The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October and mid-December to February, when the weather is dry, sunny and perfect for the beach. The long rains fall from March to May, while November brings short, sharp showers. While many resorts remain open year-round, some do close over the rainy seasons, or operate reduced services.

Zanzibar is famous for its powdery white beaches, turquoise waters, spice plantations and rich history as a cultural crossroads. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends Arab, Indian and African influences, while the island’s reefs and atolls offer world-class diving and snorkelling.

Relax on pristine beaches, tour spice farms, wander the alleyways of Stone Town, go diving or snorkelling, take a dhow sunset cruise, swim with dolphins, or explore Jozani Forest to see the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii).

Zanzibar offers a range of stays — from boutique beachfront lodges and luxury resorts to private villas and charming guesthouses in Stone Town.

Yes — Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the same visa requirements apply. Most nationalities need a tourist visa, obtainable online (recommended) or on arrival. All visitors to Zanzibar must have a passport which needs to be valid for six months after return date of travel and have at least three blank pages in it.

Officially, yellow fever vaccination is not required to enter Zanzibar unless you have travelled via an endemic area. In practice, however, entry requirements can vary, and you may be asked to show a yellow fever certificate. If you cannot receive the vaccine, you can still enter the country with a medical waiver from a doctor, which should be presented to immigration officials.

If you are flying directly from South Africa to Zanzibar, you do not require a Yellow Fever inoculation. Travellers who visit Zanzibar via mainland Tanzania will likely be asked for a Yellow Fever certificate. For a list of countries with yellow fever risk and those requiring vaccination, click here.

Zanzibar is a malaria area and prophylactics are recommended. Mosquito repellant is a must!

Always consult your doctor before travelling to ensure you are healthy and have taken all necessary precautions for your destination. And don’t forget travel insurance with medical cover.

Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection, sandals and a light scarf or wrap for visiting cultural sites. Zanzibar is a Muslim island and so respect must be shown in the clothing you wear in towns and at cultural sites – dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees. It is perfectly fine to wear swimwear on the beaches. A snorkel mask or reef shoes can also be useful.

Zanzibar is generally safe, especially in resort areas. Exercise standard travel precautions, avoid isolated areas at night, and respect local customs in Stone Town and villages.

The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, though US dollars are widely used in hotels and resorts. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments. Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for guides, drivers and hotel staff.

Fly into Zanzibar International Airport. On the island, prebooked shuttle/ private transfers or taxis are the easiest ways to get around.