Zanzibar Island Travel Guide: A Complete Guide to Exploring the Hidden Paradise

Zanzibar Island, located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Tanzania, is composed of over 20 small islands including Unguja and Pemba. It is renowned for its white sandy beaches, spice plantations, Swahili culture, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town. Historically, it served as a crossroads for Arab, Indian, African, and European cultures and was once a hub for the East African slave and spice trades. Activities here include diving, swimming with dolphins, and romantic island getaways. 🕘【Opening Hours】: Stone Town: Open all day, but some historical sites (e.g., Slave Market, House of Wonders) are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Prison Island: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (turtle feeding at 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM). Spice Farms: Usually 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; visiting in the morning is recommended to avoid the heat. Mnemba Atoll (diving/snorkeling): 6:00 AM–3:00 PM (best time is early morning). Forodhani Night Market: 6:00 PM–11:00 PM (best visited in the evening). Recommended stay: 3–5 days (can be combined with a Tanzania mainland safari). 💴【Ticket Prices】: Stone Town: Free, but some attractions (e.g., Slave Market) charge $5–$10. Prison Island: $4 (entry) + $15–$40 (round-trip boat fee). Mnemba Atoll snorkeling: $20–$50 (includes boat and equipment). Spice Farm tour: $10–$15 (includes guided tour). The Rock Restaurant: No entry fee, but meals cost $50–$100 per person. Recent price changes: No major adjustments in 2025, but some activities may cost more during peak season (June–August, December–February). ⛺【Activities】: 1. **Stone Town Exploration** Visit the Arab Fort, Slave Market, and Freddie Mercury’s birthplace (lead singer of Queen). Must-try: Coffee at Jaws Corner and shopping at Darajani Market (spices, seafood auctions). 2. **Prison Island (Changuu Island)** See giant Aldabra tortoises (the oldest is 192 years old!). Snorkeling: Rich coral reefs, great for beginners. 3. **Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling/Diving** Best snorkeling spot to encounter dolphins and tropical fish (100% proposal success rate?). 4. **Forodhani Night Market** Must-try: Zanzibar Pizza, grilled seafood, and sugarcane juice. 5. **Sunset Dhow Cruise (Nungwi Beach)** $10–$20 per person, includes fruit and live music—perfect for Indian Ocean sunsets. 6. **Spice Farm Tour** Learn about clove, nutmeg, and vanilla cultivation; buy fresh spices. 7. **Dolphin Bay (Kizimkazi)** Morning boat trips to swim with wild dolphins (keep a respectful distance). 🚌【Transportation Guide】: ✈️ **By Air**: From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar: ~15 min flight ($50–$70 one-way). International flights via Nairobi/Dubai. ⛴️ **By Ferry**: Dar es Salaam Port → Zanzibar: 2 hours ($35–$40). 🚗 **Local Transport**: Dala-Dala: Local minibus, cheap but crowded ($1–$2). Taxis: Short trips $5–$10 (bargain recommended). Motorbike rental: $15–$20/day (international license required). 👉【Itinerary Suggestions】: **3-Day Classic Trip**: Day 1: Stone Town (historical sites + night market) → Sunset Jumping Spot (watch cliff divers). Day 2: Mnemba snorkeling → Nungwi Beach sunset cruise. Day 3: Prison Island → Spice Farm → Lunch at The Rock Restaurant. **5-Day In-Depth Trip**: Add Pemba Island (Clove Island) or Jozani Forest (see red colobus monkeys). **Accommodation Recommendations**: Luxury: The Residence Zanzibar (private beach), Melia Zanzibar (ocean-view pool). Budget-friendly: Canary Nungwi Hotel (near the beach), Stone Town guesthouses. 🧡【Pre-Trip Checklist】: 📜 **Visa**: On-arrival visa; yellow fever vaccination certificate required (administered at least 10 days prior). 🌞 **Sun Protection**: High-SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (equatorial sun is intense). 💰 **Cash**: Cash preferred (USD/Tanzanian shillings); credit cards only accepted at high-end hotels. **Tips**: Respect local culture (modest dress required in some Stone Town areas). Bargaining is common (markets, taxis). Avoid the long rainy season (April–May, risk of floods). 🔌 **Power Adapter**: UK-style three-pin (230V voltage). #ThisSummerLetsGoToTheBeach