Welcome to Paradise: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Zanzibar
Zanzibar looks like the postcard version of paradise, but first-time visitors are often surprised by how diverse the island really is.
One day you’re wandering centuries-old alleyways in Stone Town, the next you’re swimming in clear turquoise water, exploring spice farms, or watching traditional wooden dhows sail into the sunset.
The island moves at its own relaxed pace, shaped by African, Arab, Indian and European influences that are reflected in the food, architecture and everyday life.
Spend at least five days here if you can. It gives you enough time to experience more than just the beach and discover why so many travellers leave wishing they had stayed longer.
This can be your next dream vacation destination !
Remember Zanzibar isn’t just a one island destination.
While almost everyone refers to it as a single destination, Zanzibar is actually an archipelago consisting of several islands in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of mainland Tanzania.
When people say they are going to “Zanzibar,” they are almost always referring to Unguja, which is the largest, most populated, and main commercial hub of the region.
Local Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
The Two Main Islands:
- Unguja (The “Zanzibar” everyone knows): This is where you will find the historic streets of Stone Town, the famous spice plantations, and the major luxury beach resorts of Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje. It is the center of the region’s tourism, culture, and nightlife.
- Pemba Island: Located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Unguja, Pemba is Zanzibar’s lesser-known sister island. It is hillier, much greener, and famous for its vast clove plantations. It sees a fraction of the tourists that Unguja does, making it a hotspot for eco-tourism and world-class scuba diving along its untouched coral reefs.
Most visitors stay on Unguja, while Pemba remains quieter and less developed.
- The beaches are very different depending on the coast.
- North (Nungwi & Kendwa): calm swimming all day.
- East coast: huge tidal changes.
- Southeast: quieter luxury resorts.
- Friday afternoons can be quieter as many locals attend mosque.
- “Pole pole” (slowly slowly) really is the local pace. Service is relaxed compared with Europe.
- Dress modestly when walking through villages and Stone Town out of respect for the local Muslim community.
- Carry cash because many smaller shops don’t accept cards.
TRAVEL TIP: Zanzibar’s Beaches
One of the biggest surprises is the tide. Along much of the east coast, the Indian Ocean can retreat hundreds of metres during low tide, revealing seaweed farms, coral and sandbanks. Swimming may only be possible for part of the day, so check the tides before choosing where to stay if easy beach access is important.
Getting Around Zanzibar
- Licensed taxis are available everywhere.
- Shared minibuses (dala-dalas) are the cheapest option.
- Rental cars require a local driving permit, however
- many visitors hire a driver for the day because it’s affordable and hassle-free.
If you are dreaming of long never-ending beaches with white sand and light blue water that is crystal clear, you will find it on this island which is only about 90 km long and 30 km wide.
Zanzibar is famous for:
Its beaches, its spice plantations (therefore lovingly referred to as The Spice Island), the history of Stone Town, and the beautiful holiday resorts.
Are Zanzibar and Unguja the same thing?
Maybe Wikipedia describes it better: “Unguja (also referred to as “Zanzibar Island” or simply “Zanzibar”, is the largest and most populated island of the Zanzibar archipelago, in Tanzania.”
Geographically, no, they aren’t the same thing—but conversationally, people treat them as if they are.
Here is the easiest way to think about the distinction:
The Official Difference
- Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous region/archipelago. It is a collection of islands (including Unguja, Pemba, and dozens of tiny islets) that together form a part of Tanzania.
- Unguja is the actual, physical landmass. It is the specific, single island where Stone Town, Nungwi, and Paje are located.
Should You Stay in the North, East, or Stone Town?
Q: Which side of Zanzibar should you stay on?
A: The best side to stay on depends entirely on how you want your days to feel.
Here is how to choose between them based on your style:
1. The North Coast (Nungwi & Kendwa)
Best for: Carefree beach days, swimming anytime, and vibrant energy.
