Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, just off the east coast of Tanzania in East Africa. The main island, Unguja, lies approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) from mainland Tanzania at its nearest point and around 75 kilometres (47 miles) across the sea from Dar es Salaam.
Although many people refer to Unguja as “Zanzibar Island,” Zanzibar is actually an archipelago consisting of Unguja, Pemba and several smaller islands. It forms a semi-autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Quick answer: Zanzibar is located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It is not a separate country, and it is not in South Africa.
Zanzibar’s Location at a Glance
Continent: Africa
Region: East Africa
Country: Tanzania
Ocean: Indian Ocean
Main island: Unguja, commonly called Zanzibar Island
Other major island: Pemba
Capital: Zanzibar City
Historic centre: Stone Town
Main airport: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
Airport code: ZNZ
Approximate coordinates: 6.1° south, 39.2° east
Time zone: East Africa Time, UTC+3
Where Is Zanzibar Located in Africa?
Zanzibar is located in East Africa, offshore from mainland Tanzania. It sits south of Kenya and relatively close to other Indian Ocean destinations, including the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar, although these islands are separated by considerable distances.
On a map of Africa, first find Tanzania on the continent’s eastern coastline. Then look immediately east into the Indian Ocean. The two largest islands visible near the Tanzanian coast are Unguja and Pemba, which form the main part of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is sometimes mistakenly associated with South Africa. However, the island is more than 2,500 kilometres north-east of South Africa and belongs to Tanzania.
Where Is Zanzibar Located on the World Map?
On a world map, Zanzibar lies:
South of the Equator
East of mainland Tanzania
West of the Seychelles
North-west of Madagascar
Across the Indian Ocean from parts of Asia
In the Southern and Eastern hemispheres
Zanzibar’s tropical position close to the Equator gives it warm temperatures throughout most of the year. However, its weather still changes with the dry seasons, rainy seasons and Indian Ocean monsoon winds.
Is Zanzibar an Island, City or Country?
Zanzibar is not an independent country. It is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania with its own local government and president for internal Zanzibar affairs.
The name “Zanzibar” may describe several different places:
The Zanzibar Archipelago: Unguja, Pemba and surrounding smaller islands
Zanzibar Island: The common name for Unguja, the principal island
Zanzibar City: The archipelago’s capital and largest urban area
Stone Town: The historic centre of Zanzibar City
Therefore, when travellers say they are visiting Zanzibar, they usually mean Unguja, where most international resorts, beaches, tours and flights are found.
Where Is Zanzibar Located in Tanzania?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania but lies offshore rather than on the mainland. Tanzania was created in 1964 when Tanganyika and Zanzibar united. The name Tanzania combines elements of both names.
Zanzibar maintains a distinct identity shaped by African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences. This heritage is especially visible in Stone Town’s architecture, food, language and trading history.
Most people on the islands speak Swahili, while English is widely used in hotels and the tourism industry. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so visitors should dress respectfully when away from beach resorts.
Where Are Unguja and Pemba Located?
Unguja and Pemba are the two largest islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago.
Unguja
Unguja is the main tourism island and the place most visitors mean when they say “Zanzibar Island.” Zanzibar City, Stone Town, the international airport and most beach resorts are located here.
Unguja measures roughly 85 kilometres from north to south and about 30 kilometres across at its widest point.
Pemba
Pemba lies approximately 50 kilometres north of Unguja. It is greener, quieter and less developed for tourism. Pemba is particularly known for clove farming, diving and secluded coastal scenery.
Domestic flights connect Unguja and Pemba, while ferry services may also operate between the islands.
Where Is Zanzibar City Located?
Zanzibar City is located on the west coast of Unguja, facing mainland Tanzania across the Zanzibar Channel. It is Zanzibar’s capital and main commercial centre.
Stone Town forms the historic heart of the city. Its winding streets, carved doors, former merchant houses and waterfront buildings reflect Zanzibar’s long history as an Indian Ocean trading centre.
The city is conveniently located near the airport and ferry terminal. Therefore, it works well as the first or final stop on a Zanzibar holiday.
Where Is Zanzibar International Airport Located?
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is located at Kisauni, approximately 5 kilometres south of Zanzibar City and around 7 to 8 kilometres from Stone Town.
Driving times depend on traffic and your beach location. As a general guide:
| Destination | Approximate transfer time from ZNZ Airport |
|---|---|
| Stone Town | 15–20 minutes |
| Fumba | 30–40 minutes |
| Kiwengwa | 50–60 minutes |
| Paje | 60–75 minutes |
| Jambiani | 60–80 minutes |
| Matemwe | 75–90 minutes |
| Nungwi | 75–100 minutes |
| Kendwa | 75–100 minutes |
Transfer times are approximate and may change with traffic, road conditions and the exact location of your hotel.
Where Are Zanzibar’s Main Beach Areas Located?
Zanzibar’s beaches spread around Unguja, but each coast offers a different experience.
