Zanzibar.
Flight from TLV
5h 56m
Best season
ינו–אוק
Avg temp
30°
Currency
TSh TZS · 1=₪0.001
Time zone
זהה לת״א בשעון קיץ, שעה אחת קדימה בחורף
Language
סוואהילי ואנגלית
Plug
D / G · 230V
Visa
ישראלים נדרשים לוויזת תייר לטנזניה; מומלץ להוציא ויזה אלקטרונית מראש ולוודא דרישות כניסה ועדכוני אזהרת מסע לפני הטיסה
Safety
אזורי הנופש מתוירים, אך חשוב להיזהר מכייסות והטרדות, להשתמש בהסעות מסודרות, להימנע מהליכה לבד בחופים בלילה ולכבד את התרבות המוסלמית המקומית
Overview
🇹🇿Zanzibar
🇹🇿Tanzania
Zanzibar is the Indian Ocean escape Israelis love: powdery beaches, turquoise water and indulgent resorts reached by a direct seasonal flight or a short connection from Tel Aviv. In the north, Nungwi and Kendwa offer easier all-day swimming, memorable sunsets, dhow cruises and hotels for couples, families and groups of friends. On the east coast, Paje draws kitesurfers and a younger crowd, while Stone Town's lanes, spice farms and snorkeling near Mnemba add culture and nature to the beach holiday. It is especially well suited to honeymoons, Sukkot or Passover breaks, and travelers seeking an accessible yet genuinely exotic taste of Africa.
What are you looking for?
Everything for Zanzibar, in one place
Pick a category and dive into its dedicated page.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Zanzibar
Each area and who it suits best.
Nungwi
This is the easiest base for an active beach holiday, with white sand, sunset cruises, and bars around Nungwi Beach, Kendwa Road, and hotels such as Z Hotel and Riu Palace Zanzibar. Unlike the east coast, tides are less disruptive and swimming is possible for most of the day. Prices and crowds are higher, evening music carries, and Stone Town is roughly 75-90 minutes away.
Kendwa
Kendwa Beach is broad, calm, and particularly good for swimming, with well-known resorts including Gold Zanzibar and Kendwa Rocks. Families appreciate the sand and easy water, while younger visitors come for Kendwa Rocks' Full Moon parties. There is little town life beyond the hotel strip, prices are relatively high, and Nungwi is about 10 minutes away for more nightlife.
Paje
Paje is the island's kitesurfing capital, lined with kite schools, restaurants, and bars along Paje Beach and the main road near Mr Kahawa. Hostels, boutique hotels, and beach parties make it easy to socialize without staying in an all-inclusive resort. At low tide, vast stretches of sand and seaweed emerge, and swimming can require a very long walk.
Jambiani
This long, relaxed village south of Paje feels more local, with sandy lanes, village homes, Jambiani Beach, and low-rise properties such as Mwezi Boutique Resort. It is an excellent base for couples seeking small restaurants, bicycle rides, and slow days. Tides are pronounced, nightlife is limited, and northern attractions require a long drive.
Michamvi and Pingwe
The Michamvi Peninsula is quiet and secluded, with The Rock Restaurant off Pingwe Beach, superb sunsets at Michamvi Kae, and properties such as Qambani Luxury Resort for an indulgent couples' stay. This is a place for villas, spas, and lingering meals rather than shopping or bar-hopping. Isolation raises prices, little is walkable beyond the hotel, and almost every substantial outing requires a driver.
Stone Town
The lanes around Forodhani Gardens, Gizenga Street, and the Old Fort are packed with carved doors, spice shops, rooftops, and character hotels such as Park Hyatt Zanzibar and Emerson on Hurumzi. It is the best base for Darajani Market, historical walks, and an evening on the waterfront, as well as the closest main stay to the airport. There is no true resort beach, lanes can be busy and noisy, and vehicles cannot reach many hotel entrances.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Zanzibar
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
32°
25°
Hot
פבר
33°
26°
Hot
מרץ
32°
25°
Hot
אפר
28°
24°
Excellent
מאי
28°
24°
Excellent
יונ
28°
23°
Excellent
יול
28°
22°
Excellent
אוג
29°
22°
Excellent
ספט
30°
22°
Excellent
אוק
31°
23°
Excellent
נוב
30°
24°
Excellent
דצמ
31°
25°
Excellent
Most pleasant weather: אפר · מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק · נוב · דצמ
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): ינו · פבר · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק. July through October is the main Israeli peak, thanks to relatively dry weather, the summer holidays and the Jewish holiday season; it is also ideal for combining Zanzibar with a Tanzanian safari. January and February are hot and popular for a winter escape, while April and May are wetter and some hotels reduce operations.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Zanzibar · Open-Meteo
This week in Zanzibar
Measured in Zanzibar
22°
Sunny
Next 7 days
Tap a day for hourly detail
Seasonal averages · loading live forecast…
Things to do
Things to do in Zanzibar
On the map
Zanzibar on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Zanzibar itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Arrival and Stone Town
After landing, leave your luggage at the hotel and walk through Darajani Market, the lanes around Gizenga Street, and the Old Fort. Continue to the Freddie Mercury Museum and waterfront, while paying particular attention to Zanzibar's carved doors and the old city's trading history. For sunset, reserve a rooftop table at Emerson on Hurumzi or watch the waterfront from Forodhani Gardens. In the evening, choose food that meets your dietary needs, and rely on a Chabad meal only if you have registered in advance.