This is the postcard version of Zanzibar. Because of the island’s topography, the north coast experiences very little tidal variation. While other parts of the island require you to walk out half a mile to touch water during low tide, here you can swim 24/7.
The Vibe: Energetic and social. It has a beautiful, continuous strip of soft sand lined with beach bars, restaurants, and hotels.
The Sunset: Because it faces north-northwest, Kendwa and Nungwi offer spectacular, uninterrupted ocean sunsets.
2. The East & South-East Coast (Matemwe, Paje, Jambiani)
Best for: Sensory immersion, barefoot luxury, and active relaxation.
The east coast is defined by the dramatic rhythm of the Indian Ocean tides. When the tide goes out, it reveals a vast, shallow landscape of coral flats, rock pools, and local women harvesting seaweed. When it comes in, it is a stunning turquoise playground.
The Vibe: Laid-back, bohemian, and boutique. Paje is the world-famous hub for kite-surfing, filled with trendy cafes and a younger, active crowd. Further south, Jambiani offers an authentic, slow-paced look into local village life with lovely, intimate eco-resorts.
The Trade-off: You have to plan your swimming around the tide tables, but many travelers find the shifting landscape incredibly poetic and peaceful.
3. Stone Town
Best for: The cultural anchor of your trip.
Stone Town isn’t a beach destination, but it is the beating heart of Zanzibar’s history. The architecture tells a rich, layered story of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences.
The Experience: Getting lost in the labyrinth of limestone alleys, breathing in the scent of drying cloves, and visiting the Forodhani Gardens night food market for fresh seafood and Zanzibar pizza.
The Strategy: Spending one or two nights here at the very beginning or end of your trip is the perfect way to anchor your island experience in local culture before escaping to the coast.
The Verdict: How to choose?
Choose the North if: You want a classic, fuss-free beach holiday where you can swim at 2 PM or 2 AM, watch the sunset with a cocktail, and enjoy a lively social scene.
Choose the East/South-East if: You prefer a tranquil, atmospheric escape, love a bohemian aesthetic, or want to watch the sunrise over a quiet, endless expanse of white sand.
The Ultimate Mix: Many travelers split a week-long trip by spending 2 nights in Stone Town to absorb the history and food, followed by 5 nights on the coast (North for swimming or East for pure peace).
What to pack:
- Reef shoes (sea urchins are common)
- Light cotton clothing
- Modest clothing for Stone Town
- Mosquito repellent
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Small cash notes
DID YOU KNOW:
- Zanzibar produces some of the world’s finest cloves.
- Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town.
Main industries of the islands:
Spices (like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper), Raffia, and Tourism
Popular resorts in Zanzibar
Stay in Beautiful places like: Zuri Zanzibar in Kendwa – Simply stunning.
- Reef & Beach Resort – Jambiani Zanzibar.
- Riu Palace Zanzibar- All Inclusive. Resort in Nungwi.
- Turaco Nungwi Resort – Nungwi.
Cities and places to explore while in Zanzibar
Stone Town (Also known as Mji Mkongwe locally) is a vibrant town and World Heritage Site (the old part of Zanzibar City). It is located on the western coast of Unguja, the main island. Don’t try to navigate Stone Town with Google Maps alone. The maze of narrow streets often confuses GPS. One of the joys of visiting is simply wandering until you discover hidden courtyards, carved wooden doors, rooftop cafés and tiny shops selling spices, artwork and handcrafted souvenirs. (It’s a good idea – especially if you’re visiting for the first time – to go on a guided tour. We’ll include links below.)
- Kendwa is a small fishing village and also a great spot for scuba diving.
- Kizimkazi is a small village on the south side and the perfect place to go on a dolphin tour.
- Jambiani, is also a fishing village with lots of small guesthouses
- Paie is excellent for kiteboarding
- Nungwi is a resort town in the north
Travel Tip: If you want vibrant culture, bustling markets, and lively beach bars, stick to Unguja. If you want remote, wild landscapes and complete seclusion, consider splitting your time with a hop over to Pemba.
