Zanzibar Island, also known as Unguja, is one of East Africa’s most captivating destinations, located approximately 36 kilometers (22 miles) off the Tanzanian mainland in the Indian Ocean. Covering an area of about 1,666 square kilometers (643 square miles), it forms part of the Zanzibar Archipelago alongside Pemba Island and several smaller islets. Famed for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, historic Stone Town, and lush spice plantations, Zanzibar stands as both a cultural and ecological gem. At Mountains 2 Marshes Expeditions, we proudly guide travelers through this island paradise where tropical beauty meets centuries of vibrant history.

History of Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar’s rich history is a remarkable blend of African, Arab, Persian, and European influences, shaped over a thousand years of trade and cultural exchange. From as early as the 8th century, the island was a thriving hub for Swahili culture and maritime commerce, attracting merchants from Arabia, India, and Persia. By the 17th century, Zanzibar had become part of the Omani Sultanate, establishing itself as the world’s leading exporter of spices, ivory, and slaves.

The magnificent Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, stands as a living testimony to this layered history, with its narrow winding streets, coral stone architecture, and elaborately carved wooden doors. Zanzibar later became a British protectorate before achieving independence in 1963, and soon after uniting with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Today, Zanzibar remains a symbol of heritage, resilience, and cultural coexistence, inviting visitors to step back in time while embracing the warmth of island life.

Geography and Area Coverage

• Total Area: 1,666 square kilometers (643 square miles)
• Location: 36 km east of mainland Tanzania, separated by the Zanzibar Channel
• Capital: Zanzibar City, home to the historic Stone Town
• Climate: Tropical coastal climate, 25°C–33°C year-round
• Seasons:
  • Long rains: March–May
  • Short rains: November–December
  • Dry seasons (best for travel): June–October and January–February

Zanzibar’s landscape features white sandy beaches, coral reefs, mangrove forests, tropical plantations, and gentle rolling hills, creating habitats that support diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife.

How to Get There

Reaching Zanzibar is easy and convenient:

• By Air: Flights from Dar es Salaam take about 20–30 minutes. Zanzibar is also connected to Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Nairobi, Doha, and Dubai through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
• By Ferry: High-speed ferries operate daily between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, taking around 2 hours across the Zanzibar Channel.
• By Private Charter: For those seeking exclusivity, private boats and luxury yachts offer scenic sea transfers.

Attractions and Highlights

Stone Town

The beating heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is a living museum of Swahili culture. Its maze-like streets reveal grand historical buildings, vibrant markets, and a captivating mix of cultures. Key sites include:

• The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
• The House of Wonders (Beit el Ajaib)
• The Sultan’s Palace Museum
• The Forodhani Night Market

A guided walking tour through Stone Town with Mountains 2 Marshes Expeditions offers an immersive journey through time and tradition.

The Spice Plantations

Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar’s fertile plantations produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla. Our guided spice tours let visitors discover the island’s aromatic heritage seeing, smelling, and tasting spices while learning their uses in medicine, cooking, and cosmetics.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

About 35 kilometers south of Zanzibar City lies Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, mangrove ecosystems, and tropical forests. As the island’s only national park, it plays a key role in biodiversity conservation and offers nature walks through its lush greenery.

Pristine Beaches

Zanzibar’s coastline boasts some of the world’s most spectacular beaches:

• Nungwi & Kendwa (North): Great for swimming, sunset views, and nightlife.
• Paje & Jambiani (East): Perfect for kitesurfing, snorkeling, and diving.
• Kizimkazi (South): Known for dolphin encounters.
• Pwani Mchangani (Northeast): Ideal for tranquility and luxury stays.

Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve

Off the northeast coast lies Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine park famous for snorkeling, scuba diving, and marine photography. The atoll’s coral gardens teem with sea turtles, colorful fish, and other marine species making it one of Zanzibar’s most breathtaking underwater destinations.

Culture and People

The people of Zanzibar are predominantly Swahili, with African, Arab, and Indian influences shaping their culture. Swahili language, infused with Arabic expressions, reflects this multicultural heritage. Islam is the main religion, guiding the island’s modest and welcoming social norms. Traditional Taarab music, Swahili cuisine, and vibrant festivals such as the Sauti za Busara Music Festival and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) highlight the island’s rich artistic and cultural identity.

Ecology and Biodiversity

Zanzibar’s ecosystem combines marine and terrestrial habitats that support exceptional biodiversity:

• Marine Life: Dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, and over 500 reef fish species.
• Forests: Home to the Zanzibar red colobus, Sykes’ monkeys, bushbabies, and diverse birdlife.
• Mangroves and Coral Reefs: Crucial for coastal protection and sustaining local fisheries.

Mountains 2 Marshes Expeditions promotes sustainable tourism, partnering with community and conservation projects that preserve Zanzibar’s fragile environments.

Activities in Zanzibar

Visitors can enjoy a range of experiences, including:

• Relaxing on idyllic beaches
• Exploring spice farms and local villages
• Diving, snorkeling, and dolphin watching
• Cultural tours in Stone Town
• Sunset dhow cruises
• Kite surfing and fishing
• Eco and conservation excursions

Each experience offers a deeper connection to Zanzibar’s natural charm and cultural warmth.

Practical Visitor Information

• Best Time to Visit: June–October and December–February
• Travel from Dar es Salaam: 2 hours by ferry or 30 minutes by flight
• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), with USD widely accepted
• Accommodation: From cozy guesthouses in Stone Town to luxurious beachfront resorts in Nungwi and Paje
• Health Tips: Take anti-malarial precautions and drink bottled water

Why Visit Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar is more than a beach escape it’s a destination where history, culture, and nature intertwine harmoniously. From the coral-stone alleys of Stone Town to the spice-scented plantations and turquoise shores, the island captivates every kind of traveler.

At Mountains 2 Marshes Expeditions, we invite you to experience Zanzibar through our thoughtfully curated tours that blend heritage exploration, marine adventure, and pure relaxation promising an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s most beautiful coastal paradise.