I first travelled to Zanzibar in January 2021, and absolutely fell in love with the island. I've lived there for almost 2 years as a solo female, and have tried most of the popular tours across the island.
I get a lot of questions via social media about suggestions on what to do and where to stay, so I created this ultimate guide to help you plan your trip! All hotels mentioned, I have actually slept in. I do not want to recommend a hotel I have not actually stayed in. I wish I could've had time to check out more, but there are hundreds of hotels just on the island! I've had a full time job my entire time here, so I haven't had the time to stay in as many as I would've liked to give you a good amount of options. I will continue to update this guide but for the most up to date and best information, always go to my Instagram and TikTok .
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make on their trip to Zanzibar is booking activities too far from where they're staying. Although a smaller island, you don't want to spend 2 hours driving each way to an excursion when you could be staying right there! I've broken up the island into 4 main areas; Stone Town - Central Zanzibar, North Zanzibar (Kendwa & Nungwi), South Zanzibar (Paje & Jambiani), and East Zanzibar (Kiwengwa & Pongwe). These areas have the infrastructure that most tourists are used to/expecting. interms of comfort and things. todo.
There is a lot of information in this guide, and I'm sure it can be overwhelming even once you've read it all. At the bottom of this blog post, there will be links to entire itineraries I have created, based on your length of stay in Zanzibar.
About Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania, Africa. It is made up of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, and several smaller islands. The island of Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island, is the most developed and is home to the capital city, Stone Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stone Town is known for its narrow alleys, colourful houses, and historic sites such as the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. The island also boasts white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and is a popular destination for diving and snorkelling. Pemba Island is known for its lush vegetation and is a popular destination for eco-tourism. Zanzibar's culture is a blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences and is known for its spices, particularly cloves. The island is also famous for its Swahili culture and the Zanzibar Archipelago has a rich history of trade, which is reflected in the architecture, language, and customs of the local people.
The local language is Swahili, but local schools also teach English and Arabic, so most Zanzibari people will know at least basic communication in these languages as well.
The culture of Zanzibar is 99% Muslim. Read on for more information on how this impacts what you wear while on the island, and how it can affect your entire trip if you visit during Ramadan.
Stone Town
Stone Town Activities
Stone Town Hotels
North Zanzibar
North Zanzibar Activities
North Zanzibar Hotels
South Zanzibar
South Zanzibar Activities
South Zanzibar Hotels
East Zanzibar Info & Hotels
Activities to AVOID
Giving Money/Gifts to Children
Taking Photos Of Local People
How to Dress
Currency
Safety
Tides
Ramadan
Weather
Internet & Wi-Fi
Modes of Transportation
Visas
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