Zanzibar

Zanzibar Island is known as Africa’s tropical paradise, offering the world’s most beautiful beaches. Miles and miles of white sandy beaches dotted with palm trees, surrounded by the clear azure water of the Indian Ocean.

Exploring the Area

As the new go-to island escape in Tanzania, Zanzibar is popular among the tourist contingent. But this shouldn’t put you off going, as there is so much joy to experience in Zanzibar. Also known as Unguja, the island is well-known for its winding streets, mosques, the majestic 1883 House of Wonders, and the Old Fort of Zanzibar. Zanzibar would be the ideal choice for those seeking a day trip or any culture vultures out there who want to make sure they get an injection of heritage.

Coastal Adventures

• Mafia Island Marine Park has coral gardens, an abundant variety of fish, and a relaxed diving atmosphere. Countless birds and over 400 species of fish can be seen in the area. Mafia Island is also a traditional breeding site for the green turtle, which are unfortunately endangered.

• Pemba Island is the northernmost island in the Zanzibar archipelago. Around Pemba are many desert islands and some of the best scuba diving in the Indian Ocean, with visibility that is unparalleled. Coral gardens, colorful sponges and sea fans are all found in the underwater haven. The city of Chake Chake, the main population center on Pemba, is a popular base for scuba divers.

Eating and Drinking

Five Food Experiences We Love in Zanzibar

Food is a top priority for many travelers, and Zanzibar doesn’t disappoint. A delightful tropical island off the coastal mainland of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a destination overflowing with history, intrigue, and multi-cultural tradition that delivers an endless array of magnificent experiences for visitors, including sumptuous dining. With an abundance of fresh seafood, and an ancient tradition of exotic spices, Zanzibar is a food lover’s dream. Here are five of our favorites when it comes to enchanting dining experiences in Zanzibar.
The Rock

The Rock is perhaps one of the most charming and beautiful restaurants in all of East Africa. Literally set upon a rock jutting out from the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this delightful eatery is one of the most legendary dining experiences in Zanzibar, and certainly a “must” for foodies who love fresh seafood in an exotic ambiance.

Previously a fishermen’s post, The Rock has just 12 tables. The house fills up quickly, so reservations are a necessary, especially if you want to score one of the better tables. The menu is reliably centered on the abundance of available seafood, but also has a wonderfully delicious vegetarian list of options.

Emerson Spice Café

Emerson Spice Café is reputedly one of the best restaurants in Zanzibar. Part of the Emerson Spice Hotel, and situated within a Swahili sultan’s palace from the 1800s, this trendy space is often host to celebrities. Lunch is served daily in the downstairs Café and reservations are not needed.

Evening cocktails and dinner are served rooftop, where the warm, vibrant colors of the sunset make it a sensory delight that goes beyond the palate. Do make reservations with plenty of advanced notice because the restaurant gets booked quickly; dinner is served promptly at 7:00 PM and there is only one seating.

Forodhani Gardens Waterfront Snacks

The Forodhani Gardens are situated between the Arab Fort and the ocean, near the House of Wonders in Stone Town.

A laid-back promenade through the evening food market at Forodhani Gardens will never disappoint the foodies among us. A popular meeting place for locals, the park underwent renovations recently, and now enjoys a new boardwalk, improved lighting, and ample seating.

Perfect for an evening picnic on the grass, just bring your blanket because there are plenty of stalls selling delicious fare. From pizza, to fish skewers, to spicy soup, and mango slices lightly dusted with chili salt, there is something to satisfy every craving. To quench your thirst, enjoy a cup of hand cranked sugar cane juice infused with lime and ginger.

The Swahili culture is an opulent blend of African, Arabic, Indian, Middle Eastern and European cultures. Of course, this colorful blend influences the food.

House of Spices

A reminder of Zanzibar’s long-enduring spice industry, the House of Spices is one of the most popular restaurants in Stone Town. Serving Indian Ocean fare with an Italian flare, the dining room is a covered terrace that was once used to hang and dry spices before they were packed for shipment to far off destinations. The House of Spices is a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ TripAdvisor winner.

