The best months to visit Stone Town are Jun – Oct, Dec – Feb. Dry seasons with warm breezes.
Quick facts
Currency TZS (Tanzanian Shilling) USD widely accepted; carry small TZS notes
Language Swahili & English Arabic also spoken locally
Timezone EAT (UTC+3) No DST
Best Months Jun – Oct, Dec – Feb Dry seasons with warm breezes
Daily Budget ~$30–120 USD Budget to mid-range
Visa Visa on arrival / e-Visa $50 USD for most nationalities
When to go
UNESCO World Heritage labyrinth of coral-stone lanes, carved wooden doors, and spice-scented markets: Zanzibar's ancient trading heart on the Indian Ocean.
Getting Around in Stone Town
- Stone Town is best explored on foot: the lanes are too narrow for vehicles and getting lost is part of the experience
- Dala dala minibuses depart from Darajani Market to all major beach and forest destinations across the island
- Ferries from Dar es Salaam arrive at the Stone Town port: Azam Marine runs fast ferries (2 hours, $35 USD) multiple times daily
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Stone Town travel guide.
Timezone: EAT (UTC+3) (No DST)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Stone Town?
The best months to visit Stone Town are Jun – Oct, Dec – Feb (Dry seasons with warm breezes), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Stone Town budget breakdown.
