though, so it can be loud even late into the evening.
- Lost and Found House - This hostel is located close to the beach and located on a main road with a lot of shops and restaurants.
Paje Beach
On the eastern side of the island, you'll find a long strip of pristine beach along the Indian Ocean. Paje is a small village that serves as a good home base for this side of the island. You're never further than a 15-minute walk away from the beach.
- DarMar Hostel and Co-Working - The vibes at DarMar feels straight out of Bali. It's located on the main highway about a 10-minute walk from where the dala dala drops you off in Paje. Breakfast is included and it has a restaurant and bar on site. There's a pool and a quiet room indoors for working.
- Your Zanzibar Place - This is right on the beach and a good all-around hostel.
- Drifters - For budget backpackers, this is your best bet at finding a cheap place to stay on the beach.
Jambiani Beach
Just south of Paje is the smaller beach of Jambiani. It's pretty similar to Paje, although a little quieter. I visited during low season, so everything was pretty quiet and I can't really tell you what places are like during the high seasons.
- Jambiani Backpackers - a basic but budget-friendly place right on Jambiani Beach
- Teddy's on the Beach - a staple for backpackers looking for luxury on a budget. It's right on the beach, as its name suggests, but also has a pool and all the amenities you'll need for a chilled out beach getaway.
Nungwi
My favorite town I visited was Nungwi. It wasn't as happening as Stone Town or Paje, but I liked the relaxed vibes and the more local scene of the town. The lower population of tourists also meant a lower population of local vendors, and one could actually relax on the beach or walk around town without being endlessly harassed.
- Makofi Guesthouse - A beautiful property a minute's walk away from Nungwi's beach.
- Homeland Swahili Lodge (Nungwi Backpackers) - Very basic and further away from the beach, but the ultimate budget stay, including free breakfast and the cheapest tours you'll find on the island.
The Best Things To Do on Zanzibar
Although renowned as a beach destination, Zanzibar is pretty great for adventure travelers, too. From jungly national parks, to snorkeling adventures below the water, and kite-surfing above it, there's quite a variety of things to do in Zanzibar. It's a beautiful island where culture, history, adventure, and relaxation collide.
Prison Island
Contrary to its name, Prison Island was never actually a prison. The buildings were originally built as a prison, but never housed a single inmate. Prison Island was eventually repurposed to be a quarantine island, where visitors to Zanzibar would have to spend a week or two before entering the island.
Nowadays, it's a tourist attraction, complete with a restaurant and souvenir shops. Only one room of the prison is a museum, with the rest dedicated to tourist fare. It's still worth the visit, even if only for its beautiful waters and the giant tortoises that inhabit the island. It costs $12 to enter Prison Island. There might be a guy waiting before the official ticket booth to try and charge you an environmental fee, even showing a piece of paper stating it as mandatory. We just walked past him and waited to pay our ticket at the official booth and then he left us alone. That's Tanzania, baby.
To get to Prison Island, take a boat from Stone Town. Hopping on with a group will cost about 10,000 shillings for a shared boat, but it depends on how many people are on board. We visited during low season, so we had to get a private boat, paying 40,000 shillings each for both Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach. If you go to the beach where the boats leave from before 9 AM, you might be able to find a group to hop on with for cheap, as that's when the group tours and most shared boats leave.
Nakupenda Beach
Nakupenda is a sandbar in the middle of the ocean. It is undeniably stunning, with turquoise waves lapping on its white sand from every angle. It's a small beach with no shade, aside from the local vendors who've set up shop on the sand. It seemed like most people came with a group tour, which included a freshly made lunch and some sweet, sweet shade. We came alone so we didn't have those luxuries, but it was a beautiful place to swim and lounge around before it got too hot. There are a lot of local vendors here, so it is hard to relax. It probably takes two minutes to walk the length of the entire beach, so they'll be making laps very frequently, and convinced that something has changed drastically in the last two minutes that has made you want to buy a Zanzibar jersey or get a henna tattoo after all.
