The travel guide to Zanzibar
Your Ultimate Zanzibar Travel Guide & Itinerary
After more than a year of full-time traveling around the world, exploring all continents and some of Earth’s greatest wonders, finally we landed in Africa — specifically, on one of the most magical islands of all: Zanzibar. Just off the coast of Tanzania, in fact, this island has everything you dream of — crystal-clear turquoise water, palm-fringed beaches, vibrant villages, spice plantations, and centuries of Swahili culture. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip, this comprehensive Travel guide Zanzibar and detailed Zanzibar itinerary is your perfect starting point. Consequently, in this travel guide, we’ll take you along our complete Zanzibar in Tanzania trip — from the quiet southern beaches to the lively north and the historical Stone Town.
Where we stayed: Close to Kizimkazi & Dimbani Beach
We stayed in the Southwestern corner of the island, in a peaceful local village called Kizimkazi. Our accommodation, Bella Vista Resort, was surrounded by lush gardens and overlooked the Indian Ocean.
Right in front of our hotel was Dimbani Beach — a perfect first glimpse of local life in Zanzibar. Fishermen head out early every morning, kids play in the sand, and women in colorful dresses walk along the shore collecting shells.
If you want to experience authentic Zanzibari life away from the crowds, this is the place to be.
Exploring the East Coast: Jambiani & Paje
We rented a small car to explore more of the island, starting with the East coast.
Our first stop was Jambiani, a charming fishing village with boutique hotels, local restaurants, and happy kids playing on the beach. Thanks to the constant breeze, this is also a kite-surfing paradise.
Just a few kilometers north you’ll find Paje Beach — famous for its endless white sandbanks and shallow blue water that stretches hundreds of meters out to sea.
If you’re into water sports, beach bars, or simply want to relax with your feet in the sand, Paje is one of the best places to stay.
Hidden Bays & Blue Paradise
Between Paje and Jambiani we discovered hidden beaches surrounded by palm trees and coral rocks. At low tide, the coral reefs reveal themselves, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or drone photography. These quiet southern bays show Zanzibar’s untouched beauty, far away from the touristic north.
The North: Nungwi & Kendwa Beaches
After a few relaxed days in the South, we drove 80 kilometers North to discover Zanzibar’s most famous beaches — Nungwi and Kendwa.
Nungwi Beach, located at the very northern tip, truly feels like paradise: crystal-clear water, powder-white sand, beach bars, and sunsets straight out of a postcard. It’s no surprise that most honeymooners choose this area.
Just 15 minutes away lies Kendwa Beach, a little less crowded but equally stunning. We parked our car right on the sand — something you can only do in Africa! From the drone, we could see traditional fishing dhows, Maasai men in their red robes, and endless turquoise waters.
This part of Zanzibar combines luxury with local life — two worlds living side by side in perfect harmony.
The South Coast & Matende Beach
One of our favorite discoveries was Matende Beach, on the far south coast. Hidden between baobab trees and rocky cliffs, it’s one of the island’s most photogenic spots. The giant boulders, turquoise sea, and white sand make it perfect for a photo shoot or a peaceful morning swim.
Tip: go early! Having a rental car allows you to visit these places before the crowds arrive.
Jozani Forest – The Red Colobus Monkeys
Driving North again, we passed through Jozani Forest, the only National park on the island and home to the rare red colobus monkeys, which can only be found in Zanzibar. Keep your eyes open — they often jump between the trees right next to the road!
Stone Town – History & Culture
No visit to Zanzibar is complete without a stop in Stone Town, the UNESCO World Heritage capital.
This old quarter is full of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, spice markets, and Arabic architecture.
But Stone Town also has a darker side — it was once the center of the East African slave trade. Today, museums and monuments here stand as reminders of that tragic past.
One of the must-see places is Freddie Mercury’s birth house, located right in the old town. The legendary Queen singer was born here as Farrokh Bulsara before moving to England.
Final Thoughts and our Video Travel Guide
Zanzibar is truly a tropical paradise — a place where African culture meets turquoise lagoons, and every beach feels like a dream. Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, or total relaxation, this island offers it all.
From the quiet fishermen’s villages in the South to the luxurious resorts in the North, Zanzibar is absolutely one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
Watch our complete Zanzibar in Tanzania Travel Guide video below to see all these highlights, our family experiences, and tips for your own trip.
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