Zanzibar Island is Africa’s tropical paradise with the world’s most beautiful beaches. It offers laid-back beach life, but also an diversity of activities and a colorful culture and history.
Zanzibar is one of Tanzania's top destinations because of its fascinating past and its incredible beaches. Zanzibar's location in the Indian Ocean has made it a natural trading center throughout its history. Famous for its spices, Zanzibar also became an important slave trading post under its Arab rulers. Stone Town, Zanzibar's capital, is a World Heritage site and boasts beautiful traditional houses, narrow alleyways, a Sultan's palace, and many mosques.
Zanzibar has many beautiful beaches, that can be enjoyed on any budget. Some of the surrounding islands offer a total paradise for the luxury traveler, Mnemba, is absolutely idyllic for a romantic vacation.
Activities in Zanzibar Island
Kite Surfing
Paje is ideal for kite surfing, with its waist-deep turquoise warm waters, stretches of pristine white beach and tropical winds. Paje has become a global hotspot for kite surfers and is one of the easiest places to learn. It appeals to beginners, intermediate and advanced kite surfers alike.
Snorkeling
Spend a day on a boat trip and swim in the in the warm crystal blue Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is one of East Africa’s most popular snorkeling destinations filled year-round with an abundant amount of colourful sea life.
Scuba Diving
Zanzibar is considered the best scuba diving in East Africa, home to thousands of flourishing species of marine life. Explore the warm Indian turquoise waters, coral reef and sandbanks where you may find Sea turtles, Blue Spotted Rays, Schools of Barracuda, Lion Fish, Moray Eels, Tuna, Sailfish, Angelfish among a few. Whale sharks and humpback whales migrate through the waters twice a year and witnessing pods of dolphins is incredibly common.
Game Fishing
Zanzibar has some of the best deep-sea fishing in the Indian Ocean where you’ll have the opportunity to catch big game fish like Marlin, Barracuda, Kingfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, and more.
Dolphin Watching
Set out to sea to experience dolphin watching at their favorite hangout along the shallow coast of Kizimkazi. Although dolphin-spotting isn’t 100% guaranteed, it is incredibly common to witness leaping pods of Bottlenose and Humpback Dolphins.
Jozani Forest
Jozani Forest Reserve is one of the largest mature forests in Zanzibar where you are guaranteed to see troops of habitualized Red Colobus. Unique to only Zanzibar and one of the rarest monkeys in the world, the endangered Red Colobus Monkey are a joy and privilege to witness. This lush, tropical forest is surrounded by mangroves and salt marshes filled with diverse trees & fauna. You may even spot other species like the Syke’s monkey and duiker.
Spice Tours
For many centuries Zanzibar has been infamous for its spices earning it the name “Spice Island”. Visit the countryside where you will have a chance to learn about and experience the exotic spices Zanzibar is famous for including cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, turmeric, and more. Enjoy touring through tropical greenery where you will taste a variety of delicious tropical island fruits like mango, pineapple, banana, jackfruit, lychee, and durian.
Stone Town
Step back in time as you wander through the atmospheric narrow, labyrinth alleyways of ancient Stone Town. This fascinating UNESCO heritage site is atmospheric and filled with historic wonders and magnificent Arab/Indian architecture which has hardly changed for hundreds of years. Browse through the famous shopping district where you find handicrafts to take home for you treasure as you remember your experience in Zanzibar
