"Every bit as enchanting as its evocative name, the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar is lined with idyllic palm-lined beaches and coral reefs swirling with colourful fish. A popular post-safari beach retreat, the island is given an extra dimension by the long history of maritime trade and rich Swahili culture reflected in the labyrinthine alleys of its old Stone Town and its scattering of mediaeval mosques and ruined palaces. ”

- Philip Briggs

Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s characterfully timeworn Stone Town – an atmospheric enclave of traditional architecture run through by a knot of labyrinthine alleys – lies at the historical and cultural heart of the Swahili Coast. The ancient waterfront, lined with creaking dhows and their billowing sails, is guarded by the imposing coral rag walls and battlements of the Old Fort, which started life as a Portuguese church in 1598, and was fortified by Omani Arabs a century later.

Elsewhere on the island, historic buildings include the still active Kizimkazi Mosque, which an inscription dates back to 1107, and Maruhubi Palace, which housed a harem of 100 royal concubines prior to being rendered uninhabitable by fire in 1899.

While the historic Stone Town sets Zanzibar apart from other beach destinations, the island also boasts a countless succession of tantalising beaches, from Nungwi and Kendwa in the far north to Jambiani and Makunduchi in the south. A series of fringing coral reefs offers world-class snorkelling and diving, while offshore islets such as Mnemba and Chumbe have been developed as casually elegant boutique eco-resorts.

Inland, the lush Jozani Forest is home to habituated troops of the Kirk’s red colobus, an enchanting but Endangered monkey notable for its outrageous tufted hairstyle.

Another Zanzibar must-do is a ‘spice tour’ taking in one of the island’s ubiquitous clove plantations along with other substance farms planted with vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, lemon grass and tropical fruits.

- Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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  • Poor
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DRY SEASON

A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.

Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.

Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.

Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. While technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a good time to visit. Water clarity can be surprisingly good, making it possible to go scuba-diving and snorkelling.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. While technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a good time to visit. Water clarity can be surprisingly good, making it possible to go scuba-diving and snorkelling.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

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