What to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar Island,
Tanzania is located in the Indian Ocean and is characterized by its scenic beauty,
which includes white sand beaches, turquoise waters and palm trees that
fill its parts. It is considered one of the most beautiful tourism
destinations in
Tanzania, where tourists and honeymooners come from all over the world to enjoy
its charming beaches, as well as to practice various water activities such
as diving, surfing and kayaking.
Zanzibar has been an important trading point which means it has a rich
cultural mix and Zanzibar island is famous for being a producer of many
kinds of spices, it is also known for its carved wooden doors.
Zanzibar island has a lot of Turtles and beautiful dolphins, in addition
to that Zanzibar has an excellent infrastructure where you find many
hotels with distinguished services in addition to a large number of
restaurants that serve various types of delicious foods and many cafes.
All this has made it a combination of a unique tropical spot that attracts
many tourists around the world to enjoy its beautiful and picturesque
landmarks.
Climate in Zanzibar
|
| Climate in Zanzibar |
Zanzibar enjoys a humid tropical climate, with an average rainfall of
1500 to 2000 mm annually. The northern winds blow from December to March,
while the southern winds blow from May to October.
The best time to take a tourist trip to Zanzibar is during the spring
from June to October, as it has dry weather ideal for diving and other
water activities that you can try in Zanzibar.
The most important tourist places in Zanzibar
In this article, we review the most important tourist places in Zanzibar
that are worth visiting, namely:
Stone Town, Zanzibar
|
| Stone Town Zanzibar |
Stone Town Zanzibar is the old part of Zanzibar city in
Tanzania. It is a cultural and historical city with its stone architecture
dating back to the 19th century and the city has preserved these
architectures as they are until now.
The stone city of Zanzibar is located on the island of Unguja, and
therefore it is surrounded by water on all sides, which has given it
its spirit and importance as one of the tourist areas in Zanzibar.
The stone city of Zanzibar was inscribed on the World Heritage List in
2000 due to the preservation of its splendour and the fact that it
reflects a mixture of different civilizations and cultures that it
passed through, such as Indian, European, Arab and others, as the city
previously worked as a market for the slave trade, spices and other
things.
Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar
• Stroll through the beautiful city and admire the stone buildings
that date back to the 19th century and reflect the country's culture
and history mixed with other cultures. You can also pass by the shops
and stores scattered throughout the city to buy souvenirs.
• You can visit some tourist and historical places such as the old
fort, which is also a fortress built of stone and dates back to the
seventeenth century.
• There is also the House of Wonders and the Palace Museum, which were
considered palaces for the sultans in different eras of the former
history of Tanzania. Each of them includes property and belongings
belonging to the sultans and some furniture and paintings through
which you can learn about the country's culture and history.
• Do not forget to also pass by the many churches and cathedrals
located in the stone city of Zanzibar, whose establishment dates back
to previous eras, such as the Church of Christ, the Roman Catholic
Cathedral and others.
• You can also visit the famous Forodhani Garden, which overlooks the
sea. It is worth mentioning that the garden hosts a tourist market
every night that sells special Swahili grilled fish, which you must
try.
• One of the most famous places frequented by tourists that you can
not miss is Changwu Island, which you can reach by boat. It is a
shelter for many Turtles, some of which are 200 years old. You can
also swim on the island's beach or do some water games.
• You can also visit the Persian baths, which date back to the
nineteenth century and were used as public baths in the past and were
built by the Persians, but they are no longer used now, but remained
as monuments and a destination for tourists.
Stone Town, Zanzibar location on Google Maps
Persian Baths, Zanzibar
|
| Persian Baths, Zanzibar |
Persian Baths were the first public baths in Zanzibar. It was built
during the reign of Sultan Barghash bin Said. It was built in the late
nineteenth century. You can visit it and enjoy watching this building
with a special character, which holds wonderful privacy. You can see
what this Persian bath contains heritage tools. All tours to Stone
Town include your visit to this wonderful monument.
The House of Wonders, Zanzibar
|
| The House of Wonders, Zanzibar |
The House of Wonders in Zanzibar The House of Wonders is one of the
most famous tourist attractions in Zanzibar and is the largest and
tallest building within the stone city of Zanzibar
In its time, this palace was a marvel of wonders, which was built in
1883 AD during the reign of Sultan Barghash bin Said bin Sultan, and
you will find his name at the entrance to the magnificent palace with
a splendid and majestic view. Its columns are painted white, its doors
are huge, decorated with beautiful carvings, and the magnificent
arched balconies. The palace is indeed a state of high art. The
entrance to the palace is wide, and there is a building attached to
the palace that contains many oil paintings of the sultans who ruled
Zanzibar, and there are many collectables such as the wardrobe,
several mirrors, Chinese porcelain, and antiques.
