This tropical beach destination offers outstanding beaches combined with a colourful history and an endless varietyof activities. To make sure you don’t miss out on the best things this tropical island has to offer, read the list of thebest things to do.
Snorkelling at Mnemba Island
One of the best places to snorkel (or dive) in Zanzibar is the marine reserve Mnemba Island. Moorish idols, trevally, blue tang and clownfish are easy to spot in the shallow water, above a colourful reef. Enjoys a ride on a traditional dhow boat to this sunbathing and snorkelling paradise. There is a big chance you see dolphins and turtles on your way to the island.
Dine at Emerson Spice
Perched on top of the Emerson Spice Hotel, this restaurant is one of the most charming and romantic restaurants in the world. Located on the roof of the building, it offers 360-degrees views of Stone Town and some of the finest food. Sip on exotic drinks while you watch the sun disappear into the ocean.
Relax at Kendwa beach
This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Compare to the popular Nungwi Beach, it is much quieter and therefore more secluded and private. If you are looking for a stunning place to unwind, this is definitely a great option. You can relax, sunbathe, enjoy a walk on the beach or go on a beautiful dhow trip during the evening. Kendwa Beach is undisputedly the best place to see the sunset in Zanzibar.
Visit Prison Island
Prison Island was once used as a place where slaves were detained and later it functioned as a quarantine centre for people suffering from yellow fever. Today the island is a nature reserve for giant tortoises and a place to see the ruins that once functioned as the prison. While on the island you will be able to observe and feed the tortoises, some of which are over a hundred years old. The island is fringed with a beautiful coral reef and has a lovely white beach, perfect for swimming, snorkelling or sunbathing
Eat at the Forodhani market
This lively street food market opens in the late afternoon in Stone Town. It is a paradise for seafood lovers – you can eat all sorts of fresh fish including octopus, crabs, shrimps, lobsters and prawns. It is an perfect place to learn about local culinary traditions and to immerse yourself in the local life. Enjoy your meal in this open-air park while overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Jungle walk in the Jozani Forest
If you are a nature lover you should go on a walk through the last indigenous forest on Zanzibar and the impressive mangroves with a guide. The giant trees and palms in this forest are amazing. Jozani is known for the rare Red Colobus Monkeys. You can also see chameleons, bush babies, bush pigs, mongoose, 40 species of birds and an abundance of butterflies.
Take a walking tour in Stone Town
Stone Town is the historical and cultural centre of Zanzibar and a very lively mixture of Arabic, African, Indian and European cultures. During this fascinating tour you walk through the labyrinth of streets, too narrow for cars to pass, and see main sights in Stone Town including the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, St Joseph’s Cathedral, the Palace Museum and Sultan’s Palace.
Take a spice island tour
This tour will let you know why Zanzibar is called Spice Island. During this walking tour on a spice farm you can see and learn how the spices, herbs and fruits grow and are cultivated and about their medicinal values. Smell and taste spices, herbs and tropical fruits such as cloves, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, papaya, chili, green pepper and cardamom. This tour is also a great opportunity to see the rural areas of Zanzibar and to connect with local people
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