Zanzibar International Film Festival

About

The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is East Africa's largest cultural celebration, bringing together filmmakers, musicians, and artists from around the world in the historic Stone Town. This vibrant festival offers families a unique opportunity to experience diverse international and African cinema, live music performances, and cultural workshops in stunning heritage venues. Kids will be captivated by the outdoor screenings under the stars, traditional dance performances, and the magical atmosphere of Stone Town's narrow streets transformed into a cultural wonderland.

What to Expect

Families can expect a rich program including film screenings (some specifically for children), live music concerts, street performances, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops throughout various venues in Stone Town. The festival atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with many events taking place in historic buildings, open-air courtyards, and beachfront locations. While the main focus is film, ZIFF includes diverse programming such as traditional Taarab music, acrobatic shows, and cultural exhibitions that appeal to all ages. Note that you'll need to take a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (about 2 hours) to attend, making this a multi-day trip.

Highlights for Kids

• Outdoor film screenings under the stars in historic Stone Town courtyards and the Old Fort amphitheatre
• Traditional dhow races and cultural performances along the waterfront
• Interactive workshops including drumming, dance, and storytelling sessions
• Exploring Stone Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site between festival events
• Beach cinema experiences where films are projected with ocean views

Pro Tips for Families

1. Book your Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar ferry tickets in advance during festival season, and plan to stay at least 2-3 nights in Stone Town to fully experience the festival without rushing back daily
2. Download the festival program ahead of time and pre-select family-friendly screenings and events, as some films may not be suitable for children
3. Bring lightweight rain jackets as June-July falls during Tanzania's dry season but occasional showers can occur, and outdoor screenings continue unless heavy rain
4. Stone Town's narrow streets are best explored on foot; stay in accommodation within walking distance of main venues to avoid transportation hassles with tired kids

Best Time to Visit

Evening events (starting around 6-7 PM) offer the best family experience with cooler temperatures and the magical atmosphere of outdoor screenings under the stars. Attend mid-week performances for smaller crowds, though weekend events feature more cultural performances and activities. The opening weekend typically has the most fanfare and family-oriented programming, while the festival builds momentum throughout its 10-day run.

Food & Drinks

Stone Town offers numerous family-friendly restaurants serving both local Swahili cuisine and international options, with many open-air eateries along the waterfront. Try local favorites like coconut bean soup, grilled seafood, and Zanzibar pizza (a local street food kids often enjoy) from vendors near festival venues. Festival venues typically don't have extensive food service, so plan to eat at restaurants before or after events. The Forodhani Gardens night market operates daily and offers affordable street food in a family-friendly atmosphere, though ensure food is freshly cooked and hot.

Parking & Access

From Dar es Salaam, take the fast ferry to Zanzibar (2 hours, book through Azam Marine or Fast Ferries), departing from the ferry terminal near downtown. Stone Town itself is a car-free historic area with narrow pedestrian streets, making strollers impractical—baby carriers are strongly recommended. Most festival venues are within a 10-15 minute walk of each other in the compact Stone Town area. Arrange airport transfers or taxis through your accommodation, and expect to walk everywhere once in Stone Town. International travelers should arrange Tanzania visas in advance or obtain them on arrival.