Things to do in the House of Wonders
• Touring the House of Wonders, which contains many antiquities and
possessions of the sultans in previous eras, such as special tools,
formal and informal costumes, as well as furniture and paintings
bearing drawings of the sultans and other paintings of important
historical figures that were kept inside the house as they are.
• Also inside the inner courtyard of the house, there is an old
traditional Swahili ship and some Swahili fishing gear that you can't
miss seeing. As for the outer court, there are cannons written on it
in Portuguese.
• Many cultural and artistic events are held inside the House of
Wonders, and you can participate in one of them if you happen to be
visiting.
Entry prices
For adults 6 Tanzanian shillings.
For children 4 Tanzanian shillings.
House of Wonders in Zanzibar location on Google Maps
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
|
| Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar |
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is one of the most beautiful natural
areas and the most important tourist attraction in Zanzibar is a
tropical forest that includes dense trees of different types. It also
includes large numbers of animals, including animals that are not found
in any other forest or zoo, such as a rare type of monkey called The red
colobus monkey, and it also includes 40 species Of birds, 50 species of
butterflies and many more.
Things to do in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
• You can wander inside the forest and its natural paths to enjoy the
wonderful nature of trees, green spaces and different animals,
especially rare animals such as certain types of monkeys and tigers, as
well as distinctive birds and butterflies, as well as marine animals
such as dolphins, tuna fish and others that are located in the Indian
Ocean.
• It is best to take part in one of the forest tours, as your passage
through the tropical forest requires the presence of a guide with you so
that you do not get lost.
• Do not make your visit to the forest without passing through the
swamps filled with plants and some amphibians, as well as the tropical
coast full of tropical trees on its shore in a wonderful view worth
visiting.
• Inside the forest there is a small café that serves hot and cold
drinks and there are some shops where you can buy souvenirs.
Visiting dates
Daily from 07:30 AM until 05:00 PM.
Entry prices and tours
Adults 10 USD
Children 05 USD
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park location on Google Maps
Pemba Island, Zanzibar
|
| Pema Island, Zanzibar |
Pema Island is one of the most important places of tourism in Zanzibar,
nicknamed the Green Island, is about 1 km northeast of Zanzibar Island.
It is a small island characterized by its coral reefs and the presence
of rare Turtles.
Its climate is tropical and humid, and it is a group of high hills, with
a maximum height of 100 meters above sea level. It is characterized by
the fertility of its lands. The island of Pemba enjoys its clean beaches
and warm climate. It is ideal for diving enthusiasts, as it has
distinguished sites for diving and unique coral reef formations of
outstanding beauty.
On the island, there is a group of wonderful antiquities that have not
been interfered with by humans and have preserved their beauty since
about the fourteenth century, which are called Ndagoni. There are also
the ruins of Ndoni in the village of Bugeni, which dates back to the
fifteenth century and is located in the west of the island's airport.
Enjoy watching the sunset, Zanzibar
|
| Sunset at Zanzibar |
Livingston Bar is a funky beachfront bar that has the best quiet spot
in the open air where you can enjoy watching the sunset over the
ocean. The bar serves a variety of drinks as well as you will enjoy
the sounds of live music. The beach in front is suitable for playing
on the beach. Sand for children, where you will find many children who
play acrobatics, which makes it an entertaining, fun and vibrant
place.
Promised Land Lodge, Zanzibar
|
| Promised Land Lodge, Zanzibar |
Promised Land Lodge, Zanzibar is located in Kizimkazi and the Promised
Land is an ideal guesthouse in luxury and sophistication. To places
dedicated to playing beach volleyball, and in the evening, everyone
gathers around a pit of fire, African drums sound, many songs are
sung, and everyone exchanges chats, which will make it a perfect trip
that you will never forget.
Enjoy the food at the night market
|
| Enjoy the food at the night market |
It is one of the beautiful things that take place every night of the
week in the night market, which is located in front of the waterfront
Staunton, you will be able to distinguish the market from a great
distance, as the smell of barbecue food reeks of it strongly to
announce the quality and fill the air. There are a lot of meat and
fish foods that can be eaten.
