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Picture of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Travel Guide for
Zanzibar

Tanzania

Tropical, hot and humid, two wet seasons

Introduction

Zanzibar, an enchanting island off Tanzania’s coast, sits in the warm Indian Ocean and is famous for its historic Stone Town, winding alleys, and vibrant spice markets. The weather in mid-January is sunny, humid, and perfect for relaxing by turquoise beaches or exploring the island at your own pace.

Rich with Swahili, Arab, and European influences, Zanzibar’s welcoming culture is experienced through local food, music, and friendly markets. With an average budget, solo travelers can easily find charming guesthouses, join group tours to spice farms or Jozani Forest, and unwind with sunset walks along Nungwi or Paje beaches.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleSolo

Dates13-27 January 2026

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationResort, hotel, villa

Interests and Activities:

sightseeing and toursnightlife and entertainmentarts and culturegastronomy

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Picture of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Key Facts

Location

Indian Ocean, off Tanzania

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Religion

Islam (dominant)

Population

1,800,000

Language

Swahili, English, Arabic

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, plug types D/G

Time zone

UTCEAT (UTC+3)

Country code

+255

Internet access

Widespread 3G/4G, moderate cost

Climate

Tropical, hot and humid, two wet seasons

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Language:

Swahili

  • hello

    habari (ha-ba-ri)
  • goodbye

    kwaheri (kwa-he-ri)
  • yes

    ndio (n-dee-oh)
  • no

    hapana (ha-pa-na)
  • how much

    hii ni bei gani? (hee nee bay gah-nee)
  • please

    tafadhali (ta-fa-dha-li)
  • thank you

    asante (a-san-te)
  • excuse me

    samahani (sa-ma-ha-ni)

Map

Logistics

The easiest way to reach Zanzibar is by flying into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, which receives direct international flights and frequent connections from Dar es Salaam or Nairobi. For a more budget-friendly route, fly into Dar es Salaam, then take a 2-hour ferry to Stone Town.

Ferries depart multiple times daily, but it's best to book tickets in advance and arrive early for safety and seating. January weather is generally good, so travel disruptions are rare. Trains and buses do not run directly to Zanzibar, but can bring you to Dar es Salaam if you're exploring overland.

Weather

Zanzibar enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures between 25-32°C (77-90°F). The island experiences two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from November to December. Humidity can be high, but cooling sea breezes make coastal areas pleasant.

From January 13 to January 27, expect hot, sunny days and balmy evenings—ideal for sightseeing, nightlife, and cultural activities. Rain is rare during this time, and extreme weather events are uncommon. You’ll have perfect conditions for beach relaxation, exploring Stone Town’s arts and culture, or sampling Zanzibar’s unique gastronomy at local markets and restaurants.

Food & Drink

Zanzibar’s cuisine blends Swahili, Arab, and Indian influences. Don’t miss local dishes like Zanzibar pizza, biryani, seafood curries, and fresh tropical fruits. Try the tangy tamarind juice or a cup of spiced chai. Nightly, Forodhani Gardens Food Market in Stone Town is a must for street eats and mingling with locals.

For sit-down meals, Lukmaan, 6 Degrees South, and The Silk Route offer affordable yet delicious menus. Cozy cafés like Café Forodhani and Puzzle Coffee Shop are great for solo travelers. Tipping about 5–10% is appreciated but not mandatory.

Vegetarians will find options, but vegans should clarify ingredients. Seafood is especially fresh in season. Dress modestly in local eateries, and always drink bottled water to stay healthy.

A picture of Ugali

Ugali

Ugali is a staple food in Tanzania, made from maize flour or cassava flour cooked with water to...

A picture of Nyama Choma

Nyama Choma

Nyama Choma is a popular grilled meat dish in Tanzania, featuring marinated chunks of meat (often goat or...

A picture of Mishkaki

Mishkaki

Mishkaki consists of skewered and grilled chunks of marinated meat (commonly beef or chicken), typically seasoned with a...

A picture of Mchuzi wa Samaki

Mchuzi wa Samaki

Mchuzi wa Samaki is a traditional Tanzanian fish curry, featuring a flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices....

