Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, just off the east coast of Tanzania in East Africa. On a map, you will find it northeast of Dar es Salaam and close to the Equator.
The main island, Unguja—commonly called Zanzibar Island—is approximately 35 kilometres from mainland Tanzania at its nearest point. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, although it has its own semi-autonomous government.
Where Is Zanzibar, Tanzania, on the Map?
To locate Zanzibar on a map:
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Find Africa.
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Look for Tanzania on the continent’s eastern coast.
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Find Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city.
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Look east into the Indian Ocean.
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The group of islands just off the coast is the Zanzibar Archipelago.
Stone Town, the historic centre and main arrival point on Zanzibar Island, lies at approximately 6.16° south and 39.19° east.
Quick answer: Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. Its main island is roughly 70 kilometres by sea from Dar es Salaam.
Where Is Zanzibar on the Map of Africa?
On a map of Africa, Zanzibar appears on the eastern side of the continent, close to Tanzania’s mainland coast.
It is:
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East of mainland Tanzania
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Northeast of Dar es Salaam
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South of Kenya
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North of Mozambique
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Surrounded by the Indian Ocean
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Relatively close to the Equator
Zanzibar is therefore an East African destination, not a separate country or a region of North Africa.
Because Zanzibar is small compared with the African mainland, it may not be labelled on maps showing the whole continent. Zoom in on the Tanzanian coastline around Dar es Salaam to find it more easily.
Where Is Zanzibar on the World Map?
On a world map, Zanzibar is in the eastern part of Africa, within the western Indian Ocean. It lies south of the Equator and belongs to the United Republic of Tanzania.
Its position places it within reach of several well-known destinations:
| Place | Position relative to Zanzibar |
|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | Southwest, across the Indian Ocean |
| Tanzania mainland | West |
| Kenya | North |
| Mozambique | South |
| Madagascar | Southeast, across the Indian Ocean |
| Indian Ocean | Surrounds the Zanzibar islands |
Zanzibar uses East Africa Time, which is UTC+3 throughout the year.
Is Zanzibar an Island or a Group of Islands?
Zanzibar is an archipelago rather than a single island.
The two largest islands are:
Unguja
Unguja is the main island and the place most travellers mean when they say “Zanzibar.” It contains Stone Town, Zanzibar International Airport and popular beach areas such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Paje and Jambiani.
Pemba
Pemba lies north of Unguja. It is quieter, greener and less developed for tourism, with excellent diving and a more remote atmosphere.
The Zanzibar Archipelago also includes numerous smaller islands and sandbanks, including Mnemba, Chumbe, Tumbatu, Prison Island and Bawe.
Is Zanzibar Part of Tanzania?
Yes. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania.
The modern United Republic of Tanzania was formed in 1964 when Tanganyika, on the mainland, united with Zanzibar. Zanzibar remains semi-autonomous and manages some of its own internal affairs, but it is not an independent country.
This means visitors travelling to Zanzibar are entering Tanzania. Tanzania’s passport, visa and immigration rules apply, although travellers arriving from the mainland may pass through identification and security checks at Zanzibar’s airport or ferry terminal.
How Far Is Zanzibar from Mainland Tanzania?
Zanzibar’s main island lies approximately 35 kilometres from mainland Tanzania at its closest point. The distance between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town is roughly 70 kilometres across the sea.
Travellers can reach Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam by:
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A domestic flight taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes
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A scheduled ferry taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
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An international flight arriving directly at Zanzibar International Airport
Flights also connect Zanzibar with Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Nairobi and several safari airstrips, making it easy to combine a Zanzibar beach holiday with a Tanzania or Kenya safari.
What Is the Main Island of Zanzibar Called?
The official name of the main island is Unguja, but it is widely known as Zanzibar Island.
Most Zanzibar holidays take place on Unguja because it contains:
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Zanzibar International Airport
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Stone Town
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The majority of beach resorts
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Nungwi and Kendwa in the north
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Matemwe and Kiwengwa in the northeast
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Paje and Jambiani in the southeast
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Spice farms and many popular excursions
When a hotel, package or flight is advertised as being in Zanzibar, it usually refers to Unguja unless Pemba is specifically mentioned.
Where Is Stone Town on the Zanzibar Map?
Stone Town is on the western coast of Unguja, facing mainland Tanzania. It forms the historic centre of Zanzibar City and is the cultural and transport gateway to the island.
Zanzibar International Airport is approximately 15 to 20 minutes by road from Stone Town, depending on traffic. The passenger ferry terminal connecting Zanzibar with Dar es Salaam is located beside the historic town.
