Date of publication 11/03/2026
Guide to exploring the magic of Zanzibar
This guide is only the beginning. A warm welcome awaits at our new hotel in Zanzibar. Until that moment arrives, we have gathered a selection of tips and inspiration for the journey ahead, with practical information on weather, documentation, transportation, safety, and what to wear when traveling to this idyllic Tanzanian archipelago in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of East Africa.
In the lines that follow, you will also find ideas for experiences, beaches, and local flavors to help shape your plans and discover what to see and do in Zanzibar.
What to know before landing
The best time to travel
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season, from June to October. Families traveling with teenagers can take advantage of school vacations and enjoy Tanzania’s pleasant summer and fall weather, with an average temperature of 90°F and annual averages ranging between 72°F and 88°F, radiant sunshine, and almost no chance of rain.
Planning a first long-haul vacation with a baby? The shoulder season may be the right choice, with lower occupancy and therefore greater peace and flexibility when booking activities: March, November, and early December. The low season coincides with the rainy months of April and May, when excellent flight and accommodation offers are available. January and February are typically hotter than any other time of year.
Entry requirements and health tips
To enter Tanzania, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, with blank pages available for entry stamps. Visa requirements vary depending on nationality. Many visitors need a tourist visa, which can often be obtained online in advance through Tanzania’s official eVisa system or, in some cases, upon arrival at designated entry points. Fees and conditions differ by country, so it is important to check the specific requirements that apply to each passport. A return or onward ticket may also be requested upon entry.
Since 2024, visitors traveling to Zanzibar are required to purchase mandatory inbound travel insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, regardless of any other international coverage they may already have. Carrying proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay is also recommended.
The official currency is the Tanzanian shilling, although U.S. dollars are widely accepted in many tourist areas and are often preferred for larger transactions.
Regarding health recommendations, certainvaccines are advised, though not mandatory, including hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended, as Zanzibar is considered a malaria-risk area. Travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, such as Kenya, are required to present proof of yellow fever vaccination.
From dala-dala to private transportation
From a five-star hotel in Zanzibar, ideally located in Muyuni Beach, getting around the main island of Unguja, commonly known as Zanzibar, and the other points of the archipelago that shape this independent oasis of white sand and turquoise waters is both easy and comfortable. Several transportation options are available. A private vehicle can be rented at the airport or arranged with a driver. The public transportation network offers another alternative, where the dala-dala, small trucks, or minibuses connecting the main points of interest, provide a more local and authentic experience. For travel between islands, the ferry is the most practical choice.
Stone Town: a journey into the island’s cultural heart
Getting lost in the labyrinth of Stone Town
Stone Town, also known as Zanzibar City, is the capital of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its heart lies an intricate maze of narrow streets lined with traditional houses, small artisan shops, local cafés, and Persian baths reminiscent of Moroccan hammams. The architecture reflects the influences of Swahili history and Arab culture.
Take time to wander without hurry, staying present and pausing to admire landmarks such as the Sultan’s Palace or Darajani Market. With every step, the city’s iconic carved doors reveal another layer of its story.
Forodhani Market
Forodhani Market, the nighttime souk of Zanzibar, is located in the historic center. Stalls selling fruit, spices, textiles, and curiosities are interspersed with street food vendors, a cultural expression deeply rooted in Tanzania. When dining at the market, it is advisable to choose a stand that follows basic hygiene and food safety standards. Notice whether it is frequented by both locals and visitors, and whether it uses quality ingredients that are properly stored and cooked. Drink bottled water and be cautious with ice.
The former slave market and the Anglican Cathedral
A hotel in Tanzania may feel like a paradise, yet that experience should not disconnect visitors from Zanzibar’s complex past, including its role in the slave trade between the 15th and 19th centuries. Travel also means engaging with the full truth of a place, opening both mind and spirit to its history.
The Slave Trade Museum presents this difficult but essential chapter. Visitors can explore the remains of the former slave market, where the Anglican Cathedral now stands in tribute to the millions of lives taken by enslavers. On May 1, 1873, influenced by activists such as Dr. David Livingstone and John Kirk, the slave trade was abolished by law in Tanzania.
The best beaches in Zanzibar
Nungwi and Kendwa
For many, this is the most beautiful beach in Tanzania. Nungwi Beach moves to the rhythm of Zanzibar’s culture and nature. It is home to coral reefs, dolphins, sea turtles, and other fascinating marine species that can be observed responsibly. Visitors can also witness the construction of traditional fishing boats, the backbone of the local economy. To explore it sustainably and ensure nothing essential is left behind at your hotel in Zanzibar, check out these tips on what to bring for a day at the beach.
Another essential stop is Kendwa Beach, just south of Nungwi, with a horizon so clear it feels almost painted. On one side, fishing boats line the shore. On the other hand, beach huts, small seaside bars, and vegetation-dotted rocks shape the landscape. Its most recognizable residents are the starfish that appear along the sand.
Paje and Jambiani
Ranked among the top three beaches in Tripadvisor’s 2026 list, Paje Beach is known for its legendary sunsets and warm, crystal-clear waters. The shoreline is so shallow that even at high tide, children can swim comfortably without the water rising too high. A dhow excursion aboard a traditional wooden boat offers a new perspective of the coastline. Hiking and cycling routes along the surrounding trails reveal the landscape in all its scale and beauty.
