Best Time to Visit

The best time of year to visit Zanzibar is during Tanzania’s dry seasons which come in two waves; the first is from November to February, and the second from June to September. Throughout these months, temperatures tend to be around 28-33 degrees celsius. Of these two windows, when it tends not to rain in Tanzania, the months of December to March are the most humid, as the country explodes into rain in April and May for the long rainy season.

It is not advisable to travel to Zanzibar during the rainy season of April and May as the rains are long, dreary and the roads are often subject to flooding. The shorter rains that fall in October, though less predictable than they used to be, are lighter 20 and brief rain storms that likely won’t impede your fabulous beach holiday. However, Zanzibar remains mostly sunny with only a few afternoon showers in October/November, and travellers benefit from excellent low-season rates. If you are combining a trip to Zanzibar with a safari, the same seasons apply. On safari, when the parks are dry, the animals congregate and are easier to spot, and when it rains they disperse. However, many people find some great deals in shoulder season months such as June and October, where the wildlife and weather are excellent, but lodge rates are reduced. When to go therefore depends entirely on your budget and priorities for your trip.

If you are combining a trip to Zanzibar with a safari, the same seasons apply. On safari, when the parks are dry the animals congregate and are easier to spot, and when it rains they disperse. However, many people find some great deals in shoulder season months such as June and October, where the wildlife and weather are on the whole excellent, but lodge rates are slashed. When to go therefore depends entirely on your budget and priorities for your trip.

Zanzibar Visa

Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. There is no need to obtain a separate visa if you are visiting Tanzania's mainland and its islands (Zanzibar & Pemba). Valid passports are required for entry into Zanzibar. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six (6) months after you depart from Zanzibar.

Visitors can also obtain an electronic Visa (e-Visa) prior to their journey from the Tanzania Immigration Services. The Visa applications will be processed within ten days, therefore applicants are strongly advised to observe the stipulated time frame while making their applications to ensure their dream Zanzibar beach holiday and Tanzania safari combination to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are seamless

Zanzibar Foods

Food in Zanzibar is varied and always interesting. For those seeking the ultimate fine dining experience, the only place to stay in Xanadu; is home to an ex-Michelin star chef, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are always an occasion.

The ultimate Zanzibar cuisine which has been finessed by locals is curry. With huge Arabic influences and home-grown spices, they are delicious. Although it may not be what travellers long for in the heat, they are an explosion of flavour and surprisingly fresh. Seafood curries are particularly good and most hotels will offer at least a few on their menus.

Zanzibar is not really a place for eating out at restaurants. Most meals are eaten within beach hotels; the menus change daily and are always delicious. However, “The Rock”, a restaurant perched on a tiny island just off Zanzibar’s east coast, has curious guests booking dinner year after year. It is wholly “instagrammable” and offers dining with a twist; on a rock, in the middle of the sea.

In Stone Town, there are some marvellous food experiences to be had. Wandering through the seafront stalls and drinking coconut milk straight from the fruit is a very Zanzibar activity. At dinner time its atmosphere is fantastic. Set on the rooftop of a rustic hotel is this enchanting restaurant, draped in Persian rugs, vibrant cushions, and little tables. The food here is extremely good, but it is more the spirit of Zanzibar which oozes from this little hidden rooftop gem that makes it such a special dining experience.

Things to Do In Zanzibar

A quick historical tour in Stone Town is highly recommended. Stone Town is rich with culture and history; you can visit the old fort, the old slave museum, visit old mosques, and marvel over the Zanzibari doors and unique architecture. There are some lovely restaurants in Stone Town that are worth visiting, as well as the nightly Forodhani Gardens food market. Each night from 6 pm, local vendors set up their stands and sell local favorites, Zanzibar pizza, kebabs, shawarmas, fresh sugar cane juice, seafood, burgers and so much more. The Forodhani night market is truly an experience in itself.

Most travelers visit the white sand beaches in Zanzibar to simply enjoy a restful and relaxing holiday. However, there are lots of underwater activities for those who are so inclined. Whatever water activity travelers want to experience, talk to your hotel on arrival and they can point you in the right direction or book activities for you.

Diving and snorkelling around Mnemba Island (off the coast of Nungwi beach) is an unforgettable experience. Swim amongst a colourful array of fish and marine life, marvelling at the exotic world beneath Zanzibar’s turquoise shores. The Indian Ocean is home to a plentiful amount of dolphins, and taking a boat trip out to find them is always a memorable afternoon activity.