Where to go in Zanzibar?
Stone town: this is the main city in Zanzibar, has a lot of culture, food, souvenirs I would just spend 1 night there to explore and get lost in the city.
1: – Tembo house https://tembohotel.com/
Paje: it’s the backpacker’s hub, very affordable accommodation and food, great water activities, kite surfing paradise, great beaches and an amazing night life, the downside of it is the water tide.
1: – Dhow Inn https://www.dhowinn.com/en/
2: – Paje by night https://pajebynight.net/
Kendwa: the BEST beach in Zanzibar! Super sandy and you don’t get the tide problem there at all, but it’s a bit luxurious so expect to pay when it comes to accommodation and food
1: – Kendwa Rock https://www.kendwarocks.com/
2: – Sunset Kendwa https://sunsetkendwa.com/
Nungwi: its 8min away from Kendwa or 30min walking has more night life, a bit cheaper than Kendwa but they have a rocky beach, so you can sleep there but spend the day in Kendwa
1: – Amani bungalows http://www.hoteloceangroup.com/
2: – The Z hotel https://www.thezhotel.com/
Matemwe: Honeymoon destination with great relaxing vibes, but you still have the tide issue and the city doesn’t offer any nightlife or action its extremely chilled
1: – Zanzi resort https://www.zanziresort.com/
2: – Matemwe Lodge https://matemwe.asiliaafrica.com/matemwe-lodge/
Jambiani: Same vibes like Paje but a bit more relaxed and its 10min by car from Paje
1: – Jambia Ocean View http://seaviewlodgezanzibar.com/
2: – Sharazadi http://www.sharazadboutiquehotel.com/
Activities in Zanzibar:
Blue safari
The Safari Blue is definitely an experience to remember. If you want to snorkel in beautiful waters.visit a white sandy beach have a delicious local Zanzibar lunch and visit mangrove. A safari blue is parked with adventure which takes place at Menai Bay. Menai Bay is scattered with isolated sandbanks, rugged island scenery, uninhabited islets, pristine marine life and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It contains extensive tropical fish species, sea grasses, coral reefs and several small islets supporting mangrove forest. The area also has diving and snorkeling sites which offer underwater cliffs, wrecks, canyons, caves and spectacular reefs. The aquatic life within these waters is often very prolific and one usually sees moray eels, scorpion fish, lion fish, large groupers, octopus, lobsters, rays and, occasionally, and manta rays and dolphins. The Safari Blue Activities includes sail, snorkel, swim, sunbath, explore, feast and observe.
Dolphin tour
Tour begins after breakfast when you are picked up from your hotel and transfered to the fishing village of Kizimkazi. Before the tour start you will be given a life jacket demonstration followed by a briefing on the day’s excursion. You will then board the dhows and set off in search of the Dolphins (85% chances). The species frequently found at Menai Bay are Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins. You will be able to swim with the dolphins as long as they stay close to the boat, but is unlikely to be able to touch them, as they are of course wild animals. During the tour the guide will send youto one of the selected snorkeling locations. On the way to your hotel you will have an opportunities to visit the site of a 12th Century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both natural and cultural reasons
Prison island
Prison Island also known as the Changuu Island lies jusy off the Old Stone Town about 30 minutes by boat from stone town. Changuu Island was used as a penitentiary for rebel slaves by the sultans from the 1860s until the end of the slave trade. After which the British began building a prison on the island under the guidance of First Governor, Lloyd Matthews. This was completed in 1894. However, the ‘prison’ was only ever used as a quarantine centre for possible yellow-fever victims. Nowadays the island gives you the chance to escape for some peace and quiet. the island is a home to giant land tortoises that were imported from Seychelles in the 19th Century. The tour starts from 9:00am-3:30pm, there you will be able to see the Giant tortoises, beautiful marine creatures, coral reef and it is also a best site for doing Snorkeling.Once on the island ,you have the opportunity to feed and pet the tortoises, some of which are over a hundred years old. If you have time you may also like to take a stroll through the forested interior where you will see a wide variety of birds,colorful peacocks, bats and beautiful butterflies.Keep your eyes peeled too for the shy and elusive Duikers – an unusual tiny antelope species.
