Zanzibar Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Alex Petrenko (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; everest katmandu, Żigul * Silesia *, J Visarius, Jörg Reeck, Raul Fahadi · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Tanzania
- Region:
- Indian Ocean & Africa
- Coordinates:
- 6.1667° S, 39.2000° E
About Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a port of call on Tanzania's west coast, serving as the largest city on the island of Unguja in the Zanzibar Archipelago. The port gives you easy access to Stonetown, the district seat, where eight key attractions cluster within just over a kilometre of the waterfront.
What to see and do
History enthusiasts will find the Peace Memorial Museum (1.0 km from port, rated 4.1) and several significant landmarks within reach. The Old Dispensary and Jaw's Corner are both 1.2 km away, while the Old Portuguese Arch sits 1.3 km from the terminal. For a blend of culture and outdoor activity, The Forodhani of Zanzibar park and garden is 1.4 km away (rated 4.4), and Nakupenda Island Beach Tours offer a different perspective on the area.
If you're willing to venture further, Cheetah's Rock (11.7 km away, rated 4.7) is a popular tourist attraction. Tour operators like ZanRaha tours & Safaris (0.8 km from port) can arrange excursions and guided experiences across the island.
Nearby ports
Zanzibar is part of the Indian Ocean & Africa cruise region, with other ports including Mombasa, Durban, Cape Town and Le Port.
Zanzibar City or Mjini District, often simply referred to as Zanzibar, is one of two administrative districts of Mjini Magharibi Region in Tanzania. The district covers an area of 15.4 km2 (5.9 sq mi). The district has a water border to the west by the Indian Ocean. The district is bordered to the east by Magharibi District. The district seat is in Stonetown. The city is the largest on the island of Zanzibar. It is located on the west coast of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, north of the much larger city of Dar es Salaam across the Zanzibar Channel. The city also serves as the capital of the Zanzibar Urban/West Region. In 2022 its population was 219,007.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Zanzibar on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Cheetah's Rock · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Cheetah's Rock
4.7 (1,183) 11.7 km from port
ZIPA-accredited educational wildlife rescue & conservation center known for its cheetah tours.
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “I visited Cheetah's Rock Wild Animal Rescue & Conservation Centre in Zanzibar on 28th June, and it was the highlight…” — Ann Pearce
- 5 · “An unforgettable experience! Cheetah’s Rock is a truly special place where the care and respect shown to the animals is…” — Badea Sinziana
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Photo: Виталий Дядык · via Google Maps Park and Garden
The Forodhani of Zanzibar
4.4 (918) 1.4 km from port
Compact urban park fronting a centuries-old fort, with palms & shrubs, open lawns & sea views.
Near: Mody Zanzibar Tours & Safaris (20 m) · Old Fort (63 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 11:40 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 11:40 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 11:40 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 11:40 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 11:40 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 11:40 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 11:40 pm
- 5 · “Forodhani Gardens is one of the most vibrant and memorable places to visit in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Located along the…” — Zechariah Jabane
- 5 · “The Forodhani is a famous spot at the west side of Zanzibar. Just near the harbor and Stone Town. There…” — Michael Maloya
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Photo: Omar Hamdi · via Google Maps Museum
Peace Memorial Museum
4.1 (342) 1.0 km from port
Exhibits relating to Zanzibar history & nature in a whitewashed, Arab-style building from 1920.
Near: Unguja Ukuu (132 m) · Mnazi Mmoja Hospital (162 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “This is a lovely small museum featuring the history, art, and culture of Zanzibar. The architecture is stunning - based…” — Eric Smith
- 3 · “A single ticket costing Tsh 12,000 gets you entry to this museum and the Natural History Museum next door. On…” — Lyndsey
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Photo: Robin · via Google Maps Historical landmark
Old Dispensary
4.4 (310) 1.2 km from port
Elegant late-19th-century building with elaborate Indian & European elements, now home to a museum.
Near: Stone Town Cultural Centre (17 m) · Kholle House Boutique Hotel (20 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “A historical building that now serves as a hospital (the Aga Khan Polyclinic). it also seems to be the only…” — DG Yoo
- 5 · “Such an amazing architectural gem which is being preserved and still used as a clinic.” — Caroline Crutchley
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Historical landmark
Old Portuguese Arch
4.3 (279) 1.3 km from port
Near: Dr. Mehta's Hospital (31 m) · Abyssinian Maritim Ethiopian Traditional Restaurant (32 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “The Old Portuguese Arch in Stone Town, Zanzibar, stands as a subtle yet significant relic of the island’s brief Portuguese…” — SAKA images
- 5 · “Loved seeing this! Well worth it if you like history! Still standing after 500 years, just beautiful! It would be…” — Fábio
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Historical landmark
Jaw's Corner
4.3 (146) 1.2 km from port
Near: Spice Palace Hotel (29 m) · Saint Joseph's Cathedral (134 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 12:00 am
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 12:00 am
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 12:00 am
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 12:00 am
- Friday: 6:00 am – 12:00 am
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 12:00 am
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 12:00 am
- 5 · “One of the best visiting place in Zanzibar stone Town. You will see most of the tourists visiting this place” — Prakash Sualy
- 5 · “Jaws Corner is a historical political gathering area in Stone Town. Now evolved more into a social gathering space free…” — Kamal Seif
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Tourist attraction
Nakupenda Island Beach Tours
4.4 (87) 1.4 km from port
Near: NBC Bank Zanzibar (8 m) · Krishna Food House (23 m)
- Good for children
- Toilets
- Cash only
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “The Island had a breathtaking view....I recommend thay travel is done before evening due to the strong waves that keep…” — Tina Abigail
- 5 · “Nakupenda beach is one of the most beautiful sandbanks in Zanzibar. Surrounded by crystal_clear Turquoise water. It feels like a…” — Zanzibar Best Spice Tours
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Tourist attraction
ZanRaha tours & Safaris
4.6 (50) 0.8 km from port
Near: Blue Bay resort (45 m) · Shatriya Shopping Mall (63 m)
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “If you are looking for a smiling and positive guide, this is Faby. An amazing guy, always full of positivity.…” — Ana Logar
- 5 · “Spent the best time of my life in Zanzibar. ZanRaha tours & travel took care of me. Thank you so…” — Erick Muturi
Map of Zanzibar and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Zanzibar
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