Best time to visit
Being near to the equator, the islands are warm all year round. However, you need to take note of the wet months, which are the Monsoon months: March, April, and May as well as November and December.
Therefore the best time to visit will be June to October (these are the cool and dry months) and again during January and February.
The island is warm throughout the year, but the sea can feel noticeably different depending on the season. July to October generally offers cooler evenings and lower humidity, while January and February bring warmer ocean temperatures that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
5 Reasons why you should visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a fantastic holiday destination, but if you are still looking for reasons why you should go to Zanzibar; Here are a few:
- Turquoise Tropical Beaches – If you’re looking for a tropical beach vacation with beautiful beaches, this destination will not disappoint.
- Luxury accommodation options – The archipelago of Zanzibar offers a choice of luxury accommodation options.
- Private Island Escape – Looking for a romantic destination where you can stay on your own private island – or have a romantic dinner on a private island? This is the place to go.
- For a cultural experience – visit Stone Town (the capital of the island of Zanzibar which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Foodie Paradise – Experience the spice tours and cuisine of Zanzibar combined with beautiful views (see below some great places to visit).
Does the island have an International Airport?
Yes, Zanzibar’s main airport is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
A List of The Best Things to Do in Zanzibar
- As you will be on the “Spice Island”, why not do a Spice tour. Being one of a few places in the world where saffron is produced, as well as spices like cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and many more. The tours normally include a trip to the beautiful plantations, which is really something to see.
- Go on a guided tour to Stone Town, but do not buy a tour “on the street’. Make reservations upfront with tour companies that are trusted. (See below some options.)
- Dhow boats are available to take you on sunset cruises. It is beautiful.
- Looking for beautiful beaches with warm water from the Indian Ocean, then go to Paie or Jambiani. These are popular tourist spots.
- Kendwa Beach is a beautiful sandy beach where you can swim during both low and high tide. Here you will also find lots of beach bars and restaurants where you can try a Dawa cocktail. You will be sure to find a beach party here during your stay. Especially during a full moon.
- Try scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear water with its beautiful reefs. Again we would advise that you use a tour guide.
- We would recommend a “Swimming with Dolphins and snorkeling” private tour instead of a “Dolphin chasing tour. (See below)
- Visit Zanzibar butterfly center
- Go on a Turtle Sanctuary tour
- Enjoy a relaxing day at your resort. After all, if you are paying to stay in a nice resort, why not enjoy the pampering and service at your resort. Take some rest and recuperation time.
- Visit Cheetah’s Rock for a fantastic wildlife tour and time spent with cheetahs
- Dinner at the Tea House restaurant or attend a Zanzibar Tea Ceremony.
- Have lunch at The Rock restaurant in the ocean.
- Try their famous homemade spice ice cream on Stone Island. Flavors like ginger, boabab, hibiscus, masala, or avo…
The Tea House Restaurant:
A rooftop restaurant with beautiful views and an exceptional experience. The Emerson Zanzibar Tea Ceremony introduces guests to the Zanzibar culture. The Tea Ceremony is held in Roshani at Emerson on Hurumzi. It takes around 2 hours and can be started anytime between 11 am to 4 pm. You can make reservations at:
Email: reception@emersononhurumzi.com
The Rock Restaurant:
Be sure to book online well in advance, as they do have limited space and you don’t want to be disappointed. Also due to the size limit, you can’t make reservations only for drinks, so use this opportunity to treat yourself and your travel companion/s and enjoy a meal in a truly unique setting.
Travel Tips:
- For souvenirs, Stone Town is the place to shop. Here you will be able to find beautiful textiles, handmade jewelry, and many more. But be careful of scams.
- As Zanzibar is mainly a Muslim community it would be good to show some respect for their culture. Although you can wear anything you like at the beach resorts it is advised that you cover up when going into town. Don’t drink in public and especially during Ramadan (the month of fasting) you should avoid eating and drinking in public during day time.
- For the ladies, always have a long sarong available to cover when and where necessary.