Zanzibar earned its Spice Islands name, and the flavours show it — cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg perfume the cooking. Take a spice farm tour to see them growing.
Street food is a highlight: try Zanzibar pizza (a stuffed, fried crepe), urojo soup and grilled seafood at the Forodhani night market.
Coconut-rich curries, fragrant pilau rice and sweet mandazi doughnuts round out a cuisine that tastes of the Indian Ocean.
📌 Practical info
| 💶 Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) / USD widely accepted |
| 🗣️ Language | Swahili, English |
| 🛂 Visa | Visa on arrival (~$50, 90 days) |
| 🕐 Time zone | EAT (UTC+3) |
| 🔌 Power plug | Type D/G, 230V |
❓ Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June-October (cool dry season) and December-February (hot dry season). Avoid March-May (long rains) and November (short rains).
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Yes — Tanzania visa required. Visa on arrival ~$50 for most nationalities (90 days). E-visa online available.
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Yes — generally safe. Stone Town and beach resorts welcoming. Dress respectfully in Stone Town (mostly Muslim population) — covered shoulders/knees off the beach.
What is Zanzibar famous for?
White sand beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje), Stone Town (UNESCO), spice tours (cloves, vanilla, cinnamon), diving and snorkeling (Mnemba Atoll), kitesurfing (Paje), Freddie Mercury's birthplace.