Mnemba Island and Dolphin Swimming
Mnemba is a private island that can only be visited if you're staying there. However, many tours offer trips to go snorkeling around the island and the sandbar close by. This is usually combined with a dolphin-watching tour that they advertise as "swimming with dolphins". If you've swam with dolphins before, you know that those guys are freaky fast and as soon as you jump in the water, they'll be gone. I've met other people who've told me that the more curious dolphins would come closer and play with them. However, with the mob of tourist boats with loud engines encircling them, it's more likely that they'll flee once you get close. I only paid $15 for the 4-hour trip, so it's hard to say it wasn't worth it. Mnemba Island's sandbar is the most beautiful place I went to in Zanzibar.
Jozani Forest
I had my fill of wildlife after two months in East Africa, but the best way to see wildlife in Zanzibar is by visiting Jozani Forest. It is the only national park on the island, and although it might not be as impressive as Tanzania's others, it might still be a good way to spend your time on Zanzibar. Who knows, you might be the first one to see the rare leopard in decades!
Spice Farms and Cooking Classes
Among many other reasons, Zanzibar is world-famous for its spices. It didn't garner the nickname Spice Island for nothing. There are some spice farms on Unguja Island that can be visited on your own or with a 3-hour guided tour. It's one of the most popular activities on Zanzibar, and a good way to gain some insight on the island's history.
Paje Beach
Paje is a long strip of white, sandy beach on the east side of Unguja Island. It can be reached in about an hour-and-a-half from Stone Town. The town of Paje is peaceful and quiet, making for a good escape from the city. Aside from relaxing on the beach, Paje is popular among windsurfers. There are many shops offering kitesurfing lessons and rentals along Paje Beach.
Maalum
Not far from Paje is Maalum, a natural swimming pool that resembles the cenotes of Mexico. It is privately-owned, so there is an entrance fee of 40,000 shillings. Their website suggests that you have to book and reserve a time in advance. This might be the case during the busy season, but I'm pretty sure you can also just walk in during the low season. Although it's a bit pricy, it is undeniably beautiful.
Sunset Dhow Ride
The locals use boats called dhows, characterized by their shallow bodies and huge sails. I remember the feeling of fear when we opened up the sail for the first time and I was very sure we were about flip over entirely. Luckily, that did not happen and it was smooth sailing. Personally, I enjoy looking at them more than actually being on them. I've seen some nicer, safer-looking ones, though, so you probably get what you pay for. It's a uniquely Zanzibari way to catch a beautiful sunset.
Stone Town City Tour
Stone Town is nothing short of a labyrinth. Its narrow streets flanked by crumbling houses can be difficult to navigate, and it's easy to miss points of interest that might not stand out immediately. A good way to explore Stone Town is by taking a walking tour with a local guide to learn more about its history and visit spots that you might otherwise miss.
Stone Town is a truly historic place, and all of its old buildings have a unique charm to them. The Old Fort and the Old Dispensary are two of those that'll undoubtedly catch your eye as you wander about. Stone Town has been a multicultural city for several centuries, and you'll find influences from various civilizations within its narrow streets. Don't miss the Darajani Bazaar, a small but lively local market that'll give you a taste of the authentic Zanzibari lifestyle. Other highlights include museums like the Princess Salme Museum, Freddie Mercury Museum, and the Old Slave Market Museum.
Christ Church Anglican Cathedral and Old Slave Market
Despite its current reputation as a paradise island, Zanzibar used to be a much darker, more brutal place. Visiting the old slave market and the museum is a harsh reminder of how Zanzibar's history intertwined with slavery, one filled with oppression and brutality. Zanzibar served as a hub for the East African slave trade for many years. The old slave market was where the Anglican Cathedral currently stands. There's a museum dedicated to Zanzibar's history as a big player in the slave trade. It costs 20,000 shillings to enter and while small, it is fairly descriptive. If you only go to one museum in Zanzibar, it has to be this one.
Cheetah's Rock
Cheetah's Rock wouldn't be my usual activity, but my sister nearly cried when she found out their opening days didn't align with her few days on the island, so perhaps I'll put it on your radar for those of you out there with a similar mindset. Cheetah's Rock is a reputable animal sanctuary home to, as its name suggests, a cheetah, along with a white lion and many other rescued animals. The entrance fee is a whopping $160 for their 4-hour wildlife experience, so it was well out of my budget. If you're looking for a more hands-on experience with the animals of Africa, this might be the place.
