City guide · Tanzania
Our guide to Zanzibar: Mnemba island and boat excursions, Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, Stone Town and its spice tour, and the beaches of Nungwi, Pingwe and Paje: hours, prices and the best addresses.
Zanzibar is lived between turquoise water and spice-scented lanes.
Between boat excursions off the northeast coast, fishing villages in the southeast, the historic treasures of Stone Town, and the archipelago's finest beaches, the island is explored by zone, at the rhythm of the tides.
Ile de Mnemba · Nakupenda
Two areas of the island, two ways to enjoy the lagoon: snorkeling and sunset cruises.
Snorkeling & dolphins
Off the northeast coast, the flagship excursion remains Mnemba Island: its protected waters, among the richest in Zanzibar, are perfect for snorkeling, with good chances of spotting dolphins. For more of a thrill, a jet ski tour is also on offer.
The evening rendezvous
In the late afternoon, the sunset cruise remains a classic way to admire the sunset from the water. For a fuller day out, head to the private islands: Changuu prison island and its giant tortoise sanctuary, or Nakupenda and Nakupenda bis, two sandbanks reachable by boat excursion. Also not to be missed: Underwater Starfish Paradise, a shallow lagoon where you can spot starfish at low tide. Another easy outing to combine: the starfish tour, a short boat excursion to a sandbank where many starfish gather at low tide (great for photos, with no fins or particular skill level needed).
Zanzibar lets itself be approached by sea first, even before you set foot on the sand.
Already have your travel dates?
That's the Les Voyagistes principle: tell us your dates, and we'll reveal the destinations that are in perfect season: Zanzibar is best visited from June to October.
Find my destinations →Jozani · Paje · Jambiani
Between natural caves, a national park, and fishing villages, the southeast coast is explored at a gentle pace, often on foot or by tuk-tuk.
Vieille ville UNESCO · Portes sculptées
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town's old quarter is a maze of lanes, Swahili architecture, and reminders of its past as a spice-trading post.
The spice route
Zanzibar owes its nickname "the spice island" to its clove, vanilla, cinnamon, and pepper plantations. The spice tour takes you through a plantation to smell and taste the spices at the source, guided by a local grower.
A centuries-old craft
Almost every facade hides one of these carved wooden doors, studded with brass motifs, that make up Stone Town's signature look. Inherited from Swahili, Arab, and Indian traditions, they were once a sign of wealth and social status (the more elaborate the floral motifs and engraved chains, the more prosperity a house displayed). Just look up while wandering the lanes to spot dozens of them, each one different.
A map, addresses, your pace
Excursions, hotels, beaches, and great addresses: tell us what you like, and we'll put the trip together.
Plan my trip →Nungwi · Pingwe · Paje
Every beach in the archipelago has its own mood: lively in the north, peaceful in the west, sporty in the southeast.
The liveliest
Without a doubt the best-known (and therefore most touristy) beach in the whole archipelago. No surprise there, since it's absolutely stunning, and unlike many other Zanzibar beaches, swimming stays possible all day long. Located in the north of the island, it's also one of the liveliest spots, with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Tides and village life
On the east coast, Pingwe stands out for its spectacular tides: the sea sometimes retreats several hundred meters, revealing a shallow lagoon where fishing dhows and sandbanks come into view. A beach to experience at the rhythm of the tide, between walks through the lagoon and village life all around.
The water-sports spot
A very long beach, very exposed to the wind, set in a magnificent natural landscape. It's a delight for kitesurfers and fans of many other water sports.
Zanzibar isn't seen in a week: it's savored, one beach at a time.