Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian ocean located off the east coast of Tanzania. The most two largest and most developed islands are Unguja (also referred to as Zanzibar), and nearby Pemba Island. Our guide to running in Zanzibar is focused on Unguja.
The highlight of running in Zanzibar is on the gorgeous white sand beaches. The best beaches are generally on the east coast of Unguja — wide, with wonderfully firm sand. Runners should note that there’s a dramatic difference in tides on Zanzibar, so best to time your run around low tide. We’ve also included a ‘runseeing’ tour of Zanzibar City, which features some waterfront & beach running, a couple of small parks, and a ‘create your own’ section around Stone Town, a World Heritage site.
Runners should note that temperatures on Zanzibar are hot and humid year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Use caution. Also, since most inhabitants of Zanzibar are Muslim, please ask your hotel about the proper cultural norms around running — especially clothing.
