A Complete Guide to Zanzibar including Top Things To See and Do
Soft white sand crunched beneath my toes as I looked out to the Indian Ocean. The sky was filled with pastel pinks smudged across the horizon.
The Zanzibar Archipelago is made up of several islands off the coast of East Africa. Its main island, commonly known as Zanzibar, is adorned with beautiful beaches and rich ancient culture.
This gorgeous hunk of paradise made for the perfect stop off for a bit of post-safari relaxation after an incredible two days exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Yes! ‘Twas mind blowing. Save and Go! And the best news of all? Now is the time to visit… à mon avis.
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A Guide to Zanzibar Discover Somewhere Different
Zanzibar is the perfect escape for the more adventurous beachgoer. Now is the perfect time to visit while its towns and beaches remain unspoilt by mass tourism.
The island has been steadily increasing in popularity as a paradisiac getaway, where Doha boats speckle the ocean and palm trees stretch across the entire region.
Over the last decade, tourism has more than doubled on the island, formally known as Unguja.
Yet the region remains beautifully authentic, with lots to discover and pockets of luxury for those who seek it.
A Guide to Zanzibar Top things to do…
Zanzibar’s main island stretches more than 50 miles, or 83km, offering plenty to explore.
When you are not sipping on cocktails or paddling along the shore, hire a vehicle or join a tour and enjoy what Zanzibar is most famous for. In this guide to Zanzibar you will discover just that!
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Feed your Culture Vulture in Stone Town
This small ancient city has plenty on offer, including the home of Freddie Mercury!
Yep, that’s right folks, the Queen singing legend was born in Zanzibar and lived in a few humble abodes across Stone Town.
After the oh-so-necessary selfie with Freddie Mercury’s house, you’re ready to explore the town centre.
Shop for trinkets in its labyrinth of brightly coloured stalls by day and gorge on delicious street food by the waterfront by night.
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Relax Party and Play at Nungwi Beach
Sprawled across the north coast of Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach is a place of pink sunsets and intimate beach parties.
Some of my favourite memories were made here, playing football and beach volleyball with the locals and sand dancing under the stars <3
We kicked the sand, jumped in circles and waved our hands in the darkness under the starry night sky.
Its shores are blessed with soft white sands and clear blue waters, perfect for escaping the warm weather. But make sure to cover up your shoulders and legs when walking through the villages.
There are also lots of beach bars and restaurants on stilts which you can access via secret passageways when they get swallowed up by the ocean at night.
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Liven up your tastebuds on a Spice Tour
Any guide to Zanzibar will recommend its infamous spice tours. This has to be another standout experience for me.
Touch, see, smell and taste the exotic herbs and spices grown in Zanzibar, also known as the Spice Island.
Smear natural red lipstick across your lips using tropical fruits from Zanzibar’s achiote trees, also used for industrial food colouring and traditionally as body paint.
Most tours include a delicious meal made with incredible, fresh spices from the farm and prepared onsite in a traditional Zanzibari home. A highlight for sure.
We were even given the chance to try our luck at climbing a coconut tree before dinner which – for the record – is MUCH harder than it looks!
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Go Underwater at Jambiani Beach
Jambiani beach is an authentic fishing village which many refer to as the less touristy part of Zanzibar.
The action-packed coastline is highly praised by adventure seekers and offers snorkelling, diving, kitesurfing and fishing.
At low tide you can stroll for hours along Jambiani beach while at high tide, you can practically swim out of your hotel.
Sadly, I did not get the chance to explore this part of the island before heading down to my next stop in Malawi.
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Hop over to Prison Island
Take a day tour to Prison Island on a traditional wooden boat where you can check out Zanzibar’s giant tortoise population, with a spot of snorkelling along the way.
Officially known as Changuu Island, the journey is just 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town and ours included a tasty picnic with samosas and other local snacks.
The island was previously owned by Arabs and intended as a place to keep slaves. But the area became a quarantine station during outbreaks of yellow fever.
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How to get to Zanzibar
Touch down in Zanzibar via the island’s main airport, Abeid Amani Karume Internaional, with flights from East Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
There is also a regular ferry service from mainland Tanzania which departs from Dar Es Salaam.
The modern three-tier boats offer a selection of coffee and treats and chapatis on board during the two-hour journey. But be prepared for a rocky ride – the waters can be pretty choppy.
Wherever you stay in Zanzibar, you will likely receive a warm welcome from locals who are keen to introduce themselves and hear your stories.
The island is easily navigable, whether you opt to hire a car, use local buses or travel with a local tour operator.
A Guide on Where to Stay in Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s charming Stone Town capital and stylish beach resorts offer a colourful mix of accommodation, from designer hotels to rickety old guesthouses.
Planning a stay at Nungwi Beach? Z Hotel offers style and comfort, with its candlelit walkways, roof top bar and infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
We opted to stay at the Nungwi Inn Hotel, right next door, and were still able to enjoy the delicious cocktails at Z Hotel’s rooftop bar #Travelsmart
Our chalet room looked out to sea, offering an excellent location with clean and comfortable rooms for an affordable price. All my favourite things!
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In Stone Town, I enjoyed a few nights at the Stone Town View Inn for just $20 per night for a double room.
The typical Zanzibari guesthouse had a nice, rustic feel and was just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre and ferry port.
If you’re looking for something a bit more special, I’ve heard great things about the Tembo House Hotel.
The guesthouse has a great beachfront location with rooms offering gorgeous four-poster beds which overlook the water <3
I hope you enjoyed my complete guide to Zanzibar
For more information, get in touch or check out one of my more tailored guides coming soooon.
Until next time,
