Zanzibar
Overview
Zanzibar is a wonderful and unique destination that should not be excluded from your trip to Tanzania. The archipelago lies just 35 km (22 miles) from Tanzania's mainland. The largest island is named Unguja but is commonly just called Zanzibar. Rich in culture and history along with having some of the finest beaches and SCUBA/snorkeling spots in the world make this an easy choice to include for your holiday. Realistically, we would recommend at least 4 days dedicated to this segment of the trip, ideally with additional days. This was a major trading hub and the culture is a mixture of Indian, Arabian, Persian, Portugese, and African cultures. This is the birthplace of the Swahili culture and language. The oldest area of Zanzibar City is known as Stone Town. Architecturally, it is a wonderful spot, especially famous are the ornate hand-carved giant wooden doors. Only the mixture of cultures can give birth to one of the most famous Zanzibari, Farrokh Bulsara - known as Freddy Mercury, the famous late lead singer of the band Queen. His birthsite has become a museum. There are many wonderful restaurants and coffee shops in Zanzibar. As you can imagine, with the blend of many cultures and the abundance of spices found on the island, the cusine is amazing tasty.
The island, in addition to its beaches has many spice plantations open for tours and Jozani Forest, a tropcal rain-forest worth visiting. We don't blame you though if you decide you would rather relax and spend the day at the beaches.
Far less visited but worth the trip is Pemba located 50 km (31 miles) north of Unguja. If you want solitude and relaxation along with some wonderful snorkeling/SCUBA this is the place. As opposed to the 150+ tourist hotels in Zanzibar, Pemba has three.
Culture
Zanzibar is heavily Muslim and away from beach resorts, it will be respectful if you dress in a conservative manner - no short skirts or shorts, keeping a covered midriff
and shoulders will be appreciated. At the beach resorts, it is much more accepted for swimsuits and short clothes.
But topless sunbathing is not allowed. As a high percentage of the population is Muslim,
it is not likely that you will find pork products on the menu at any restaurant. Public drunken behavior is frowned upon.
During the
celebration of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the daylight hours. Therefore, outside of the tourist areas, restaurants
are closed during the daytime. It would be considered impolite during daytime hours to be eating or drinking in public
outside of the resort areas during Ramadan. After sunset, the restaurants
come alive with special iftar meals. At tourist areas, you can expect food and drink as normal throughout the day. The dates
for Ramadan are:
28 February - 29 March 2025
17 February - 18 March 2026
07 February - 08 March 2027
Getting There
Zanzibar has an international airport - Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) located on the southern part of Unguja Island. There are several flights daily from Kilimanjaro (JRO), Dar es Salaam (DAR), Arusha (ARK). There are also flights to/from the Seronera portion of the Serengeti (SEO). Be advised that this is a domestic flight, so your baggage allowance will less than your international flights. There is the option of modern ferry service from Dar es Salaam and there is also a speedboat running from Ushongo Beach in Pangani to Kendwa (northern tip of Unguja). Ferry service and flights are available from Zanzibar to Pemba Island.
You can get to Pemba by flight from Zanzibar. The airport code is PMA. This is not an international airport. Do not confuse this with Pemba Airport in Mozambique. There are also ferries from Zanzibar City to Pemba.
Popular Activities
Zanzibar offers a wide variety of water, jungle,
and cultural activities but who says that you need to do anything?
After a Kilimanjaro trek or being bounced around on dusty roads on safari,
doing nothing for a few days is an excellent idea. The perfect white sand beaches lined with palm trees are very relaxing.
But for those wanting activity there is plenty to do. Recommended are the following:
- Stone Town Walking Tour
- Prison Island Day Trip
- Spice Plantation Tour
- Jozani Forest Tour
- Dhow Cruise
- Cheetah's Rock Animal Rescue Center
- Zanzibari Cooking Classes
- Safari Blue(aquatic animal safari)
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Ocean Canoeing
- SCUBA/Snorkeling
- Swim with Dolphins
- Kite Surfing
- Para-sailing
- Jet Skiing
- Full Moon Party - Kendwa
All activities can be easily booked through your hotel once you arrive. The exception being Cheetah's Rock Animal Rescue Center visit which required advance booking. For details visit cheetahsrock.org.
Beaches
Some great beaches are on the island. Which part of the island you stay at will depend on what activities and how much interaction with others you want.
Kendwa Beach -- 66km from airport, 62km from Stone Town. This is considered the best beach in all of Tanzania. Very little tide variation is a big plus. Great for those looking for sunbathing, swimming,
snorkeling or diving. The beach is famous for its full moon parties held at Kenwa Rocks Resort.
Nungwi Beach --67 km from airport, 63km from Stone Town. very popular and a close contender with Kendwa as the best beach. This is a very socially
lively area with several nightclubs and restaurants. Activities include swimming with sea turtles, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, sky diving,
horse riding, sunset dhow (a traditional boat) cruises and catamaran trips.
Matemwe Beach -- 53km from airport, 49 km from Stone Town on the NE coast. This is a small and not very famous beach but it is possible to go to Mnemba Island from there
for the best snorkeling in Zanzibar.
Kiwenga Beach --East coast 46km from airport, 43km from Stone Town. Along beach with beautiful white sand, this is a greatt spot for sunbathing, swimming,
and kiteboarding. This is also referred to as "Little Italy" due to its popularity with Italian tourists.
Uroa Beach -- East Coast 41km from airport,38 kmfrom Stone Town. This destination is what you want if you want quiet. Few beach activities.
Pongwe Beach-- This is located between Uroa and Kiwenga Beaches. This is most famous for being the location of the vastly overrated "The Rock Restaurant".
Paje Beach-- 50km from airport, 49 km from Stone Town on south east coast. This is the best location if you like kiting. But is is also great for
snorkeling and diving. The tide variation is pretty large here with the water receeding more than a hundred meters during low tide. There are many local stores
available nearby.
Jambiani Beach -- 56km from airport, 55 km from Stone Town on the southern coast. A good beach for swimming during high tide but like Paje, the
tide variation is quite large. Cuza Cave is an attraction here. A limestone cave with perfectly colored turquoise water, a lovely swimming spot.
There are several activites such as cooking classes, dancing, and local drumming at the cave.
Kizimkazi Beach -- 60km from airport, 60km from Stone Town on the south western coast. This area is the best for swimming with dolphins. The tide
variation here is very large.
Nakupenda Sandbank -- 20 minute boat ride from Stone Town. A very good area for snorkeling and daytrips. No accommodations.
Prison Island (Changuu) Beach -- A short 25 minute boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island was built as a prison for disobedient slaves in the 1860's. It is
now best known for its giant tortoises. But the beach there is great for sunbathing or snorkeling. No accommodations.
Vuma Wimbi Beach (Pemba) Clear water and white sand beach located on the NW coast of Pemba Island.
Misali Island Beach (Pemba) Located near Chake Chake Coast on Pemba Island. Great place for snorkeling and diving. No accommodations but all hotels in Pemba can take you there
for a day trip.