Recommended hotels and resorts in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Thanks to Zanzibar's stunning scenery, sandy beaches and coral
reefs, it has a luxurious group of hotels and resorts with a
charming view, and we will learn about the best Zanzibar hotels and
resorts with services and recreational activities.
The best hotels in Zanzibar
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
|
| Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Zanzibar |
One of the best 5-star hotels in Zanzibar is located on the
waterfront in Zanzibar City, 1 km from Zanzibar Ferry Terminal, and
8 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
The hotel offers a fitness centre, allergy-free room, and express
check-in and check-out service.
Boasting a seafront location in Zanzibar City, Park Hyatt Zanzibar
offers an outdoor pool and a restaurant. This air-conditioned hotel
also includes free Wi-Fi, a spa and wellness centre, a fitness
centre and a tour desk. All rooms feature a minibar, flat-screen TV
with satellite channels, coffee and tea maker, free WiFi and free
toiletries.
Visitor reviews summary
The hotel was rated excellent in terms of location, room size and
cleanliness.
Some mentioned the hotel's small private beach.
Langi Langi Beach Bungalows Hotel
|
| Langi Langi Beach Bungalows Hotel, Zanzibar |
The hotel is located on Nungwi, north of Zanzibar, an hour's drive
from Zanzibar Airport. It has an outdoor swimming pool, and the
hotel's beach offers diving and snorkelling trips. The restaurant
serves delicious international as well as local cuisine in the
hotel, airport transfer at an extra cost and free parking. The hotel
rates are very good for the services it offers.
Visitor reviews summary
The hotel was rated very good in terms of location, staff, delicious
meals and cleanliness.
Dhow Palace Hotel
|
| Dhow Palace Hotel, Zanzibar |
One of the best hotels in Zanzibar,
Tanzania is characterized by its central location in the stone town of
Zanzibar, only 300 meters from the beach and 500 meters from the
House of Wonders. The hotel is 1 km from the ferry port and 5 km
from Zanzibar Airport.
The hotel has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, walking tours
for an additional fee, and facilities for the disabled.
Visitor reviews summary
Very good rating for the location, cleanliness and design of the
rooms.
Some visitors commented that the air conditioning was
poor.
Smile Beach Hotel
|
| Smile Beach Hotel, Zanzibar |
A wonderful and excellent hotel, located 200 meters from the centre
of Nungwi city, the rooms are air-conditioned, and their balconies
overlook the Indian Ocean.
Visitor reviews summary
The hotel is rated very good in terms of friendly staff, cleanliness
and location.
Tembo House Hotel
|
| Tembo House Hotel, Zanzibar |
One of the best hotels in Zanzibar,
Tanzania is located near the beach and less than 5 minutes walk from the
old castle and House of Wonders.
The hotel offers a year-round outdoor pool, a bridal suite, a tour
desk, and a children's playground.
Visitor reviews summary
Tembo, one of the most luxurious hotels in Zanzibar
Tanzania has been rated very well in terms of location, services and
cleanliness.
Some mentioned the lack of variety in the breakfast and the lack
of professionalism of some of the staff.
The best resorts in Zanzibar
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa Resort - Relais & Chateaux
|
| White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa, Zanzibar |
It is one of the best 5-star Zanzibar resorts that provide all the
wonderful facilities and services for visitors, located on a sandy
beach in the north of Zanzibar.
It features luxurious rooms overlooking the ocean and the garden. It
also provides many recreational services such as yoga sessions on
the beach, relaxation and beauty treatments.
Visitor reviews summary
Visitors' reviews of Zanzibar Resort are excellent in terms of
comfort, cleanliness, staff, location, and facilities.
DoubleTree by Hilton Zanzibar Resort
|
| DoubleTree by Hilton Resort, Zanzibar |
Double Tree is one of the best 4-star Zanzibar resorts that provides
luxurious hotel services in addition to recreational activities such
as fishing and snorkelling.
It features rooms with sea and garden views, wellness facilities,
relaxation and beauty treatments, and a restaurant serving local and
international cuisine.
Visitor reviews summary
Guest reviews of Zanzibar Resort are very good in terms of staff,
comfort, location, cleanliness, comfort, and facilities.
