Zanzibar

Attractions and activities

Wildlife

Here, endemic mammals with continental relatives include the Zanzibar red colobus (Procolobus kirkii), one of Africa’s rarest primates. The Zanzibar red colobus lives in a wide variety of drier areas of coastal thickets and coral rag scrub, as well as mangrove swamps and agricultural areas. Rare native animals include; the Zanzibar leopard which is critically endangered, and the recently described as Zanzibar servaline genet. Forested areas such as Jozani are inhabited by monkeys, bushpigs, small antelopes, African palm civets, etc. Various species of mongoose can also be found on the Unguja island. On the other hand, Pemba Island is also home to the Pemba flying fox.

Beaches

Zanzibar is filled with numerous white crystal beaches ideal for a tropical gateway. It lies approximately 20-25 kilometers off the coast of mainland Tanzania with more than 25 beautiful, white, palm fringed beaches with warm sea waters. Some of the beaches in Zanzibar include; Paje Beach, Nungwi beach, Kiwengwa beach, Matemwe beach, Kendwa beach, etc. In fact, beaches here are perfect destinations for world-class water sports offering you an opportunity to explore the Island while on water. Some of the water adventures in Zanzibar include; fishing, taking a cruise on a traditional dhow, kayaking, parasail, kite board, diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing and wind surfing.

Stone Town

The name Stone Town comes from the ubiquitous use of coral stone which is the main construction material in the building of the town. This place is generally the historic center of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a fascinating blend of African, Arab, and European influences, with narrow streets, old stone buildings as well as bustling markets. The architecture of Stone Town features distinctive features which are a result of a mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian, European and Africans traditions. The traditional buildings have a baraza, a long stone bench along the outside walls. This is basically used as an elevated sidewalk in case it rains and verandas protected by carved wooden balustrades.

These buildings have finely decorated wooden doors with rich carvings and bas-reliefs. Each of the door on Zanzibar’s historic buildings has a unique story to tell, it is said that the door reflects a social status and religion of the family residing in the house. However, the best way to explore Stone Town is on foot whereby a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the narrow streets, sharing stories that bring the town’s past to life. Getting lost in the narrow streets of the Stone Town is an experience of its own, your sense will be awakened by the smell of street food including chapattis, samosas, among others.  You will also encounter the local people selling fruits and all kinds of aromatic species.  Exploring this place helps you appreciate and respect the unique blend of cultures, traditions, and customs found here.

Stone Town attractions

• The Old Fort of Zanzibar: Also known as the Arab Fort or Ngome Kongwe; a historic fortification considered as the oldest building in Stone Town, reflecting Zanzibar’s rich history and heritage.
• Giant tortoise: It is one of the species which is continuously threatened by extinction. It can be spotted on Changuu Island and it is among the largest and oldest species in the world estimated to be 192 years.
• The People’s Palace Museum: Formerly known as Sultan’s Palace, it was the residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar in the 19th century. The museum displays artifacts, documents, and items showcasing Zanzibar’s history and culture, including its trade and political influences.
• Darajani Bazaar: One of the main attractions is the aromatic spice market. Zanzibar is renowned for its spices, and the market is a great place to find a wide variety of them, including cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. You can also find fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as dried beans, lentils, and grains.
• Darajani Fish Market: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as locals and tourists gather to purchase seafood or simply observe the bustling activity; a must-visit attraction in Zanzibar, offering you an authentic glimpse into local daily life.
• The Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church: was built in the 1870s on the site of the former market slavery being abolished officially. Inside, there’s an alter which marks the sport of the whipping tree where slaves were lashed. On the grounds outside the cathedral, is the moving slave memorial representing the five slaves standing in a pit below ground level. As the entrance, there is an East Africa Slave Trade Exhibit and the former slave chambers where slaves were imprisoned before being sold.

Prison Island

The prison was established in 1890 and its from this prison where this island got its name. The prison Island is on the Changuu Island just off the coast of Stone Town. The Prison was established as to operate a full prison for the slaves however, upon the completion of the construction, the plan was never put into action. Eventually, it was used as a place to quarantine people who were diagnosed with yellow fever. The Prison Island is also a home to giant tortoises which were brought to Zanzibar Island hundreds of years ago from the Seychelles. Surprisingly, the oldest tortoise at the island is known to be about 192 years old. The Prison Island is situated in a boat ride of about 20-30 minutes from the Stone Town. It is accessed using a mysterious rustic wooden bridge hovering a few meters above the water. The Prison Island is a remarkable place on Zanzibar Archipelago and a must visit during your travels to this beautiful island.

Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island is an exotic island in Zanzibar located about 3 kilometers off the northeast coast of Unguja – the largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Mnemba Island is a roughly triangular shaped island of about 500 meters in diameter and about 1.5 kilometers in circumference. Additionally, the island is surrounded by an oval reef seven by four meters in extent. The Island is a private island only accessed by guests of the one and only luxury hotel on the island. However, the real fun on this island is underwater in the reef surrounding the Island. It is also a very popular destination for diving and snorkelling. The turquoise waters, the colorful reef as well as the myriad of fishes will give you unforgettable experience.

Fishing

Zanzibar is considered to have superb fishing whereby water between Zanzibar and Pemba are home to excellent fishing due to its warm Indian ocean water. Fishing here can be done using local fishing methods however, it is mostly done at Nungwi and Mnemba Islands. You also get to interact with the fishermen around thereby telling you their fishing stories.

Jozani Forest Tour

The forest is famous due to its endemic species which is the red colobus and was basically established in order to protect this specie from loss. These animals are placed on the list of endangered animals since the communities that lived around it used to kill them. In this forest, you will also have an opportunity of doing nature walks coming across tree species, butterflies, primates as well as bird species.

Common Islands in Zanzibar

Mnemba Island

The Island is very popular for diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking as well as fly fishing.

Changuu Island

It is also known as prison island and can easily be reached through bay islets. In fact, it is a home to the giant tortoise also known as Aldabran which lives and breeds on the island. While here, you can as well have a snorkeling over the coral white sand beach.

Chumbe Island

It is a unique marine park and a travel destination located just 8km southwest of Zanzibar town. Here, a tourist has a chance to explore the chumbe forest reserve with unique flora and fauna. The Island also gives you a chance to climb the white house built in 1904 as you enjoy the nice breeze of Zanzibar Island.