Zanzibar Archipelago | Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar Archipelago is made up of a chain of islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania. Centuries ago, the island was an important area for the spice trade, first with the Arab world since the eleventh century, before falling under the rule of Arab sultans who reigned over the islands for a number of years, integrating with the local Swahili.
Unguja Island is the largest of all islands in the archipelago and more commonly known as Zanzibar. Stone Town, littered with Indo-Arabian architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When not languidly lounging on the islands impeccable beachfront, visitors can wander the narrow labyrinth of streets that make up the town, venture to the Forodhani Gardens’ night market on the waterfront across from the House of Wonders, and taste the local street food.
While Zanzibar is known for being flat and sand-strewn, its neighbouring island, Pemba, is the land of cloves and mangoes, with terrain composed of hillocks that are fertile and lush with fruit and spice trees. Traditional dhows lie scattered across most of the coastline with fishing being a large part of Pemba’s culture.
Tanzania’s expansive coastline is ideal for an exclusive beach holiday or relaxing end to your trekking or safari adventure.
Zanzibar’s past lives on in its extraordinary buildings, people and traditions. Stone Town consists of a fascinating mix of Persian, Moorish, sub-continent, Arabic and European architecture, its winding streets too narrow for anything but bicycles or motorcycles, the buildings fronted by long concrete benches known as bazaars, and by huge and intricately carved doors.
With Darajani, its largest market, located in the centre of Stone Town, the new town or Ng’ambo – ‘the other side’ – situated across Creek Rd, and many of the city’s museums, palaces, forts and mosques (including the House of Wonders, Foradhani Gardens and what must be the world’s most beautiful pharamacy, the Old Dispensary) occupying prime spots along the beach front, Zanzibari City is an absolute delight.
Away from the city, small towns and villages occupy the interior, while, beach-wise, east is best, the further north the better. The accommodation is top drawer, and ranges from hotel to private house to beach camp.
Tanzanian, but at the same time very much its own place, Zanzibar is idyllic, and as such the perfect escape for fans of culture, the sun, sand and sea.
Please note that the sea is tidal and retreats significantly at low tide.
Top Activities in Stone town and Zanzibar
Visit Stone Town, its attractions and meet the local people: Stone town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the cultural Center of Zanzibar. The town is found in the main island of Unguja and gets its name from the 19th century buildings whose architecture was influenced by European, Arabic, Indian and Swahili settlers. Because of its Arab and European background, Stone Town has a history that is well documented.
Taking a tour of the town is a great opportunity to understand the history of the island’s inhabitants spanning different eras. The town is located at the very heart of Zanzibar and was once an important stopover for both general merchandise and slave traders moving to and from the mainland. Stone Town has is characterized by very narrow streets, bazaars, ancient architecture and several mosques.
The Key attractions in the town are the Anglican church cathedral, the ceremonial palace, the Kidichi Persian Baths for Sultan Said (unfortunately the pool, massage table and changing rooms have not been well maintained), the Dunga ruins, the Peace memorial museum and Makusurani graveyard for past Arab rulers.
Ngome Kongwe/Old Fort
Old Fort is one of the oldest buildings in Stone Town, originally built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later re-built by the Omanis in the 18th century. It is free to visit, and cultural festivals and happenings are often organised in the inner courts of the fort.
Local Markets in Stone town
Stone Town, you can visit the Darajani market and see how people make ends meet or go shopping for fruits, giant see fish, meat and vegetables. You can join in the fish auctioning where fish dealers put a price for the largest catch. Have Questions? WhatsApp: +255 759 694 668
Prison Island
One of the best Historical tour in Zanzibar. See the giant land tortoises of Prison Island, or Changuu Island, on a half-day trip from Zanzibar, with time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. Prison Island is also known as Changuu island. This town can be done in a day.
Snorkeling/Surfing/Scuba Diving
There are several water sports that one can choose to take part in while in Zanzibar. The parasailing experience is one example of a fun sport Top things to see and do in zanzibar.that will take your breath away as you discover beautiful aerial views of the island and its other hidden spots.