North Coast: Nungwi and Kendwa
Nungwi and Kendwa are located at the northern end of Unguja. They are known for sunsets, lively resorts and relatively easy swimming throughout much of the day because tidal changes are generally less restrictive than on the east coast.
North-East Coast: Matemwe and Kiwengwa
Matemwe and Kiwengwa sit on the north-eastern coast. Matemwe provides convenient access to boat trips and diving around Mnemba Island, while Kiwengwa has several large beachfront resorts.
South-East Coast: Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu
Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu are located on Zanzibar’s south-eastern coast. This area has long beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and strong kitesurfing conditions. However, the tide retreats a considerable distance at certain times of day.
South Coast: Kizimkazi
Kizimkazi is located in southern Unguja. It is quieter than the north and known for coastal scenery and ocean excursions. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and responsible operators should avoid chasing or crowding dolphins.
West Coast: Stone Town, Mbweni and Fumba
The west coast faces mainland Tanzania. It includes Stone Town, airport-area accommodation and quieter coastal locations such as Fumba. It also provides access to sandbank and island excursions.
How Do You Get to Zanzibar?
You can reach Zanzibar by air or ferry.
Flying to Zanzibar
Zanzibar International Airport receives direct and connecting flights from destinations in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Travellers can also connect through major regional airports such as:
Dar es Salaam
Nairobi
Kilimanjaro
Arusha
Mombasa
Addis Ababa
Doha
Dubai
Flight schedules vary by season and airline.
Ferry from Dar es Salaam
Passenger ferries operate between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar City. The journey generally takes about two hours, depending on the vessel and sea conditions.
The ferry can be convenient for travellers already in Dar es Salaam. However, flying may be easier for guests connecting from a safari or arriving with substantial luggage.
How Far Is Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam?
Zanzibar City lies roughly 70 to 75 kilometres from Dar es Salaam across the sea. A short domestic flight usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, while the passenger ferry normally takes about two hours.
Although the two cities appear close on a map, there is no bridge between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Can You Combine Zanzibar with a Tanzania Safari?
Yes. Zanzibar’s location makes it easy to combine a beach holiday with a safari in mainland Tanzania.
Popular combinations include Zanzibar with:
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Nyerere National Park
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Mikumi National Park
Some routes require a connection through Dar es Salaam, Arusha or another airport. For that reason, the most efficient itinerary depends on your travel dates, safari parks and chosen beach area.
Why Does Zanzibar’s Location Matter When Choosing a Hotel?
Zanzibar may look small on a map, but travelling between its different coasts can take more than an hour. Your hotel’s location will affect your beach experience, swimming conditions, transfers, excursions and overall holiday atmosphere.
Choose:
Nungwi or Kendwa for sunsets, swimming and a livelier setting
Matemwe for a quieter stay near Mnemba Island
Kiwengwa for established beachfront resorts
Paje for kitesurfing, restaurants and social energy
Jambiani or Bwejuu for a more relaxed south-east coast experience
Stone Town for history, culture and convenient arrival or departure nights
Fumba or the south-west for quieter surroundings and marine excursions
As East African travel specialists, we recommend choosing your location before choosing a hotel. The right coast can matter just as much as the resort itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Zanzibar located?
Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean off Tanzania’s east coast in East Africa. The main island, Unguja, lies across the sea from Dar es Salaam.
Which country is Zanzibar located in?
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. It has a semi-autonomous government but is not an independent country.
Is Zanzibar located in South Africa?
No. Zanzibar is not in South Africa. It is part of Tanzania in East Africa, more than 2,500 kilometres north-east of South Africa.
Is Zanzibar on the mainland?
No. Zanzibar is an offshore archipelago. Visitors must reach it by aeroplane or passenger ferry.
Is Zanzibar above or below the Equator?
Zanzibar lies south of the Equator at approximately 6 degrees south latitude.
What ocean is Zanzibar located in?
Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean.
Is Zanzibar close to Kenya?
Zanzibar lies south of Kenya, off the Tanzanian coast. Direct and connecting flights may operate between Zanzibar and Nairobi or Mombasa.
Where is Zanzibar Beach located?
There is no single beach officially called Zanzibar Beach. Popular beach areas include Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Paje, Bwejuu and Jambiani.
Where is Meliá Zanzibar located?
Meliá Zanzibar is located near Kiwengwa on the north-eastern coast of Unguja. It is approximately an hour’s drive from Zanzibar International Airport, depending on traffic.
Is there a Zanzibar in Botswana?
Zanzibar Island is not located in Botswana. The well-known Zanzibar travel destination is part of Tanzania and lies in the Indian Ocean.
Plan Your Zanzibar Holiday with Local Experts
Zanzibar is located close enough to mainland Tanzania for a safari-and-beach holiday, yet it has its own distinctive culture, history and coastal character.
Where you stay will shape your experience. Before booking, consider the tides, transfer distances, swimming conditions, nearby activities and atmosphere of each coast.
At TheHolidayDealers.com our East African team helps travellers choose the right part of the island, find suitable accommodation and organise transfers, excursions and safari combinations around their dates and budget.
