Stone Town
UNESCO-listed old city — winding alleys, carved wooden doors, Arab-African architecture, and spice markets.
Best time
June-October or December-February
Currency
TZS
Language
Swahili, English
Mid-range / day
TZS 130
Is Zanzibar safe for Black travelers?
Zanzibar scores 4.2/5 (Very good) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Zanzibar is extremely safe for tourists. Stone Town, the beaches of Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are all very welcoming. Respect local Muslim culture — dress modestly when outside beach areas. The island is peaceful and the Swahili people are famously warm and hospitable.
Community welcome
4/5
Police climate
4/5
Discrimination risk
5/5
Black-owned presence
4/5
Why this score: Stone Town welcoming; predominantly Black-Muslim culture; low risk
Neighborhoods to Know
Nungwi
North tip of the island — stunning white sand, clear turquoise water, dhow sunset cruises, and beach bars.
Paje
East coast beach village — kitesurfing capital of East Africa, relaxed vibes, and incredible seafood.
Kendwa
Pristine beach near Nungwi known for full moon parties and spectacular sunsets.
Must-Visit Places
Stone Town Walking Tour
Navigate the UNESCO labyrinth of Stone Town with a local guide — Arab-African architecture, slave market history, and history at every corner.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Spice Farm Tour
Zanzibar earned its Spice Island name — taste and smell cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon growing on a local farm. Unforgettable.
Kidichi, Zanzibar
Dhow Sunset Cruise
Sail on a traditional Swahili dhow at sunset with fresh seafood and cold drinks. One of those perfect travel moments.
Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar
Darajani Market
Stone Town's bustling fresh market — fish, spices, fruits, and local street food. Go early for the best experience.
Creek Rd, Stone Town, Zanzibar
Visa
e-Visa required. Apply at eservices.immigration.go.tz. US citizens eligible.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zanzibar safe for Black travelers?
Zanzibar scores 4.2 out of 5 (Very good) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Zanzibar is extremely safe for tourists. Stone Town, the beaches of Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are all very welcoming. Respect local Muslim culture — dress modestly when outside beach areas. The island is peaceful and the Swahili people are famously warm and hospitable.
Which neighborhoods in Zanzibar are good for Black travelers?
Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, Kendwa. UNESCO-listed old city — winding alleys, carved wooden doors, Arab-African architecture, and spice markets.
Are there Black-owned businesses in Zanzibar?
Black-owned presence in Zanzibar is strong. ROAM BLK maps Black-owned businesses in the app, added by the community.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June-October or December-February
How much does a day in Zanzibar cost?
Budget: TZS 65 · Mid-range: TZS 130 · Luxury: TZS 280 per day, per ROAM BLK estimates.
Plan your Zanzibar trip in ROAM
Open in the ROAM app for live community insights, Black-owned business reviews, group trip planning, and Nova — your AI travel concierge.