Zanzibar tours & holidays

The Zanzibar archipelago is a mix of cultures, customs and religions. Within the streets of Stone Town, you’ll find mosques and churches side by side. While Zanzibar is a primarily Muslim region, it shares a history of cultural influences that spread as wide as the Middle East, India and ancient Persia. Previously a protectorate of Britain and officially a part of Tanzania since 1964, the archipelago has a long history of bureaucratic changes and tensions. 

Currently, the population of Zanzibar is largely divided. Many still champion for independence from Tanzania and seek to have Zanzibar declared its own country. Despite their political differences, the discussion remains respectful between the locals. You are just as likely to see them passionately debating politics in town centres as you are to see tropical fruit farmers hawking their produce roadside all around the islands. But one thing everyone in Zanzibar has in common is their love of soccer. Head to any beach in the late afternoon and you are almost guaranteed to see the locals coming together for a friendly game of beach soccer.

The variety of food in Zanzibar rivals anywhere in the world. It owes this entirely to its geography: being at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the locals have picked up a thing or two about worldly cuisines.  Whether it is yam and plantain-based dishes from the Bantu peoples of Eastern Africa, Indian inspired masala curries featuring many of the spices the island is famous for, or the sweet date and hazelnut bread, which is traditionally eaten to celebrate the end of Ramadan, you will be spoiled for choices to fill your plate! Unsurprisingly for an island, seafood takes pride of place in Zanzibar and seafood lovers will rejoice at the wide range of dishes available at restaurants and markets. An absolute must for anyone visiting Stone Town is the Forodhani night market. As soon as the sun sets each night, beachside Forodhani Park transforms into an open-air food market.

Perhaps the most famous export from Zanzibar is its spices, including pepper, cinnamon and ginger, to name a few. Visit a spice plantation to sample countless types of spices directly from the source.

Zanzibar has a large Muslim population, so bear in mind that Ramadan is the fasting month for all Muslims. During this month, no food, drink or smoking is permitted during daylight hours. While non-Muslims aren't expected to fast, it's recommended to try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Must-try foods in Zanzibar:

1. Pweza wa nazi

 Octopus boiled in coconut milk to create a curry-based dish with cinnamon, cardamom, garlic and lime juice.

2. Barbecued lobster  

 Enjoy a lobster grilled to perfection at one of the many beachside eateries around the island. 

3. Spice cake

 A typical local dessert made using pastry with a mix of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and chocolate.

Zanzibar is an island province of Tanzania located off the coast of East Africa. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean on all fronts, it is covered mostly in rainforest and encircled by white beaches and coral reefs.

Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of many small islands and two prominent, main ones: Pemba Island and Unguja Island – the largest, often mistaken as ‘Zanzibar Island’, where the majority of the province’s population lives.

Things to buy in Zanzibar

1. Spices

Pepper, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg are among the islands’ specialities. But you can find almost every type of spice imaginable here.

2. Woven handicrafts

Pick up a handmade ukili bag, placemat, rug or even a sun hat. The locals have perfected this handicraft and are widely available throughout Zanzibar. A great way to support local initiatives and talent.