Tanzania’s Zanzibar is most famous for its picturesque beaches, but the Spice Islands hold so much more to discover.
Zanzibar has captured the imagination of traveler , dealer , writers , and everyone in between for centuries and continues to do so . This archipelago ofenchanting islandsoff the seacoast of Tanzania is renowned for the spice plantations which give it one of its nicknames ( the Spice Islands ) as well as its laid - back and well-disposed resident . bring to that the Hellenic visuals of the cerulean ocean interrupted only by fine white sand , and Zanzibar will probably know up to the hoopla for most .
And yet , there is so much to light upon about the area ’s history , wide - reach ethnical impact , and ecological admiration . From raucous beach party to intimate cookery experiences with the locals , here ’s how to go all out in Zanzibar .
If you don’t do anything else: Visit Stone Town
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the previous town of Unguja ( the main and largest island in the archipelago , often just call “ Zanzibar Island ” ) and one of the best places to soak in the unparalleled quality and history of the area . blockade by one of the museum and inheritance buildings , stroll along the bustling seafront perambulation , and set up away mint of meter for wandering through its vibrant shop and markets .
It may not be the dependable topographic point to lounge by or swim on the beach , but that ’s more than made up for by the great restaurants — many on rooftop terrace overlooking the repose of the townsfolk . After you ’ve enjoyed breakfast or lunch , go on a mini - risky venture by getting lost among the narrow-minded street , claim in the unique wooden threshold and come across what else you encounter into .
Where to go all out in Zanzibar
Hop aboard a semi-submarine cruise
Here ’s a unique chance to observe the vivacious Pisces and precious coral of the islands while staying completely dry : taking a semi - submarine tour where you could move between an unresolved - air top deck and a submerged lower reflection room .
The toursgo a short distance east from Stone Town to Bawe Island or nearby sandbanks and back , taking between two and four hour depending on weather condition . It ’s best to keep this to visits between October and March for best underwater visibleness .
Take a cooking class with the Mamas
A daybreak with theMamas of Zanzibaris a crash course in the daily regular recurrence of the island ’s women — from grocery store shopping to chatting with friendly neighbour . The opening move offer 4 - hour experiences for client to learn how to prepare several Zanzibari peach ( one will even teach you how to make coconut oil from scratch ) including exceptional touches like a paseo to the local fish food market dress in traditional khangas before returning home to make lunch together . upright of all , it ’s completely founded and led by local Zanzibari women in their own region .
Founded by Pemba native Maskat Shineni , the opening move has become a point of superbia for the women involved , many of whom are individual or divorced , which is traditionally frowned upon . “ Some of the mamas are construct their own houses or fitting electrical energy in their homes for the first time — and it ’s all development done by the women of the community . It gives them so much pride . ”
Bask in a full-moon beach party
This monthly event is held atKendwa RocksBeach Hotel in the northwestward of Zanzibar island and has become a basic in the island ’s night life calendar over the past few decennium .
What begin as a small event back in 1996 has mushroom into a local institution that on a regular basis brings thousands of partiers . Enjoy a dinner party barbecue , casual dance and acrobatic performer , DJs , and bouncy shows from some of Tanzania ’s most democratic musicians — all with your toes in the backbone . Tickets are available to pre - book online .
Scuba dive among whale sharks
Zanzibar is a twelvemonth - round diving event goal due to its predictably fond water and good visibility . The archipelago ’s 30 diving sites may boast reef , lagoons , walls , and even shipwrecks . It ’s also an amazing blank space to spot and swim with the sea ’s biggest fish — hulk sharks transmigrate through Tanzania ’s piss between October and January .
If you ’re not a certified diver you’re able to always sign up for a four - day credentials course at one of the registered dive workshop in the arena , or hold a snorkel diving trip .
Stay on a private island
If you ’re in the mood for a small decadency and exclusivity , check out the selection of intimate social club hidden away on some of the smaller uninhabited islands around the archipelago . give the delicate ecosystems in which they are work up , a good number of these hotel are transparent about their attempt to stay grim - wallop and sustainable , while declare oneself opportunities to savor the pristine beaches , reefs , and forests at their doorstep .
Mnemba Island , for example , is domicile to the undivided luxury&Beyond Lodge , consisting of just 13 beach bandas — breezy lodgings built to evoke the volute of a nautilus plate — surrounded by a coral Witwatersrand and some of the best dive website around . instead , the more countryfied and off - gridChumbe Eco - Lodgehas seven bungalows and is part of a coral Witwatersrand reserve and protected forest .
Paddle through mangrove forests
Zanzibar is home plate to at least eight type of mangrove trees , most of which are turn up on Pemba , and about a third in the protect forest surface area of Jozani - Chwaka Bay on the East seashore of Unguja . Stand - up paddle and kayak tour through these otherworldly labyrinths introduce you to this invaluable ecosystem , complete with sightings of the area ’s resident rare scarlet colobus monkeys , several bird species , and more wildlife .
In Chwaka , it ’s particularly particular to do this at dusk so you’re able to see the sun disappear into the sea , but go through the epithelial duct requires the tide to be high so be sure to confirm the tide times on your favored dates .
Jam at the Sauti za Busara Festival
Thisannual live music festivalis held at the Old Fort ( or Ngome Kongwe ) every February and light up up Stone Town for an full week . It ’s one of the largest live music events in East Africa and for over two decades has brought the continent ’s top performing artist to multiple stages and satellite events , all within a short walk of each other .
Face the music at DCMA
TheDhow Countries Music Academyis the island ’s only music shoal , providing training to aim musicians of all ages in various instruments and vogue including traditional Swahili taarab music .