- 2
Day 2
Prison Island and a spice farm
Leave Stone Town by boat at around 08:00 for Changuu, commonly called Prison Island, before the heat and day groups arrive; the visit combines giant tortoises, prison buildings, and snorkeling when sea conditions allow. On returning, continue with a driver to a spice farm around Kizimbani or Kidichi to smell vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper where they grow. Request a simple vegetarian lunch or bring sealed food if kosher standards matter. In the afternoon, transfer north to Nungwi or Kendwa and settle into your beach hotel.
- 3
Day 3
Nungwi, Kendwa, and sunset at sea
Begin with a relaxed morning on Nungwi Beach, where tides interfere less with swimming than on the east coast. Walk toward the dhow-building area and Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond, checking its current practices if responsible animal experiences matter to you. In the afternoon, move to broad Kendwa Beach, rent a lounger if your hotel does not include one, and stay for sunset. Finish with a golden-hour dhow cruise or music at Kendwa Rocks, particularly if your dates coincide with a Full Moon party.
- 4
Day 4
Mnemba and snorkeling
Leave before 08:00 for Muyuni or Matemwe Beach and board a snorkeling boat to the reef around Mnemba Atoll; the island itself is private, so tours visit the surrounding water rather than its beach. An early departure usually means calmer water and fewer boats, but avoid operators that chase dolphins or surround them. After snorkeling, eat at a Matemwe-area hotel or return to Nungwi for a rest. Keep the evening easy with a massage, hotel dinner, and an early night.
- 5
Day 5
Jozani Forest and Paje
Drive south in the morning to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and join a guide among red colobus monkeys and the mangrove boardwalk; arrive before 09:00 to avoid the strongest heat and larger groups. Continue to Paje, have lunch near the beach at Mr Kahawa, and consult the tide table before planning a swim. In the afternoon, take a beginner kitesurfing lesson or walk across the exposed sand at low tide, observing local seaweed farmers respectfully from a distance. Stay in Paje for a relaxed beach-bar evening or move to quieter Jambiani for the night.
- 6
Day 6
Safari Blue and a Michamvi sunset
Start early at Fumba, the classic departure point for Safari Blue, for a dhow day among sandbanks, lagoons, and clear water in Menai Bay. Confirm that the operator provides sound equipment and suitable food, or bring a sealed meal if you keep kosher. If you prefer not to spend another day on a boat, substitute a slow morning in Jambiani and a tide-timed photo stop outside The Rock Restaurant. Finish at sunset in Michamvi Kae, and leave a generous airport buffer because island roads can be particularly slow in the afternoon.
Quick game
Not sure yet? Find your travel type
30 fun seconds, then personal picks of the best spots for you here.
Quick game
What's your Zanzibar travel type?
Question 1 of 5
Your perfect vacation morning?
Budget
How much does Zanzibar cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪2,400-4,500
4-5 night package
₪4,500-8,500 per person
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪350-750 per room
Five-star hotel
₪1,000-2,800 nightly
Restaurant meal
₪45-120 per person
Local beer
₪10-20
Coffee
₪8-18
Short taxi ride
₪25-60
Driver and car daily
₪220-400
Safari Blue tour
₪180-320 per person
Daily budget per person
₪350-750 (excluding hotel)
Family, five nights
₪18,000-32,000
Good to know
Good to know before Zanzibar
Getting around
From the airport
A licensed taxi from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport to Stone Town takes about 15-20 minutes and costs roughly ₪40-70. Paje, Jambiani, or Michamvi takes 60-90 minutes at around ₪120-220, while Nungwi or Kendwa takes 75-100 minutes and generally costs ₪150-250. A prebooked shared shuttle can cost ₪50-100 per person, while many hotels offer more expensive private transfers. There is no train, local dala-dalas are extremely cheap but awkward with luggage, and ride-hailing apps are not a dependable substitute for a prearranged pickup.
Need a car?
Most Israeli visitors do not need a rental car. Couples, families, and resort guests are better served by transfers and a private driver on sightseeing days because driving is on the left, roads are dark at night, and police checkpoints are common. A rental makes sense only for confident independent travelers who arrange the required temporary local driving permit; younger visitors in Paje or Nungwi can walk locally and take taxis between beaches.
