The most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar
February 24, 2020
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The island of Zanzibar is so much more than a tropical beach destination. Of course it is great to relax on one of Zanzibar's most beautiful beaches, but exploring the island is just as much fun. On Zanzibar you will find something for every traveler. From a very interesting history to a breathtaking culture and an amazing underwater world. There what plenty to discover and see on the island. Here are our tips for Zanzibar!
Zanzibar's history in brief
Over the centuries, Zanzibar has always been under the rule of different countries, but its function as a trading island has never changed, however. From the tenth century, Arabs, Portuguese, the Omani sultan and the British have all ruled the island.
The period under the Omani Sultan is known today for the Arab slave trade. A very unpleasant period for East Africans. When Zanzibar fell under the rule of the Omani sultan from the 17th to 19th centuries, the island became the center of the East African slave trade. In the 19th century, the trade reached its peak. It is estimated that some 50,000 Africans were sold as slaves each year. When the British took over towards the end of the 19th century, this period came to an end.
Until 1963, several elections took place in Tanzania and some form of democracy was sought. Since Dec. 10, 1963, the island of Zanzibar has been independent, but has belonged since 1964 to Tanzania.
1. Explore the capital Stone Town
Stone Town is the old center of Zanzibar and undoubtedly where you arrive on the island. It is a friendly town where you can get many different impressions. It is definitely recommended to spend 2 days in the town before you leave for the paradise islands further on the island. In the small, narrow streets of Stone Town you will find various markets and stores where you can buy nice souvenirs for home. You will quickly notice that the architectural style of various houses is inspired by different cultures. You can see Indian influences, but also Ottoman and Arab influences in the architectural style. The imposing doors in particular stand out because of their distinctive architecture!
One of the most famous sights in Stone Town is the birthplace of Freddy Mercury. You will find the birth house near the town's harbor. It is a nice place to take a look and wander around the area.
Tip: Because of religion, it is advisable to consider your choice of clothing in Stone Town. The local population is largely Islamic. For women, it is therefore important not to wear clothes that are too short, and preferably cover shoulders and cleavage.
2. Join a Spice Tour
Zanzibar is also known as the spice island. Consequently, the most booked activity among travelers is the Spice Tour. Zanzibar used to be one of the great world leaders when it comes to the production of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. During the Spice Tour, you will visit a local farm where you will be introduced to several spices. There is of course a guided tour, but there is also the opportunity to taste and smell different spices. Is this something you like? Then we can arrange the tour with Colors of Zanzibar Recommend you without question!
3. Eating out at The Floating Restaurant in Stone Town
One of the nicer places in Stone Town to eat out is The Floating Restaurant. You won't find the restaurant floating on the water, but rather on the pier on the city's main promenade. By the way, this is a very cozy place, namely a square that is filled with local food stalls at night. When dining out at The Floating Restaurant, it is advisable to reserve a table on the waterfront. You look out over the sea and the harbor of Zanzibar. The food is very good, especially the freshly caught fish, and the service is very friendly!
4. Sail over to Changuu Island (Prison Island).
Off the coast of Zanzibar you will find the uninhabited island of Changuu, better known as Prison Island. This island is an impressive place with a historical twist. As the name suggests, Prison Island was used as a prison for African slaves. After slavery was outlawed, Prison Island was used as a place for deathly ill people, with the thought of not being able to make anyone else sick on the main island of Zanzibar.
Prison Island can be visited from Stone Town with a half-day tour. From Stone Town you will depart on a local boat towards the island, a boat trip of about 30 minutes. Changuu is now mainly visited because a large number of giant turtles live here. Some of these giant turtles are over 150 years old, unbelievable. You can walk around the island with or without a guide and take a look at the old prison. Around the island you will find a beautiful coral reef where you can snorkel.
5. Visit the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.
In the middle of the island you will find the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. This is the only national park on the island of Zanzibar. The special thing about this national park is that it is still the only park in the world where the red-colored fringe monkey is found. With only a population of about 1,000 monkeys left, this species is sadly endangered. It is therefore unique that you can spot this monkey here. You can take beautiful walks through the protected Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.
6. Go snorkeling and/or diving in the waters of Zanzibar
No matter where you stay on the exotic island of Zanzibar, a day of snorkeling or diving should definitely be on your to-do. In particular, the northeast coast of the island is a great tip for these activities. Here you will find the protected underwater area Mnemba Atoll, an insane paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The best time to take a look at the underwater life is during the months of November through March. Possible animals to spot are turtles, barracudas, moray eels, sharks, rays, tropical fish, starfish and many more beauties!
7. Discover the most beautiful beaches on Zanzibar
Zanzibar has some of the most paradisiacal beaches in the world. Elongated white sand beaches with incredibly clear seawater. You can just picture it. Now you just have to get there. Curious about the most beautiful beaches? Click below to the article, where you will find all our personal tips!
Where is the best place to stay on Zanzibar?
As we wrote, we think it is definitely a must to spend the first few days you are on Zanzibar in Stone Town. This is the place to learn more about the interesting history of the country, as well as get to know the locals. We stayed in Tembo House Hotel. A fine stay with a nice central location in town and on the beach. For a fine resort near one of the island's most beautiful beaches? That's Sunset Beach Hotel On Kendwa Beach!
How do I travel to Zanzibar?
KLM is the only airline that flies direct to Zanzibar from the Netherlands. The flight takes about 8 to 10 hours, depending on any stopover at Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Flying from mainland Tanzania? Then there are flights to Zanzibar from Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
Are you in Dar es Salaam? Then you can also consider traveling to the island by ferry. It is a more economical way and also does not take very long. Depending on the weather and waves, the boat trip takes about 2 hours. The ferry between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town sails about four times a day.
What is the best time to go on vacation to Zanzibar?
Because of its ideal location in the Indian Ocean, close to the equator, Zanzibar has a pleasant tropical monsoon climate. This climate has two seasons: the rainy and the dry season.
The rainy season on Zanzibar prevails from late March to June and from late October to January. It really won't rain every day during the rainy season, but when it does rain the showers can be quite intense. During this season the humidity is also a lot higher.
The dry season is from January to the end of March and from June to the end of October. The hottest months are February and March, when temperatures can reach as high as 35 degrees Celsius.
Actually, temperatures on Zanzibar are pleasant all year round, fluctuating back and forth between 22 to 30 degrees Celsius. But what is the best period to visit Zanzibar? If you ask us, it is during January, February and March. The temperature is good and the humidity is optimal. In any case, avoid the months of April and May, when you have the chance of the most rain.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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