A picture of Pilau

Pilau

Pilau is a fragrant and aromatic rice dish cooked with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, cumin, and...

Accommodation

For a solo traveler on an average budget, Zanzibar’s best areas to stay are Stone Town and Nungwi. Stone Town’s charm lies in its historic streets and cultural vibe, with comfortable, mid-range hotels such as Tembo House Hotel or the Dhow Palace Hotel—both bookable on Hotels.com. Nungwi, at the island’s northern tip, offers lively beaches and great resorts like Nungwi Beach Resort and Amaan Beach Bungalows.

January is still high season in Zanzibar, so booking early is essential for better rates and availability, especially through Hotels.com. If you seek a villa experience, Kendwa and Paje offer stylish options within an affordable range, and many beachfront resorts host solo-friendly activities like snorkeling or sunset tours.

Itinerary

Ease into the charms of Zanzibar by exploring your surroundings, soaking up your first sights, and sampling local flavors as you acclimate to island life.

Wander Through Stone Town's Labyrinthine Streets

Begin your Zanzibar adventure by gently exploring the winding alleyways of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vibrant history and architecture. Get lost among colorful doors, ornate balconies, and friendly street vendors to start soaking in island life.

Sunset Drinks at Forodhani Gardens

Savor your first Zanzibari evening with a refreshing drink at Forodhani Gardens. Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean, enjoy the lively waterfront atmosphere, and get a taste of local evening culture. Great spot for people-watching!

Sample Local Cuisine at the Forodhani Night Market

Immerse yourself in Zanzibar's famous flavors at the Forodhani Night Market. Try local treats such as Zanzibar pizza, seafood skewers, and sugarcane juice while mingling with locals. Don't be afraid to ask vendors for recommendations!

Zanzibar: Spice Farm & Stone Town Private Guided Tour with Lunch

Zanzibar: Spice Farm & Stone Town Private Guided Tour with Lunch

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the rich history of Zanzibar on a private guided tour of a spice farm and Stone Town. Learn about the production of spices and explore the vibrant streets of Stone Town. Start your day with a guided tour of Zanzibar’s famous spice farms, discovering cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, and more. Touch, smell, and taste fresh spices, then visit a spice shop to see handmade products and purchase your favorites. Enjoy tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and red bananas, followed by a delicious Swahili lunch prepared with farm-fresh ingredients. Continue to Stone Town for a private guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort, Freddie Mercury’s house, City Market, and the Old Slave Market and Anglican Church, learning about the island’s rich history before returning to your hotel.

4.0 (1 reviews)

From $85 USD

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Experiences

Culture Week in Tanzania
animals

Culture Week in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$495/week

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English Teaching in Tanzania
teaching

English Teaching in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$370/week

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Environmental Conservation in Tanzania
volunteering

Environmental Conservation in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$370/week

Learn More
Maasai Tribal Immersion in Tanzania
volunteering

Maasai Tribal Immersion in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$430/week

Learn More
Empowering Village Women in Tanzania
volunteering

Empowering Village Women in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$370/week

Learn More
Medical Experience in Tanzania
learning

Medical Experience in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$615/week

Learn More

Attractions

4.3 (42 reviews)
Full-Day Blue Lagoon and Sandbank Boat Tour from Zanzibar ( Safari blue)

Full-Day Blue Lagoon and Sandbank Boat Tour from Zanzibar ( Safari blue)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Escape the city crowds for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on a beautiful Sandbank and the tropical Blue Lagoon, Enjoy a fun and relaxing day out on a shared traditional dhow. Enjoy delicious fresh Seafood Lunch with a sip of local drinks

From $110 USD

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4.3 (6 reviews)
Half-Day Private Spice Tour in Kizimbani Farms, Zanzibar

Half-Day Private Spice Tour in Kizimbani Farms, Zanzibar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Spice up your life in Zanzibar: For those interested in culture and history, no trip to Zanzibar would be complete without a tour of a traditional spice farm. Over the years Zanzibar has been one of the largest exporters of cloves and other spices and has been used as a welcome stop over for the many merchants exploiting the trade winds on route to India.