Cheetah’s Rock
For those who love wildlife and animals in general, this is a place you must go to while in Zanzibar. The facility has got Cheetahs, lions, zebras and many of Africa’s famous wildlife. The facility opens on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (between 2 and 6pm) and is located in a place called Kama. Have Questions? WhatsApp: +255 759 694 668
Full Moon Party at Kendwa Rocks
The Full Moon Party officially began in 1996 on a clear full moon night with a group of friends and some guests. In the light of the beach fire watching the acrobatics show and dancing to the drums late into the night. The Full Moon Party now welcomes thousands of people from all over the world to share and enjoy the talent and rhythm of Africa.
Sample Itenerary
Stay on any one of these islands’ many beachfront towns where you have your choice of accommodation and a wealth of activities including water sports, diving, spice tours, and more. Take a look at one sample itinerary, which can be customized to include everything you would like to experience in this unique bit of East African paradise.
Itenerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar
You will be met at the Zanzibar Airport and transferred to your lodge set on the shores of white sandy beaches and turquoise blue water. Dig your toes into the sand and have an afternoon and evening of leisure as you breathe in the salty ocean air.
Day 2: Zanzibar
You have the option to go on a spice farm tour during which you can sample all of Zanzibar’s aromatic native spices, a variety of water sports, diving, snorkeling, fishing, local dhow boat rides, a visit to the fish market and more. Or you can decide to relax.
Day 3: Zanzibar
Enjoy the day at your leisure or choose to embark on an excursion. There are few options to to choose from or just relax in your luxury accommodation. You can also choose to repeat one of the activities that you have done before that you think your like.
Day 4: Departure
You will be picked up in the late morning for the drive to Stone Town for a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy Stone town; In the late afternoon or evening, you will head to the Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight.
Inclusssions/Exclusions:
Price Inclusions:
- Accommodation – 3 nights
- Meals specified
- Tour of Stone Town
- Road transfers as indicated
- Return ticket.
Price Exclusions:
- A dditional meals and all beverages
- Additional activities (can be booked)
- Gratuities/tips
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel insurance
- International airfare
- Expenses of a personal nature
Budget Accommodations:
On the island of Zanzibar there is an abundance of accommodation choices, located along the white sandy beaches on the northern, eastern and southern shores, and within Stone Town in the west.Whether you stay in a small boutique property or larger resort, you are sure to love this charming, East African beach escape.You have the choice of four categories of accommodation, catering to a range of budgets and tastes. We will help you to select the best options for you and your custom-made itinerary.
The Loop Beach Resort
A small boutique property located in Jambiani on the east coast of the island, this area has remained largely unchanged in the face of increasing tourism. Beach rooms are simply contemporary and elegant, all featuring an outdoor veranda located directly on Zanzibar’s white sand, with breathtaking views of the lodge’s pool and the Indian Ocean.
Mid-range Accommodation :
On the island of Zanzibar there is an abundance of accommodation choices, located along the white sandy beaches on the northern, eastern and southern shores, and within Stone Town in the west.Whether you stay in a small boutique property or larger resort, you are sure to love this charming, East African beach escape.You have the choice of four categories of accommodation, catering to a range of budgets and tastes. We will help you to select the best options for you and your custom-made itinerary.
Baladin Zanzibar Beach Hotel
A small and charming boutique hotel on the central east coast of the island, you have your choice of one of eight bungalows or one of four suites, all designed in a traditional style with a modern touch. You can swim in the hotel swimming pool or walk a few more steps into the warm ocean water, relax with a massage, or embark on a variety of excursions. The restaurant offers local fare, fresh seafood and Italian options.
Pongwe Beach Hotel
On the east side of the island, this hotel has been a Zanzibar mainstay for over 15 years. With different room types both on the beach and within their tropical gardens, a restaurant offering fresh and locally caught fish daily and beachside pool, your stay is sure to be a memorable one.