Jambiani Beach stretches for seven kilometers alongside a charming fishing village known for its authenticity. Romantic by nature, this is a place where time seems to slow down. Resting in a hanging hammock, visiting nearby seaweed farms, or dining at one of its local restaurants becomes part of the experience.
Matemwe
Matemwe is the image that comes to mind when imagining a long, exotic African beach framed by palm trees, where transparent waters and soft sand invite complete disconnection. Located in the village of the same name, this area is known for its exclusivity and natural beauty. Its coral reef is ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Very close to this oasis, you will find another: Iberostar Selection Zanzibar, a hotel on Muyuni Beach with direct beach access, views of Mnemba Island, and surrounded by nature.
This 5-star resort, specially designed for families and couples, redefines the All-Inclusive concept: breakfast, lunch, and dinner facing the sea become a delicious journey through local and international gastronomy. Its peaceful and natural location is paired with meticulous attention to detail for a relaxed and exclusive stay, where the rooms and suites adapt to you, and not the other way around.
What to do on “the Spice Island”
Spice tour
Have you ever heard about the hallucinogenic effects attributed to nutmeg or the medicinal properties of cinnamon and cardamom? Alongside cloves, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, lemongrass, black pepper, and chili peppers, these aromatic plants form the foundation of Tanzanian cuisine and ancestral knowledge. In fact, Zanzibar is known as “the Spice Island” due to its long-standing tradition of cultivating and trading these prized local products. To fully understand Zanzibar’s spice heritage, a spice tour offers a sensory immersion through plantations and markets, often including tastings along the way.
Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll
Mnemba Atoll is a coral island located off the coast of Nungwi. It can be reached by dhow or sailboat in a short journeyof just under two miles, either as part of a guided group excursion or independently, with restricted access. Situated within a protected natural area, its oval-shaped reef is home to vividly colored fish and layered shades of blue that create a striking underwater landscape. This experience is suitable for both adults and children and can easily be included during a stay at afamily-friendly hotel in Zanzibar.
Jozani Forest and the red colobus monkeys
The red colobus monkeys are the unmistakable guardians of Jozani Forest, a remarkable natural reserve located in Jozani-Chwaka Bay, where tropical species such as mangroves thrive. In the wooded areas of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, these intelligent and endangered primates, recognized by their reddish tricolor fur, share their habitat with blue monkeys, geckos, and more than 50 species of butterflies. Visiting their environment respectfully is essential, as the ecological balance of forests like Jozani is delicate.
Prison Island and the Aldabra giant tortoises
At the wildlife sanctuary on Prison Island, located about a 30-minute boat ride from the port of Stone Town, the main attraction is the Aldabra giant tortoises. Some individuals of this species, Aldabrachelys gigantea, can measure between four and five feet in length, weigh up to 550 pounds, with exceptional cases reaching nearly 880 pounds, and live for more than 150 years, making them among the longest-living creatures on Earth. Visits are guided and regulated, so booking in advance is recommended to secure a preferred date.
Local flavors
Traditional dishes not to miss
At Iberostar’s new hotel in Zanzibar, the best of Zanzibari and Tanzanian cuisine is presented through fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, guided by the same sustainable philosophy that defines our properties. Among the standout traditional dishes is sarapatel, a recipe of Indo-Portuguese or Goan origin prepared with different cuts of meat and offal stewed in masala with tamarind and vinegar. Peweza wa nazi, which literally means “octopus and coconut” in Swahili, is another local favorite. Boko-boko, a meat stew with corn, ginger, and other spices, is also widely enjoyed, along with hazelnut bread, date bread, and spiced cake, a dessert that leaves a lasting impression.
The Rock Restaurant
A stay at an All-Inclusive hotel in Zanzibar can easily include culinary outings to iconic spots such as The Rock Restaurant. Set just a few yards off the shore at Pingwe Beach, this restaurant rises above the waters of the Indian Ocean. It takes its name from the rock on which it is built, with a structure of stone, wood, and thatch open to expansive sea views. Fresh fish and seafood of the day, vegetables and fruit sourced from nearby farms, and homemade pasta are among its most requested dishes.
Responsible tourism and local etiquette
Dress code and respect for Muslim culture
Community-based tourism encourages approaching different customs from an inclusive and mindful perspective. While visitors may dress according to personal preference, wearing tops with sleeves and pants or skirts below the knee is recommended as a sign of respect for Zanzibar’s Muslim culture, particularly when visiting monuments, museums, and restaurants. To pack efficiently, loose and breathable garments made from natural fabrics are advisable, along with comfortable closed shoes suitable for exploring the archipelago and sun-protection accessories such as sunglasses, caps, scarves, or hats.
How to be a sustainable traveler in a fragile environment
Tips for reducing a carbon footprint while on vacation vary by destination. In Tanzania, drinking bottled water is necessary, which limits the use of reusable bottles. However, packing fabric bags in different sizes or stainless-steel containers for carrying food to the beach helps avoid single-use plastics. Declining activities that exploit animals and using natural spaces responsibly and with common sense also make a difference. The goal is not perfection, but contributing as much as possible to the protection of fragile environments. Choosing a hotel in Zanzibar with a sustainable philosophy reinforces that commitment.