From $85 USD

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3.3 (3 reviews)
Prison Island (Quarantine Island) Tour and Snorkeling Activities in Zanzibar

Prison Island (Quarantine Island) Tour and Snorkeling Activities in Zanzibar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This Group Tour which you can have friends and share ideas. Also we prefer for you to do snorkeling at Prison Island.

From $50 USD

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4.5 (15 reviews)
Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour

Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Zanzibar is also called the “Spice Island”, besides the beautiful beaches and parks, it offers a unique tour of various types of aromatic spices, also known as “The Spice Tour”. Even though these Zanzibar spices like Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Cardamon are commonly used and we all know their taste, hardly anyone would be able to identify them in wild nature. This tour is a unique highlight and absolute must if you want to learn more about the origin of the spices and the traditional food of Zanzibar.

From $68 USD

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4.4 (11 reviews)
Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day)

Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Come and join our experienced guide for a half-day visit. You will be introduced to the historic charms of old Stone Town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage The excursion starts around 9.30 with the visit of the old monuments and exploring the past stories of the sultans and princesses. The visit incorporates a visit to the bustling bazaars, the past slave market, and chambers, the National Museum, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Sultan’s palace as well as cathedrals and countless mosques. Then walk around the narrow streets of Stone Town where most of the houses date back more than 150 years for some shopping and enjoying the arts of the local craftsmen. Visit also a local bakery, door carvers, and antique shops.

From $70 USD

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4.0 (2 reviews)
Spice Tour Zanzibar

Spice Tour Zanzibar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The Spice Tour is one of the most popular excursions in Zanzibar, the Spice Island. Zanzibar was one of the world’s leading producers of spices such as clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. Spice tour takes you to on organic farm with wide variety of plants around the year. This tour is a walking tour in a spice farm (shamba). While there, you shall see how the spices, herbs and fruits grow and are cultivated. Your tour guide will describe how the crops can be used. You will be smelling and tasting spices, herbs and tropical fruits such as clove, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jack fruit, cardamom, cassava and oranges. Once you are finished with the tour, we then take you back to your hotel and drop you off.

From $70 USD

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4.9 (18 reviews)
Zanzibar Spice tour

Zanzibar Spice tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is our guided walking tour passes through villages and spice plantations, a walk through the farms as spice farms workers climbs trees, seek out specific plants and cuts off various barks, letting you see, feel and taste everything. You will be decorated with palm-leaf accessories such as ties, rings, bracelets and glasses. At the Spice farms you will have an opportunity to taste some of the exotic fruits of Zanzibar. After the tour we will invite you for an opulent traditional Swahili lunch served by locals, here you will get a really taste of the spices in the food. However, this is the best place to buy fresh spices directly from the source. It's advised to do that for supporting the local farmers.

From $70 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
Zanzibar Spice Adventure by Imani Zuberi

Zanzibar Spice Adventure by Imani Zuberi

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is the turning point among things to do in Zanzibar. Booking to this tour will guarantee you the best quality services at affordable prices. You will get access to a reliable tour guide who can give you a rich knowledge about spices and their medicinal values. The tour is flexible enough to meet your needs and take you beyond your expectations. Try me today!

From $72 USD

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4.6 (34 reviews)
The best Selous 1 day safari from Zanzibar

The best Selous 1 day safari from Zanzibar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Welcome to Nyerere National Park / Selous Game Reserve. Now the Largest National Park in Africa, Nyerere National Park is a newly established Park which is part of what is known as Selous Game Reserve. The Park with staggering size of 30,893km2 host one of the world’s largest concentration of wildlife. The collection of wildlife both in diversity and abundance is just remarkable! Visitors to this vast sanctuary will be able to see astounding volume of wildlife both rare and common species. With only 30 minutes flight from Zanzibar Nyerere national park/Selous game reserve the best 1 day safari park from Zanzibar. The park host the famous ‘’Big Five’’ and some rare species of antelopes like Roan Antelope, Brindled Gnu, Lichtenstein hartebeest, roan, and sable antelopes, Kudu etc.! To insure customer satisfaction we offer Direct flights, Welcome drink, Off-road safari game driving, Bush hot lunch,Lots of animals, Experience driver / guide, Best option for short holiday travelers.

From $570 USD

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