Sky diving
Enjoy the thrill of skydiving over the most beautiful island in the world which is ZANZIBAR island , where every jump is a beach jump!
We specialise in Tandem Skydives; connected to a qualified professional who will be with you every step (or jump!) of the way.
Skydiving its located at the north of the island Nungwi ZANZIBAR wish will lead you by 30 Minutes and enjoy the blue ocean with nice view plus beautiful hotels and green trees
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving and snorkelling at mnemba island reflects the vibrant,
Here, coral grows in huge amounts: coral-gardens, long plunging walls, underwater mountains and wrecks interchange with each other, forming a haven for the many different kind of fish who live here.
The big variety of both soft and hard corals makes any scuba dive in the mnemba island area a feast. Stag-horn, table, whip and brain coral as well as barrel sponges and giant sea fans, which wave lazily in the current, can all be found in great quantities.
Many sea-urchins and starfish litter the sandy bottom, giving the impression of a colourful minefield. Clear blue waters and a white sandy bottom complete the picture.
The coral reefs around mnemba island or Tumbatu island are full of critter life. Macro-lovers with keen eyes (which our guides are) may find seahorses, cuttle-fish, leaf fish, frog fish, ghost-pipefish and many different kind of shrimp.
Kite surfing
Kite Centre Zanzibar on Paje Beach is set against a stunning background of the endless blue Indian Ocean, beautiful white beaches and an African village, where the pace of life hasn’t changed for over fifty years. The reef is far off-shore, after ample flat water, perfect for beginners and freestylers. The reef itself offers amazing waves for the more experienced kitesurfer. The people are curious, friendly and welcoming, but most of all they teach us what we in the fast western world lost a long time ago: Hakuna Matata (no problem in Swahili) and Pole Pole (take it slow). Therefore we believe Zanzibar is a truly unique place in the world. Combine this amazing sport with relaxing and discovering the raw beauty of this relatively untouched island or combine with a safari. We cannot wait to teach you this fantastic sport and share our knowledge of these waters and surroundings with you!!!
Dhow sunset cruise
Enjoy this stunning sunset cruise on a local dhow. Leave Stone Town in the late afternoon and cruise along the coast, slicing through the clear turquoise water. Sit back, relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the ocean as you hear the ripple of water on the sides of the dhow. Drinks and light snacks will be served.
The sounds of the hustle and bustle of Stone Town grow faint in the distance until they seem only in a memory. Sink back into the dhow bench and enjoy the romance of Zanzibar Island while the sun sets down with its beautiful orange colors. The fiery golden-sun setting beyond the horizon is breathtaking as it makes the sky a magical canvas of shades of pinks, purples, blues and orange.
In our boat will have snack like calamari, nuts, crips, pronse , wine ,beer, soda, water ,fresh juice Plus traditional music (DUMBAK MUSIC)
On board our dhow we have a personal guide who will accompany you on your cruise and give you a tour of Stone Town from the water as well as be able to answer any questions that you may have. Arrive back to the shore at 19:00 pm to take your tax back to your hotel.
Spice tour
Spices from Zanzibar are famous around the world and a holiday to Zanzibar would be incomplete without a visit to the spice plantations. The spice tours are actually quite informative and good value. Spice tour is probably the best way of seeing the countryside and meeting members of rural communities. Any authorized guide or tour company can arrange a spice tour for you. The geographical nature of the island makes the spice tour to be organized in many villages both in Unguja and Pemba. However, the very popular village for spice tour is Kijichi or Kizimbani, approximately 5 kilometers from Stone town. The tour starts from 8:30 am and takes 2 to 3 hours depending on the activities to be done.
