Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s capital is the historical Stone Town, home to much of Zanzibar’s tourism industry. It is also a World Heritage Site since 2000. The town contains numerous historical and cultural sites, including Makusurani graveyard (where many of the island’s previous Arab rulers are buried), House of Wonders (a four-story building which was the first place on the islands with electrical lights), Hamamni and Kidichi Persian Baths (the first public baths on the island), Dunga Ruins (ruins of a palace built in the 15th Century by the rulers of the time), former Slave Trade Market and the Peace Memorial Museum, a national historical museum detailing the islands’ long history.

Zanzibar is home to large amounts of beaches and clear Indian Ocean water, as well as coral and limestone scraps which allow for significant amounts of diving and snorkeling. The diving and snorkeling are done in marine parks. The aquatic life seen includes dolphins, moray eels, lion fish, octopus and lobsters. Tourists may also go dhow cruising around the small islands. They can view sunset and have refreshments on board.

The Jozani forest is located in the central east region of Zanzibar consisting of a large mangrove swamp. The forest is home to the rare red colobus monkey. The forest is also home to 40 species of birds and 50 species of butterflies. The Kidike root site is a great place to view the endangered Pemba flying fox.

The town is famous for its spice tours. Tourists visit the various coconut and spice plantations in the island. Zanzibar is known for its variety of spices that are used to prepare food, cosmetics and medicines. Some of the fruits available include banana, coconut, lime, jackfruit and breadfruit. Spices includes clove, nutmeg, black pepper, vanilla and coriander. Zanzibar is also known for its salt and seaweed farm that may be visited by tourists on request.

Mnemba Island is a private island located at Matemwe beach (Zanzibar north). This is among the best places for Snorkeling and Swimming in Zanzibar. As you explore the underwater wonders around Mnemba Island’s corals, you may be fortunate enough to spot dolphins during your snorkeling adventure, adding an exciting and memorable dimension to your experience. The crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life make snorkeling around Mnemba Island a highly recommended activity in Zanzibar. This place is located just 40 minutes from Nungwi and one hour from Stone Town, Mnemba Island provides easy access for those seeking to do Snorkeling in Zanzibar. Swimming with Dolphins Zanzibar boasts more five dolphin species, with the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin and Spinner Dolphins being the two commonly encountered types. Head to Mnemba Island or Kizimkazi fishers village, popular places where as a traveler, you will have the chance to swim with these captivating wild dolphins.

Prison Island is among the best small islands to visit in Zanzibar for Holiday. The Prison Island is also known as Changuu Island by the Locals, this is because the word “Changuu” is the common name of popular fishes around this island. This island is located north of the Stone town beach, about 5.6 km. It takes 30 minutes to arrive at the Island. This is the place where you can see and feed the Giant tortoises in Zanzibar.

Swimming with turtles is among the best things you do in Nungwi beach Zanzibar. Baraka Natural Aquarim and Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond are the only two places where you can go swimming with sea turtles in Zanzibar. All these places are located at Nungwi village north part of the Unguja Island, about 62.9 km from the Stone Town.

The Rock Restaurant stands out as one of the unique and iconic dining restaurants in Zanzibar, it is considered as the most photographed restaurant on the island. At the Rock Restaurant, you can indulge in a delectable array of seafood dishes, including Squid in Tandoori and Coconut Milk, Stewed Rock Lobster and Grilled Fish Fillets.

Zanzibar is well known for the quality of its reefs and plenty of different beautiful species found here; Octopus, Blue Spotted Ray, Flying Gurnard, Weedy, Lionfish, Stone Fish, Cuttlefish, Frogfish, Humpback Whales, Turtles, Sperm Whales etc.