Visitors to the island can catch one of the several eve concert every week at the honorary society in Stone Town to hear bookman , professional , and local legend alike put on synergistic shows with lots of dancing and vocalizing along to boot .
Where to eat and drink in Zanzibar
Breakfast : Indulge in breakfast with a view at Upendo hotel’sBoho Socialon Paje beach , a barefoot - chic eating house by the beach and with a view out to Zanzibar ’s famous The Rock eatery , but minus the crowds . Their bottomless brunch every Sunday is a rattling affair too .
dejeuner : Book a farm - to - crotch al fresco lunch experience withMsongeOrganic Family Farmwhere the bill of fare change every week depending on what ’s in the garden and what ’s in season . Fresh fruit , juice , and coconut water supply play along a three - track repast 100 % grown or raise on site . There is also an optional tour of the farm , which has been utilize permaculture ism for nearly a decade for both in - house use and manner of speaking all over the island . Bibi ’s Kitchenin Bububu just northwards of Stone Town is a informal , out - of - the - way spot to have a repast inspired by a grandmother ( bibi in Kiswahili ) ’s recipe . The food is refreshful , flavourful , and low-cost .
dinner party : The day-after-day eventide securities industry atForodhani Gardenson the waterfront in Stone Town is a must - do at least once , with street nutrient trafficker sell everything from grilled seafood to meat skewer to fresh juice and “ Zanzibar pizzas ” ( a deep-fried French pancake - like collation stuffed with minced kernel and vegetables ) . Pick your fare and grab a bench to watch the sunset or people - watch from the peaceful gardens .
Robert Muckley/Moment/Getty Images
The Boxby Ashley . Maybeis a restaurant / coworking quad / artwork locus found by chef and Philadelphia aboriginal Ashley - Marie . The food has an experimental home - cooked feel , exact on spirit from Mexico to Southeast Asia . Look out for fusion between African American and East African classics like the wimp and mandazi ( fried scratch - triangles , to replace waffle in this case . )
Dessert : Mamma Mia Gelatois practically a Zanzibar institution , having process up artisanal gelato for days from its now five locations on Zanzibar island . Bentocontainer food for thought lawcourt in Paje is home to one of them , as well as seven other street nutrient containers and a bar . Come for the assortment ( tacos , sushi , poke bowls , and more ) , stay for the Nox markets and euphony on the weekends .
Where to stay
Manta Resort , Pemba($$$$)Surrounded by azure waters above a rarified blue ocean floor , Manta is an prize - winning sustainable boutique getaway . Its famous three - take down underwater room is a live - in fish tank anchored just off the coast , but every accommodation option — from the received villas to the garden and seafront way — declare oneself an equally peaceful and individual fortune to tie with the surround surround .
BE Zanzibar , Jambiani($$$)This is a piazza to go for rustic - smart elegance and tranquility . A small dress shop in a beachfront spot with wild in - business firm food and coffee berry , personable staff and owner , and a few unconstipated communal activities like yoga and pottery classes .
Kokopelli Bungalows , Nungwi($$)A five - minute base on balls to Nungwi beach and a little further on to the attractions and nightlife of the area put Kokopelli in an idealistic location to be a unruffled oasis close to the lively northern hamlet . Rooms are elementary , windy , and comfortable , and each comes with a private patio . An rarefied dining area have in mind you’re able to savour an ocean view over breakfast as well .
Stone Town|Jeremy Villasis. Philippines./Moment/Getty Images
Lost + Found Hostel , Stone Town ( $ ) A rarified comfortable budget option with both secret suite and dorms ( everyone gets a double bottom too ! ) . It ’s centrally situate and room are well - appointed with AC , locker , and neat bathrooms .
What to know before you go
The currency
Tanzanian Shilling ( TZSH ) . US dollars may be accept at hotel and some restaurants but keep the local currency on you , to be on the secure side .
International adapters you’ll need
The ‘ thousand ’ type hack is used most ordinarily in Zanzibar , although a few establishments will have the round - pin ‘ viosterol ’ character nag .
When to plan your visit
For the best deals : The low season between March and May sees temperatures cool down down with the rain , meaning hotels in particular volunteer major business deal .
For idealistic beach weather : The weather is at its peak in the dry time of year from June to October .
For putting the spiciness in Spice Islands : the harvest home of Eugenia caryophyllatum and other spice takes place mid - class which is an exciting time to visit the farm and take a tour — although tours are useable all year .
Kendwa Beach|Paul Biris/Moment/Getty Images
For the diving and snorkel diving conditions : The ocean is lovesome and profile good all class round . dolphin , ocean turtles , and heavyweight can be spotted between September to December .
Do’s and don’ts when visiting Zanzibar
Dodress modestly off the beach and remember you are visiting a legal age - Islamic island .
Doremember to get your required indemnity for inbound traveller on-line fromZanzibar Insurance Corporation . Once bought , you should get a QR code which is now train on arrival at in-migration .
Don’trely on using your credit rating carte or peregrine money — cash is king outdoors of hotels and some restaurants . There are some banks with ATMs in town to retire cash .
Snorkeling in Zanzibar|Henrik Sorensen/DigitalVision/Getty Images
Your Zanzibar dinner party fact
Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town and lived there until the age of 8 . His house ’s old firm has been convert into a museum .
Ride a Motorcycle Across 5,000 Miles of African Dirt on the Adventure of a Lifetime
Get good and gritty from Uganda to South Africa.
Africa’s Best-Kept Secrets Every Traveler Should Know About
Jozani Forest|brytta/E+/Getty Images
Fresh fruit on display in Zanzibar|ICHAUVEL/Moment/Getty Images
Manta Resort|Courtesy Manta Resort
The Freddie Mercury Museum in Stone Town|Andrew Aitchison/In Pictures/Getty Images
