Zanzibar - great beach holiday, accompanied by many landmarks, wonderful nature and great spots to visit

For all who want something adventurous, something different. If you're sick of the traditional destinations - you can find the bewitching island of Zanzibar. It is a semi - autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania, East Africa. Zanzibar is very interesting place to visit. The capital - Stone Town is steeped in history. The beaches - definitely worth visiting, we can say the same for the nature - untouched by humans with possibility to walk through the habitat of very interesting species - red colobus monkey for example.

Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Beach of Zanzibar, Tanzania

East Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania

In Stone Town you feel like the time stopped a few centuries ago. The doors, the markets are giving you this feeling. You can see people still use dhows like they did in the past. The contact with locals can be very interesting. A walk through Stone Town can give you a visual of the slave trading era. The city was the biggest trade center for slaves on the east coast of the continent. Nowadays on the place of the market is situated a church. Species trade was also very well developped - nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper. Most important were cloves - Zanzibar was the leading producer in world.

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

The winding alleys, the doors and buildings are part of the fascinating architecture of the city. It is a result of the influence of Indian, European, African and Arabic cultures. Here we can also mention the British cilture as this was the starting point for most of the expeditions in 19century. All that and the incredible beauty of Zanzibar beaches make it one of the most attractive destinations. 

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Dhow, Zanzibar, Tanzania

That is only a small part of all that Zanzibar can propose for the tourists. As we already mentioned the nature is very interesting. This is the only place where Red Colobus Monkey live. Manny bird and butterfly species can be observed. Whales can be seen from the coast during the migration period. Two kinds of dolphins inhabit the area. You can even swim with the bottle-nosed dolphins if you got lucky. See here more for the dolphins tour. On the island you can also see turtles. They nest on the island and often creep on the beaches searching the appropriate place. The vegetable life is not less interesting – mangroves, coconut and banana trees. To fully understand it you can see the Jozani Forest Tour.

Red Colobus Monkey, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Once you get on the island you can't be out of activities - apart from the amazing beaches,  the possibilities  for scuba diving, snorkelling, diving, kitesurfing and many other watersports, you can get closer to the atmosphere of Zanzibar by visiting some of the restaurants which is also a great experience. There are plenty of such places to visit. You also should definitely visit  the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum - People's Palace, Dr.Livingstone's House and the Arab Fort. Don'f forget about the Old Slave Market and the Anglican Cathedral. All this can be seen in Stone Town. The rest of the island of Zanzibar has also many thing to offer. For example The Zanzibar Butterlfy Center. It is located near to Jozani National Park. In order to see most of Zanzibar you should take a tour. There are several of them : Spice Plantations Tour, Jozani Forest Tour, City Tour / Stone Town/, North Coast Tour, Dolphin Tour and Prison Island Tour. You can see what they offer here.

Prison Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Mangapwani Beach, north of Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

I can say that visiting Zanzibar you will meet the magnificence of nature, wonderful winding alleys, gorgeous architecture, juicy tropical fruits, aromatic spices and very charming and hospitable locals. The beaches - the have these brilliant white sands, surrounded by the turquoise waters of Indian Ocean. Here you can spend some time enjoying a wonderful holiday - sunbathing, assisted by the quietness of the island.

Locals on a beach of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Beach Scene, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Dhows, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Dive Boat, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Spice Plantations Tour

In The History of Zanzibar spices take very important place. They are no longer the main source of income for the economy, yet here are numerous spice plantations on the island. This is  wonderful opportunity to get closer to the natural wealth of the island. Guides will provide you with detailed and interesting information for a large variety of spices and their use. All this happens near the Zanzibar town. This is not only the place where everybody can buy spices cheap, but also familiarize with how valuable they are in medicine. Many kinds of spice oils can be found here too. 

All this can give you a very good idea why this area is called the "Spice Islands".

This tour is a half day, it includes guide, transfers and admision fees.

Variety of Species, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Jozani Forest Tour

Jozani is a forest which is endemic for the island. It is one of the last remained here. The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is dwelt by the Red Colobus Monkey. This is a very rare species. This is a very interesting kind of monkey. It wanders freely. The monkey is also very photogenic. On the island also live Sykes' Monkey, Suni antelope, wild pig, Zanzibar leopard. Many kinds of birds and butterflies can be observed here.

The tour is half-day, and includes transfers, guide and admission fees.

Jozani Forest, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Banana Tree, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Red Colobus Monkey, Zanzibar, Tanzania

City Tour/ Stone Town

 The town was recently included in the Unesco heritage. The way that city remains the same is stunning. It is like a walk through the time. The capital of Zanzibar is enfolded in history. The narrow streets, along with the small shops, history is scattered everywhere. Here you should definitely visit the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum - People's Palace, Dr.Livingstone's House and the Arab Fort. Other very interesting places to visit are the Old Slave Market, Anglican Cathedral. Worth visiting is also the site of Sultan Barghash's Harem at Marahubi. The tour of the city is so fascinating cause of the architecture. It is influenced by the Indian, African, European and Arabic cultures. Very impressive architectural trait is the carved wooden door.

A few giftshops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts can be found here.

Like the previous tours this is a half-day tour and includes transfers, guide and admission fees. 

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Stone Town, dhow sailing, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Tanzania

North Coast

Another very interesting place to visit on the island. This tour ends with attendance of an old fishing village. This is the traditional place where dhow constructions have been made. The beaches here are wonderful, the same is with the coral reefs - great spot for snorkelling and diving. Here has been built a shelter for injured animals where they receive help and cares and are released back when cured.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Dolphin Tour

On this part of the island are situated several schools for bottle-nosed dolphins. They can be seen during a quick boat trip. You can also experience an ultimate swim close to them. You should not miss it. This tour also includes a visit to a mosque from 12century - Kizimkazi Mosque. It is a proof for the earliest presence of Islam in East Africa. 

Dolphin Tour, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Prison Island Tour

The island was a goal for misbehaving slaves. A jail was built in 1893 and still stands. Hence the name Prison Island. It is also known as Chumble Island. It is famous not only for the prison but also for the Giant Tortoises - they ar ethe main attraction here. They were brought here from the Seychelles in 19century. 

The island is just off the city of Stone Town. It is ideal for a day trip. There are also small restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught fish. There are also a wonderful  whilte beach where you can sun-bathe and coral reef perfect for snorkelling.

Starfish, Prison Island, Zanzibar

Giant Tortoises, Prison Island, Zanzibar

Prison Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania