Zanzibar island Tanzania trip : Zanzibar island is a holiday destination which is found in the Indian ocean off the East African coast. The island is an archipelago and the largest island is known as Unguja which is visited by many tourists during the year. Tourists from different parts of the world visit Zanzibar island to enjoy relaxing by the white sand beaches and explore the different destinations around the island and also engage in various activities.
When visiting Zanzibar island, a number of activities can be carried out during holidays including spice tours. Zanzibar island is also known as the spice island where spices such as nutmeg, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon among others are grown. Tours to the spice plantations can be done during a tour around the island and this activity also involves getting to know how the spices are planted and you can also taste various tropical fruits grown on the island such as coconuts and many others. This activity takes about 2 to 3 hours and costs around 25 USD per person, Zanzibar island Tanzania trip.
There is a lot more to do when visiting Zanzibar island and these activities include diving, swimming, snorkeling, diving, cycling, kite surfing, dhow cruises, safari blue excursion, Stone town tours, cultural tours, visiting Prison island, beach walks, mangrove walks among others.
Stone town tours
Stone town is a town which is found at the heart of Zanzibar island and it is a destination on the island where you can experience the rich culture, history and diversity of the people of Zanzibar.
The town is located on the western shores of Zanzibar and during a tour around Stone town, you can see many historic buildings and architecture influenced by the Arabs, Persian, Indian and other cultures. The Zanzibari doors are among the unique features of the buildings on the island, Zanzibar island Tanzania trip.
Other places to visit around Stone town during tours around Zanzibar island include the Old Fort, the Old slave market, the palace museum, house of wonders, Darajani market, Forodhani market among others which can be visited with the help of a local guide. This activity can be done by taking walks along the narrow streets of Stone town.
Going to the beach
Zanzibar island is famous for its white sand beaches which are good for relaxing, getting some sun and enjoying the breeze and views of the ocean.
The beaches around Zanzibar island include Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach, Paje beach, Jambiani beach, Kizimkazi beach, Pongwe beach, Bwejuu beach, Kiwengwa beach, Matemwe beach among others.
Many resorts and hotels are found along the beaches of Zanzibar island providing accommodation during holidays around the island. The island is also perfect for couples as well as those travelling in groups and also solo travellers.
Visiting Prison island in Zanzibar
Prison island in Zanzibar is another destination to visit during a trip on the island. Prison island is also referred to as Changuu island and it is home to the giant aldabra tortoises.
Activities which are carried out around Prison island in Zanzibar include visiting the tortoise sanctuary, swimming and also snorkeling. Changuu island can be accessed by taking a boat from Stone town which takes about 30 minutes to 45 minutes and returning is also by boat transfer.
Visiting Prison island in Zanzibar is a half day experience which costs about 30 USD to 45 USD.
Surfing in Zanzibar
Another activity to take part in when visiting Zanzibar island is surfing which can be done by beginners and also by experienced surfers.
Surfing in Zanzibar takes about 2 to 3 hours and some of the places where kite surfing is done on the island include Paje beach, Kiwengwa, Nungwi and also Jambiani. The best time for kite surfing in Zanzibar is during the month of December to March and also from June to September.
Snorkeling and diving in Zanzibar
During your trip to Zanzibar island, another activity to try out is snorkeling and you can also take part in diving.
Zanzibar island has rich marine life and beautiful corals which can be seen during snorkeling or diving around the island. Some of the places where these activities can be done include Mnemba atoll, Nungwi beach, Kizimkazi beach, Paje beach, Jambiani beach among others.
The best time for snorkeling in Zanzibar is July to September and it can also be done all year round.
Safari blue excursion
Safari blue tour is another activity to take part in when visiting Zanzibar island. This activity is popular for tourists visiting the island and it starts from Fumba village and takes place for a whole day, Zanzibar island Tanzania trip.
The activity involves taking a dhow cruise on the Indian ocean, snorkeling and swimming and also visiting Menai bay. During the safari blue tour, you can also enjoy various tropical fruits and a buffet.
Dhow cruises in Zanzibar
Dhow cruises are also carried out during tours around Zanzibar island and they are carried out at different times of the day including the morning and afternoon or evening.
This activity is also perfect for couples during their holidays on Zanzibar island and the dhow cruise takes about 2 to 3 hours. Dhow cruises can be done as part of a group tour or as a private experience.
Visiting Jozani forest
During a tour around Zanzibar island, another destination to visit is the Jozani Chwaka bay national park which is the only national park on the island.
Jozani is also the home to the rare red colobus monkeys and activities which can be done around Jozani forest include mangrove walks. when visiting this destination, tourists get closer to nature and also enjoy seeing other primates in the forest as well as different birds.
Best time to visit Zanzibar island
Trips to Zanzibar island can be carried out at any time of the year. However the best time for holidays is the dry season around June to October when the weather is good for many activities around the island. The dry season is also experienced around December to February.
Zanzibar also experiences a rainy season around March to May which is usually avoided by tourists and it is also the low season. Rains are also received around November in Zanzibar.
How to get to Zanzibar island
Zanzibar island is a destination which can be accessed by ferry and also by flight. When booking flights to Zanzibar island, the airport to use is Abeid Amani Karume international airport which is the only airport on the island.
An alternative for getting to the island is taking a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar island which takes about 2 hours and it is operated daily by companies such as Azam Marine.
