Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Tanzania

Explore the labyrinthine spice markets and whitewashed Stone Town, where centuries of Arab, African, and Indian influences blend into an intoxicating sensory experience.

💱 Currency Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
🗣 Language Swahili, English
🕐 Time Zone EAT (UTC+3)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Dec–Mar
🚢 Typical Duration 12-93 nights
💰 Price Range From $44,490 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the exotic Spice Island of Zanzibar, offering pristine beaches, historic Stone Town, and access to East African wildlife and Indian Ocean adventures.

Build Your Day in Zanzibar

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 2:00 PM
Usually about 6 hours ashore
Getting around:
Old Fort Our multi-lingual guide introduced us to local and beautiful crafts stores. Fortress · ★ 4.3 · 5k 🕐 Temporarily closed
Zanzibar Spice Community Shop Interesting and multi-sensorial experience! Spice exporter · ★ 4.1 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Unguja Experience the most uniqueness from island Island · ★ 4.5 · 4k
Jozani Forest Worth every cent, and you do something good, when you visit. National reserve · ★ 4.2 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Seafood · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Darajani Bazaar They sell everything and quite busy but always negotiate the price Bazar · ★ 4.2 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Hello Capitano Zanzibar The food was incredible and the atmosphere was very chill and not rushed. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Mtende Beach The entrance fee is like 1$ pp. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Beach House Zanzibar The food was delicious, well-presented, and prepared with great care. Fusion restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Michenzani Mall It has nice apparel/ ladies accessory shops, a restaurant and not much. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Kuza Cave Swahili cooking class with lunch, Cave wading, and Drum lessons. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Salaam Cave Aquarium I believe this to be a fair price compared to many other attractions around. Tour operator · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Cheetah's Rock It is expensive, but very worth it and incredibly fun. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Lubaacris tours & Safaris A good place to be, a lot of fun and exposure Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Livingstone Beach Restaurant Good food, very beautiful location, especially the top floor. Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Memories Of Zanzibar Great selection of spices, soaps, body care and other gifts from the island. Souvenir store · ★ 4.1 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Mpendae Mall Enjoy shopping on one of the few Malls available in Zanzibar Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Zanzibarmall Great product with great price with a discount too! Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Arnoldi´s on the Cliff - Bar & Bites Great food & cocktails, amazing view and splendid service. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Shatriya Shopping Mall A very neat and beautiful sports brand store, with wide range of products Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
The Zanzibar Curio Shop Some of the prices I found were reasonable, others I felt were too high. Antique store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
aromas of zanzibar Loved the quality of items, creative designs and amazing customer service! Shopping mall · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Floating Bar Great people, amazing atmosphere and fantastic sunset views. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Zanzibar Island Tanzania Highly recommend for anyone visiting Zanzibar! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Zivansh Concept Store Nice style, good prices and AMAZING staff. Souvenir store · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Living Room at Park Hyatt Zanzibar Best food and cocktails in the whole of stone town by far! Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Zanzibar Linen Highly recommend to anyone who values comfort, quality, and great service! Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Zanzibar

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar serves as a compelling port of call for discerning cruise travelers, with three premium cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea, and Emerald Cruises calling regularly throughout the year. With 19 upcoming cruises and typical itineraries spanning 12 nights, this Tanzanian island attracts cruise passengers seeking authentic East African experiences. The port connects seamlessly to some of the world's most remarkable destinations, from the wildlife-rich ports of Mombasa to the dramatic landscapes of Cape Town and the remote beauty of Aldabra Atoll.

When your ship arrives in Zanzibar, you'll step into a world where centuries of Swahili culture, Arab influence, and maritime history converge. The island's UNESCO-listed Stone Town captivates visitors with its labyrinthine streets, ornate architecture, and vibrant spice markets, while pristine beaches and turquoise waters invite relaxation and water activities. Whether you're a culture enthusiast or nature lover, Zanzibar delivers memorable shore experiences that complement any Indian Ocean or African cruise itinerary, with peak season running from December through March.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Stone Town's Enchanting Historic Streets

Wander through Stone Town's UNESCO-listed labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with intricately carved wooden doors, ornate balconies, and centuries-old coral stone buildings. This living museum showcases Swahili, Arab, Persian, and Indian architectural influences accumulated over 500 years of trade. Visit the former Sultan's Palace and explore the atmospheric spice markets that made Zanzibar legendary.

2

Savor Zanzibar's Legendary Spice Heritage

Taste your way through Zanzibar's famous spice plantations and local cuisine featuring cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Sample authentic Zanzibari dishes like urojo (street food soup) and fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, or join a spice tour to learn how these aromatic treasures shaped the island's history and economy for centuries.

3

Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Waters

Relax on powdery white-sand beaches with crystalline turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach offer vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish just minutes from the port. The warm Indian Ocean and gentle waves provide an idyllic tropical escape within your port day.

4

Bustling Darajani Market's Sensory Experience

Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of Darajani Market, where vendors sell fresh tropical fruits, colorful fabrics, handcrafted souvenirs, and local spices. This authentic marketplace captures the essence of Zanzibari daily life, offering opportunities to haggle for unique gifts while experiencing the island's energetic trading culture firsthand.

5

Jozani Forest's Rare Red Colobus Monkeys

Visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to encounter Zanzibar's endemic red colobus monkeys in their natural mangrove forest habitat. This unique ecosystem is home to species found nowhere else on Earth, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience and guided nature walks through pristine coastal wetlands accessible from the port.

Cruise Lines at Zanzibar

Cruises Departing From Zanzibar

Cruises Visiting Zanzibar

Ship Schedule at Zanzibar

Zanzibar Location

Other Cruise Ports in Tanzania