Looking for some Zanzibar itinerary suggestions before making trip plans to the island? Zanzibar Island is stunning, regardless of whether you are on your honeymoon in Africa, completing your Kilimanjaro trek, or experiencing the Serengeti plains before capping it all off with a lengthy beach vacation.

Is Zanzibar A Country?

Before to travel Zanzibar you should know that “Zanzibar” is not the official name of the island. When people refer to Zanzibar it is technically all of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Zanzibar Island’s real name is “Unguja.”

Unguja is surrounded by many other tiny islands but the only ones that most people have likely heard of are Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island – the only islands inhabited by people

Zanzibar is not a country but is considered a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. Politically it is part of Tanzania. Zanzibar is also not just one island but is the largest of the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Zanzibar Has A Dark Past

The slave trade in the Indian Ocean depended on Zanzibar. One of the biggest slave ports in the area, it functioned as the entry point for slaves traveling to and from East Africa.

Numerous groups also participated in the awful trade. The majority of slave dealers were Arabs, while African rulers and families occasionally sold prisoners and Europeans employed the slaves on their plantations. Visit the former slave market in Stone Town to see the appalling conditions slaves endured, or travel to Prison Island on a tour.

When Is The Best Time To Visit and Is Zanzibar Safe?

The best time to visit Zanzibar is between June and October, which is their cool and dry season. Zanzibar has two rainy seasons from mid-March to late May, and again in November.

In general yes, Zanzibar is very safe. We traveled there for 7 days and never once felt out of our comfort zone. Even Stone Town is safe, and we enjoyed walking around even in the evening. As always common sense is important, like anywhere in the world. It’s important to keep your wits about you, don’t get drunk and act sloppy, and don’t flash valuables.