“The Ultimate Zanzibar Travel Guide – An Island Like No Other”
Zanzibar is a ravishing island within the Indian Ocean simply off the coast of Tanzania. It oozes nothing however nice power, wonderful meals, stunning seashores and every part else you’ll be able to hope for on an island!
In addition to being wealthy in historical past, tradition and island vibes, it’s a preferred honeymoon vacation spot. As a consequence of its pristine seashores and beautiful resorts, it’s a residing love nest.
In case you’re not on the lookout for a romantic getaway, don’t fear, Zanzibar has acquired all of it.
From journey to genuine island and native life, seashore hopping to meals looking for and every part in between.
This Zanzibar journey information will take you to Zanzibar earlier than you even get there!
Disclaimer – This publish could include affiliate hyperlinks, which means we obtain a small fee if you make a purchase order by way of one among our hyperlinks.
ZANZIBAR TRAVEL GUIDE
The fundamentals earlier than you go
Forex: Tanzanian shilling (Tsh).
Excessive season: June, July and August.
Airport: Abeid Amani Kurume Worldwide Airport.
Languages spoken: Swahili is the official language. English is spoken however some locals know solely the fundamentals. Arabic is well-known amongst among the locals. Many tour guides are fairly fluent in different European languages.
Climate: June to October is the dry and funky season (although nonetheless scorching!) and is the very best time to go to. From November to February the temperatures can rocket and it could get highly regarded and humid. March to Could is the wettest season the place thunderstorms and heavy rain is fairly frequent.
Faith: Islam.
The place is Zanzibar: Zanzibar is politically a part of Tanzania. It’s composed of the Zanzibar archipelago within the Indian Ocean consisting of many small islands. The primary island being Unguja (which is named Zanzibar) and Pemba. Stone City is the historic beating coronary heart of Zanzibar and may NOT be missed out!
ZANZIBAR TRAVEL GUIDE
Issues to know earlier than you go
Zanzibar is a Muslim island so there are a few issues to concentrate on:
1. Cowl up a bit of to indicate some respect to the faith and locals, particularly exterior of your resorts or away from the seashore.
2. Plan your journey accordingly. Throughout the month of Ramadan, a lot of the outlets (particularly eating places and cafes) could also be closed throughout the day until after sundown when the breaking of quick is allowed.
Find out how to journey round in Zanzibar
1. Automobiles, bikes, bicycles and Dala Dala’s (native buses) are the commonest types of transport. Dala dala’s come within the type of small mini buses or open carriers. Bear in mind that these get extraordinarily busy, stuffy and uncomfortable. Nonetheless, they provide an genuine Zanzibari expertise and are very handy! They’re largely low cost and settle for solely money.
2. There are a couple of sea vessels that can take you to different smaller islands and sandbanks in Zanzibar. You possibly can go for a neighborhood (fisherman’s) boat or a Dhow boat that are each nice experiences! A number of the larger Dhow boats provide a extra tailor-made expertise with snacks and music.
Find out how to get to Zanzibar
Some international locations provide direct flights to Zanzibar or a connecting flight. Nonetheless, if you happen to have been to reach in mainland Tanzania’s airport in Dar Es Salaam (Julius Nyerere Worldwide Airport) you’ll be able to take a brief flight to Zanzibar. There may be additionally an choice to take a ferry from the port in Dar Es Salaam however bear in mind it could very busy they usually solely settle for money.
Is Zanzibar secure?
Zanzibar is usually secure, however like with every other vacation spot at all times be alert and use primary and customary sense while there.
Hakuna matata!
It means no worries! And the locals don’t allow you to overlook it, you’ll most likely hear it at the least as soon as each day. The island just about lives and breathes the motto!
ZANZIBAR TRAVEL GUIDE
The most effective issues to do in Zanzibar
In contrast to me, who goes typically as I’m from right here, Zanzibar is a as soon as in a lifetime expertise for many individuals. So simply get pleasure from EVERYTHING it has to supply!
For a small island, Zanzibar appears to have a endless listing of issues to do! From the beautiful locations to see, mouth-watering meals to devour and infinite reminiscences to make. The island is beautiful!
Each nook presents both rest, journey, historical past or pleasure. So it’s greatest to hit all the recent spots to really have the “Zanzibar experience”. Listed here are among the prime issues to do in Zanzibar.
Go to Stone City
Stone City is the center of Zanzibar and a visit to Zanzibar simply wouldn’t be full with out a go to. I recommend spending ATLEAST a few days right here as there’s a lot to see and do. It’s busy, bustling and lively and one of many highlights of Zanzibar.
You’ll be met with a fusion of African tradition with hints of Arabic, Persian, Indian and a splash of European affect.
