Zanzibar is known for its white-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, snorkeling excursions, historic Stone Town and famous spice farms. But what is a Zanzibar vacation really like—and is it worth adding to your African itinerary?

We visited Zanzibar after traveling through Kenya and spending several days at Diani Beach. By that point, we had been traveling continuously for months and needed somewhere to slow down, rest and recharge before returning home.

The fact that we were looking for a place to relax and recharge, changed how we visited Zanzibar vs someone that was visiting Zanzibar for a vacation. We were looking to chill and relax.

We stayed on Nungwi Beach, which is on the Northern tip of the island known for its turquoise colored waters and white sandy beaches.

We didn’t see everything. In fact, one of our biggest regrets was not visiting Stone Town or the Freddie Mercury Museum. But we’ll explain why we made that decision, what we would do differently next time and how we think first-time visitors should plan a Zanzibar vacation.

Is Zanzibar Worth Visiting?

Yes, Zanzibar is worth visiting—especially if you want a beach destination that offers more than a resort and a swimming pool.

Zanzibar combines beaches and snorkeling with history, culture, traditional dhow boat excursions, a rich cultural history, and the unique architecture of Stone Town. It can work as a standalone vacation or as a beach extension following a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

However, Zanzibar may not be the right choice for everyone.

The island requires more planning than some beach destinations. You’ll need to account for its entry requirements, airport procedures and rough roads across the island. The public beaches can be busy with vendors, the tides affect swimming and walking conditions, and everyday life outside the resort looks very different from life inside it.

Those things aren’t necessarily negatives. They’re simply a realistic part of visiting Zanzibar that isn't always captured in the hotel brochures.

Getting to Zanzibar from Kenya

We flew to Zanzibar from Mombasa after spending several days at Diani Beach in Kenya. You will likely fly on a smaller aircraft such as Safarilink or Jambojet.

The flight to Zanzibar was relatively straightforward. The surprise came after we landed.

Don’t Forget the Mandatory Zanzibar Travel Insurance

We had completed our Tanzania visa paperwork before leaving home and thought we had everything needed to enter Zanzibar.

We didn’t.

After arriving, we were asked to provide proof of Zanzibar’s mandatory inbound travel insurance. This isn’t the same as showing proof of a travel insurance policy purchased through your usual provider. Visitors are required to purchase the specific policy designated by Zanzibar.

We didn’t know about the requirement, so we had to stand in the airport and complete the application on our phones after a long travel day. The website wasn’t especially easy to navigate, and the policy cost us approximately $45 per person.

The requirement was introduced in late 2024, but entry rules and prices can change. Check the official Zanzibar inbound travel insurance website before your departure. Even if you already have travel insurance through another provider, Zanzibar requires that you have their specific policy. Let's call it what it is - an additional entry tax.

Our advice is simple:

• Purchase the required policy before leaving home.

• Save the confirmation and QR code to your phone.

• Take a screenshot so you can access it without airport Wi-Fi.

• Make sure every traveler has access to their individual documentation.

Completing this before your trip should make your arrival much easier.

What to Expect at the Zanzibar Airport

The immigration and customs process felt somewhat chaotic during our arrival. Travelers were processed individually, and officials requested specific information about where we were staying.

Before anyone in your group reaches the counter, make sure each traveler has:

• The hotel name

• The hotel’s location and address

• Reservation information

• The dates and length of the stay

• A copy of the required insurance confirmation

Don’t assume one person can keep all the information for the entire group. Put the details in a shared note or send screenshots to everyone before landing.

We had arranged transportation through our hotel, and our driver was waiting outside the airport. We recommend arranging a transfer in advance, particularly if you’re staying in Nungwi or another part of the island that requires a longer drive.

The Drive from Zanzibar Airport to Nungwi

Nungwi is on the northern end of Zanzibar, approximately 90 minutes from the airport under typical conditions.

The drive gives visitors an immediate view of daily life outside the resort areas. If you have never traveled in a developing country, some of what you see may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

The roads may be rough. You may pass homes without running water or electricity, and the homes and villages may look very different from what you’re accustomed to seeing. While the basic concept of walls and a roof are the same, the construction will be very different. During our most recent trip to Kenya, we worked with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for a family in a remote village. It was absolutely amazing, what they were able to do without all of the tools that are used in developed countries such as the US, or in the EU. And in many villages, the materials used to create those walls and roofs are basically whatever they are able to find. Just being honest, it will look rough.

