Where to Go? What to Do?
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Zanzibar Island (Unguja)
Zanzibar Island (Unguja) is the main island of Zanzibar. It’s well-known for its historical Stone Town, beautiful beaches, and spectacular nature and wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding coral reefs.
There is also a variety of beach destinations, suitable to all different tastes. The main options are the Zanzibar City area (including Stone Town), the northern beaches (Nungwi and Kendwa), the northeast (Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani), and the east coast (Michamvi, Bwejuu, Paje, and Jambiani).
READ MOREStone Town
Stone Town is the cultural hub of Zanzibar, where you can find everything from historic sites to international and local restaurants, to excellent shopping. Hotels and Airbnbs are available for all budgets.
Stone Town was built from coral stone during the 19th and 20th centuries, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. Because Stone Town is protected, you can explore the town just as it was when the sultans ruled.
READ MOREOld Fort – Ngome Kongwe
If you’re visiting Stone Town, you simply cannot miss the Old Fort. It is one of the oldest buildings in Stone Town, originally built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later rebuilt by the Omanis in the 18th century. It is free to visit, and cultural festivals and happenings are often organised in the inner courts of the fort.
READ MOREZanzibar City
Stone Town is just a fraction of the whole of Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar. While Stone Town is the main historic area, Zanzibar City boasts modern buildings, shops, restaurants, beach resorts, and international offices.
You may be surprised by the fantastic beach experiences you can find not far from the city center. There are many high-quality resorts with reasonable prices located just a 10-minute drive from Stone Town. Or you could spend a day at the pool in places like Zanzibar Beach Resort or the Mbweni Ruins, even if you’re staying elsewhere.
READ MOREKendwa Village
Kendwa village is the youthful option for a stay in Zanzibar. Every Saturday, there is a party at the Kendwa Rocks Hotel — and when the Saturday happens to be a full moon, the party turns into a full moon party! (You’ll also want to consider this in case you don’t want to hear the music all Saturday night.)
There are many snorkeling and diving opportunities in Kendwa. The village itself is small, but there are some restaurants and shops outside the hotels. This is the Rasta beach of Zanzibar.
READ MORENungwi Village
Nungwi village is the liveliest beach spot in Zanzibar. It’s located on the northernmost tip of Zanzibar Island. Due to its wonderful location, it offers great diving, a perfect sandy beach, and the possibility to swim even during low tide.
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Matemwe Village
Matemwe village is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Zanzibar’s other beach towns. This is where locals and local expats prefer to spend their holidays. It’s also an ideal destination if you are looking for a peaceful boutique hotel.
READ MOREEast Coast: Bwejuu, Paje & Jambiani
The east coast of Zanzibar usually refers to the villages on the south-eastern stretch of beach. It starts from Uroa village, and onto Bwejuu, Paje and Jambiani. It has a distinctive, relaxed atmosphere with mainly small hotel establishments and lots of local kite surfers.
These villages and the less densely populated spaces in between offer beautiful tidal beaches, the opportunity to visit Zanzibari villages, and you can take a lovely beach walk with stops at small cafes.
READ MOREPemba Island
If you’re looking for a real-life paradise, you should find Pemba on your map. Think: lush hills, forests, and plantations, amazing snow-like white sand beaches, and serene small towns. This is Pemba, the green paradise of Zanzibar.
Pemba has three major towns: Chake Chake (where the airport is), Mkoani (where the ferry port is), and Wete, which is near Ngezi Forest and the amazing beaches of the northern tip of the island.
READ MOREDo You Need a Transfer?
Getting from place to place was never easier! Just let us know where you need to go, and we’ll take you there.
Airport Transfers – to and from Nungwi • Matemwe • Kiwengwa • East coast • the South
Ferry Tickets – between Dar es Salaam • Zanzibar • Pemba
Flight Tickets – inside East Africa: Tanzania • Kenya • Uganda • Rwanda • Burundi
BOOK YOUR TRANSFER
Tips & Useful Info
Plastic-Bag Ban
Since 2019 plastic bags have been banned in all Tanzania. It is not allowed to import, export, manufacture, sell, store, supply or use plastic bags in all Tanzania, including Zanzibar.
Make sure to leave all your plastic bags at home! You might be searched on arrival, and there is a fine in place in case you have banned plastic bags.
Traveling with Kids?
Zanzibar offers a family-friendly environment and many entertainment options for families with kids of all ages.
From playgrounds to zoos, amusement parks and water parks to nature reserves and family safaris… you name it, we have it!
Click below for more information about traveling in Zanzibar with kids and for a list of family-friendly accommodations.
Festivals
Stone Town is the home of many cultural events and festival all throughout the year. Film festivals, music festivals, literature festivals…
We offer full festival packages for the most important festivals of Zanzibar, including a festival pass, accommodation (in a convenient location), transfers and beach time in between.
Make sure to have the dates in mind when planning your vacation in Zanzibar!
Referral Visa Services
Some country nationals are required to carry a referral visa for their entrance to Zanzibar. Click below to check the list of countries and ensure you have all the correct entry documentation.
If your country is on the list, get in touch and our professional travel consultant will start processing your visa immediately!
Zanzibar Airport
With the new terminal under construction, arriving in Zanzibar can be quite a hassle. But no worries, we’ve got you covered with this guide to Zanzibar Airport and everything you need to do after landing.
Read our blog with useful tips to make sure your holiday kicks off as smoothly as possible.
COVID-19 Testing
Some countries still require a negative COVID-19 test result before flying out from Zanzibar. But the process of getting test results in Zanzibar can be confusing and eat up a lot of your precious holiday time.
We’ll help you get your COVID-19 test without hassle, so you can end your holiday in peace and return home safe.
Read More in Zanzibar & Tanzania FAQs
Didn’t find the information you were looking for? Check out our FAQs about Zanzibar and Tanzania!