These are the best places to travel this summer

Zanzibar Archipelago

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Zanzibar - the spice island of Tanzania

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Zanzibar Archipelago. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Get Inspired

Overview

Step off the boat or plane onto the Zanzibar Archipelago and you’re transported through time and place. This is one of the world's great cultural crossroads, where Africa meets Arabia meets the Indian Ocean.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Tanzania, Zanzibar, Stone Town. The Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ had its foundation stone laid on Christmas Day 1873

    Anglican Cathedral

    Zanzibar Town

    The tall spire and grey-yellow walls of the Anglican cathedral dominate the surrounding streets in this part of Stone Town, while the dark-wood pews and…

  • The Sultan's Palace (Palace Museum) is one of the main historical buildings of Stone Town, Zanzibar as seen at sunset.

    Palace Museum

    Zanzibar Town

    Occupying several large buildings along the waterfront, this was the palace of Sultan Seyyid Said from 1828 until it was largely destroyed by the British…

  • Two red Colobuse Monkey in a rainforest of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa

    Jozani-Chwaka National Park

    Zanzibar Island

    Jozani Forest is the largest area of indigenous forest on Zanzibar Island. Situated south of Chwaka Bay on low-lying land, the area is prone to flooding,…

  • Paintings for sale outside Old Fort, Stone Town.

    Old Fort

    Zanzibar Town

    With its pale-orange ramparts overlooking Forodhani Gardens and the ocean beyond, the fort was built by Omani Arabs when they seized the island from the…

  • House of Wonders, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

    House of Wonders

    Zanzibar Town

    An icon of Stone Town, the House of Wonders rises in impressive tiers of slender steel pillars and balconies overlooking the waterfront. Its enormous…

  • ZALA Park

    ZALA Park

    Zanzibar Island

    ZALA (Zanzibar Land Animals) Park was founded as a project to help local people appreciate the value of wildlife, with funds raised by tourist visits. The…

  • Darajani Market, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

    Darajani Market

    Zanzibar Town

    Zanzibar's main market is a hive of activity, with everything – from spices, fresh fish, slabs of meat and huge baskets full of live chickens to sandals,…

  • Forodhani Gardens in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

    Forodhani Gardens

    Zanzibar Town

    One of the best ways to ease into Zanzibar life is to stop by this waterfront public space. It's a social hub for tourists and locals alike; there's a…

Advertisement

Plan with a local

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Zanzibar Archipelago

Advertisement