Upendo

A ‘Certificate of Excellence’ Trip Advisor winner, Upendo offers everything a food-focused traveler could dream of in an island dining experience. Situated on a white sand beach with coral cliff hangings and dramatic vistas of the Indian Ocean, this exceptional restaurant is part of the luxury resort located on the Michamvi Peninsula and boasts one of the most striking views on the island. A seafood lover’s delight, Upendo should not be missed by those who enjoy amazing fish, crab, prawn, and lobster dishes.

What to See and Do

#1 – Historic Sites

Zanzibar has a long and fascinating history, and it would be a shame to visit the Spice Island without experiencing a little of that often dark story.

There are a variety of ways to learn more about Zanzibar’s history as a slave port, British protectorate, and former independent nation.

One popular option is to take a half-day in which you’ll wander the labyrinthine alleys and bustling market bazaars of the Zanzibari capital. Highlights of this tour include the National Museum of Zanzibar, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the haunting ruins of the former slave market.

For those with a little more time, the Zanzibar prison island tour combines history with a little leisure. You’ll not only visit the prison island to observe its new turtle inhabitants, but also enjoy some time snorkeling around the gorgeous former prison island.

#2 – Go on a Flying Safari

While you’re on Zanzibar, it only makes sense to combine your beach escape with the mainland to create a Znz safari experience. With flights direct from Stone Town to the heart of the Serengeti, it’s never been easier to experience the wilderness from the comforts of your resort.

Flying safaris itineraries vary in length, but we can arrange everything from a two day escape to an extended safari adventure.

#3 – Safari Blue

Zanzibar is paradise for people who love the water. From scuba diving to water sports to snorkeling, there’s no shortage of ways to experience Zanzibar’s warm waters.

For those who want to experience a little of everything that makes Zanzibar so special, the popular Safari Blue is a perfect choice.

This full-day experience takes you on a day of sailing, sunbathing, snorkeling, and feasting as you explore the fabulous Zanzibar coast. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to sunbathe on isolated sand banks, spot dolphins playing in the waves, and feast on delicious BBQ seafood.

You’ll also have the chance to trade the comfort of your sailboat for a traditional dhow and/or outrigger canoe along the way, so you can experience how the locals have plied their trade for centuries.

If you’ve only got one day to take a tour on Zanzibar, you can’t go wrong with Safari Blue.

 

#4 – Spice Plantation Tour

Zanzibar is sometimes known as ‘spice island’ and with good reason! For much of the region’s history, its primary industry has been the export of flavourful spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper.

Even today, with tourism being such big business, spice farming remains a huge part of the Zanzibari economy.

Taking a spice tour might not sound like everybody’s cup of tea, but believe us when we say it is a truly fascinating, fragrant, and flavoursome experience!

You’ll be doing far more than simply visiting a spice plantation and learning about the spices, you’ll also be tasting, smelling, and touching the spices that help to flavour cuisine from around the world.

Along the way, you’ll also learn about the medicinal uses of some of these spices, sample tropical fruits, and enjoy a locally prepared lunch. It’s a treat for foodies and the culturally curious alike!

 

#5 – Spot Red Colobus Monkeys in Jozani Forest

You don’t have to fly to the mainland to go on safari!

The endangered red colobus monkey happens to call the 2,512-hectare Jozani Chwaka National Park at the heart of Zanzibar home. One of the few remaining sanctuaries for this rare primate, Jozani Forest is an easy day trip from almost anywhere on the island.

Trade the beach for the steaming jungle as you enjoy a guided tour through the towering palms and mangroves of Jozani Forest.

While the red colobus monkeys are wild animals, they’ve become used to seeing tourists in the park, so you’ll have a good chance to snap some photos as you learn more about the ecosystem. You’ll also have the chance to spot a huge variety of birds and butterflies and if you’re lucky, shy bushbabies.

The jungle is also said to be home to the rare Zanzibari Leopard, although sightings are incredibly rare. Nobody has seen one in several years!

Taking just half a day, a visit to Jozani Forest can be combined with the Spice Plantation Tour or enjoyed in isolation.

If you’re looking for some culture and history, Stone Town is a must-see spot!

It almost feels like stepping into a time machine, with a variety of old colonial buildings lining the streets. You’ll be sure to get lost in the maze of narrow streets, but that’s half the fun! It’s also the best place to try the cuisine and learn about the history of the island.

NOTE: Wondering when to go to Zanzibar for scuba diving? It is best to go from June to October on the North coast and between November and March on the South coast.

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