The allure of Zanzibar is not confined to its beaches - the rich cultural history of the island gives a fascinating insight into the ancient Arab trade routes and the modern Swahili Coast culture. Stone Town makes an excellent base for part of your stay, with its atmospheric old town and fascinating history and it is from here all local excursions are organised.
Island Excursions
Stone Town
This tour takes you through Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), Dr Livingstone's House and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will see Zanzibar's bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques. A trip to the site of Sultan Barghash's harem at Marahubi should also be included and provides further insight into Zanzibar's ancient history and vibrant culture. Stone Town has some excellent gift shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from.
Spice Plantations
The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the Spice Trade - cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and many other spices brought the Sultans of Oman and were partly responsible for the beginning of the infamous slave trade. The plantations are located just outside Stonetown, and a tour of these dazzles the senses with fresh spices and provides an insight into the number of spices produced and their incredible value for treating many ailments. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and spice oils. Several spice tours include a traditional meal with a Zanzibari family and can be included in your journey to the north or east coasts.
Jozani Forest
The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is located in the centraleast region of Zanzibar island and is home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey, which is endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys roam freely through the trees and are lively and full of character, which provides great photo opportunities. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkeys, small buck and bushpigs. Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative.
North Coast
Tours to the unspoilt north coast always end up at Ras Nungwi, a small fishing village on the northern tip of Zanzibar island. It is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar, so you will be able to see the traditional methods of dhow construction in action. This area of Zanzibar has some fantastic beaches, and nearby coral reefs are ideal for diving and snorkelling. The local villagers have built a turtle sanctuary where injured turtles and other marine animals are nursed back to health before being released back into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
East Coast
Endless kilometres of idyllic beaches run the length of the East Coast. This area is a beach lovers heaven, and recent hotel developments allow for a range of different accommodation all along the coast. The tide goes out further on the East Coast than around the northern tip of the island, so although swimming can be difficult at certain times of the day this provides a fantastic opportunity for walks along the beach and exploration of the coastline.
Kizimkazi Mosque & Dolphin Tour
Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins which can often be sighted with a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you can swim with the dolphins! Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for cultural reasons as well as the wildlife and beaches.
Prison Island
Once the site of a jail for misbehaving slaves, the island lies just off Stone Town. It is fringed by a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling, and has a lovely white beach for sun-bathing. It is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. This island is ideal for a day-trip with a small restaurant and refreshments available throughout the day.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June-January, with peak months being June-October.
Where to Stay:
There are a huge variety of accommodation options throughout Zanzibar to suit all budgets.
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The Zanzibar archipelago consists of two large islands, Unguja (generally referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba, along with several other smaller islets. The name Zanzibar is richly evocative, conjuring images of white sandy beaches and mysterious bustling old towns. The islands fulfill all dreams of a dazzling coastal getaway; with white sand, palm-fringed beaches and aquamarine blue seas this is picture-postcard heaven. The surrounding waters offer superb diving, fishing and other watersports.