City Guide

Zanzibar City Travel Guide

Tanzania

5.0M
Population
$117
Daily Budget
80
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

Interactive Map

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Plan your arrival in Zanzibar City

Arriving

  • Zanzibar International Airport · 8 kmTaxi and Airport Shuttle

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G · good
  • NetworksVodacom and Airtel
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day
  • Weak signalSome rural outskirts
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Useful apps

  • TransportLocal Taxi App
  • Food deliveryJumia Food
  • AttractionsZanzibar Guide App

Top Attractions

1
Stone Town
Historic heart of Zanzibar City, known for its winding alleys and rich history.
3h Free

Best Areas to Stay

Stone Town
Cultural heritage site with many attractions and amenities.
TouristsBusiness

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Respect local dress codes, especially in rural areas.
Common Mistakes
  • Ignoring cultural norms
  • Not bargaining at markets

Food & Drink

Must Try:Zanzibar Pizza, Biryani, Seafood Pulao
Vegetarian:High
Tap Water:Unsafe
Forodhani GardensMercato

Getting Around

Public Transport:Good
Walkability:80/100
BusDala-dala

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: June, July, August

Warmest monthFeb33°C average high
Coolest monthSep21°C average low
Wettest monthApr409 mm of rain
Driest monthJul31 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan32.624.5746
Feb33.224.3514
Mar32.524.517711
Apr30.624.540918
May29.723.829814
Jun29.322.9525
Jul29.022.1314
Aug29.421.1386
Sep30.421.0375
Oct31.222.01167
Nov31.023.120114
Dec31.824.016812

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Zanzibar, 7 km from Zanzibar City).

Zanzibar City travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar City?

June, July and August are usually the best months to visit Zanzibar City. Average daytime highs range from about 29°C in July to 33°C in February.

How much does a day in Zanzibar City cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport. These are estimates and vary by season.

How do I get around Zanzibar City?

Public transport includes bus and dala-dala and is rated good. Walkability scores 80/100.

Which airport serves Zanzibar City?

The nearest airport is Zanzibar International Airport, about 8 km away. Transfer options include taxi and airport shuttle.

Is Zanzibar City safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for currency exchange scams. Areas generally considered safe include Stone Town and Nungwi. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Zanzibar City?

4G coverage is provided by Vodacom and Airtel, rated good. Plan for about 1.5 GB a day for maps, messaging and social media. A Tanzania travel eSIM lets you get online on arrival without buying a local SIM.

Is tap water safe to drink in Zanzibar City?

Tap water is generally considered unsafe. If in doubt, follow local advice or choose bottled water.

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Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.

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