The Tanzanian and Kenyan culture is very social. People leave their homes in the evenings and go into the villages to eat, shop, or socialize. You will see a lot of people walking on the streets or standing around these shops and restaurants. This is normal everyday life for them.

This isn’t a judgment that one way of life is better than another. It’s a reality travelers should understand before arriving if they have never traveled to a developing country before.

We never felt unsafe. We have visited similar communities in other parts of the world and understood that we were seeing everyday life rather than the carefully presented version of Zanzibar shown in resort advertisements. Once you get to the resort, it will be almost exactly like what you have seen on social media or the resort's marketing.

If this is your first visit to East Africa, remember that feeling unsettled isn’t the same as being unsafe. Travel often asks us to encounter places that are different from our own with curiosity instead of comparison.

Should You Stay in Nungwi or Stone Town?

One of the biggest decisions when planning a Zanzibar vacation is where to stay.

Before our trip, we debated whether to stay closer to Stone Town or travel north to Nungwi. Staying near Stone Town would have made the airport transfer easier and allowed us to explore Zanzibar’s historic center.

However, our research kept pointing us toward Nungwi for the beaches, clear water and access to snorkeling excursions. Because this was intended to be the relaxing portion of our trip, Nungwi better matched our priorities.

Choose Nungwi if you want:

• A beach-focused vacation

• Turquoise water and white sand

• Snorkeling and dhow boat excursions

• A resort experience

• Time to relax after a safari or extended trip

Choose Stone Town if you want:

• History and architecture

• Markets, restaurants and local culture

• Easier access to the airport

• The Freddie Mercury Museum

• A convenient base for cultural tours and spice farms

If you have enough time, we recommend dividing your stay between the two areas. You’ll spend less time repeatedly crossing the island and get to experience two very different sides of Zanzibar.

Our Stay at Turaco Nungwi Beach Resort

We used Marriott points to stay at Turaco Nungwi Beach Resort, a Marriott-affiliated property located directly on the beach.

The resort has an open-air welcome area with tall thatched roofs, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar and loungers near the beach under tiki-style umbrellas. We received excellent service from the staff and the beachside bar throughout our stay.

It was exactly what we needed after months of continuous travel.

The resort offered several meal plans:

• Bed and breakfast

• Half board

• All-inclusive

We selected half board, which included breakfast and dinner. That worked well for us because we didn’t want to leave the resort every evening, and we often didn’t need a full lunch.

Drinks weren’t included with our plan, so remember to account for those separately when comparing prices.

Zanzibar was more expensive than Diani Beach, but we still found the cost reasonable compared with many international beachfront destinations.

What Is Nungwi Beach Really Like?

Nungwi’s water really is a beautiful turquoise color. It was very clear during our stay, and we even found bright red starfish close to the shore.

We spent considerably more time in the ocean in Zanzibar than we had at Diani Beach.

There are, however, a few things you should know.

Bring Water Shoes

The beach has areas of soft sand, but the bottom becomes rocky once you enter the water. You may also encounter coral and uneven surfaces.

Water shoes made swimming and exploring near the shoreline much more comfortable.

Pay Attention to the Tides

The tides significantly affect the beach.

At low tide, you can walk farther along the shoreline. At high tide, portions of the beach can become narrow or completely cut off. A route that was accessible earlier in the day may not be available when you return.

Check the local tide schedule before taking a long walk.

Expect Beach Vendors

Vendors generally didn’t approach us while we remained within the resort’s immediate beach area and there were security staff positioned close to the beach. Once we started walking along the public beach, however, we received plenty of attention.

Vendors may offer:

• Handcrafted souvenirs

• Bracelets and jewelry

• Boat trips

• Snorkeling excursions

• Massages

• Other tours and services

Everyone who approached us was friendly, but they were also persistent. A polite “no” may begin a longer conversation instead of ending it.

We never felt unsafe, but it was difficult to take a peaceful walk without being approached. Be friendly, firm and consistent if you aren’t interested. They will still want to become your new best friend.

Booking Boat Trips from the Beach

Traditional dhows and fishing boats frequently anchored just offshore. Local captains also offered excursions directly from the beach.

The resort didn’t recommend booking those boats because it couldn’t verify the captains’ credentials, safety equipment or insurance. That doesn’t mean every independent captain is unsafe, but you should understand who is responsible for the excursion before getting aboard.

