Where is Zanzibar located?

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, lying on the eastern coast of Tanzania, which consists of Unguja and Pemba, the two largest islands, and about 50 smaller isles and sand banks. With just a few degrees dividing Zanzibar from the Equator, the tropical climate offers warm sunshine and incredible shades of blue ocean.

The climate is more humid than on the mainland. The long, dry season that runs from June until October comes with a bright blue sky and gorgeous sunny weather. The “green“ season starts at the end of March/beginning of April and lasts until the end of May. The ‘short rains’ take place during November and December and act as a refreshing period for the land, with the second dry season, just a short one, taking place in January and February. The temperature from September until April is 26-32˚C and from May to August 25-28˚C.

Tides

Tides are very important in Zanzibar, as they have a big impact on the daily life of the inhabitants. Depending on the moon, Zanzibar experiences 2 low and 2 high tides per day, with 6 hours in between low and high. The full moon and new moon provide stronger tides (“spring tides”) on the shoreline. However, depending on the location, they have more or less important tidal consequences. The north west coast is the least exposed to tides, which makes Zanzibar an ideal location, since tides have no impact on its private beach.