Zanzibar
Currency
TZS
Language
Swahili, English
Timezone
Dar es_Salaam
Continent
Africa
Discover Zanzibar
Stone Town is a maze of lanes you will inevitably get lost in, and that is the right way to see it. The town was the capital of the Omani sultanate and East Africa's principal slave market — the Old Slave Market keeps the holding chambers beneath the Anglican church built on the site. The House of Wonders was the first building in East Africa with electricity and a lift. The Portuguese Old Fort, the Old Dispensary with its fretted balconies, the Sultan's Palace and St. Joseph's Cathedral hold the seafront, where Forodhani Park comes alive at dusk.
When to go
June to October, the dry, cooler season: the best stretch. The long rains fall March to May and can be heavy, the short ones in November. December to February is hot and humid, but also the season for the clearest diving. The island sits near the equator: twelve-hour days all year, and night falls at once.
Getting around
Stone Town is walked and only walked — the lanes are too narrow for a car and no map renders them properly. Getting lost is part of it; the sea is the reference point. For the rest of the island, dala-dalas, shared minibuses, are the local option and private taxis the visitor's, at a price agreed beforehand. The northern and eastern beaches are an hour to ninety minutes away.
Where to eat
The archipelago is called the Spice Islands and it is not a figure of speech: cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg have been grown here since the 19th century. The cooking mixes Swahili, Arab, Indian and Portuguese influences — pilau, biryani and coconut fish curries show it. The evening market at Forodhani serves skewers and "Zanzibar pizza" facing the sea. No halal address is listed in our data, which means nothing here: Zanzibar is over ninety per cent Muslim and the label has no purpose.
Good to know
The Tanzanian shilling is the currency, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere for tourist services. Clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected in Stone Town, away from beaches and hotels: this is a conservative Muslim society and the courtesy is visible. Ramadan changes the hours and many restaurants close during the day. And the power supply is irregular, with frequent cuts.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar
Top Activities in Zanzibar
museumHouse of Wonders
landmarkOld Dispensary
landmarkSt. Joseph's Cathedral
museumOld Fort
museumSultan's Palace
landmarkChrist Church
landmarkHamamni Persian Baths
Freddie Mercury's House
landmarkFriday Mosque
Hansing House
museumOld Slave Market
landmarkTippu Tip's House
landmark