We booked our excursion in advance through Viator because we wanted to read reviews and verify the details before the trip.

Dream Dhow

Our Dream Dhow Snorkeling Excursion

Our private Dream Dhow excursion was the highlight of our time in Zanzibar.

A dhow is a traditional sailing vessel associated with the Indian Ocean and East African coast. Because we booked a private trip, we had the boat to ourselves and could enjoy the day at our own pace.

The crew was phenomenal. They had a JBL speaker and invited us to play our own music. We asked what they preferred, and everyone quickly agreed that Bob Marley was the perfect soundtrack for the day.

We traveled to the waters near Mnemba Island for snorkeling. We didn’t visit the private island itself, but we snorkeled offshore in clear water filled with fish and other marine life.

We saw clownfish swimming among the anemones and had enough visibility to slow down and watch what was happening beneath the surface.

While we were swimming, the crew prepared lunch aboard the boat. They cooked fresh lobster over a charcoal fire grill directly on the deck. They also serve chicken and other fish in the event that you have an allergy. Between the meat and all of the local sides, it was more than we could eat. Thankfully the crew was able to enjoy some of it as well.

Sailing through turquoise water, listening to music, snorkeling and eating fresh lobster prepared in front of us made this one of our most memorable experiences in Zanzibar.

At the end of the trip, the crew dropped us directly on the beach in front of our resort instead of returning us to the original departure point. I don't think this was normal, but they go out of their way to make sure that you have an enjoyable trip.

A private charter is a splurge, I believe we paid around $400 USD, but shared dhow excursions offer a more affordable way to experience many of the same areas and the same great crew. Make sure that you plan to have cash to give the crew a tip at the end of the trip. It isn't expected, but it is incredibly appreciated.

Everyday Life on Nungwi Beach

Some of our favorite moments in Nungwi weren’t part of a resort activity or organized excursion.

Every afternoon before the tide came back in, locals soccer gathered on the beach for a friendly soccer match. A few people would arrive, then a few more, and eventually a full match would take place in the sand with the Indian Ocean behind it.

This was around the beginning of World Cup excitement, but soccer appeared to be part of the island’s daily life. Zanzibar football jerseys were everywhere. In the villages you would find bars and restaurants with big screen tvs showing football matches. We had assumed it was World Cup, but one local told us that they were probably watching a local match.

The fishing boats, traditional dhows and afternoon soccer games reminded us that the beach wasn’t just for visitors. It was part of the community’s everyday life.

Why We Recommend a Village or Cultural Tour

There can be a dramatic contrast between life inside a Zanzibar resort and life in the surrounding villages.

A responsible village or cultural tour can help replace assumptions with understanding. Seeing a community through a shuttle window gives you one impression. Walking with a local guide who can explain how people live, work and raise their families provides much-needed context.

A conversation with a resort staff member during our village experience stayed with Scott long after the tour.

When selecting a cultural experience:

• Look for a community-led tour.

• Ask how the community benefits.

• Request permission before photographing anyone.

• Be particularly careful when photographing children.

• Listen more than you speak.

• Avoid treating someone’s daily life as entertainment.

One of the most important lessons from our visit was that traveling well means embracing places that are different rather than expecting them to be the same.

Our Biggest Regret: Missing Stone Town

We didn’t visit Stone Town during this trip, and we don’t want to present this section as though we experienced it firsthand.

The distance from Nungwi would have required us to dedicate a significant portion of a day to the trip. After months of continuous travel, we made the conscious decision to use Zanzibar as a place of rest and rejuvenation before returning home.

At the time, that was the correct decision. Looking back, not visiting Stone Town—and particularly not visiting the Freddie Mercury Museum—is one of our only regrets.

Stone Town is Zanzibar’s historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow streets and distinctive buildings reflect centuries of African, Arab, Indian and European influence. The historic area is also known for its carved wooden doors, markets and waterfront.

Freddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar. The Freddie Mercury Museum in Stone Town explores his roots and early life before he became Queen’s legendary lead singer.

If Stone Town is important to you, consider staying there for at least one night rather than making a long round trip from Nungwi.

Should You Take a Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour?

We also didn’t visit one of Zanzibar’s spice farms, so this isn’t a firsthand recommendation.

Zanzibar is often called the Spice Island because cloves and other spices have played an important role in its history and trade. Spice tours may introduce visitors to cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, pepper, turmeric and lemongrass.

