Africa is a continent that’s often referred to as the cradle of humanity, and rightfully so. It holds some of the most diverse natural wonders, a rich tapestry of cultures, and exquisite foods.
In this vibrant wilderness lies an island paradise with turquoise waters lapping against white sandy beaches fringed by swaying palm trees – Zanzibar!
Dubbed the “spice Island,” Zanzibar is like the aromatic spice tray where you can experience sensational flavors blended with historical charm.
So let’s pack our bags and explore why Zanzibar should be your next destination on your travel list.
About the Location
The island of Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, just seventy kilometers east of Tanzania (East Africa). This island is an archipelago with unique nature and snow-white beaches. It is comprised of two large islands – Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba – as well as several small ones.
A large part of Zanzibar is occupied by plantations of cloves, cinnamon, and other exotic spices, thanks to which even special “spice tours” appeared not so long ago. The rest of the island is endless picturesque beaches with unique coral reefs.
The population of the island is 650 thousand people. The capital of the island with the same name is the embodiment of Arab culture. Here you can easily get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets and numerous mosques.
Ancient houses, the age of which has long exceeded a hundred years, surprise with their tiny size. In the capital, you will not find a single bazaar or souvenir shop, so those who like to bring small handmade gifts from vacation will have to be satisfied with the paintings of the famous African artist Ting Ting.
8 Things to Do in Zanzibar
Now, that you know some general information about this unique place, let’s explore what you can do there:
1. Visit Prison – Small Island with Giant Turtles
It is possible to look at giant turtles that are more than 100 years old, only in a few places in the world; one of them is Prison Island. It is 30-40 minutes by boat from the port in Stone Town.
The island is a nursery for giant turtles, of which very few are left in the world. Here they are looked after, cared for by the population, and, most importantly, protected.
Visiting Prison Island is a must in Zanzibar because this is a unique opportunity to see these giants with your own eyes.
Turtles roam freely around the fenced area of the island. You can move freely with them, stroke their necks, and even feed them with leaves.
2. Walk around the Stone Town
The old part of Stone Town is called Stone Town; it is even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
With a guide or on your own, seeing the old city is a must. The historical center of Zanzibar has collected the architecture of different peoples, but the Arab influence is felt most of all.
The streets of the city are very narrow and confused with each other; it is not difficult to get lost in such a labyrinth of plexuses. You can comfortably walk around the city even in extreme heat; houses standing next to each other create a dense shadow, and the sea breeze is a little refreshing.
3. Visit the House of Wonders
For a long time, the building was the Sultan’s palace. Until 1964, dynasties of kings lived in it. You won’t find a building bigger than this in Stone Town.
Why is it called the House of Wonders? Find out during the tour. Today, there is a museum inside the building.
4. Take a Tour of the Slave Trade Square
On the square, there is a monument dedicated to sad events. There was a large slave market on the island; it appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. The ban on human trafficking came out in 1873; before that, more than 600 thousand people were sold on the island.
5. Buy Souvenirs at the Fish Market
It is a favorite place among tourists where you can buy good souvenirs and bargain. This maritime market has a slight predominance of goods from a series of spices. This is one of the most colorful places in Zanzibar.
It is still worth visiting if you do not plan to buy anything at the fish market. Here you can see sharks, blue marlins, octopuses, squids, and many other sea species. The smell on the market is certainly specific.
6. Swim at Nakupenda Beach
Do you want to visit the Maldives? Zanzibar has a snow-white coast with an azure sea and a gentle entrance without garbage. The beach is located near Stone Town (the western part) and is not always accessible to tourists due to the tides.
The infrastructure is well developed; there are marine activities, from excursions on private boats to diving.
Locals bring ready meals. Souvenir lovers can buy inexpensive wooden figurines, handmade baskets, and various attributes of local life.
7. Go to Mount Kilimanjaro
One of the most expensive excursions in Zanzibar is a trip to Mount Kilimanjaro. There are many options for a sightseeing tour, from one round-trip flight to 12 days spent on foot.
The tour cost is, on average, from $ 500, depending on the program. It is best to buy a sightseeing tour for 5-7 days; the cost is from $ 900.
You can also save money, fly to the foot of the mountain on your own and buy the necessary additional programs already in the city of Moshi at a price much cheaper than in the city of departure.
To adapt (acclimatize) the body, it is better to spend 24-48 hours in the city, as the national park is located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level.
8. Visit the English Fort
The English Fort is a somewhat ominous fortification in Stone Town. Its construction began at the beginning of the 19th century for defensive purposes and was completed in 1837. Today, there is a small museum inside the fort.
Fortress walls and several towers are visible from afar. In the English Fort, there is an interesting exhibition about the history and culture of Zanzibar. There are sculptures, photographs, weapons, and other items related to the island.
Bottom Line
What else can be said about Zanzibar – a small but unique island with its incredible nature, hospitable people, and rich history? Enjoying the beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and the atmosphere of legends is worth a visit.
The island is different from other places worldwide, and its flavor in every corner only emphasizes its uniqueness. Zanzibar is a great place to relax, unwind and feel like a part of nature.
So, it’s time to book your ticket and go on an unforgettable adventure!