Stone Town is a convenient place to spend the first or last night of a Zanzibar holiday. It can also be visited on arrival day before continuing to a beach hotel, particularly when your flight lands early.
Where Are Zanzibar’s Main Beach Areas?
The right coast depends on the experience you want.
Nungwi and Kendwa
Nungwi and Kendwa are in northern Zanzibar. They are known for attractive sunsets, a lively atmosphere and generally easier swimming throughout the day because the tides are less extreme than on the east coast.
Matemwe and Kiwengwa
Matemwe and Kiwengwa are on the northeastern coast. This part of Zanzibar has long beaches and convenient access to boat trips and diving around Mnemba Island.
Paje and Jambiani
Paje and Jambiani are on the southeastern coast. They are popular for kitesurfing, relaxed beach stays and a stronger village atmosphere. Tidal changes are very noticeable here.
Stone Town
Stone Town is on the west coast. It is best for history, architecture, food, markets and Swahili culture rather than a traditional resort-based beach holiday.
How Big Is Zanzibar Island?
Unguja is approximately 85 kilometres long and about 30 kilometres wide at its broadest point. Although the island may look small on a map, driving between different coasts takes time because of local roads, villages and traffic.
Approximate road-transfer times from Zanzibar International Airport are:
| Destination | Approximate transfer time |
|---|---|
| Stone Town | 15–20 minutes |
| Fumba | 30–45 minutes |
| Kiwengwa | 50–70 minutes |
| Paje | 60–80 minutes |
| Jambiani | 70–90 minutes |
| Matemwe | 75–90 minutes |
| Nungwi | 75–100 minutes |
| Kendwa | 75–100 minutes |
These times are estimates and can change according to traffic, road conditions and the exact location of your hotel.
Why Zanzibar’s Location Matters When Planning Your Holiday
Knowing where Zanzibar is on the map helps you plan more than your flight. The location of your hotel affects swimming conditions, tides, transfers, sunsets and access to excursions.
Northern Zanzibar is usually better for travellers who want flexible swimming and livelier beach areas. The east and southeast coasts provide wide beaches, strong tidal changes and a quieter island atmosphere. Stone Town is best for history and culture.
Do not select a hotel simply because it is advertised as being “in Zanzibar.” Check its exact position on the island and make sure that coast suits the holiday you want.
Planning a Safari and Zanzibar Holiday
Zanzibar’s position off the Tanzanian coast makes it easy to combine the island with an East African safari.
Popular combinations include:
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Serengeti and Zanzibar
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Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar
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Selous/Nyerere and Zanzibar
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Masai Mara and Zanzibar
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Amboseli and Zanzibar
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Nairobi and Zanzibar
Direct or connecting flights can reduce unnecessary backtracking. A local travel specialist can arrange the safari, beach hotel, domestic flights and transfers as one itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Zanzibar located?
Zanzibar is in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Tanzania. Its main island, Unguja, lies northeast of Dar es Salaam.
Which country does Zanzibar belong to?
Zanzibar belongs to Tanzania. It is a semi-autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Is Zanzibar in Africa or Asia?
Zanzibar is in Africa. Geographically and politically, it forms part of East Africa.
Is Zanzibar on the mainland?
No. Zanzibar is separated from mainland Tanzania by the Indian Ocean.
Is Zanzibar north or south of the Equator?
Zanzibar is south of the Equator, at approximately six degrees south latitude.
What ocean is Zanzibar in?
Zanzibar is in the Indian Ocean.
Is Zanzibar close to Kenya?
Zanzibar is south of Kenya. Direct flights may operate between Nairobi and Zanzibar, making the two destinations easy to combine.
Is Zanzibar the same as Tanzania?
No. Tanzania includes the mainland and Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago forming part of Tanzania.
What is Zanzibar’s capital?
Zanzibar City is the capital, and Stone Town is its historic centre.
Which Zanzibar island do tourists visit?
Most tourists visit Unguja, commonly called Zanzibar Island. Pemba receives fewer visitors and offers a quieter, more remote experience.
Plan Your Zanzibar Holiday with Local Experts
Zanzibar looks small on the map, but every coast offers a different experience. Choosing the correct location can make a major difference to your beach holiday.
At TheHolidayDealers.com , we use local East African knowledge to help you choose the right coast, hotel, transfers and experiences. Whether you want a honeymoon, family holiday, all-inclusive resort or safari-and-Zanzibar package, we can match your itinerary to your preferred experience and budget.
