Many people say leaving Tanzania to come to Zanzibar is like leaving Africa to go to the Caribbean: long white beaches, warm waters, palm trees… we guess tropical paradises look alike, and Zanzibar is a tropical paradise indeed.
Many different cultures would come: the Portuguese when they visited and controlled the Indian Ocean. The British, when they replaced Portugal as the western power. Today, we see all those cultures added up in the beautiful architecture of Stone Town, or the traditional cooking of the island.
But, how do the people of Zanzibar live?
But to know the real life of Zanzibar people you just have to sit and look at the beach: the sand is the axis of all the island life. There you have the women, walking and fishing in groups, or checking the seaweed crops with the low tide. There you have the men, sailors most of them, repairing and caulking their dhows. And there you have the kids, enjoying the sand, playing with their self-made balls, cheering and laughing.
When you hear the name “Zanzibar”, what immediately leaps to your mind?
Chances are, your mind immediately conjures up image of pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, hammocks rocking gently in the sea breeze, and gorgeous resorts serving up ice cold drinks and delicious food from around the world.
Zanzibar’s reputation as Africa’s premier beach playground is entirely justified, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with spending your entire trip simply soaking in the sun, lazing by the pool, and enjoying the resort lifestyle on one of the many Zanzibar beaches.
If you’ve got a little more time on your hands or if you’re simply one of those people who can’t stand to sit still for two consecutive days, however, there is a wealth of things to do on Zanzibar.
From steaming jungles to fragrant spice plantations to heart-wrenching sites of historic significance, there is no shortage of Zanzibar activities on offer.
There are so much more than just the below five things to do on Zanzibar, but we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites to get you inspired.
When planning your Zanzibar trip, be sure to let your Shadows of Africa safari expert know what kind of activities you like. They’re sure to have some great ideas!
You don’t have to fly to the mainland to go on safari!
The endangered red colobus monkey happens to call the 2,512-hectare Jozani Chwaka National Park at the heart of Zanzibar home. One of the few remaining sanctuaries for this rare primate, Jozani Forest is an easy day trip from almost anywhere on the island.
Zanzibar is sometimes known as ‘spice island’ and with good reason! For much of the region’s history, its primary industry has been the export of flavorful spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper.
Taking a spice tour might not sound like everybody’s cup of tea, but believe us when we say it is a truly fascinating, fragrant, and flavorsome experience!
Zanzibar is paradise for people who love the water. From scuba diving to water sports to snorkeling, there’s no shortage of ways to experience Zanzibar’s warm waters.
This full-day experience takes you on a day of sailing, sunbathing, snorkeling, and feasting as you explore the fabulous Zanzibar coast. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to sunbathe on isolated sand banks, spot dolphins playing in the waves, and feast on delicious BBQ seafood.
Zanzibar has a long and fascinating history, and it would be a shame to visit the Spice Island without experiencing a little of that often-dark story.
There are a variety of ways to learn more about Zanzibar’s history as a slave port, British protectorate, and former independent nation.
One popular option is to take a half-day Stone Town tour in which you’ll wander the labyrinthine alleys and bustling market bazaars of the Zanzibari capital. Highlights of this tour include the National Museum of Zanzibar, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the haunting ruins of the former slave market.
For those with a little more time, the Zanzibar Prison Island tour combines history with a little leisure. You’ll not only visit the prison island to observe its new turtle inhabitants, but also enjoy some time snorkeling around the gorgeous former prison island.
Zanzibar Island, also known as Unguja, is by far the largest and most famous of the islands that make up the Zanzibar Archipelago. Zanzibar has such a diverse coastline that there are plenty of different experiences across the main island, from vibrant culture in the south to idyllic barefoot luxury in the north. There is plenty to see beyond stately palm trees, white beaches and water the color of malachite – we’ve collected the best places to visit based on our numerous visits.
Off the main island are also a series of much smaller islets that offer a more exclusive, away-from-the-crowds experience and are perfect for honeymooners and romantics. We take a look at where to go in Pemba, Mafia, Chumbe and Mnemba below.
First, a look at the different areas of Zanzibar, where to go and what to expect at each:
Zanzibar East Coast: home to the island’s best and most idyllic beaches, the east coast is home to a wide range of lodges and hotels but the tidal aspect of the Indian Ocean may mean you have walk to go swimming or snorkeling.
Zanzibar North Coast: as a rule, the further north on Zanzibar you go, the more private and less crowded the beaches are. The north coast is also least affected by the tidal range.
Zanzibar North-east Coast: the island’s prime location, most of Zanzibar’s top-end accommodation is set on the north-east beaches. The diving is excellent here, there’s not much tidal variation and the archipelago’s best reefs of Mnemba Island lie about a kilometer or half a mile offshore.
Zanzibar South Coast: the further south you go on Zanzibar, the more populated it becomes. And with people, comes culture – head south for cultural and spice tours along with more opportunities to engage with the locals.
Zanzibar South-East Coast: there are plenty of beaches and resorts on the south-east of Zanzibar but the tidal range is more marked than other regions.
Zanzibar West Coast: there are fewer lodges on Zanzibar’s west coast and it feels a little more remote but it is, of course, home to Stone Town, located on the island’s central-west coast.
Stone Town: Zanzibar’s historical capital No visit to Zanzibar would be complete without exploring the narrow, cobbled streets of Stone Town, a World Heritage Site and former capital of the main island. There are several places of interest scattered around town, not least Beit el-Ajaib (House of Wonders), a former sultan’s palace. Absorb the history, culture and cuisine of this former slave and ivory port on guided tours, or simply wander around at your own pace.
