Destinations
Where to go in Zanzibar
West coast
Stone Town
The UNESCO-listed old town: carved doors, spice markets, Swahili history and the best sunsets on the island.
- History
- Photography
- Markets
- Food
North east
Mnemba Atoll
A protected coral atoll with the clearest water in Zanzibar and the island's most reliable snorkeling.
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Dolphins
Off Stone Town
Nakupenda Sandbank
A pure white sandbank that surfaces at low tide inside a marine reserve, minutes from Stone Town.
- Beach day
- Seafood barbecue
- Swimming
Off Stone Town
Prison Island (Changuu)
Aldabra giant tortoises, quarantine-era ruins and easy snorkeling half an hour from the jetty.
- Families
- Wildlife
- History
Centre / south east
Jozani Forest
Zanzibar's only national park and the last home of the endemic red colobus monkey.
- Wildlife
- Easy walking
- Families
Kizimbani, central
Spice Farms
Working plantations inland where cloves, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon still grow in rows.
- Food
- Culture
- Families
North
Nungwi & Kendwa
The north tip: swimmable beaches at any tide, sunset dhows, dive centres and the island's liveliest nightlife.
- Swimming
- Sunsets
- Diving
- Nightlife
South west
Menai Bay & Fumba
A vast conservation bay of sandbanks, mangrove lagoons and reefs — the home of the Safari Blue day trip.
- Full-day boat trips
- Snorkeling
- Seafood
Zanzibar Archipelago
Pemba Island
A green, peaceful island known for deep-water diving, spice farms and uncrowded coastal landscapes.
- Diving
- Nature
- Seclusion
- Culture
Coastal Tanzania
Mafia Island
A low-key marine destination with protected reefs, diving and seasonal whale shark encounters.
- Diving
- Whale sharks
- Marine life
- Quiet beaches
Mainland coast
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania's energetic coastal gateway for ferries, regional flights, business and southern safaris.
- Stopovers
- Business
- Ferries
- Southern safaris