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Zanzibar is an archipelago of beautiful islands nestled along the coastline of East Africa’s Tanzania. As a renowned beach destination, it offers an enchanting combination of turquoise water and powdery white sands, while its vibrant culture is infused with centuries of rich history. From relaxing on pristine beaches to wandering the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town, these are our favourite ways to fall in love with Zanzibar.
The largest and most populated of the islands is Unguja (also known as Zanzibar Island), where you’ll find the region’s capital (Zanzibar City). The city’s historic heart is Stone Town, which is known by locals as Mji Mkongwe: a UNESCO World Heritage-listed maze of winding alleyways and bustling bazaars that reflect its history of African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.
By day, you can sip spiced coffee at a rooftop café or shop for handwoven textiles and jewellery in Darajani Markets. The Old Fort is the oldest of Stone Town’s buildings, most of which were constructed from blocks of coral stone (hence the name). Today, it’s a cultural and historic hub where you can shop for iconic East African Tingatinga artworks and enjoy live performances of music dance.
You could easily walk around tiny Mnemba Island in around fifteen minutes, but access to its 1.5-kilometre circumference of pristine white sand is restricted to guests at the private island’s boutique luxury lodge. The air of exclusivity is reinforced by a 200-metre exclusion zone that encircles the island itself, but the remaining expanse of reef-encircled lagoon is yours to enjoy.
If you’re based in Zanzibar City, it’s a 90-minute drive across Zanzibar Island to reach Myuni Beach, where you can join a day trip to experience the wonders of the marine reserve. The lagoon’s warm, clear waters, home to six hundred species of tropical fish as well as green turtles and three species of dolphin, provide ideal conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you visit between October and March, you may be lucky enough to share the water with migrating whale sharks, while July to September is peak season for spotting humpback whales.
If ‘close encounter with adorable marine mammal’ is high on your travel bucket list, then you’re going to love Zanzibar, and more specifically, the tiny village of Kizimkazi – also known as Dolphin Village.
Located on Zanzibar Island’s south coast, Kizimkazi is one of the best places to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat, especially if you visit during one of the dry seasons (June to October and December to February). Your personal travel manager can help you to choose an ethical tour operator that follows responsible and sustainable dolphin-watching guidelines.
The east coast of Zanzibar is one of the most spectacular places on Earth for sunsets, and we can’t think of a better way to experience this spectacle than from the deck of a traditional Arab dhow. These distinctive sailing vessels have been plying the waters of the Indian Ocean for centuries, adding an extra touch of authenticity and magic to your Zanzibar adventure.
Opt for a sunset sailing trip from Zanzibar City, and you‘ll be treated to incredible views of the historic stone buildings glowing softly in the setting sun. Many of Zanzibar’s popular beach resorts are set on the northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa, where a sunset dhow cruise provides a unique perspective of this stunning stretch of coastline.
Despite what the name suggests, Prison Island was never used as a prison although it did serve as a quarantine station during the first half of the twentieth century. These days, the prison buildings stand empty, and the island is best known as a haven for endangered Aldabra giant tortoises, which you can feed and observe during a day trip to the island from Stone Town.
From north to south, Zanzibar (Unguja) Island is 85 kilometres long and measures 30 kilometres across at its widest part. Its coastline features some of the most idyllic beaches you’ll encounter anywhere in the world, with turquoise waters and white sand that’s as fine as powdered sugar.
The northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa are renowned for their resorts, restaurants and nightlife as well as their pristine beaches, while tranquil Matemwe on the east coast is the longest stretch of sand on Unguja. If you want to experience a taste of authentic Zanzibar culture, head to Jambiani on the southwest coast. You’ll find a string of charming fishing villages that feature colourful Swahili architecture and a relaxed pace of life that centres around traditional occupations like boat-building and fishing.
If you’re planning to take to the waves, we recommend timing your visit for January, February, June, July, or August, to coincide with Zanzibar’s famous trade winds. Paje, on the southwest coast near Jambiani, is the epicentre of the island’s thriving kite-surfing scene, with an offshore reef creating an immense, shallow lagoon that is great for testing or honing your skills on the water. At other times of the year, the vast stretch of white sandy beach is tranquil and secluded: the perfect setting to indulge in a sunrise yoga session or beachside massage.
For centuries, the islands of Zanzibar have played a key role in the global spice trade, earning them the nickname, ‘the Spice Islands’. Fertile soils and warm, tropical climate provide ideal growing conditions for cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, pepper and other aromatic spices, and although tourism has now surpassed spice farming as the most lucrative local, a plantation tour is an essential part of any Zanzibar experience.
It’s an adventure for all your senses – as well as hearing how each spice is grown and harvested, you’ll get to smell, touch and taste the finished products and learn how to use them in your own culinary adventures.
Although large areas have been cleared over centuries to create space for farming, Zanzibar is still home to a rich diversity of wildlife species, many of which are endemic to the archipelago. Join a guided tour through the forests and grasslands of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park for the opportunity to encounter endangered red colobus monkeys and endearing bush babies, as well as vibrantly coloured birds and more than fifty species of butterflies.
From the warmth of its people to breathtaking beauty of its sunsets, a holiday in Zanzibar will truly spice up your life. Whether you’re adding a dash of extra flavour to your East Africa safari experience or looking for a unique destination that offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, contact your personal travel manager today to start planning your unforgettable Zanzibar escape.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
