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Tanzania

Stone Town

Zanzibar's historic Swahili port city.

Stone Town is the historic centre of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a maze of narrow lanes lined with coral-stone buildings, carved wooden doors, mosques and former merchant houses. Landmarks include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders and the former slave market site.

Evenings centre on the Forodhani Gardens waterfront, long known for its street-food stalls.

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Up close

Highlights, up close

UNESCO World Heritage SiteCarved Zanzibari doorsOld Fort and historic landmarksForodhani waterfront food sceneWalkable historic lanes Plan your trip here
On the map

Where it is

  • Best time to visit Year-round
In depth Landscape, wildlife, birds & seasons What you might see here, and when conditions are best.
When to go

Seasonal climate guide

Typical conditions across the Northern Circuit by season — a reference guide based on long-term patterns, not a live forecast.

Short dry spell
Jan – Feb
Temp.25–30°C
RainfallLow
Long rains
Mar – May
Temp.22–28°C
RainfallHigh
Dry season
Jun – Oct
Temp.20–27°C
RainfallVery low
Short rains
Nov – Dec
Temp.23–29°C
RainfallModerate
Book it

Safaris that visit here

6 days 6-Day Swahili Coast — Bagamoyo, Saadani & Zanzibar from $665 9 days 9-Day Northern Circuit & Zanzibar Complete from $1,405
Before you travel What to carry, health precautions & emergency numbers Packing list, vaccinations, and who to call if you need help.
Pack for it

What to carry

  • Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown) — avoid bright white, black and blue, which attract tsetse flies
  • A warm layer or fleece — early-morning game drives and the Ngorongoro rim are cold even on the equator
  • Wide-brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses
  • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
  • Insect repellent (DEET-based, for dusk and dawn)
  • Binoculars — one pair per person makes a real difference
  • A power bank and universal adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style Type G plugs)
  • A soft-sided duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase, for light-aircraft and 4x4 luggage limits
  • A basic personal first-aid kit and any personal medication in hand luggage
  • Cash in US dollars (2013 or newer notes) for tips and small purchases
Stay well

Health precautions

Malaria

Northern Tanzania is a malaria risk area. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic about antimalarial medication well before you travel, and use insect repellent and cover up at dusk and dawn regardless.

Yellow fever certificate

Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from (or have transited more than 12 hours through) a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If that applies to your routing, carry your International Certificate of Vaccination.

Altitude

The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits above 2,200 m and Kilimanjaro/Meru climbs go much higher — mild headaches or breathlessness are common at altitude. Drink plenty of water, ascend gradually where you can, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.

Sun and hydration

The equatorial sun is stronger than it feels in the open-sided safari vehicles. Drink more water than you think you need, and reapply sunscreen through the day.

Routine vaccinations and travel insurance

Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date, and take out travel insurance that explicitly covers emergency medical evacuation — the parks are remote, and evacuation by light aircraft is the standard response to a serious medical issue.

General guidance only, not personal medical advice — please confirm requirements and recommendations with your own doctor or a travel clinic before you go.

Emergency numbers

Worth saving to your phone before you travel.