At dawn, the natural scenery of the island of Zanzibar, Tanzania is so wonderful. 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. Zanzibar has many beautiful beaches, that can be enjoyed on any budget. Some of the surrounding islands offer total paradise for the luxury traveler, Mnemba island is absolutely idyllic for a romantic vacation.
Zanzibar is great for scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming with dolphins. Other attractions include spice tours and the Jozani Forest, which shelters a small population of red Colobus monkeys.
The name Zanzibar is an Arabic word that is translated as ‘the coast of black people’. The Zanzibar archipelago is a series of islands on the Indian Ocean about 16-31 miles from the mainland Republic of Tanzania. It is a semi-autonomous region of the Tanzania. The island has the best beaches in the world – and this is not an exaggeration. If you love lazing around in the sun, then this is the place to go. Below are a few facts that will give you an overview of the Island country.
The Island of Zanzibar boasts pristine white sand beaches, abundant sunshine, exotic Swahili dishes, a hospitable people and luxury tourists resorts. If your idea of fun is to mix a jungle safari with lazing on the beach, then you have just found a hidden gem in Zanzibar.
Stone Town
Steeped in history and overflowing with charm, Stone Town is the iconic capital of Zanzibar.
It is in Stone Town that myriad narrow streets wind their way through craft shops, art galleries, fabric stalls and quaint coffee shops. It is also the perfect place to explore on foot and getting lost within this maze of ancient streets will give rise to a number of cultural experiences that can appear much more local and authentic than the beach life up north.
Getting to know Stone Town
Turning off Kenyatta Road onto Gizenga street, the precious blue of Tanzanite shines from the counters of several jewelry stalls, while an elderly man shapes a piece of leather in the shop next-door.
Further on, a young artist puts the finishing touches to his latest painting as the aroma of fresh Arabica drifts through the air from a quaint coffee shop down another side street.
Small children hurry around every corner, while family members hang over a window ledge up above. Whether you are buying or selling, or neither of the two, a walk through these streets is a fascinating encounter.
Location: Zanzibar
Nungwi and Kendwa beaches
Whether you stay at Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach, or even somewhere along the East coast, exploring Zanzibar’s north beach resorts is certainly worth the effort.
Nungwi is the third largest settlement in Zanzibar, with a population of about 5,500, found at the far north of the island. The smaller nearby Kendwa is on the west coast, overlooking the tiny Daloni island and the larger island of Tumbatu. Both are located about an hour’s drive from Stone Town.
Nungwi
Nungwi is the most popular resort in the north where a long line of quality restaurants, bars and hotels provide ample entertainment and variety.
The real draw, though, is the golden sand beach, ranked at 43 on CNN’s 2014 list of the world’s best beaches. CNN commented as follows: “At sunset, white-sailed dhows leave from the boatyard, making for a great photo op.”
Whether you stay in a five star resort (such as Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Diamonds La Gemma dell’ Est and Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort) or one of the most affordable accommodations, you still have full access to many restaurants, massage parlours, coffee shops and bars along the waterfront.
Nungwi beach is relatively quiet during the day, but it also provides a wide range of water sports and things to do, including scuba diving, Jet Ski and paragliding along with other activities such as volleyball, craft lessons or the local village tour.
Many people will choose to visit this area for the number of things to do in Nungwi. But for anyone wanting a more secluded resort, it still makes for a great place to spend the day before returning to another part of the island.
Kendwa
Similarly, Kendwa beach is another great place to spend a day. Although it is a much quieter resort than Nungwi with fewer people, restaurants and things to do, it has the added benefit of a huge beach which can feel a lot more secluded.
The Kendwa Rocks Hotel is also home to the monthly Full Moon Party, but for every other day, this resort is all about peace and quiet, sunbathing during the day and sunset cruises in the evening.
It is also possible to travel between Kendwa and Nungwi using a local water taxi, which means exploring both resorts in a single day is always possible.
Location: Zanzibar Beach
Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll
Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll is quite possibly the best “value for money” tour in the world.
This may sound like a sweeping statement, but provided you choose the right boat captain, the return on investment for this $25 trip is no less than incredible.
Departing from one of Zanzibar’s many Northern Beaches, you begin the morning by gliding across crystallised waters in a traditional Dhow sailing boat. Sailing is slow, but as a gentle breeze runs across the deck and you lay down beneath the shade of the mainsail, a distinct feeling of calm will ensure you do not want to reach anywhere fast.
An unexpected part of this trip will often take the form of interacting with the boat crew, which can be a real eye opener into the laid back attitude and charming personality of the local Zanzibarian. Expect a lot of laughing, but also understanding, as these guys know exactly when their guests want to rest in peace, sunbathe or even take a nap.
Traveling to Mnemba Atoll there is always the chance of spotting dolphins, and reaching the island itself, the colourful coral is no less than mesmerising. Zanzibar is home to many species of fish, with huge trevally, yellow snappers, barracuda, eels and many more.
Watching the sunset
Zanzibar is also synonymous with stunning red sunsets … and there are a number of unique locations to experience them.
Contrary to what many people may think prior to arrival, Stone Town is likely to be the most spectacular place on the island to witness the last light of day and more specifically, the Africa House Hotel. Luxurious in decoration and with a clear view of the horizon, the Sunset Lounge Balcony at the back of this unassuming hotel has a vibrant atmosphere, comfortable seating areas and the ultimate vantage point from which to watch the sun go down.
Another great alternative for catching the sunset or sunrise in Stone Town is to choose a lodge or hotel that provides access to a terrace on the top of the building.
That being said, the northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa are also ideal in that they both face in a westerly direction. Comfortable hammocks on the front of the bar at Sunset Kendwa (also known as the Sundet Bungalows Hotel) are perfect for enjoying sunset cocktails at Kendwa Beach while you can usually have the soft sands to yourself on the most southerly of the two beaches in Nungwi.
Alternatively, for a small fee, you can take a sunset cruise on a traditional Dhow sailing boat which comes with a fully stocked bar. Long stretches of sand on one side, and a red sun falling over the Indian Ocean to the west with nothing to obstruct the view; taking a sunset cruise is the ultimate way to watch the sun go down on Zanzibar.
Giant Turtles on Prison Island
Prison Island is a must-see Zanzibar attraction.
Also known as Changuu, Prison Island is an 800 x 200 metre island found about 6 kilometres north-west of South Town.
Although there are wonderful coral areas to snorkel around Prison Island and you will have plenty of time to do so, the real attractions are the huge turtles and a highly engrossing Slave Trade Museum.
The waters are some of the clearest anywhere in the Spice Islands and, once more, there is every chance you will catch a glimpse of the many pods of dolphins which inhabit this part of the Indian Ocean.
Once on the island itself, you will have the unique and incredible opportunity to visit the giant turtles and, most often, this invitation is extended assist with feeding time in the afternoon.
Provided you are gentle and respectful, it is perfectly fine to touch the turtles and interact with these gentle giants, some of which are more than 180 years old.
At this point, it’s worth mentioning there are many other things to do in Zanzibar such as visiting the Spice plantations or taking one day trip to Jozani National Park where blue and red Colobus monkeys swing through the jungle.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October during the cool, dry months of spring. Another popular time to visit this tropical island is from December to February when it’s hot and dry.
An African beach holiday means sundrenched shores, palm fringed beaches and glorious sunsets – expect all this and more on a Zanzibar beach escape.
There are two best times to scuba dive off the coast of Zanzibar, in July and August and in February and March. Diving off the north coast is particularly good from June to October and off the south coast between November and March.
We don’t recommend visiting Zanzibar during the two rainy seasons, from mid-March to late May and again in November.