Fruit and Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar
|
| Fruit and Spice Wellness Resort, Zanzibar |
It is one of the best 5-star luxury Zanzibar resorts. The resort
features many rooms and villas with sea and pool views, designed
with luxurious designs in Zanzibar style, in addition to luxurious
furnishings.
The hotel has a restaurant overlooking the pool that serves
delicious Mediterranean food and light meals. In addition to the
availability of many services and recreational activities.
Visitor reviews summary
The hotel was well received by the visitors and got a great rating
thanks to the staff, cleanliness, comfort, facilities and value for
money.
Chumbe Island Coral Park Resort
|
| Coral Park Resort, Chumbe Island, Zanzibar |
It is one of the best Zanzibar resorts with an ideal location near
the attractions. It is characterized by attractive decorations with
an African theme overlooking the sea.
It includes spacious units in addition to the availability of hotel
services and high-end recreational activities. It is also located
near Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Visitor reviews summary
Guest Reviews of the resort are excellent in terms of location,
staff, cleanliness, comfort, and facilities.
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort
|
| Golden Tulip Resort, Zanzibar |
One of the best hotels in Zanzibar is located 7 km from Stone Town
and the House of Wonders. Zanzibar International Airport is 13 km
from the resort.
It includes a year-round outdoor pool, fitness centre, happy hours,
and non-smoking rooms.
Visitor reviews summary
Golden is one of the most prominent hotels in Zanzibar with a good
rating in terms of rooms and services.
Some negative comments were mentioned after the hotel about the
city centre and the lack of variety in the breakfast.
Top 5 restaurants in Zanzibar, Tanzania
The Rock Restaurant, Zanzibar
|
| The Rock Resturant, Zanzibar |
The Rock is probably one of the most scenic restaurants in Africa.
Perched on a rock in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, this
restaurant is one of the most famous in Zanzibar and is a high-end
stop for those who want to enjoy fresh seafood recipes in an exotic
setting. The menu is based on the abundant seafood on offer, serving
delicacies such as octopus salad, seafood, spaghetti, squid and
queen prawns along with vegetarian dishes and special children's
menus.
The Rock Zanzibar, Michamwi Pingwe peninsula, Zanzibar,
Tanzania, +255777 835515
Serena Inn restaurant, Zanzibar
|
| Serena Inn Resturant, Zanzibar |
Zanzibar Serena Inn is located close to the beach and historical
landmarks of Stone Town. This small luxury hotel is a favourite
attraction for visitors looking for sophisticated experiences in
this distinct African city. The rooftop terrace restaurant offers
great views of the bay and features fresh seafood dishes prepared
daily from sea fish, bream, red and white snapper, barracuda, cobia,
tuna, sailfish, rock cod, lobster, shrimp and calamari.
Zanzibar Sereba Inn, Shangani Street, Zanzibar, Tanzania, +255
24 223 3051
La Taverna restaurant, Zanzibar
|
| La Taverna Resturant, Zanzibar |
A great choice for tourists with an appetite for well-cooked Italian
food, La Taverna is the place to go for crispy pizza and homemade
pasta. Everything is made with the freshest ingredients, some
imported from Italy to preserve the faithful and original flavours.
The menu features all the delicious classics of Italian gastronomy,
ranging from tagliatelle bolognese, panini and pizza made using
family recipes on a wood-fired oven, the only one of its kind in
Zanzibar. La Taverna also offers a large selection of international
wines from France, Spain, Australia, South Africa and Chile.
La Taverna, Mkunazini, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania, +255 776
650 301
Emerson Spice Café, Zanzibar
|
| Emerson Spice Café, Zanzibar |
Housed in the former 19th-century Swahili Sultan's Palace, Emerson
Spice Cafe is today a trendy hostel popular with occasional celebs,
with a reputation for being one of the best restaurants in Zanzibar.
Dinner service on the rooftop Tea Room is a great opportunity to
enjoy the warm colours of the sunset, but consider making
reservations in time as this small restaurant gets booked up very
quickly. The menu includes tempeh prawns with grilled mango or
kingfish chilli coconut baked in banana leaves and lobster on a
green papaya salad.
Emerson Spice Café, Tharia Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar,
Tanzania, +255 755 046 395
House of Spices, Zanzibar
|
| House of Spices, Zanzibar |
One of Zanzibar's longstanding spice industry memorabilia, the House
of Spices is one of Stone Town's most famous restaurants. The
restaurant occupies one of the terraces where the spices were dried
before they were packaged. The other rooms in this 3 storeys
18th-century house were used in the past to produce and sell these
valuable goods. The restaurant offers an international menu that
includes Mediterranean dishes and delicious pizzas.
