Zanzibar Travel Guide

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).

Stone 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.

Old 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.

Zanzibar 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.

Kendwa 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.

Nungwi 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.

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.

East 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.

Pemba 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.