Heading to Zanzibar? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip:
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 3–4 days
- Best for: Beach lovers, culture explorers, adventurous foodies
- Why visit: Exotic beaches, easy solo navigation, and endless historic charm
ZANZIBAR AT A GLANCE
- Population/Size: ~1.6 million people; largest island is Unguja
- History/Culture: Ancient Swahili crossroads, once a spice and slave trading hub
- Famous for: White sand beaches, Stone Town, spices, legendary sunsets
- Nicknames: “Spice Island” / “Zanzy”
- Solo Vibe/Safety: Laid-back, friendly; very walkable, but watch valuables in crowds and dress modestly
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- 🗣 Language: Swahili & English widely spoken
- 🌦 Best time to visit: June–October (dry, best for beaches & exploring); Dec–Feb also warm & sunny
- ✈️ From airport:
- Taxi: 30,000–40,000 TZS (to Stone Town, agree fare up front)
- Dala-dala: Super cheap but crowded, backpacker-style
- 🧳 Safety: Solo-friendly, avoid isolated beaches/alleys at night, use official taxis
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: July–August for Mwaka Kogwa (New Year in Makunduchi) or Sauti za Busara music festival (Feb)
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “Queen of Katwe” (filmed in East Africa, all heart)
VISAS & INSURANCE
- Visa: Apply for Tanzania’s e-Visa online before arrival (official site)
- Single entry: $50 USD (valid 90 days)
- Multiple entry: $100 USD (required for US nationals even for one-time visits)
- Return ticket required on arrival
- Zanzibar mandatory travel insurance: Must buy from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation
- Cost: $44 USD (valid 92 days)
- Purchase online before you go (link) to avoid airport queues
- Compulsory for all travelers to Zanzibar, even if insured elsewhere (not needed for mainland Tanzania)
- Tip: Print your e-visa, insurance, and return ticket for border checks
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Bottoms Up Hostel – Social boutique hostel in Stone Town, rooftop views, safe & central
- 🏘️ Stone Town – The historic soul: buzzing markets, nightlife, safe, perfect for exploring by foot
- 🧭 Paje/Jambiani – Chill, boho beach towns with hostels & kite-surfing; meet travelers, fewer crowds
- 💸 Green’s Guesthouse – Budget, clean, communal, close to Stone Town’s action
- Tip: Always check reviews for safety, especially if booking beach huts solo
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Stone Town = strolling paradise (narrow lanes, everything close); beaches more spread out
- 🚌 Dala-dala: Backpacker-friendly, ~TZS 500–2,000 per ride, can get creative but cramped!
- 🚋 No trams/metros – local buses and taxis only
- 🚖 Taxis: Agree fare before riding (no meter), use colored taxis or hotel pick-ups
- 🚲 Rentals: Bikes/scooters easy to rent ($10–20/day); ride coastal roads Nungwi/Jambiani for freedom
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Stone Town’s Old Fort – Marvel at centuries-old Swahili and Omani history, solo-friendly tours
- 🌿 Jozani Forest walk – An easy safe stroll among Red Colobus monkeys, nature at its purest
- 🧠 Spice Tour – Smell, taste, laugh, and learn on a group tour (fun for mingling!)
- 🧭 Nungwi Beach sunset walk – Stunning west coast walk, safe, solo-friendly, tons of little bars to stop at
- 🎨 Forodhani Gardens at dusk – Join the locals, taste street food, people-watch by the harbor
- 🔀 Dhow sunset cruise – Mingle or zone out on Zanzibar’s classic sailing experience
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ House of Wonders – Currently closed for renovations, you’ll just stare at scaffolding
- ❌ Crowded souvenir markets – Tourist traps, better bargains and authentic finds in side streets
- ❌ Full moon parties if solo introvert – Loud, late nights—skip unless party is your thing!
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Lukmaan Restaurant – Laid-back, casual, local faves like biryani and fresh juice, comfy for solos
- 🥃 6 Degrees South – Rooftop with good music, chilled sundowners, local crowd
- 🍽️ Try these foods: Zanzibari biryani & spiced seafood (try at The Rock or Forodhani food night market stalls)
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Forodhani Gardens market (evenings) – street eats, seafood, under $5
- 🥦 Veg/Vegan: Puzzle Coffee Shop – Great salads, vegan cakes, easy for solo laptop time
- 🍸 Nightcap: Taarab Restaurant (Stone Town rooftops) – cocktails, romantic view, low-key vibe
BEST OF ZANZIBAR IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Coffee and ocean air at the Stone Town waterfront
- Morning: Get lost in Stone Town’s alleys and visit Old Fort
- Lunch: Feast at Lukmaan (or local shack)
- Afternoon: Dala-dala or taxi to Jozani Forest Reserve for monkeys & jungle bliss
- Evening: Return, explore Forodhani Gardens at dusk for street food
- Dinner: Beachfront table at The Rock or rooftop at Taarab
- Night: Chill at a rooftop bar or join a communal dhow cruise
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival/Seasonal: Sauti za Busara (Feb): Africa’s coolest music party, super friendly for solos
- 📍 Hidden Gem: Prison Island – Not just the tortoises, but stellar snorkelling and views
- 📷 Photo Spot: Stone Town’s carved doors + Nungwi Beach sunsets
- 🧠 Etiquette: Dress modestly in town (cover knees/shoulders), even at the market
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Avoid deserted beaches after dark, use trusted taxis, always drink bottled water
- 👀 One last thing: Taste every spice, catch every sunset, and always follow the music—you’re on the Spice Island after all!