Tips
Agree on the fare, currency, and whether it is one-way before entering the vehicle; many drivers accept US dollars or Tanzanian shillings, and cards should not be assumed. Zanzibus can be useful and hotels can arrange rides, but keeping a reliable driver on WhatsApp is usually the most effective approach. In Stone Town, cars stop at the edge of the historic core and guests continue on foot, so ask the hotel for an exact pickup point such as Forodhani or Darajani.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Chabad of Zanzibar operates in Stone Town and primarily serves Israeli travelers with Shabbat meals, prayers, and holiday hospitality; its operating details and location can change, so advance registration and direct confirmation are essential. It is not within walking distance of the resorts in Nungwi, Kendwa, or Paje, and driving on Shabbat is not an option for observant guests. Do not assume a daily minyan or permanent kosher grocery supply without prior confirmation.
Kosher food
The clearest kosher food option is through Chabad and must be ordered in advance; beyond that, the island does not have a dependable network of supervised kosher restaurants for an entire holiday. Kosher-observant Israelis commonly book a kitchenette, bring sealed products from Israel, and purchase fruit, vegetables, rice, eggs, and basics at supermarkets such as Migoz and Mombasa Mini Supermarket in Stone Town, checking certification item by item. Some resorts can prepare fish or vegetarian meals with separately requested utensils, but this is a dietary accommodation rather than halachic kosher supervision.
eSIM · VAYULOR
eSIM for Zanzibar 🇹🇿
Data abroad without swapping SIMs
7 days
15 days
30 days
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Zanzibar 🇹🇿
A hospital day in Zanzibar can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Water & extreme sports
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
Convert
You get
0.11
1 TZS
₪0
100 TZS
₪0.11
1,000 TZS
₪1.13
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 13 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Zanzibar 🇹🇿
What you need before you fly
- ישראלים נדרשים לוויזת תייר לטנזניה; מומלץ להוציא ויזה אלקטרונית מראש ולוודא דרישות כניסה ועדכוני אזהרת מסע לפני הטיסה
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Zanzibar
- 💵Carry a mix of Tanzanian shillings and clean, recent US-dollar notes, as cards work in Stone Town but cash is preferable at beaches, stalls and in taxis, while card payments may attract a 3 to 5 percent fee.
- 🚕Zanzibar has no dependable Uber network, so arrange a licensed driver through your hotel in advance and expect an airport transfer to Nungwi or Kendwa to cost roughly ₪180-250.
- 🌊In Paje, Jambiani and Matemwe, the tide completely transforms the beach, so check the Zanzibar tide table daily and plan swimming within two hours of high tide.
- 🏨Choose Kendwa or Nungwi for easy swimming and sunsets, Paje for kitesurfing and a younger social scene, and Stone Town for one or two nights of culture and food rather than an entire beach holiday.
- 🤿Snorkeling trips around Mnemba Atoll fill up during Sukkot, Passover and July-August, so reserve a small boat departing at 7:00 rather than a mass tour reaching the reef near midday.
- 🌕If nightlife matters, check the Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party date in advance and travel by pre-arranged taxi, because Zanzibar has no meaningful casino scene and nightlife centers on beach parties and Paje bars.
- 🤝Outside resorts, dress modestly, especially in Stone Town and villages, ask before photographing people and tip a guide or boat crew around ₪15-30 for good service.
- ✡️For kosher meals and Shabbat, contact Chabad Zanzibar in the Paje area ahead of time, as meal quantities and seats are limited and should not be left to a spontaneous request after arrival.
- 🦟Bring DEET repellent, water shoes and water-resistant sunscreen, and wear a light long layer in the evening even in the dry season because mosquitoes and sand flies are common near the beaches.
- 📱For reliable data, buy a Vodacom or Airtel SIM from an official airport counter using your passport, or activate an eSIM before landing because resort Wi-Fi in Matemwe and Jambiani is not always dependable.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"To me, Zanzibar is that intoxicating shift from the spice-scented stone alleys of Stone Town to the almost unreal blue water of Kendwa. I love starting the morning with chai and fresh fruit near Darajani Market, then ending the day as the sun drops into the ocean from Nungwi Beach. Israelis fall for the island because it combines genuine relaxation, warm local encounters and sea adventures without giving up a pampering hotel or a lively night at Kendwa Rocks."
Loves
My local secret is Mtende Beach in the south, a dramatic coral-cliff cove that feels detached from the rest of the island. Arrive about an hour before low tide, after checking the tide table, so you can descend to the sand, walk among the rocks and watch the cove open up.
Skip
I avoid the cheap Kizimkazi dolphin tours where several boats chase the same pod and push travelers to jump into the water. If you do go, book a small-group operator that commits not to chase, block or touch the dolphins.
