Zanzibar
Zanzibar — officially Unguja island — is where African, Arab, Indian, and European influences swirl together in a spice-scented haze. Stone Town's labyrinth of narrow streets opens onto Omani-style carved doors and rooftop restaurants overlooking the Indian Ocean. Beyond the old town, the east coast has some of the world's most photogenic beaches — think white sand, turquoise water, and dhow sailboats. The island's history as a spice trade hub and its darker slave trade past add layers to the paradise.
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Zanzibar travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Zanzibar?
4 to 5 days. Day one: Stone Town walking tour — the House of Wonders, Old Fort, Darajani Market, and the slave trade memorial. Day two: spice tour ($20-30, see where cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla grow), Prison Island by boat for giant tortoises ($35-50 including boat). Day three-four: beach time — Nungwi or Kendwa on the north coast for swimming and sunset, or Paje and Jambiani on the east for kitesurfing and low tide walks. Day five: Jozani Forest for red colobus monkeys ($12), The Rock restaurant for lunch (book ahead, it's on a rock in the ocean).
Is Zanzibar expensive?
Very affordable outside the luxury resorts. Budget guesthouses from $20-40/night, mid-range hotels $60-120, beachfront resorts $150-400+. Stone Town food is cheap — Forodhani Gardens night market has grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza (stuffed crepe), and sugarcane juice for $2-5 per item. Restaurant meals run $8-15. The biggest costs are activities: diving ($60-80 per dive), snorkeling trips ($25-40), and transfers between Stone Town and the beaches ($15-25 by shared minibus). Zanzibar charges a $2 infrastructure tax per night of stay.
What's Zanzibar pizza?
Despite the name, it's nothing like Italian pizza. It's a thin crepe-like dough stuffed with minced meat, vegetables, egg, and sometimes cheese or Nutella for the sweet version, then folded and fried on a griddle. You'll find it at Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town for TZS 3,000-8,000 ($1.20-3.20). The savory version is better. While you're at the night market, get the grilled octopus (TZS 5,000/$2) and fresh sugarcane juice. The market fires up at sunset and is the best cheap eating experience on the island.