Stone Town
Stone Town, the old quarter of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural anchor of the island — a maze of narrow coral-stone lanes, carved wooden doors, former sultans’ palaces and Omani- and colonial-era mansions. Its most famous landmark, the House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib) — once the sultan’s grand seafront residence and the first building on the island to have electricity — partially collapsed in December 2020 and has been under restoration since, so expect to see it behind scaffolding rather than to go inside. The surrounding streets, markets and waterfront, however, are as atmospheric as ever.
The Beaches and the Sea
The beaches are why most people come. The east and north coasts — around Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and Jambiani — offer long white strands and turquoise shallows, with everything from quiet, secluded stretches to lively spots for diving, snorkelling and kitesurfing. The tides here are dramatic, exposing wide sand flats twice a day, which is part of the island’s particular character.
Nature: Jozani and Menai Bay
Inland, Jozani Forest — the island’s only national park — is the last stronghold of the Zanzibar red colobus, an endangered monkey found nowhere else on earth, alongside towering trees and a boardwalk through mangroves.
To the south, the Menai Bay Conservation Area protects a rich stretch of reef and islets where sea turtles come ashore to nest and where dolphins are often seen on boat trips. It is a protected zone, so follow local rules on where you can and cannot swim.
Between the beaches, the spice farms and the history, Zanzibar packs a great deal into a small island — best enjoyed slowly, at the pace the heat encourages.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and most visitors need a Tanzanian visa, available as an e-visa in advance or on arrival. A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from a country where the disease is present. Check current rules before you fly.
Can I visit the House of Wonders?
Not inside, for now — it partially collapsed in 2020 and remains under restoration. You can still see it from the outside and explore the rest of Stone Town freely.
When is the best time to go?
The dry seasons — roughly June to October and December to February — are the most reliable for beach weather, avoiding the long rains of March to May.
