Zanzibar

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Why visit Zanzibar?

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Step off the boat or plane onto the Zanzibar Archipelago, and you will be transported through the centuries, to ancient Persia and tales of Shirazi merchants that inspired Sinbad the Sailor, to the court of Swahili princes and Omani sultans, to India, with its heavily laden scents.

For over 2000 years the torrential rain has shaped the landscape and culture of these islands. Stone Town’s Indo-Arabian architecture provides an exotic urban backdrop for elderly men playing bao (traditional board game) while women in their Islamic coveralls pause to chat. On Pemba, clove farms creep up the hillsides and farmers load crates of mangoes onto outbound boats. And, along the coast, village life remains steeped in tradition as fishing dhows set sail on high tides and women farm seaweed off powder-white coral sand. With its tropical tableau and unique culture, the archipelago offers the quintessential Indian Ocean experience.

What does Zanzibar bring in mind?

Prison Island

Prison Island is only a 20 -30 minute boat trip from Zanzibar. This island is steeped in history; it was once used as a place where slaves were detained and after this period, it was turned into a camp where people with deadly diseases were sent. Nowadays, however, this stunning little island is a nature reserve for giant tortoises and a place to see the ruins that once functioned as the prison. Prison Island makes for a fun and cheap day trip from Zanzibar.

Darajani Market The Darajani located in Stone Town is famous for its vibrancy, colorfulness and range of vendors. This exciting market is well worth a visit and will give you a great taster into local life.

Beaches

Zanzibar’s eastern beaches are amongst the world’s best. These quiet, beautiful and pristine beaches will not disappoint! The top 5 beaches to visit are as follows: Nungwi, Kendwa, Pongwe, Paje and Matemwe.

Snorkeling and diving Zanzibar is excellent for its diving and snorkeling. There are many different locations on the island where you can take a trip; a recommended snorkel trip is to Pemba Island from Nungwi. You will sail to Pemba on a typical Zanzibari dhow boat which is an experience in itself. The beautiful little island of Pemba makes quite the picture is you sail close to it. You will snorkel close to the shores of the island; most trips will include lunch and light refreshments.

The Old Fort The Old Fort is Stone Town’s oldest building. This historic building is located on the seafront opposite the Forodhani Gardens. The Old Fort was built in the 17th century and its purpose was to defend the island from attacks from the Portuguese. Today, The Old Fort is a place to see the remains of the former fort, and the courtyard in the centre sells local merchandise and there is also an Amphitheatre where events are held most evenings.

Forodhani Gardens

Located in Stone Town, the Forodhani Gardens are situated right on the coast and make for a perfect evening stroll; here, locals prepare tasty local dishes and there is a great atmosphere as locals and backpacker’s alike come to taste the delights of the local cuisine.

Spice Tour Zanzibar is famous for its spice industry, and therefore spice tours are readily available. Don’t miss out on a spice tour when in Zanzibar; it’s a great way of learning more about one of the Island’s major industries.

Palace Museum & House of Wonders

The palace museum is also known as Sultan’s Palace and is referred to as Beit-el-Sahel and it is one of the most prominent historic buildings in Stone Town and well worth a visit. The Palace Museum is situated in the waterfront; it was built in the 19th century to house the Sultan’s family. After the 1964 revolution the site was used as a Government building and re-named to “The People’s Palace.” Nowadays it serves as a museum and showcases relics of the past Sultan family. The House of wonders is also a very prominent building in Stone Town and functions as one of the main landmarks. It is a fascinating exhibition of Zanzibari and Swahili culture.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Zanzibar

• Take a Ride on a Dhow – Traditional Sailboat

• Jozani Forest

• Jaws Corner Coffee Shop

• Beit El-Ajaib (House of Wonders)

• Old Fort

• Spice Tour

• Zanzibar Pizza: Unlike any pizza you have ever had, this Zanzibari creation is more like a stuffed roti. Basic composition includes pastry dough filled with an egg and handful of pizza-like ingredients and then fried up in oil and margarine... Tasty!!

• Zanzibar Butterfly Center: The center features a great display of butterflies in a beautiful tropical environment.

• Lukmaan Restaurant: Popular by locals and tourists searching for some of Stone Town’s best food, the restaurant serves a menu that isn’t far from perfection. Coconut vegetables, roasted bananas, stews, pilau and biryani, can all be washed down with some fresh passion or tamarind juice. Lukmaan is a must!

• Mishkaki Skewers: Marinated skewers of succulent chicken and beef grilled over charcoal is a flavor to look forward to when visiting Zanzibar

• Kidichi Persian Baths: Located just outside of Stone Town, the Kidichi baths were originally built by Sultan Said and used for freshening up and relaxing.

• Shop for Souvenirs and Antiques

Top Tourist Destinations in Zanzibar

Zanzibar Town

On the western side of the island, is the heart of the archipelago, and the first stop for most travelers. It is divided into two halves by Creek Road, once a creek that separated Stone Town (Mji Mkongwe) from ‘The Other Side’ or Ng’ambo, where a small community of slaves once lived and which now accommodates the growing new city with its offices, apartment blocks and slums.

Stone Town

If Zanzibar Town is the archipelago’s heart, Stone Town is its soul. Walk through its alleyways overhung with wooden balconies and faces from every shore of the Indian Ocean and you will easily lose yourself in centuries of history. Each twist and turn brings something new, be it a school full of children chanting verses from the Quran, an abandoned Persian bathhouse or a coffee vendor with his long-spouted pot fastened over coals. Then there are the ghosts. Stone Town was host to one of the world’s last open slave markets and stories of cruelty still strike at the conscience.