You will be overwhelmed by the abundance of botanical species growing in these gardens – exotic spices, fruits and vegetables. Many of the spices have medicinal properties and are still used by the local population to cure certain maladies. Savor different spices, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla or black pepper. Taste a variety of fruits ranging from the rose apple to the guava. Some rare plants like henna, perfume tree and lipstick tree are used for their value in preparing cosmetics. Tour guides will take you on a walking tour of the spice farms at Kizimbani or Kidichi; picking bunches of leaves, fruits and twigs from bushes and inviting you to smell or taste them to guess what they are. Pretty much all the ingredients of the average kitchen spice rack are represented – cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, ginger, chilies, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla – the list goes on and on. Tour guides also take you to the interior of the island, so you’ll get an idea of village / farm life in Zanzibar.
Jozani forest
The Jozani Forest is located in the centre of the Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, 38 km South East of Stone Town. The forest is a great place to encounter many indigenous varieties of flora and fauna, including the Zanzibari Red Colobus Monkey.
Other species that you might catch a glimpse of include Blue Sykes’ Monkeys, Bush Pigs, Aders Duiker Antelopes, Elephant Shrews, Chameleons and numerous birds and butterflies. The best time to see the wildlife of Jozani is early in the morning and it is open daily from 07:30am to 5:00 pm.
Visitors are advised to keep three metres between themselves and any wildlife and asked not to visit the forest if suffering any cold or flu like symptoms. The monkeys, though susceptible to human diseases, have practically no resistance to them.
Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative. A walk through this impressive flora and fauna is one of the highlights Zanzibar has to offer. At Jozani, you will also visit the Mangrove swamp and walk around the Mangrove forest.
Kuza cave
Kuza Cave in Jambiani, East Coast Zanzibar offers a unique experience for adventurous nature-lovers, snorkellers, divers and people interested in Swahili Culture. The cave is a 50 metre round sink hole in the middle of a small jungle in Jambiani, East Coast Zanzibar. Cross a small bridge and walk down a few stairs to enter an underground oasis. The circular shape of the cave is a result of over 250,000 years of rainwater eroding the limestone. A large natural rock sculpture in the shape of an elephant is used by locals as an alter to make offerings to the spirits who live in the cave and request their support.
The cave is accessible by a few stairs and wooden decking so people with a general fitness level can enjoy this hidden wonder tucked away in the tropical jungle of Jambiani. At the base of the cave there is a crystal clear pool made from seepage from the underground water table and subterranean rivers. The fresh (sweet) water is cold but refreshing!\
Dozens of Red Colobus, Vervet and Skyes Monkeys visit the cave every few days. There are excellent photo opportunities for those who have the patience for cave photography!
City Tour
The stone town tour, the city tour, takes you around the capital town to experience historically, culturally and architecturally richness of Zanzibar Islands. Usually the tour starts at 8:30 am and take 2 to 3 hours depend on the places to be visited. Most of the important buildings and places (historical monuments) are within the town’s municipal environs such as Anglican Cathedral built on the former slave market, the house of the famous slave trader (Tip Tip house), Hamamni Bath, Darajani market (fish and fruits market), the Old Portuguese Fort, the house of wonders (Zanzibar National Museum of History & Culture) and the home of world famous musician, Freddy Mercury. The guide will also show you the beautiful pattern of Zanzibar door and on the way you will have a chance to walk around the narrow streets of Stone Town where most of the houses date back more than 150 years. You will see many bazaars, curio shops, restaurants, and variety of stores selling souvenirs.
Steeped in history, Stone Town in Zanzibar was once the biggest business center of East Africa. In it’s earlier days it was the hub for trading ivory, spices and slaves. Power has changed hands numerous times over the years; the Portuguese, Arabs, Sultans of Oman and English have all had their influence on this unique and fascinating town which has created an incredible mix of architecture and culture. It is a fascinating look into the history and culture that has shaped this island and is something that should not be missed.
Click this link for Zanzibar sample programs https://www.tanzaniajoytours.com/beach-excursion-tours/