The tours are generally interactive. You may smell fresh leaves and bark, see how different spices grow and taste locally grown tropical fruit.

Many visitors combine a spice farm with Stone Town. Before booking, confirm:

• How much time is spent at each stop

• Whether transportation is included

• Whether lunch or tastings are included

• The maximum group size

• How the farm and guides benefit from the tour

On our next visit, we would give Stone Town and a spice farm enough time instead of squeezing them into an exhausting day trip.

What We Would Do Differently Next Time

If we planned our Zanzibar trip again, we would:

1. Purchase the mandatory Zanzibar insurance before leaving for Zanzibar.

2. Save all entry documents and QR codes offline.

3. Make sure every traveler has the hotel and reservation information.

4. Pack water shoes.

5. Add one or two nights in Stone Town.

6. Visit the Freddie Mercury Museum.

7. Take a thoughtfully selected spice farm tour.

The biggest lesson isn’t that we should have filled every quiet hour with another activity. It’s that Zanzibar deserves enough days for both exploration and relaxation.

Who Should Visit Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is a good fit for travelers who want:

• A beach extension after an African safari

• Beautiful water and snorkeling

• A resort vacation with cultural experiences available

• Traditional dhow boat excursions

• History and architecture

• A destination with more to offer than the beach

It may be less appealing if you want:

• A completely isolated resort experience

• Quiet public beaches without vendors

• Simple entry and transportation logistics

• A destination where everything feels familiar

Zanzibar isn’t just a resort backdrop. It’s a living island with active communities, economic contrasts, complicated history and a strong cultural identity.

Arrive prepared to experience all of it.

Our Final Thoughts on Zanzibar

Zanzibar gave us exactly what we needed at the end of a long journey: clear water, welcoming people, a memorable day aboard the Dream Dhow and enough stillness to feel rested.

We would stay in Nungwi again, but next time we would divide the trip between the beach and Stone Town. We want to visit the Freddie Mercury Museum, experience a spice farm and spend more time understanding the history that shaped the island. They even have a rare and endagered monkey species on the island called the Zanzibar red colobus. There is preserve called Jozani Chwaka Bay National Forest where you can go and see them in the wild which is about an hour or so away from Stone Town.

Zanzibar is worth visiting, but don’t treat the resort as the entire destination. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the water, meet local people, experience the island’s culture and still leave room to do absolutely nothing.

That balance is what would make our next Zanzibar vacation even better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Zanzibar

Is Zanzibar safe?

We felt safe throughout our visit. Travelers should take normal precautions, arrange reliable transportation and research excursion providers. Unfamiliar surroundings may initially feel uncomfortable, but that isn’t automatically an indication that an area is unsafe.

Do you need special travel insurance for Zanzibar?

Zanzibar requires visitors to obtain its designated inbound travel insurance policy. A separate travel insurance policy may not satisfy this requirement. Check the official Zanzibar insurance website for the latest rules and pricing before traveling.

Is Nungwi or Stone Town better?

Nungwi is better for a beach-focused vacation, while Stone Town is better for history, architecture, markets and cultural exploration. If time allows, split your stay between both.

How far is Nungwi from Zanzibar Airport?

The journey generally takes around 90 minutes, although traffic and road conditions can affect travel time.

Do you need water shoes in Zanzibar?

We recommend water shoes for Nungwi. The water can have rocky, uneven and coral-covered areas despite the soft sand on the beach.

Can you walk along Nungwi Beach?

Yes, particularly during low tide. At high tide, some sections may become narrow or inaccessible. You should also expect vendors to approach you once you leave the resort’s immediate area.

Is a private dhow boat excursion worth it?

Our private Dream Dhow excursion was one of the highlights of our trip and worth the splurge for us. Shared trips provide a more affordable option for travelers who don’t need a private boat.

How many days should you spend in Zanzibar?

We recommend at least four or five days for a beach-focused stay. Add more time if you want to divide your visit between Nungwi, Stone Town and a spice farm without rushing.

Ready to Plan Your Zanzibar Vacation?

We can help you decide where to stay, arrange your transportation and build a Zanzibar itinerary that balances the beach with the island’s history and culture.

https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/

You can also hear more stories and firsthand advice from our trip in Episode #183 of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast.

Episode 183 - Is Zanzibar Worth Visiting? Our Honest Experience