Location of Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is an island situated off the East African coast in the Indian Ocean, and it is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. This island is a perfect holiday destination for those seeking to relax before or after going on a safari in Tanzania’s carious parks and reserves, especially the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Selous Game Reserve, Lake Manyara National Park, and Ruaha National Park, among the other national parks in Tanzania. It also makes a fantastic spot for honeymooners, with its stunning white beaches and astonishing views of the ocean.
Zanzibar is an archipelago and is situated about 25 kilometers from Dar es Salaam. It’s often called the Spice Island because of its exotic nature. The main island is called Unguja. Two nearby islands, Pemba and Mafia, are located north and south of Unguja, respectively, and are great for diving enthusiasts. Zanzibar island is a great place that creates great memories for visitors who are interested in exploring the beaches of Zanzibar as well as cultural encounters, and this is extremely great, which is extremely good.
A number of aquatic species can be seen during holidays on Zanzibar Island such as bottle-nose dolphins, whale sharks among others. Rare red colobus monkeys are also part of the endangered wildlife species that can be seen during tours in Zanzibar and they can be seen at Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, which is also the only national park on the island.
Zanzibar island has a wide variety of attractions and activities for visitors. The islands serve as a perfect gateway for those looking a peaceful spot to enjoy the Indian ocean and its wonders. Zanzibar offers amazing beaches, a great nightlife, restaurants and many other fun activities. This article will give you a detailed look at the main sights and experiences that make Zanzibar a fantastic destination.
Unique things to do in Zanzibar Island
A visit to Prison Island
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, remained untouched until the Arabs settled there in the 1860’s. It was used to hold rebellious slaves before they were sold and to quarantine people during yellow fever outbreaks. Once Zanzibar became a British protectorate, the island was purchased, and a prison was built but never used. Today, it is a beautiful resort. In 1919, four Aldabra tortoises were brought to the island, and by the 1950s, their numbers grew into the hundreds. After facing threats, the government created a safe area for them. Visitors can swim, enjoy the scenery, and see lovely birds, including peacocks. A boat ride from Stone Town takes about 30 minutes.
Discover the Beaches
Zanzibar is home to some of the most stunning beaches you’ll ever see. Each beach on the different islands has its own charm and offers fun activities. The beaches in the western part of Zanzibar provide some of the most beautiful sunsets, while those in the south are known for having a high concentration of dolphins. Nungwi is often considered the best beach in Zanzibar, boasting soft white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters that will leave visitors in awe. It also features a range of accommodation facilities, clubs, bars, and restaurants and is where most of the island’s residents go to for the best parties and beach experience. The other well-loved beaches include Kendwa known for its nightlife and Paje on the eastern cost. All these beaches have beautiful, soft sands and are perfect for swimming and diving.
Swim with Humpback Dolphins
If you want to swim with dolphins, the best spot is the Quaint village of Kizimkazi. Here, you can join dolphin tours that use boats or traditional dhows. Visitors hop on these boats and head out into the ocean to find dolphins. The tours can be organized as a group or in private. Dolphin tours also offer opportunities to observe other sea creatures, large sea fish, prawns and lobsters. After swimming with the dolphins, guests are normally taken to a smaller island for a meal that may include fried prawns, calamari, pilau rice and tropical fruits. The dolphin tour begins at 10:00 AM and wraps up by 5:00 PM.
Embarking on Sunset Dhow Cruise
Take a memorable sunset dhow cruise by renting one of the traditional wooden boats and setting sail into the ocean, watching the town or island fade away from view. These dhows come well-equipped with tasty snacks, seafood like grilled fish, lobsters, octopus, and calamari, along with plenty of drinks to keep the good vibes going. As you glide over the stunning waters of the Indian Ocean, the journey typically begins at the main island and takes you to places like Kwale Island and local fishing spots such as Fumba. When you arrive at these locations, you can hop off the boat to explore the surroundings or even climb the impressive old baobab trees. During the cruise, you may spot dolphins, swim along the beautiful green lagoons, fish or snorkel along the coral reefs and mangroves.
A visit Stone Town in Zanzibar
When you visit the Stone Town will allow you to immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s rich culture and history. Take a stroll through the markets, where you may buy and sell a variety of items such as antiques, paintings, and a variety of other items. Don’t miss wandering through the town’s old, winding alleyways that are tall and filled with character.
Water sports activities
There are several water sports that one can choose to take part in while in Zanzibar such as Snorkeling, windsurfing, Parasailing and Scuba Diving. Parasailing is an exciting activity you shouldn’t miss when visiting Zanzibar. It offers amazing views of the island from above, showing off its stunning scenery and some hidden gems. You can do it solo or share the experience with friends, family, or your partner. Besides parasailing, the clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make Zanzibar perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the top beaches for snorkeling are Kendwa Beach, Matemwe Beach, Nakupenda Beach, Nungwi Beach, and Paje Beach. The Pange Sandbank is especially great for beginners due to its calm and shallow waters.
When it comes to staying in Zanzibar for water sports, Mnemba Island Lodge is a fantastic choice. Located on a private island, it offers ten luxurious bandas and arranges various activities like kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, and two daily scuba dives. If you are planning to do scuba diving, then you need to be experienced and qualified. If not, then you will have to undergo training before they let you anywhere near the deep waters. The best dive spots may involve going further into the ocean with speedboats.
Discover the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
When you go to the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, you can run around and catch butterflies across Zanzibar Island. This place is full of tropical gardens and thousands of butterflies that are all native to the island. You’ll step into a colorful world and get to chase butterflies. Be sure to bring a good camera, as the photos you take here will be incredible!
Visit the Seaweed Centre
This unique place is run by a team of women in Zanzibar, who have harnessed the plentiful seaweed at the ocean shores to make products like smoothies, juices, organic soap and oils. During your visit to the Centre, you will meet the women and learn how they make their products. You will be offered an opportunity to taste a seaweed smoothie and find out how it is like. There are plenty of ways to support the women at the Zanzibar Seaweed Centre, and one of the simplest is by purchasing some of their fantastic products
Getting to Zanzibar Island for a safari adventure
Reaching Zanzibar for a safari adventure is quite simple. Travellers can fly directly to Zanzibar Airport from anywhere in the world, as it welcomes international airlines. Alternatively, they can land in Dar es Salaam and then catch a local flight to Zanzibar Island. once they arrive, they can easily arrange for transportation in their hotels or resorts. There’s also the option to take a ferry from Dar es Salaam. For those coming from Arusha, Arusha Airport has several local airlines offering flights to Zanzibar Airport, making it easy to plan safaris in Tanzania that start in Zanzibar.