Food and Restaurants in Zanzibar
Although I'm not a foodie, I could immediately recognize that I was eating much, much better in Zanzibar than the rest of my time in East Africa. There are a ton of amazing restaurants to choose from on Zanzibar, but these were my favorites.
- Lukmaan - Stone Town
- The absolute best place for local food in Stone Town. Dozens of choices to choose from in a buffet-like setting, including affordable portions of grilled seafood.
- Traveller's Cafe - Stone Town
- Beachside and budget-friendly restaurant with great seafood and pizza
- Secret Garden - Stone Town
- Pricier restaurant tucked away in a garden. The location is beautiful and there are weekly music nights. We went for a local taarab show on a Friday, which was an extra 10,000 shillings, but well worth the price.
- Archipelago - Stone Town
- Right next to Traveller's Cafe, so the ocean views are similar, but a little more of an upscale setting with similar prices.
- Cape Town Fish Market - Stone Town
- Large and stunning restaurant on a pier overlooking the water on three sides. More of a splurge, but still decently-priced, and the location doesn't get much better.
- Karafuu - Stone Town
- My favorite cafe on the island. Minimalist design with good wi-fi and a popular spot among digital nomads.
- Stone Town Street Food Market
- Close to Cape Town Fish Market, there is an evening street food market that takes place every night. I think most of the local food got taken over by vendors selling the same things at a jacked-up price for tourists, but there are still a few uniquely Zanzibari foods to try there. It's also just a nice, lively place to hang out in the evenings.
- Makofi - Nungwi
- If you're not staying at Makofi, you've at least got to give the food a try. I had an octopus burger and the best French fries I've had in Africa. Thin and crispy fries reign supreme.
- ZaVa - Nungwi
- Stunning spot along Nungwi Beach. One of those places you sit down with an iced coffee and pinch yourself to make sure you ain't dreaming.
- Bento - Paje
- A food court a few minutes away from Paje Beach offering a good variety of things to choose from.
- Rainbow Cafe - Paje
- A Turkish restaurant with generous portions at a fair price along the main road of Paje.
- The Rock
- A fancy shmancy restaurant situated on a rock in the water. Tourist trap or not? I don't know, I didn't go, but it looks nice.
Nightlife on Zanzibar
Despite being almost entirely Muslim, Zanzibar still has a decent nightlife scene. Finding alcohol on Zanzibar isn't difficult, although finding a good party can be. Most hotel restaurants will have alcohol on hand, although drinks will be a bit over-priced. A beer at a hotel restaurant goes for around 8,000 shillings, while a beer at a local bar can be as little as 3,000 shillings. There are liquor stores scattered throughout the island. Stone Town will have the highest concentration of these, so if you plan on buying your own drinks elsewhere on the island, just stock up before leaving Stone Town just in case.
I didn't go out too much in Zanzibar, but here are the places I'd been to.
CCM Social Lounge
Just outside historic Stone Town, you'll find the CCM Social Lounge. If you've been out to local lounges in East Africa, it's pretty similar. It's a large space that features a restaurant, a bar, a dance floor, a stage, and everything in between. There will be TVs showing sports, a pool table, people grilling, a line of tuk-tuks and boda-bodas waiting outside to take people home. Although it isn't anything special, it's a nice place to have cheap drinks and a guaranteed good time.
Full Moon Party Kendwa Rocks
Once a month, the biggest party in Zanzibar takes place at Kendwa Rocks. The Full Moon Party attracts people from all over the island for a beach party that lasts well into the night. The entry ticket varies, but it's typically around 35,000 shillings, which I'd say is worth it for a pretty fun and well put-together event.
Nightlife on Paje Beach
I didn't go to any parties in this area, but I met two backpackers who talked about a hectic night out they had in this area. I'm guessing Paje might have a big party scene during the busy season, since the only things resembling party hostels on the island were in Paje. They were kind of dead while I was there, so I didn't feel motivated to find a good party. Report back if you find one!
I've really only just scratched the surface of Zanzibar, but for a first-timer to the island, this guide should help you get your feet set. Zanzibar is an incredible destination, with varied activities, amazing cuisine, and plenty of local and cultural experiences.
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