Zanzibar Travel Guide

About Zanzibar

Spice Island paradise with turquoise waters, Stone Town's winding alleys, and a rich Swahili heritage spanning centuries.

This guide covers the neighborhoods worth your time, when to actually go, how to get around, what to eat, what it costs, and the rookie mistakes most first-timers in Zanzibar make. Built to be paired with Elvara — the AI trip planner app for iPhone — so you can turn it into a personalized itinerary in a tap.

When to visit Zanzibar

Best months: June, July, August, September, October.

Tropical. Two rainy seasons (March-May and November). Dry season (June-October) is ideal. Always warm with sea breezes.

What to eat in Zanzibar

Zanzibar cuisine reflects its spice trade history. Seafood is exceptional, spice-infused curries, pilau rice, and tropical fruits abound.

Must-try dishes

Pilau Rice, Urojo (Zanzibar Mix), Seafood curry, Zanzibar Pizza, Mishkaki (skewers), Mandazi, Spiced coffee

Street food tips

Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town is legendary. Fresh seafood and Zanzibar pizza at incredible prices.

Is Zanzibar safe? What to watch for

Generally safe for tourists. Modest dress required, especially in Stone Town. Swim carefully - currents can be strong.

Common scams

Persistent tour guides and touts. Overpriced spice tours. Always negotiate prices before services.

Emergency numbers

Police: 112, Emergency: 114

Customs, etiquette, and what to wear

Local customs

Respect Islamic customs, especially during Ramadan. Remove shoes when entering homes. Ask before photographing people.

Dress code

Modest dress is essential - this is a conservative Muslim area. Cover shoulders and knees in town. Beach resorts are more relaxed.

Tipping

10% at restaurants. Tip boat operators, guides, and hotel staff. Small tips go a long way.

Do's and don'ts

Do: Explore Stone Town, take a spice tour, swim at Nungwi beach. Don't: Wear revealing clothing in town, eat/drink publicly during Ramadan.

Practical info for travelers

Visa

Visa on arrival available for most nationalities. Can also be obtained at Tanzania embassy.

Health

Malaria prophylaxis essential. Drink bottled water only. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are must-haves. Yellow fever certificate may be required.

Useful local phrases

Jambo (Hello), Habari? (How are you?), Asante (Thank you), Karibu (Welcome)

A short history of Zanzibar

Major spice trading center and sadly, a hub of the East African slave trade. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 200 years of architecture.

Plan your trip to Zanzibar with Elvara

Once you have a sense of Zanzibar, the next step is turning the inspiration into a real itinerary: dates, neighborhoods, restaurants, what to pack, and how to get around. That's exactly what Elvara is built for. Tell the app your travel style, dates, and budget, and it produces a personalized day-by-day plan, a packing list tuned to Zanzibar's weather, and a chat that knows Zanzibar's neighborhoods, customs, and quirks.