The Stone City market is a should. You’ll get sellers attempting to seize your consideration however they’re not forceful and don’t problem you an excessive amount of. From spices, meals, work, clothes, merchandise and something that would tickle your fancies. This African bazaar sells every part! Darajani market presents a full expertise of life and tradition on the island.
Dine on the eating places that provide native delicacies in addition to a fusion of delicacies from world wide. Spend time on the seashore and go to historic websites just like the outdated fort and the Home of Wonders.
Go to Forodhani Gardens
Forodhani is a neighborhood and vacationer hotspot and I LOVE it right here with a capital L! I strongly recommend you go a few nights because it’s such a deal with for the senses. Forodhani is a neighborhood park by Stone City seashore, reverse the Home of Wonders. It overlooks the ocean and doubles up as an open-air avenue meals market after sundown.
Eat beneath the celebs, on the seashore or any spot you will discover and absorb the ambiance. You cannot depart Zanzibar with out going to Forodhani, it’s prison!
See a bit of historical past on the Home of Wonders
In case you’re into your historical past or love a bit of tradition historic digging, the Home of Wonders is the place for you. Right here you’ll have the ability to be taught a bit of extra of the historical past of Zanzibar in addition to have the ability to go to a couple of exhibitions and rooms of curiosity.
Attention-grabbing reality: the Home of Wonders had the primary elevator put in in the entire of East Africa. On the time it was a ‘wonderous’ home and left folks in awe as you’ll be able to think about, therefore the title.
The constructing itself isn’t exhausting to overlook and also you’ll have the ability to see it as you enter Zanzibar whether or not by airplane or ferry. Make sure you test in the event that they’re permitting guests because it has been present process a couple of renovations.
Make a journey to Jozani Forest
Jozani Forest is such a ravishing expertise and top-of-the-line locations to lose your self in nature. Right here you’ll have the ability to see the not so shy Zanzibar pink colobus monkeys, go on adventurous trails and benefit from the lush greenery that’s so outstanding on the island.
Guide a spice tour
Zanzibar is named the ‘spice island’ and it could be amiss to not discover this additional while on the island. It was as soon as one of many main and main manufacturing of clove amongst different spices.
On these excursions you’ll have the ability to collect extra info on the spices, the manufacturing, the affect on the island and have the ability to style and purchase the spices on provide. Make sure you carry cash and a few comfy footwear.
Go on a Safari Blue cruise
Now for a bit of enjoyable on the ocean as a result of it’s Zanzibar in spite of everything! The Safari Blue cruise is likely one of the greatest experiences in case your trying to take pleasure in some unique island vibes.
On this cruise you’ll have the ability to get on the well-known dhow boats which can take you to a sand financial institution with views of the attractive open blue sea. You’ll additionally have the ability to go to the mangrove lagoon and Kwale island. You’ll take pleasure in a scrumptious seafood barbeque together with contemporary fruits. In case you’re a marine fanatic you are able to do some dolphin watching in addition to snorkelling.
And if you happen to simply need to be within the second, you’ll be able to simply unwind, absorb the solar and benefit from the views!
Spend a while on Jail Island
Although the title comes with it’s historical past, Jail Island (identified domestically as Changuu island), not serves as a jail.
The islands main attraction is the tortoise sanctuary the place you’ll have the ability to see, contact and be taught the historical past of the enormous Aldabross tortoises. These outdated aged beauties are fairly a sight, so I strongly recommend paying the small charge to enter. You’ll additionally have the ability to wander a bit of bit deeper to a couple hidden spots that boast the bluest of waters!
After seeing the tortoise, seize a chunk to eat and simply spend the day residing your greatest life on the seashore.
The island might be accessed by way of a small fisherman’s boat from Stone City seashore and is round a 30 minute journey. That is NOT a tour, you’ll negotiate the worth and time for choose up along with your chosen courier and the remainder is as much as you!
Go to the Baraka Pure Aquarium
The Baraka Pure Aquarium primarily based in Nungwi buys turtles which have been accidently caught by fisherman and recuperates them earlier than releasing them again into their pure habitat.
For a small charge, this little turtle sanctuary presents the chance to securely swim with these beauties within the lagoon. You too can merely sit by the pond and admire from afar!
You possibly can feed them seaweed that’s offered by the Aquarium in addition to go snorkelling the place you’ll have the ability to see the turtles of their pure aspect!
Ensure that to spend a while in Nungwi
Nungwi is situated in essentially the most Nothern a part of Zanzibar and thus presents among the most beautiful sunsets! Together with its equally beautiful seashores and quaint village life, it’s presumably one of the kind out vacationer places on the island. It’s THE good place to unwind, loosen up and watch how the locals go about their day by day lives.
