Zanzibar

Shimmering azure waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant resort living await you on your trip to Zanzibar. From the moment you set your foot on this warm tropical island, you’ll find yourself giving into the charm of its idyllic beaches, local traditions and flavourful cuisine that is inspired by some of the world’s most exotic cultures.
As you admire the playful dolphins ahead of your dhow, marvel at the mosaic minarets in the distance and wonder at the contentment that is typical of the locals, you cannot help but smile at the beauty of Zanzibar’s slow way of life.
For what appears to be an island paradise, you’ll discover that Zanzibar is also bursting with culture and history. From its charming Stone Town, the Old Fort, the colourful neighbourhoods and the bustling port, you’ll find no shortage of unique sights and experiences on your Zanzibar city tour. Mesmerizing sunsets, rich marine life, thrilling water sports, and unmatched cultural appeal make Zanzibar a truly unique holiday destination.

Current weather in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is best known for

  • Beaches
  • Culture
  • Shopping
  • Summer
  • Trekking

Zanzibar tourism essentials


Weather in Zanzibar: 

The weather in Zanzibar is pleasant year long. Temperatures rarely drop below 20°C. While the months of June, July, and August see average temperatures in the range of 23°C to 25°C, the rest of the year sees temperatures stay between 25°C to 28°C.

Best time to visit Zanzibar:
The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October since these are the cool, dry months. Another good season for you to visit this tropical paradise is when it’s hot and dry i.e. from December to February. Also, the best time to undertake scuba diving off the coast of Zanzibar is either July-August or February-March.

Things to do in Zanzibar:
● Go spice and souvenir shopping at the Darajani Market; stock up on vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg for days when you need a tropical escape back home.
● Meet giant tortoises at Prison Island, a place which once served as a detention home for rebellious slaves and patients with contagious diseases.
● Relish street food at the Forodhani night market, especially the fresh seafood and shawarmas.
● Wander the maze of narrow streets in Stone Town. The winding alleys make for one of the most beautiful sights you’ll come across on the island.

Food specialities in Zanzibar:
Expect the food in Zanzibar to be as exotic as everything else on the island. if you are up for a one-of-a-kind meal, tantalize your taste buds with Zanzibar’s popular local specialty — mchuzi wa pweza, an octopus curry. If you’d rather have something simpler, there is the ndizi kaanga. Settle for a warm dish of grilled or deep-fried bananas, sprinkled with salt, pepper and a dash of lime. Lastly, don’t miss out on urojo, a soup dish. Tropical favourites like mango and tamarind are blended with ginger and spices to arrive at a broth bursting with magical flavours. Before you can go ahead and slurp it up, treat yourself to chunks of potatoes, eggs, meat, or chips, added based on your preferences.

Good to know

Population
1.3 million
Currency
TZS (Tanzanian Shilling)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2660 TZS
  • Rates displayed here are indicative only and are subject to change.
Current time
| (GMT +3)