Local lunch
Lukmaan Restaurant
A lively, no-fuss stop for Zanzibari favourites. Point to what looks good, try a few dishes and come hungry. Best when atmosphere matters more than ceremony.
Open in Maps
Explore Zanzibar & Tanzania
Start with the place, or the kind of trip.
Use this page as the map: packages if you want everything arranged, excursions if you're already on Zanzibar, safaris if wildlife is the goal, and the planner if you're not sure yet.
The RegionBuild this into a trip
Zanzibar & Tanzania at a glance
One country, two worlds. The island gives you Stone Town's heritage, dhows on the reef, beaches, culture, and ocean days. Cross to the mainland for northern icons, southern wilderness, western chimp routes, quick fly-ins, mountain days, and cultural stops.
Zanzibar
Mainland Tanzania
Culture hub
Stone Town
Best for guests who want history, food, carved doors, markets, rooftops, spice routes, and an easy first day on Zanzibar.
Plan around Stone TownSafaris
Not the main fit here.
Our island food & events guide
Where we send friends to eat.
From Stone Town to the north and south coasts, this is our current shortlist for the moments when a guest asks: where should we really eat — and what's worth planning around?
8 areas · 32 hand-picked places · 6 dates to know
Stone TownRooftop evening
Taarab Restaurant
Choose this when you want dinner above the old town, with a little more occasion around it. A good fit for couples or an unhurried family evening.
Open in MapsPolished & central
Breadfruit Restaurant & Café
A comfortable central choice for a calmer meal after exploring the alleys. Useful when you want local ingredients in a more polished setting.
Open in MapsSunset by the water
The Beach House Restaurant
Go for sea views, drinks and an easy sunset dinner on the edge of Stone Town. Reserve ahead if the timing of the sunset matters to you.
Open in MapsWhen the island celebrates.
A few dates worth planning a trip around — from the nightly market to the island's big festivals.
- Every evening
Forodhani Night Market
Forodhani Gardens, Stone TownStone Town's seafront gardens turn into an open-air food market after sunset. Come hungry, browse the grills and eat standing up with the locals.
Open in Maps - Early February
Sauti za Busara
Old Fort, Stone TownEast Africa's warmest music festival — pan-African line-ups inside the Old Fort and a carnival mood in the streets. Book Stone Town beds early.
Festival details - July
Zanzibar International Film Festival
Old Fort, Stone TownOpen-air screenings, exhibitions and music take over the old town for a week. A lovely excuse to slow down in Stone Town for a night or two.
Festival details - Late July
Mwaka Kogwa
MakunduchiThe Shirazi new year: four days of rituals, mock fights and song in the island's south. Go with a local guide and ask before photographing.
Open in Maps - August
Beach & Water Sports Festival
East & north coast beachesDhow races, kite contests and beach games move along the coast for a week. Easy to combine with a beach stay in Paje or Nungwi.
Festival details - Every full moon
Kendwa Full Moon Party
Kendwa Rocks, KendwaThe island's best-known beach party, on the Saturday closest to the full moon. Stay in Kendwa or Nungwi so the night ends with a short walk home.
Open in Maps
Pick the right doorway.
Packages
Best when you want one quote and the whole trip joined up. From $600 pp.
Excursions
Best when your hotel is booked and you need day trips. From $6 pp.
Safaris
Best when mainland wildlife is the anchor. Core routes from $490 pp.
What are you trying to explore?
Most guests do not start with place names. Pick the kind of decision you need to make first.
Packages
I want the full trip arranged
Hotels, safaris, excursions, transfers, and special moments packaged into one plan.
Excursions
I am already on the island
Day trips, dhow sails, Stone Town, spice farms, Jozani, snorkeling, culture, and ocean days.
Safaris
I want mainland wildlife
Northern icons, southern wilderness, western chimp routes, quick fly-ins, Kilimanjaro, and cultural stops.
Trip Planner
I need help choosing
Tell the AI planner your dates, pace, budget, and travel style. We turn the draft into a quote.
Want us to map the right route?
Tell us the places you like, your travel dates, and your pace. We'll connect the best packages, excursions, and safaris into one clear plan.