Some of the best places to go in Zanzibar take you even further into the African island experience. The Zanzibar Archipelago is dotted with spots that have never made it onto the global map – we love sharing these secret treasures with clients who enjoy an authentic and laidback beach vacation
A tiny island about a kilometre or half a mile north-east from Zanzibar Island, Mnemba is vintage beach paradise. The reefs just offshore provide excellent snorkelling and diving spots and the island is also a nesting site for the endangered green turtle. Although Mnemba Island is privately owned, the reef is open to everyone and is a popular day excursion from Zanzibar. Attracting very discerning and exclusive-minded visitors, Mnemba can be hired in its entirety to become a private island holiday paradise.
Lying 50km / 31mi north-east of Zanzibar is little-visited and largely undeveloped Pemba Island, home to small fishing villages, historic ruins, and miles of wild coastline. Infrastructure is limited and tourism still in its infancy but thanks to its pristine coral reefs, water temperatures between 25°C / 77°F and 28°C / 84°F and visibility between 20 and 40 metres / 66 and 131 feet, Pemba ranks among the world’s best dive sites. There are plenty of other activities on Pemba Island: water sports are on offer as are excursions to mangrove forests, sunset dhow cruises and spa treatments. Pemba offers the discerning visitor a large dose of privacy and exclusivity, a more laid-back atmosphere to Zanzibar, and it combines well with a mainland Tanzania safari.
Lying 12km / 7.5mi south of Zanzibar Town, uninhabited Chumbe Island was designated Zanzibar’s first marine reserve and now delivers an incredible underwater experience within the ambit of strictly controlled eco-tourism. The shallow-water reefs are pristine and there are turtles, rare birds and some 370 fish species to discover.
A classic, off-the-beaten-track tropical island, Mafia provides the discerning visitor with a serene and exclusive hideaway, far removed from the crowds of Zanzibar. The largest island of the Mafia Archipelago, Mafia lies 120km / 75mi south of Dar es Salaam and is widely acknowledged as one of the best dive sites in the Indian Ocean. Diving equipment and logistics are provided by Mafia’s excellent lodges and staff will take you to remote beaches and pristine reefs. Go between late May and mid-October for the best weather; there’s rain between April and May and again in November while February and March can be very hot and humid.
Imani is an intimate beach villa, nestled amongst local culture, in the small town of ‘Bububu’ close to Stone Town. Every room of Imani Beach Villa has air conditioning, mosquito netting, and a private bathroom.
Just outside of each secluded villa, you will find a lovely private gazebo draped in a flowing canopy. This provides a perfect place to enjoy the warm evening breezes and gaze at the stars as you drift off into your dreams. Each Villa haspanoramic sea views from both living area and bedroom. Zanzi Resort takes every measure to ensure the absolute comfort of our guests.
Set in botanic gardens by the ocean, the hotel is 10 minutes from Stone Town or from the Airport but is an oasis of peace to return to after your busy day. Prices are reasonable and the emphasis is on giving you good value while maintaining high standards of service.
Sea Cliff Resort & Spa is an exquisite sanctuary of tranquility, peace & beauty, boasting 120 bedrooms – lush tropical scented gardens – rim flow sparkling swimming pools – an abundance of many cultural cuisines and most importantly, incredibly attentive and helpful staff. The resort is located on the Northern-West coast of the exotic Island of Zanzibar, and conveniently located a mere 20 minutes from the historical and eclectic Stone Town.
Modern private Villas are located at Matemwe-Kilimaju village, north east of Unguja Island, Zanzibar; approximately 40Km or 30 minute drive from Stone Town, Zanzibar. The Villas are situated in a sunny, white sand beach off-shore from the world-famous Mnemba Island, whose circling reef has some of the best snorkeling and diving locations in East Africa.
Just 50 km away from Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, lies the Blue Oyster Hotel close to the village of Jambiani on the east coast.
Situated along a sandy, palm-fringed beach, Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa features two swimming pools and tennis courts, a spa, fitness centre and floating restaurant. There is also a scuba diving centre.
The settlement of Makunduchi lies in the far south east of the island. The town is, besides Stonetown, the biggest of Zanzibar with a population of approximately 12,000 people who principally survive on fishing and seaweed farming. Despite the beautiful setting of this small town with its long white sandy beaches, there is very little tourist activity in this part of Zanzibar. Makunduchi is famous for the Mwaka Kogwa festival which takes place over four days in July
Pumzika Beach Resort is located in the South-East of the Island of Zanzibar, close to the Indian ocean and two kilometers away from the fishermen‘s village oft Makunduchi. The region still has few tourists and is located at a one hour drive from Stone Town.
With a stay at Al-Minar Hotel in Zanzibar Town (Stone Town), you’ll be minutes from Shangani Beach and Old Fort. This hotel is within close proximity of Forodhani Gardens and House of Wonders.
Their rooms are designed to suit different needs. So you can choose the one that suits you best. Eg North and South wings Coral Stone Bungalows Coconut Wood Bungalows and Bundas
Mnemba Island Lodge is situated on an exclusive island just 4.5 kilometres off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar in the azure Indian Ocean. Surrounded by an atoll of breathtaking coral reefs, it boasts some of Africa’s most wonderful dive sites.
Located on the stunning white sandy beach on the South East Coast of Zanzibar Island. Kisiwa on the Beach, an all villa resort, lies ideally secluded near the charming village of Paje, only 45 minutes drive from the Zanzibar Airport.
Fruit & Spice Resort Zanzibar: blossoming like a flower in a tropical garden, standing out for how it integratesperfectly with the surrounding nature, from which it took its building materials.
Unforgettable Adventures will be at your service every moment of the day, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Just send us an email or contact us through WhatsApp and/or Facetime.
