Where Is Zanzibar? (2026 Guide) — Maps, Location, Geography, History & Why It’s Tanzania’s Most Magical Island
- tzsafaritours
- Nov 25
- 4 min read
Zanzibar is one of the most searched destinations in Africa — yet many travelers still ask the same basic questions:Where is Zanzibar? Is Zanzibar part of Tanzania or its own country? Where is Zanzibar on the world map? What is the Zanzibar Archipelago? How do you get there?
This guide gives you clear answers, maps, geography, cultural background, and travel distances — plus everything else you need to understand exactly where Zanzibar is located and why it’s so special.
Quick Answer — Where Is Zanzibar Located?
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago located off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean, belonging to the United Republic of Tanzania.
It sits 25–50 km (15–30 miles) off mainland Tanzania and forms part of the historic Swahili Coast.
Essential Quick Facts
Detail | Answer |
Continent | Africa |
Region | East Africa |
Country | Tanzania (semi-autonomous) |
Ocean | Indian Ocean |
Coordinates | ~6° South, 39° East |
Nearest Mainland City | Dar es Salaam |
Capital City | Zanzibar City (Stone Town) |
In simple terms:Zanzibar is a set of tropical islands off Tanzania, located on the eastern edge of Africa, facing the warm Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar on the Map — A Visual Geography Guide
Zanzibar on the World Map
Zanzibar sits along the eastern coastline of Africa, facing the Indian Ocean and positioned southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. It's closer to:
Dubai (~5 hrs flight)
Middle East
India Ocean island nations
Zanzibar on the Africa Map
On a continental scale, Zanzibar lies:
Below Kenya’s Mombasa Coast
North of Mozambique
Southwest of Seychelles
Opposite mainland Tanzania
Zanzibar on the Tanzania Map
On a national level, Zanzibar sits directly across from:
Dar es Salaam
Bagamoyo
Saadani National Park
This proximity makes it one of the most accessible island destinations in East Africa.
Map of the Zanzibar Archipelago
Zanzibar isn’t one island — it’s an archipelago made of:
Unguja (Zanzibar Island) – the main tourism hub
Pemba Island – quieter, greener, famous for diving
Dozens of small islands like Mnemba, Chumbe, Bawe, Chapwani
Understanding the Zanzibar Archipelago
Unguja (Commonly Called “Zanzibar Island”)
The main island where:
Stone Town (UNESCO site) is located
Most beaches & resorts are found
Popular areas include Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe
Unguja sits south of Pemba and is the cultural and economic heart of Zanzibar.
Pemba Island
Located north of Unguja, Pemba is:
Less commercial
Covered in lush greenery
Surrounded by deep-sea diving walls
The Smaller Islands
These islands circle Unguja and Pemba:
Mnemba (exclusive, northeast)
Chumbe (eco-island, southwest)
Bawe (west of Stone Town)Each plays a role in Zanzibar’s marine biodiversity.
Is Zanzibar a Country or Part of Tanzania? (Clear Explanation)
Zanzibar is NOT a country. It is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania.
Why the confusion?
Zanzibar has:
Its own President
Its own local government
Its own House of Representatives
Its own flag
Its own local laws
But shares with Tanzania:
Currency (TZS – Tanzanian Shilling)
Passport & immigration
Military & foreign policy
National identity
Historical Timeline
1961 — Tanganyika (mainland) gains independence
1963 — Zanzibar gains independence
1964 — Zanzibar + Tanganyika unite → United Republic of Tanzania
Why Zanzibar’s Location Makes It Perfect for Travel
Zanzibar’s position off Tanzania’s coast gives it:
Year-round tropical weather
Warm ocean temperatures
Easy access to safari parks
Strong cultural fusion
Perfect Beach Weather Because of Location
Zanzibar benefits from:
Indian Ocean monsoon winds
Coral reef protection
Warm water currents
Best seasons:
June–October (cool, dry)
December–February (sunny, hot)
How Zanzibar’s Location Enables Fly-In Safaris
From Zanzibar, travelers can fly directly to:
Serengeti National Park (1–2 hrs)
Ngorongoro region (Manyara Airstrip)
Tarangire National Park
Arusha Airport
You avoid long, tiring road trips.
Why It’s Perfect for Safari + Beach Holidays
Because Zanzibar is just off mainland Tanzania, it becomes the ideal finish to:
Northern circuit safaris
Kilimanjaro climbs
Distances & Travel Times to Zanzibar
Flight Distances to Zanzibar (ZNZ)
From | Duration |
Dar es Salaam | 15 min |
Arusha | 1 hr |
Serengeti (various airstrips) | 1–2 hrs |
Kilimanjaro (JRO) | 1–1.5 hrs |
Nairobi (Kenya) | 1 hr |
Dubai | ~5 hrs |
Doha | ~6 hrs |
Istanbul | ~7 hrs |
Ferry Distances
Dar es Salaam → Zanzibar (Stone Town)≈ 70 km / 2 hours by high-speed ferry
Can You Drive to Zanzibar?
No — Zanzibar is an island and cannot be reached by car. You must fly or take a ferry.
Geography — What Surrounds Zanzibar?
Its location places it among:
The Indian Ocean Coral Triangle
Important spice-growing regions
Historic Swahili Coast trade routes
Marine-protected waters
Nearby cultural and historical neighbors include:
Oman (Arab influence)
India (merchant heritage)
Persian Gulf cultures
What Is Zanzibar Famous For?
Zanzibar is world-famous for:
White sand beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje)
Stone Town UNESCO site
Spice plantations
Warm turquoise waters
Swahili & Arab architecture
Diving and marine life
Cultural history
Easy access to mainland safaris
Best Things to Do in Zanzibar (Location-Based Suggestions)
Stone Town Area
Old Fort
Forodhani Gardens
Freddie Mercury House
Slave Market Museum
North Coast (Nungwi & Kendwa)
Sunset cruises
Turtle conservation
Beach resorts
East Coast (Paje & Jambiani)
Kitesurfing
Long tidal beaches
Reef walks
South Coast
Dolphin tours (Kizimkazi)
Jozani Forest
Islands & Marine Activities
Mnemba snorkeling
Chumbe coral sanctuary
Prison Island (Changuu)
FAQs — Clear Answers to the Most Asked Questions
Where is Zanzibar located exactly?
Zanzibar is located off the east coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean, around 25–50 km from mainland Tanzania.
Is Zanzibar in Tanzania or Kenya?
Zanzibar belongs to Tanzania, not Kenya.
Is Zanzibar its own country?
No. It is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania with its own local government.
What ocean is Zanzibar in?
Zanzibar lies in the Indian Ocean.
Is Zanzibar safe to visit?
Yes. Zanzibar is one of the safest destinations in East Africa, especially in resort areas.
How far is Zanzibar from the Serengeti?
A short 1–2 hour flight, depending on the airstrip.
What is the capital of Zanzibar?
Zanzibar City — with Stone Town as its historic center.
What language is spoken in Zanzibar?
Swahili is the primary language; English is widely spoken in tourism areas.
Final Summary — Understanding Zanzibar’s Location at a Glance
Zanzibar is a breathtaking archipelago just off the coast of Tanzania, perfectly positioned in the Indian Ocean with a blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences.Its unique geography makes it:
Easy to access
Beautiful year-round
Perfect for pairing with East Africa’s top safaris
Comments