Zanzibar is bigger than many visitors expect. The main island of Zanzibar, officially called Unguja, covers approximately 1,666 square kilometres (643 square miles). It is about 85 kilometres (53 miles) long and up to 39 kilometres (24 miles) wide.
However, the name Zanzibar can also refer to the wider Zanzibar Archipelago, which includes Unguja, Pemba and several smaller islands. Together, the main islands cover approximately 2,460 square kilometres (950 square miles).
How Big Is Zanzibar Island?
When travellers ask how big Zanzibar Island is, they usually mean Unguja—the main island where you will find Zanzibar International Airport, Stone Town and most of the beach resorts.
| Zanzibar measurement | Approximate size |
|---|---|
| Total area of Unguja | 1,666 km² |
| Total area in square miles | 643 sq mi |
| Length from north to south | 85 km / 53 miles |
| Maximum width | 39 km / 24 miles |
| Zanzibar Archipelago | 2,460 km² / 950 sq mi |
Although Zanzibar does not look particularly large on a map, travelling around it takes longer than its size might suggest. Most roads pass through villages and local communities, while traffic can slow journeys around Zanzibar City.
Is Zanzibar a Single Island?
Zanzibar is not just one island. It is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania formed by several islands in the Indian Ocean.
The two largest islands are:
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Unguja: Commonly called Zanzibar Island and the main tourism centre.
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Pemba: A quieter, greener island located north of Unguja.
The archipelago also includes Mafia-sized? Wait no—Mafia Island is part of Tanzania but is not governed as part of Zanzibar. Smaller Zanzibar islands include Tumbatu, Uzi, Mnemba, Chumbe and several uninhabited islets.
For most holidays, the word “Zanzibar” refers specifically to Unguja.
How Big Is Zanzibar in Miles?
Zanzibar’s main island has an area of approximately 643 square miles. It stretches about 53 miles from north to south and reaches approximately 24 miles across at its widest point.
You cannot drive straight along the coastline, so actual road distances are longer than the island’s measurements suggest.
How Big Is Zanzibar Compared to the UK?
Zanzibar’s main island is approximately 146 times smaller than the United Kingdom by land area.
| Destination | Approximate land area |
|---|---|
| Zanzibar Island – Unguja | 1,666 km² |
| Greater London | 1,572 km² |
| United Kingdom | 243,610 km² |
Unguja is therefore slightly larger than Greater London, but much smaller than the United Kingdom as a whole. Unlike London, however, Zanzibar has long rural coastlines, farmland, forests, fishing villages and widely separated beach resorts.
How Long Does It Take to Drive Across Zanzibar?
Driving times depend on traffic, road conditions and the location of your hotel. Approximate transfer times from Zanzibar International Airport or Stone Town are:
| Destination | Approximate driving time |
|---|---|
| Stone Town | 15–25 minutes |
| Chwaka | 50–70 minutes |
| Paje | 1–1½ hours |
| Jambiani | 1¼–1¾ hours |
| Matemwe | 1¼–1¾ hours |
| Nungwi | 1½–2 hours |
| Kendwa | 1½–2 hours |
Driving from the far north to the southeast can take approximately 2½ to 3½ hours, depending on the route and traffic.
Can You Explore Zanzibar in One Day?
You can visit several places in one day, but you cannot properly experience the whole island in a few hours. Zanzibar’s attractions are spread across different regions.
For example:
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Stone Town and Prison Island work well together.
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Jozani Forest can be combined with the southeast coast.
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A spice farm can be combined with Stone Town.
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The north coast can include Nungwi, Kendwa and a sunset experience.
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Mnemba-area snorkelling is most convenient from the northeast or north.
If your holiday is short, choose a hotel in the area that best matches your interests instead of spending several hours travelling across the island each day.
Does Zanzibar Feel Like a Small Island?
Zanzibar can feel compact on a map, but its different regions offer noticeably different experiences.
The north has Nungwi and Kendwa, where swimming is generally less affected by the tides. The northeast provides convenient access to the Mnemba Island area. Paje and Jambiani in the southeast have long beaches, strong tidal changes and a relaxed atmosphere. Meanwhile, Stone Town offers history, architecture, markets and cultural experiences.
Because these areas are separated by considerable driving distances, choosing the right location is an important part of planning a Zanzibar holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilometres long is Zanzibar?
The main island of Zanzibar is approximately 85 kilometres long from north to south.
How wide is Zanzibar?
Unguja is approximately 39 kilometres wide at its widest point, although several parts of the island are much narrower.
Is Zanzibar bigger than London?
Zanzibar Island is slightly larger than Greater London by land area. Unguja covers approximately 1,666 km², compared with Greater London’s roughly 1,572 km².
How many islands make up Zanzibar?
Zanzibar consists of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, together with numerous smaller islands and islets.
Is Pemba part of Zanzibar?
Yes. Pemba forms part of the Zanzibar Archipelago and the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, although it is separate from the main tourist island of Unguja.
Is Zanzibar easy to travel around?
Yes, but journey times can be longer than expected. Private transfers are usually the most convenient option for airport transfers, hotel changes and organised excursions.
Plan Your Zanzibar Holiday with Local Experts
Zanzibar’s manageable size makes it possible to combine beaches, cultural attractions, forests and ocean activities within one holiday. However, your hotel’s location will strongly influence your transfer times, swimming conditions and access to excursions.
We are East African travel specialists who understand Zanzibar’s different coasts, resorts and travel times. We can help you choose the right area and match you with a suitable property based on what you want to experience and how much you want to spend.
