Zanzibar adventure

Off Tanzania’s East coast are natural outstanding Islands with stone architecture, white sandy beaches, and thick forests harboring the endangered primate that offers beyond remarkable African experience.

Zanzibar is located off the East Coast of Tanzania.
The region of Zanzibar is a collection of several islands, known as the Zanzibar Archipelago.

It consists of several islands. The four main islands are Unguja Island (which is Zanzibar), Pemba Island, Latham Island, and Mafia Island.

Zanzibar’s only national park is a low-lying sanctuary full of tropical forest and saltwater mangroves which is called Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.

The park is explored on a raised boardwalk that gives spectacular views of the endangered endemic wildlife, including the Zanzibar red colobus and the Zanzibar servaline genet. More common are monkeys, bush babies, and duiker antelope, while birders can keep an eye out for more than 40 different avian species.

Zanzibar Archipelago is sometimes known as the “Spice Islands” because of its famous spice industry. Its biggest spice exports include cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves. Most of these spice tours depart from Stone Town and take you to a large spice farm to see, touch, and taste the many flavors of Zanzibar.

Exploring the beyond-extraordinary architecture in the stone town left by its previous inhabitants is one way to spend your time there wandering and staring at the streets.

Attractions in Zanzibar

Sand beaches.

Zanzibar is home to plenty of pristine beaches that Feature blue waters, and perfect white sand, and are surrounded by palm trees.
Paje Beach is one of the best beaches on the island and is famous for its kite surfing and diving opportunities.

Other beaches to explore include Bwejuu Beach, Nungwi Beach, Kizimkazi Beach, and Michamwi Beach which offer beach activities like beach football and volleyball.

Jozani forest

The Jozani forest is the last sanctuary in the world to see the Zanzibar red Columbus Monkey.

The forest is located in the Eastern part of the island and is one of the lushest places in Zanzibar.

Getting lost and tracking the monkeys in the Jozani forest is so thrilling to walk on raised board nature trails leading through the beautiful forests and encountering the red colobus monkeys.

After your visit to Jozani, be sure to cross the street and visit the Mangrove Forest.

Zanzibar Butterfly Center

Zanzibar Butterfly Center is a huge tropical garden that harbors some of the most beautiful and unique butterfly species.

The garden provides a natural habitat to enable these butterflies to thrive; getting through the amazing exhibits offered at the butterfly center is one of the exciting things to do in Zanzibar.

Things to do in Zanzibar.

Walks in the Zanzibar stone town.

The Zanzibar stone town dates back to medieval times and the Portuguese built the first stone building at the end of the 17 century.

Its architecture has important historical significance in preserving the different influences of Swahili culture.

Visit to Stone Town is a remarkable experience as you get to revel in ancient stone architecture, and winding streets and alleys.

This coral stone architecture blends Swahili, Islamic, and European influences in the region.

A walk in this town allows sightseeing the attractions such as the Portuguese old fort, the former sultan’s residence known as the House of Wonders, and the Anglican cathedral.

Cultural encounters.

These are done in the Nungwi Village. The village is located at the northern tip of the island and is known for its beautiful beach and boatyard where the artisan shipbuilders create traditional dhows.

The people around the village will give a clear explanation of how the wood is sourced and shaped into dhows and witness the way how these iconic African vessels are launched into the ocean.

Also, in the Nungwi fish market, where local fishermen sell their caught fish from the previous night, and also guests engage in local sport fishing.

The exception is the northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa which offer picture-perfect swathes of soft white sand lapped by crystalline turquoise waters at any time of day or night.

Nungwi is the busier of the two, with enthusiastic beach vendors and plenty of tourists worshipping the sun.

Dhow cruise to the Prison Island

The island was once used to isolate rebellious slaves and later as a quarantine station for yellow fever victims. Today, the island is most famous for its collection of vulnerable Aldabra giant tortoises.

On touring the island, you’ll wander through the historic prison, meet the tortoises, and have the chance to swim or snorkel off the white sand beach.

Wildlife tracking in the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

It is a low-lying sanctuary full of tropical forests and saltwater mangroves.

The forest can be explored on a walk following the forest nature trail allowing visitors to view the endangered endemic wildlife like Zanzibar red colobus, Zanzibar servaline genet, and Zanzibar leopard which is rarely seen.

Other animals include Monkeys, bush babies, duiker, and antelopes, and also a variety of birds that can be spotted in the forest.

Surfing & Water Activities

Zanzibar is also popular for one of the most classic beach activities like surfing.

Throughout the islands, there is surfing for all skill levels. You have to know where to look, as the surf spots are very dependent on current weather conditions.

Be wary of the coral, which presents a danger in certain areas, especially in areas with urchins.

Besides surfing, Zanzibar is popular for other beach activities such as windsurfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, kite surfing, and scuba diving, among others.

These water activities are an excellent way to see the vast tropical marine life off the coast of Zanzibar. Occasionally, dolphins will ride right alongside you as you surf or paddle.

Beach life

Zanzibar is most famous for its gorgeous pristine beaches. Most of the popular beaches are located on the east side of Zanzibar’s main island (although there are many other beaches throughout the archipelago)

The beaches also owe their popularity to the preserved coral reef which runs along the eastern side of the island.

Bustling resort towns include Nungwi and Kendwa, on the northern side of Zanzibar Island. Here you’ll find the majority of tourists, as well as traditional beach-front resorts.

But there are many other beaches located in smaller quieter areas along the Zanzibar coast.

The beach life in Zanzibar is slow and laid back. It runs on island time, so expect life to move a lot slower than in mainland Tanzania. Take your time, kick back, and enjoy these world-class beaches.

Best time to visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar can be visited at any time of the year but the best time to enjoy is between June to September, which is the dry season with chances to enjoy a sunny day at the beaches.

In conclusion

Zanzibar is one of the unique destinations in Tanzania that every holidaymaker wishes to visit because of its nature beauty that offers a remarkable African experience. Regards!