man in black shirt sitting on white and brown sail boat on sea shore during daytime
AfricaBeachesCultureNature

Zanzibar

Stone Town alleys and east coast beaches

Plan with AISee the 1 itineraryPhoto by Crispin Jones on Unsplash
Best timeJune to October for dry weather and calm seas.
Typical trip length5 days
On travli1 itinerary
Getting aroundTaxis and boats link beaches, Stone Town and islands.
CurrencyTanzanian shilling (TZS).

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an island reached by short flight or ferry from mainland Tanzania. Its core is Stone Town, a dense area of coral stone buildings and markets. East coast beaches like those at Paje offer white sand and shallow lagoons that shift with the tides. The setting suits relaxed travel with some history.

Main landmarks include the Old Fort and Christ Church Cathedral in town. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park protects red colobus monkeys and forest. Forodhani Gardens hosts evening food stalls. Changuu Island lies nearby for snorkeling and giant tortoises.

Why travelers love it

Mnarani Natural AquariumA natural tidal lagoon near Nungwi, Zanzibar, where rescued sea turtles are cared for.Jozani Chwaka Bay National ParkNational park in Zanzibar protecting red colobus monkeys and mangrove forests.Forodhani GardensWaterfront park in Stone Town with evening food stalls and ocean views.Darajani MarketBusy market in Stone Town selling spices, produce and household goods.Changuu IslandChanguu Island holds historic buildings and giant tortoises near Stone Town.Stone TownStone Town is the historic quarter of Zanzibar City with narrow streets and mixed architecture.

Top attractions

Mnarani Natural Aquarium
ParkMnarani Natural AquariumZanzibar, Tanzania
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
ParkJozani Chwaka Bay National ParkZanzibar, Tanzania
Forodhani Gardens
ParkForodhani GardensZanzibar, Tanzania
Darajani Market
MarketDarajani MarketZanzibar, Tanzania
Changuu Island
MonumentChanguu IslandZanzibar, Tanzania
Stone Town
NeighbourhoodStone TownZanzibar, Tanzania
Christ Church Cathedral, Zanzibar
CathedralChrist Church Cathedral, ZanzibarZanzibar, Tanzania
Old Fort
MonumentOld FortZanzibar, Tanzania
Paje
NeighbourhoodPajeZanzibar, Tanzania

1 Zanzibar itinerary

Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar, TanzaniaZanzibar Beaches5 days · By travli

Zanzibar questions

Is five days enough for Zanzibar?

Five days covers the main beaches and one day in Stone Town. Book airport transfers and any boat trips at least one week ahead.

Do I need to book the boat to Prison Island ahead?

Book the boat and entry the day before to secure a morning slot. Expect total costs of 40 to 60 USD per person.

How do I travel from Stone Town to Paje?

Take a shared minibus from Darajani market for 3000 to 5000 TZS; the trip takes about one hour. Private taxis cost 40 to 60 USD.

Do I need to book a snorkeling trip to Mnemba ahead?

Reserve snorkeling tours one day in advance during high season. Prices range from 50 to 80 USD per person including gear and lunch.