With a UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, beautiful beaches, and a lush national park, the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar is an ideal spot for travelers who want a mix of relaxation, history, and natural discovery. The main city of Stone Town is full of historic structures and is a great place for immersing yourself in local culture. While many of the Zanzibar’s attractions are located in the city, the island is small enough to explore in its entirety—some of the best things to do in Zanzibar include visiting remote beaches, conservation areas, and spice farms.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is between mid-June and September, when the chance of rain is at its lowest. Like elsewhere in the region, there are two rainy seasons: the long rains, which start in March and run until June, and the short rains, which take place in November and December. Note that as Zanzibar is a majority Muslim island, many restaurants are closed during Ramadan, so it’s not the best time for vacationers.
There are all sorts of ways to get around Zanzibar. Taxis are widely available in Stone Town, but they can be harder to find in other parts of the island. If you’re heading out to somewhere further afield, you may wish to book a taxi for the day or go on a guided tour—though budget travelers may prefer to hop aboard dala dala, shared taxis (usually converted trucks or minibusses) that generally run along fixed routes.
If you want to try authentic Zanzibari cuisine, head over to Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town. This well-known spot has an extensive menu of quintessential dishes, from seafood curries to bokoboko, a wheat porridge sweetened with honey. There are also tons of options for vegetarians, including beans, rice, and stewed vegetables. Wash it all down with a glass of date milk or some green grape juice.
