Indian Ocean Islands Travel Guide
Turquoise water so clear it seems lit from below, clove and cinnamon on the sea breeze, and a sunset ritual you will carry home for years.
Start exploringThe highlights of Indian Ocean Islands
Zanzibar in depth
Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous island archipelago of Tanzania, just south of the equator. It combines a historic trading port, a string of Indian Ocean beaches, and spice farms and forest in between.
Stone Town
The old quarter of Zanzibar City is a maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors and coral-stone houses shaped by centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian and European trade. Walk it with a local guide for the history, then eat at the Forodhani Gardens waterfront food market at dusk.
Good to know: The alleys are confusing by design. Download an offline map before you set out.
Find stays in Zanzibar →North and east beaches
The north coast (Nungwi and Kendwa) has swimmable water at most tides and lively sunsets. The east coast (Paje, Jambiani and Matemwe) has dramatic tides, kitesurfing and quieter villages. At low tide the sea can retreat a long way on the east side.
Good to know: Pick your coast by tide times, not just by photos.
Compare flights →Wildlife and spice farms
Jozani Chwaka Bay forest is the best place to see the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, found nowhere else. Spice farm tours show cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla growing, and boat trips from the south coast look for dolphins.
Good to know: Choose dolphin trip operators who keep their distance and limit the number of boats.
Indian Ocean islands guide →More to experience in Zanzibar
Prison Island
A short boat ride from Stone Town to Changuu, where giant tortoises roam and the water is good for a swim.Snorkelling and diving
Reefs around Mnemba Atoll in the north-east are a popular boat trip for snorkellers and divers.Food
Fresh seafood, spiced pilau, urojo soup and street snacks. Forodhani at dusk is the classic first meal.Getting around
Taxis, shared minibuses and scooters. Traffic drives on the left, and negotiating a fare before you ride is normal.Culture and dress
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Dress modestly in Stone Town and villages, and keep beachwear for the beach.Safari plus beach
Many travelers pair Zanzibar with a Kenya or Tanzania safari, flying between the mainland and the island.Four ways Indian Ocean Islands gets under your skin
How the trip could unfold
Practical planning
Visa & entry
Zanzibar follows Tanzania’s entry requirements; Mauritius and the Seychelles offer visa-free entry to many nationalities for tourist stays. Confirm current requirements for your nationality before booking.Currency
Zanzibar uses the Tanzanian shilling (US dollars widely accepted for tourism); Mauritius uses the Mauritian rupee and the Seychelles the Seychellois rupee. Cards are accepted at resorts across all three.Best time
June to October is generally the driest window across the region; each island has its own specific rainy season, so check current conditions for your exact dates.Frequently asked questions
Zanzibar or Mauritius for a safari add-on?
Zanzibar is the more natural pairing with an East Africa safari given its short flight from Tanzania or Kenya; Mauritius and the Seychelles work better as standalone trips or with more travel time built in.
Which island is best for a honeymoon?
All three have strong honeymoon infrastructure. Mauritius and the Seychelles lean more toward high-end resort seclusion, while Zanzibar offers a slightly more affordable option with a stronger cultural element in Stone Town.
What is the best time to visit?
June to October is generally the driest window across the region; each island has its own specific rainy season, so check current conditions for your exact dates.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October is generally drier and cooler, and December to February is hot and dry. March to May brings the long rains, when it is quieter and some places close.
How many days do I need?
Four to seven nights suits most trips: two in Stone Town and the rest on the coast of your choice.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and entry rules follow Tanzania’s. Confirm current visa requirements before booking flights.