In case you’re on the lookout for among the greatest resorts, Nungwi is certainly the place for you. I’d positively suggest Zuri Zanzibar which is an eco-friendly resort that goes above and past!
Get your dose of luxurious and water sports activities on Mnemba Island
Mnemba island is a small unique island simply off the coast of Zanzibar and it simply screams luxurious, romance and serenity. The island is ideal for honeymooners and people on the lookout for one thing a bit of extra distant, intimate and personal.
Not solely that, Mnemba island is the go to for marine and water sport fanatics. The island is wealthy in marine life and the coral reef is gorgeous, good for snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming and exploring in addition to wind browsing and different sports activities.
Study the darkish historical past of Zanzibar with a slave tour
Zanzibar has a darkish, unlucky and unsettling historical past. It was one of many important slave buying and selling ports within the nineteenth century. When you’ve got the abdomen to be taught concerning the painful historical past, you’ll be able to e-book a guided tour which can stroll you thru all of it.
Enterprise our of Zanzibar
Although it is a Zanzibar journey information, it simply wouldn’t be proper if I instructed you to not discover exterior of Zanzibar (regardless of how exhausting!) So listed below are a few locations you’ll be able to go earlier than, after or throughout your journey to Zanzibar
Guide a safari
Some folks truly e-book Zanzibar as an unwind and enjoyable post-safari a part of their vacation after the journey and pleasure of the Serengeti. The Serengeti in Tanzania, is likely one of the hottest safari locations on the earth. Catch a glimpse of the massive 5, keep at beautiful lodges, encompass your self in nature and simply discover part of the world that many individuals see on television.
Go to Pemba
Pemba island is simply as lush as Zanzibar and has fewer vacationers. So, if you happen to’re on the lookout for an untouched and genuine island life, that is the place for you.
Go to the mainland, Dar-es-Salaam
I like to recommend going right here with hesitation as i’m not an enormous fan. It’s extraordinarily busy and chaotic. It doesn’t come near providing the wonder and ambiance you’ll discover in Zanzibar however nonetheless value a bit of go to
ZANZIBAR TRAVEL GUIDE
The most effective locations to eat in Zanzibar
Now on on to the very best locations to eat on this Zanzibar journey information. Get your tastebuds prepared, these locations could have you happy and feeling full!
Expertise a style of Zanzibar at Forodhani
As I’ve talked about already, Forodhani simply makes it on this listing as a result of it’s a meals haven. Forodhani presents conventional native meals but in addition fits everybody’s fancies.
Get your style buds prepared as a result of the meals is really epic. There’s seafood, meat, shawarma, Zanzibar model pizza’s, urojo (a neighborhood yellow soupy dish with potatoes and different goodies), ice cream distributors and way more! Don’t depart Zanzibar with out attempting their sugar cane juices … merely refreshing!
Although the meals continues to be low cost, being a vacationer scorching spot, the costs do are usually larger than what you’d pay away from Forodhani. Nonetheless, together with the placement and ambiance, it’s nonetheless value each penny!
Eat like a neighborhood at Luqman Restaurant
You already know once they say if the locals flock to the restaurant than it have to be a great place to eat. Properly Luqman restaurant is a high-quality instance of that! The restaurant presents significantly and I imply SERIOUSLY scrumptious meals and is pleasantly low cost. They specialise largely in Swahili meals however there’s one thing to swimsuit everybody’s palate so DO NOT write it off! Bear in mind it could get a bit of busy right here so if it’s a must to wait to get in, than wait, it’s value it!
Dine on the ocean at The Rock Restaurant
The Rock Restaurant is likely one of the most unusual eating places in Zanzibar and presents a eating expertise within the Indian Ocean.
Situated in Michamvi, Pingwe within the South-east of Zanzibar, it presents nice seafood dishes, stunning ocean views and nice service. It’s a little on the dear facet however if you happen to’re on the lookout for an actual deal with than it’s value the additional pennies!
Be aware: the restaurant is in excessive demand, so it’s greatest to e-book a reservation beforehand else you would possibly get turned away on the door.
Additionally word: throughout excessive tide you’ll be transferred to the restaurant by boat from the shore, and through low tide you’ll stroll to it!
Get pleasure from some espresso and treats at Zanzibar Espresso Home
This charming café situated in Stone City presents some nice espresso choices (which they roast themselves). Even if you happen to’re not a espresso drinker, there’s different choices in addition to Zanzibari and worldwide delicacies. Personally, I went right here largely for breakfast and lunch.
The café has a really peaceable and serene really feel to it because it’s a bit of tucked away and has an olden styled Arabic affect décor. I HIGHLY suggest consuming on the highest ground to understand these well-known Stone City rooftop views (if you will discover a desk!)