Boutique pick
At 7:00 I would leave Nungwi on a small boat to snorkel the reef off Mnemba before the sea fills with boats, returning around 11:30 for an unhurried waterfront lunch. In the afternoon I would move to Kendwa for swimming that is barely affected by the tides, then board a traditional dhow at 17:30 for sunset and fresh fruit. I would finish around 20:00 with a pre-arranged dinner and music on the sand at Kendwa Rocks, or a quiet hotel evening if this is a honeymoon.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Zanzibar
"We went snorkeling near Mnemba Island, and the water was clearer than we imagined possible. The next day we stayed on Kendwa Beach through sunset, and it was exactly the relaxed honeymoon we wanted."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 7 nights · September
"The children could not stop talking about the red colobus monkeys we saw in Jozani Forest. At the spice farm they smelled vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves, turning an educational day into a genuine adventure."
Michal and Uri, Modi'in
Family with children · 8 nights · August
"We took a kitesurfing lesson in Paje and were already standing on the board within an hour. Our liveliest night was at the Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party, with music playing right on the sand."
Roi, Daniel and Shahar, Rishon LeZion
Friends · 6 nights · January
"We happily lost ourselves among Stone Town's carved doors and lanes with an excellent local guide. On our boat day to Nakupenda Sandbank, we sat facing turquoise water and felt we had found the Zanzibar we had dreamed about."
Rachel and Yossi, Haifa
Older couple · 7 nights · June
FAQ
Common questions about Zanzibar
Do Israelis need a visa for Zanzibar?
Yes, Israeli passport holders need a Tanzanian visa, available online in advance or on arrival in Zanzibar, usually for USD 50, with at least six months of passport validity. Travelers must also purchase Zanzibar's mandatory official inbound travel insurance in advance and present confirmation at check-in and on arrival.
Are there direct flights from Tel Aviv to Zanzibar, and how long is the flight?
Seasonal direct and charter flights operate from Tel Aviv to Zanzibar, with a flight time of roughly five and a half to six hours, but schedules change and the route is not reliably daily. When no nonstop option is available, common connections run through Addis Ababa, Dubai, or another African hub.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar, and how many days are enough?
The most comfortable periods in Zanzibar are June through October and January through February, with Israeli demand peaking in July, August, and during the holidays; April and May are wetter, and some hotels close. Six to eight nights allow time for Nungwi or Kendwa, Stone Town, and two or three touring days.
How do you get around Zanzibar?
The easiest way around Zanzibar is a prearranged private driver or hotel taxi, especially for the 90-minute to two-hour journeys between the airport, Nungwi, and Paje. Dala-dala minibuses are cheap but crowded, while renting a car is less suitable for first-time visitors because of left-side driving, dark roads, and police checkpoints.
How much does a Zanzibar vacation from Israel cost?
A week in Zanzibar typically costs ₪6,000 to ₪12,000 per person sharing a double room, including flights from Tel Aviv and a good hotel, with higher prices during holidays, August, and at luxury all-inclusive resorts. Budget another ₪1,200 to ₪2,500 per person for tours, transfers, meals, and tips.
Is Zanzibar safe for Israeli travelers?
Tourist areas in Zanzibar such as Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are generally considered safe, but Israelis should keep a low profile, monitor official travel advisories, and avoid demonstrations and political discussions. Protect phones and cash in Stone Town and on isolated beaches, and use a prearranged taxi rather than walking along dark roads at night.
What are the must-do attractions in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar's standout experiences include snorkeling near Mnemba Island, exploring Stone Town's lanes, visiting a spice farm, and seeing red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest. Add Nakupenda Sandbank or a Safari Blue excursion, but book a reputable operator with proper safety equipment rather than an unlicensed beach boat.
Does Zanzibar have nightlife and casinos?
Nightlife in Zanzibar is modest and centered on the Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party, Nungwi's bars, and Paje beach parties, rather than a Mykonos or Ayia Napa-style scene. Zanzibar has no meaningful casino scene worth planning a trip around, and the small venues in Stone Town are not a reliable vacation highlight.
Are kosher food and Chabad available in Zanzibar?
Chabad Zanzibar operates in the Nungwi area and provides kosher food and Shabbat meals with advance registration, which is why kosher-observant travelers often stay in the north. Kosher options elsewhere are extremely limited, so bring sealed snacks from Israel and confirm the hotel's kitchen arrangements in advance.
Is Zanzibar better for families or couples, what should you pack, and what can you combine it with?
Zanzibar suits both: families favor pool resorts in Nungwi or Kiwengwa, while couples choose quieter boutique hotels in Kendwa, Matemwe, or Michamvi; pack water shoes, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a UK-style adapter, and modest clothing for villages and Stone Town. The classic combination is a four-to-six-day safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Nyerere followed by beach time in Zanzibar.