House of Spices, Kiponda Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar,
Tanzania, +255 (0) 24 2231264
House of Hurumzi, Zanzibar
|
| House of Hurumzi, Zanzibar |
This must-see restaurant is located on the rooftop of the second
tallest building in Stone Town after the Sultan's Palace, the House
of Wonders. The House of Hurumzi offers unique panoramic views of
the Indian Ocean and the mosques around it, and it also has its
share of mystery and legends some of which even its name relates to
the freedom of black slaves. Renovated to its past after decades of
oblivion, the Hurumzi House today operates as a small hotel, and its
rooftop restaurant is one of the best locations in town for
unforgettable views of Stone Town and a fresh seafood menu.
Emerson on Hurumzi 236 Hurumzi Street, Zanzibar, Tanzania, +255
24 22 32 784
FAQ
What is the best and most suitable area to live in Zanzibar?
Kelly Square is the centre of the old town, or "Stone Town", in
Zanzibar.
It is a place that exudes antiquity and antiquity for lovers of
authenticity and the authentic Tanzanian atmosphere.
What is the average cost of staying in hotels in Zanzibar per night?
The cost of staying in a Zanzibar hotel ranges between $70 and $250.
The price varies according to the period of the year, the size of
the room, its features, as well as the hotel's classification.
What is the cheapest (and highest rated) Zanzibar hotel?
Tembo House Hotel is one of the cheapest hotels in Zanzibar,
Tanzania.
But it is no less valuable in terms of the excellent location, the
services provided, and it has received great reviews from visitors.
What are the best hotels in Zanzibar for a honeymoon?
Dao Palace Hotel and Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort Apart from its
charming view, the rooms and suites provided for the newlyweds are
very distinguished.
The hotel facilities are many and distinctive, suitable for new
grooms.
What are the best recommended Zanzibar hotels that overlook the sea?
Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Tembo House Hotel, these hotels have a charming
sea view and a sandy beach that is only meters away from the hotel
location, Which makes them ideal hotels and has won great acclaim
and popularity.
What is the best-recommended area near the airport to live in Zanzibar?
Staying at Changani Street in Zanzibar provides quick access to
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
What are the best 5-star resorts in Zanzibar?
Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar and Zanzibar White Sand
Luxury Villas & Spa - Relais & Chateaux are among the best
5-star resorts, which offer distinguished accommodations based on
the reviews of their visitors.
What are the best Zanzibar resorts for families?
The following resorts provide suitable accommodation for families,
they are Chumbe Island Coral Park Resort, Fruit & Spice Wellness
Resort Zanzibar and Melle Beach Resort which offers babysitting
services, children's playgrounds, buffet suitable for children and
family connected rooms.
What are the best and cheapest resorts in Zanzibar, according to visitors?
Both Imani Beach Villa Resort and Bakachi Beach Resort are the
cheapest and best resorts in Zanzibar, which provide luxurious
accommodation at budget prices compared to the rest of the resorts
in Zanzibar.
What are the best resorts in Zanzibar that have water games?
Fruit and Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar and Zanzibar White Sand
Luxury Villas and Spa - Relais & Chateaux are among the best
resorts that offer water games, and they have a very good rating in
this regard.
What are the best seaside resorts in Zanzibar?
Milele Beach, Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar Chumbi
Island Coral Park Resort is one of the best seaside resorts in
Zanzibar.
What are the best beach resorts in Zanzibar?
Milele Beach Resort, Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar, and
Chumbi Island Coral Park Resort are among the best beach resorts in
Zanzibar, as each of them has its own private beach and has garnered
high reviews from visitors.
What is the average cost of accommodation in Zanzibar resort per night?
The cost of staying in one of the Zanzibar resorts ranges between 45
and 738 US dollars per night, and the price varies according to the
classification of the resort, the tourist season and several other
factors.
What are the best Zanzibar resorts near Abeid Amani Karume International Airport?
Protea Hotel by Marriott is the best and closest to Abeid Amani
Karume International Airport, it has received very good reviews from
previous visitors.
Here, we have learned about a group of fun and beautiful activities
that can be practised on the island of Zanzibar, so we advise you next
time when you get your annual vacation to choose Zanzibar as a
distinctive tourist destination to spend your vacation because you
will really like it.