How to Plan a Trip to Zanzibar
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Tanzania needs.
Your 4-step Zanzibar plan
Step 1 — Book flights to ZNZ
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the main gateway to Zanzibar. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to ZNZStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Stone Town (UNESCO) + Darajani Market for the best first-time visit — Maze of 19th-century Swahili-Arab-Indian alleys.
Where to stay in ZanzibarStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Stone Town (UNESCO) + Darajani Market, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Zanzibar.
Things to do in ZanzibarStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Daladala (shared minibus) is TZS 500 and takes 25 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
ZNZ arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Same as Tanzania mainland — Tanzania visa is required even on Zanzibar (separate immigration desk). Visa-on-arrival USD 50 (USD 100 US). E-visa recommended. Yellow fever certificate if from endemic country.