Stone Town
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Town | Lanes, carved wooden doors and houses of Omani and Arab character, on the World Heritage list. | West of the island |
| Forodhani Gardens | A seafront garden and a seafood market at sunset. | Stone Town waterfront |
| Prison Island (Changuu) | Giant, long-lived tortoises on a small island nearby. | About 30 minutes by boat |
| A spice tour | Discover cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg on the farms where they grow. | Near Stone Town |
Beaches and nature
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Nungwi and Kendwa | The island's loveliest beaches in the north, good for swimming most of the time. | North Zanzibar |
| Paje beach | White sand and wide tides, a favourite for wind sports. | East Zanzibar |
| Mnemba Atoll | Snorkelling trips among reefs and colourful fish, and sometimes dolphins. | North-east Zanzibar |
| Jozani Forest | A tropical forest home to the rare red colobus monkey. | Central Zanzibar |
Tips before you go
- You need a Tanzania e-visa or visa on arrival, plus Zanzibar's mandatory entry insurance (USD 44 per adult).
- The best time is June to October, and December to February.
- The northern beaches suit swimming best, as the tides on the east coast are wide.
Hotels in Zanzibar
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Zanzibar?
Stone Town, Forodhani Gardens, the beaches of Nungwi, Kendwa and Paje, Prison Island, spice tours, Jozani Forest and Mnemba Atoll.
Is Zanzibar insurance mandatory?
Yes, entry insurance is mandatory for every foreign visitor, at USD 44 per adult.
Which Zanzibar beaches are best for swimming?
The northern beaches such as Nungwi and Kendwa, where the tides are smaller.
Planning your trip to Zanzibar? Read Travel to Zanzibar (Tanzania) from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.