Emerson Spice Tea Home
Set on prime of the Emerson lodge on Hurumzi in Stone City, this African/Arabian impressed rooftop presents a magical eating expertise. The restaurant presents among the greatest views overlooking Stone City. It’s the good place to unwind, eat, chuckle and watch the sundown.
The Secret Backyard
You too can dine on the Secret Backyard at Emmerson Spice which additionally presents an distinctive expertise! Surrounded by lush vegetation and an atmosphere ambiance, this courtyard restaurant has an nearly mystical and enchanted really feel to it to go together with it’s nice meals!
ZANZIBAR TRAVEL GUIDE
The most effective seashores to go to in Zanzibar
Zanzibar has among the most breath taking seashores in Africa (and the world, if I do say so myself!). With white sandy seashores, hakuna matata motto hanging within the air and clear turquoise waters, it’s a no brainer to pay all of them a go to and belief me, Zanzibar has a number of seashores! In addition to exploring the seashores, you also needs to check out their villages as they’re simply as wonderful.
Listed here are a couple of of the highest seashores I’d suggest (keep in mind, Zanzibar has no such factor as dangerous seashores!)
Stone City seashore
Stone City seashore is stuffed with life and embodies the island life and vibes to a tee. The thrill on this seashore is nothing however electrical! You possibly can get pleasure from siting, consuming and swimming on the seashore in addition to stay music from the close by eating places.
I’d say top-of-the-line issues to do on Stone City seashore is watch the native boys doing a little acrobatics, capoeira and taking part in soccer. You’ll additionally have the ability to see the fishermen go about their day by day enterprise so that is the proper seashore for a bit of folks watching.
Take into account, this seashore will not be essentially the most peaceable however if you happen to’re on the lookout for actual genuine seashore life on the island this simply makes the highest spot.
Nungwi seashore
Nungwi seashore is located on the most north-western tip of Zanzibar. It has among the most whitest powdery and pristine sand on the island in addition to the bluest of waters. The village can be pure pleasure to discover, with it’s laid again and open vibe.
The water temperature right here is heat all yr round, the tides are normally fairly low and the sunsets are divine! And for these causes Nungwi seashore makes it the proper place for swimming, seashore walks and lounging about within the solar.
Paje seashore
Paje seashore is within the east coast of Zanzibar and is very well-liked with vacationers and backpackers. The seashore is a mecca for water sport fanatics because it has a wide range of water sports activities on provide equivalent to wind and kite browsing. Although it looks as if there’s loads happening, identical to all the opposite seashores in Zanzibar it’s nonetheless a tremendous spot for rest and catching the suns rays.
Kendwa seashore
Kendwa seashore is most well-known for its full moon events at Kendwa Rocks thus making it much more well-liked with the youthful era. However to not fear in case your not a celebration animal. The seashore itself is simply as thrilling and ideal for a spot of rest. The numerous resorts and eating places dotted on the seashore has one thing for everybody’s tastes so you should definitely discover it!
Pongwe seashore
Pongwe seashore is as stunning seashore on the east coast of the island and presents a bit of extra seclusion because it’s lesser identified or “popular” as the opposite seashores. It actually is an ideal place to loosen up and luxuriate in being within the second.
Bear in mind because of the reality there’s loads much less folks vacationers who flock right here, the very best locations to get meals is usually within the resorts as there are fewer eating places.
Bwejuu seashore
Bwejuu seashore is one other much less identified/well-liked seashore and carries an identical ambiance to Pongwe seashore. So if you happen to’re on the lookout for someplace with much less to no crowds this seashore is ideal for you! I discovered that the water right here carries a bit of extra seaweed than different locations however is simply as stunning.
Jambiani seashore
Jambiani seashore like the 2 above additionally has an identical vibe; its quiet and has a wealthy village life so there’s nonetheless no scarcity of issues to do. Because it’s not too removed from Paje seashore, you’ll be able to spend a day seashore hopping between the 2 seashores (time permitted!)
Matemwe seashore
Matemwe seashore is one other one of many largest seashores on the island. With it’s array of palms and smooth sand it presents the proper getaway. Right here you’ll have the ability to e-book a tour/boat to Mnemba Island so you should definitely plan your day forward for an thrilling and thrilling seashore facet journey!
I hope you loved and located this Zanzibar journey information helpful! In case you’re planning a visit to Zanzibar or elsewhere, please think about reserving with my hyperlinks down beneath. It might actually assist my web site and I’ll have the ability to create extra free guides like this one! Additionally please share this publish with others to allow them to just about expertise the great thing about Zanzibar too!
Guide your subsequent journey right here
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