Lxury and Exclusive Accommodation:
Z Hotel
Set in a tropical garden just steps from the white sands of the northern Nungwi beach, Z hotel brings casual relaxation blended with contemporary design to the beaches of Zanzibar. Set in the lively Nungwi beach, guests have immediate access to some of the best diving, snorkeling and fishing in the world as well as a range of water sports, or can choose to unwind and relax by the beach or pool or take advantage of a pampering spa service.
Essque Zalu
At Essque Zalu, big and bold form a consistent theme, from the highest makuti thatched roof on the island, to the two roomy restaurants, three well stocked bars, sprawling lagoon-style pool and relaxing Zalu Spa. Situated in Nungwi Beach, this hotel features 40 suites and 8 residences, all boasting views of the Indian Ocean or the lush tropical gardens.
Matemwe Retreat
Matemwe Retreat’s four elegant villas are set high in the palm trees with uninterrupted ocean views. With its secluded location and dedicated private butler, the Retreat is one of the most exclusive accommodation options on the island. Each villa is complete with its own private plunge pool, while you also have access to the resort’s spa services and wealth of island activities.
Zanzibar Archipelago Map
Zanzibar Archipelago FAQ
Yes, Zanzibar is safe for travel. Zanzibar is one of the safest African destinations, even for solo travellers so do not hesitate to visit Zanzibar on grounds of safety. The local people of Zanzibar like most African people are generally warm and welcoming. With the amazing sunny weather, picture-perfect white sand beaches, and rich culture amidst so much that Zanzibar has to offer, many tourists do visit this beautiful island for Zanzibar holiday tours including Zanzibar adventure holidays and Zanzibar honeymoon holidays. So yes, Zanzibar is safe for travel, any time of the year.
Notwithstanding however the negative effects of tourism say crime, it is good to always be alert and take precautionary steps to avert any mishaps say pickpocketing, and theft. Apart from theft, it would also be a good idea for you to dress appropriately to respect cultural norms of Muslims who are predominantly in Zanzibar. Keep your valuables safely kept in the safe boxes in your hotel rooms. As a precautionary measure, do not walk alone after dark, do not carry valuables to beaches, check for crime hotspots near your lodge or hotel of stay so as to avoid them if any.
Zanzibar is safe for all kinds of travellers, including solo female travellers. If a solo female traveller stays in hotels and lodges with security and also get to use basic or common sense, chances of bad experiences are minimal if not non-existent. Booking through a trusted tour operator knowledgeable of these kind of aspects would be great.
The waters in Zanzibar are safe for swimming. So yes, it is safe to swim in Zanzibar. The Indian Ocean waters are warm and the waves are usually small, making it possible to enjoy swimming. Apart from swimming, Zanzibar is a popular destination for adventure activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.
There are reef sharks in Zanzibar, which are totally harmless. The mafia island has whale sharks, which you can comfortably swim with without fear of attacks.
Zanzibar is open for visits all throughout the year, for as long as you have time off your busy schedule for beach holiday. The best time to visit Zanzibar is however during the dry season in Zanzibar in the months of June to October and January to February. Zanzibar is a tropical region which receives warm temperatures even during the wet season in Zanzibar. What is the best month to visit Zanzibar? The best month to visit Zanzibar is definitely June to September or October, when the sky is very clear and blue, as well as mid-December, January and February.
Whereas many travellers tend to think that Zanzibar is expensive to visit, Zanzibar is actually a great destination to visit even on budget. Zanzibar is not expensive to visit; every traveller’s taste and preference is catered for with the availability of various options for you to choose from, from super luxury, luxury, and mid-range and to budget, thereby catering for all kinds of travellers.
All Zanzibar beaches are really great and worth a visit. Zanzibar beaches along the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar island particularly are great for swimming, diving and are easily accessed, and are the most visited of all the Zanzibar beaches therefore expect crowds especially in the peak season of travel. Nungwi beach and Kendwa beaches are by far the best and finest Zanzibar beaches.
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