Best Time to Visit Zanzibar – Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean that united with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
The island is home to unique wildlife, including the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, Zanzibar servaline genet, and Zanzibar leopard.
Located 25-50 kilometers off mainland Tanzania, the archipelago’s main islands are Zanzibar (also known as Unguja) and Pemba.
It is believed that Zanzibar was once part of the African continent but separated millions of years ago.
Once covered in dense forests, only a few patches of natural forest remain in Zanzibar today, supporting a habitat for various wildlife species and birds.
Often referred to as Africa’s tropical paradise or Spice Island, Zanzibar is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, rich history, marine life, and spices.
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar has an equatorial climate, with two dry and two wet seasons annually. Temperatures range from 28°C to 34°C.
- December to February: December to February is the short dry season and the best time to visit Zanzibar. The warm, crystal-clear waters provide the perfect conditions for water sports. This is also the ideal time for scuba diving, as favorable winds and clear waters allow for excellent views of marine life. The lush vegetation, thriving from the short rains, offers fantastic photography opportunities.
- June to September: June to September is the long dry season and the peak tourist season in Zanzibar. The weather is ideal for enjoying the beach and exploring Zanzibar’s national parks. Wildlife spotting is easier, as vegetation is not thick. This is also the best time to visit Tanzania’s national parks, making it an excellent choice if you’re combining your trip. September offers the unique experience of witnessing turtle hatching.
- October to November: October and November mark the short rainy season. Early October is still a good time to visit, with cool temperatures. Although there may be occasional downpours, the sky clears up, and the sun shines again.
- March to June: March to June is the long rainy season, with the heaviest rainfall of the year. During this time, the beaches are wet, the sun is often obscured, the waters are less clear, and heavy downpours may disrupt activities. This is generally not the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Some activities in Zanzibar, however, can be enjoyed year-round. Visiting without engaging in water sports may feel incomplete, but there’s still much to experience on the island.
Visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the only national park in Zanzibar, was established in 2004.
It is home to some of the last remaining near-natural forest in Zanzibar and provides a habitat for endangered endemic species such as the Zanzibar red colobus monkey and the Zanzibar leopard.
Activities in the park include bird watching, wildlife viewing, guided nature walks, boat cruises, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Some of the wildlife you may encounter includes Aders’ duiker, servaline genet, Zanzibar red colobus monkey, Sykes’ monkey, African civet, Zanzibar leopard, and a variety of marine life.
Some of the birds found in the park are:
- Zanzibar red bishop
- Malachite kingfisher
- Great crested tern
- Long-tailed cormorant
- Goliath heron
- African sacred ibis
- Black-winged kite
- African goshawk
- African wood owl
- Blue-cheeked bee-eater
- Lilac-breasted roller
- Golden-tailed woodpecker
- African golden oriole
- Tropical boubou
- Square-tailed drongo
- Yellow-breasted apalis
- Lesser swamp warbler
- Southern yellow white-eye
- Pemba white-eye
- Red-capped robin-chat
- Mouse-colored sunbird
- Red-eyed dove, and more.
Visit Stone Town
Stone Town is the capital of Zanzibar. Originally known as Shangani, it was first inhabited by Bantu-speaking groups in the 6th century, with evidence of long-distance trade.
In the early 16th century, the Portuguese built a church in Shangani, but they were eventually ousted by the locals, who invited the Sultan of Oman to defend them.
By the 19th century, Stone Town became a major trade hub, especially for slaves and spices.
Today, Stone Town is rich in history, with many historical sites to visit and learn from. Its residents are of diverse ethnicities, including Indian, Persian, Omani, Chinese, British, Portuguese, African, Arab, and more.
Zanzibar is accessible from mainland Tanzania by water or air. Several airlines offer chartered flights to the island daily, and there are also numerous ferries and boats available for transport.
