History, paradisiacal beaches, nature reserves… These are some of the things to see in Zanzibar, islands of Tanzania that leave no one indifferent. On the contrary: they conquer the hearts of all who come to discover them, both for their beautiful landscapes and their rich (and sad) past. In this article, we give you some brushstrokes of what you can see here, especially if you take one of our Tanzania circuits, which usually end in Zanzibar to put the perfect finishing touch to an unbeatable vacation.
Understanding Zanzibar
Before indicating what to see in Zanzibar, it’s worth briefly explaining why it’s such a special place. Zanzibar is, in fact, an archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean, although its main islands are two: Pemba and, above all, Unguja, where the capital is located.
Currently, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, which it joined in the 1960s after independence from the British Empire, which exercised a strong protectorate. In past centuries, Arabs established fortresses and used it as a base for commercial activity in the area. The Portuguese exercised control in the 16th and 17th centuries, later passing into the hands of the Sultanate of Oman. From 1861, it was formed as an independent sultanate that fell under British influence, as mentioned.
In past times, three were the pillars of its economy: spice plantations, the trade of African elephant ivory, and slavery, as a huge slave center operated here from which adults and children were sent to Arabia and India, between the 17th and 19th centuries.
The memory of that slave activity is a wound in the pride of its people, but also a trauma that unites them, like other hallmarks of Zanzibar, such as the Swahili language and its cuisine, a fusion of all the cultures that have passed through here.
Stone Town: the Historic Center of the Capital
In terms of cultural and monumental tourism, the main place to see in Zanzibar is Stone Town or “stone town”. It is the historic center of the capital, Zanzibar, and is so called because of the stable and robust constructions made with this material. Despite having suffered damage at different times in the past (such as the Anglo-Zanzibar war at the end of the 19th century), interesting buildings are still preserved, which are under the umbrella of UNESCO, as this area is declared a World Heritage Site.
Some of these interesting places are the Old Fort, a defensive fortress started by the Portuguese and finished by the Omanis, the House of Wonders and the Sultan’s Palace (two of the residences that the local sultans had), as well as the Old Dispensary, perhaps the most elegant and refined building in the entire city. For its part, the Slavery Museum is a must-visit center to learn more about this dark episode of the past.
Zanzibar Beaches, Unspoiled
They are, without a doubt, its great tourist attraction, the reason why thousands and thousands of tourists land here every day, whether as the final point of a Tanzania circuit or as a honeymoon, among other special occasions. There are many unspoiled beaches scattered throughout the main island (Unguja), and each one stands out for a different charm.
In the north of the island is Nungwi Beach, for many the most beautiful in Zanzibar. Its turquoise waters have nothing to envy those of other paradisiacal destinations in the world, with transparent waters, white sands, and vegetation embracing the bathing area.
On the other hand, at the southern end is Kizimkazi Beach, which draws attention for the capricious rock formations that form on the beachfront, like stacks. Here, numerous boats rest next to the sea or on the sand, as the effect of the tide is continuously felt.
Another beach that won’t disappoint you is Jambiani, for example, due to the atmosphere of fishermen and seaweed collectors that is still present in its surroundings. Located on the eastern coast of Unguja island, it’s highly recommended to wake up early and watch the sunrise over the horizon while walking along the sandy beach.
In many points along the coast of Zanzibar, you can also sail in one of the traditional boats: the dhow. These are small boats with a triangular sail, a mast, and a shallow draft hull. They are of Arab origin, probably introduced during the Omani rule of the island, and allow for calm journeys without going too far from the coast, providing an opportunity to view the Zanzibar coastline from a different perspective.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Mnemba Marine Reserve
If, in addition to relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, you want to engage in some activities, nothing is better than snorkeling and scuba diving. They are ideal here due to the calm waters around the islands, but especially because of their crystalline nature, which facilitates the observation of marine life. Up to 30 meters of visibility in some spots!
The most notable place in this regard is the Mnemba Marine Reserve, located about 3 km from the coast. It features a stunning coral reef, around which numerous species gather, such as leaf fish and pipefish. It’s also possible to spot dolphins from the boat, which is a most exciting experience.
Jozani Forest
Not all of Zanzibar’s attractions are in the sea or on the beach, but also inland. For example, in the Jozani forest, in the heart of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. This is a tropical forest where you can find the most unique species, both in terms of flora and fauna. In the first case, spectacular mangroves, and in the second, the remarkable red colobus monkey, a primate endemic to Unguja island, stands out.
Pemba Island, Always Green
Although all the mentioned attractions are on Unguja island, it can also be interesting to visit the other major island of Zanzibar: Pemba, which is located about 80 km north of Unguja and has its own airport. Not many tourists visit it, and therein lies its main attraction: with few constructions, it receives the nickname of the “ever-green”, due to the vegetation that covers its territory and the few settlements that dot the landscape, always well integrated with the local nature, just like the few resorts that have opened here.
As you can see, there are many attractions to see in Zanzibar. And if you choose our agency to organize your trip, we can integrate them all into the program: we work to tailor each client’s needs, creating a customized itinerary, adapting to your preferences and available time. Additionally, we always rely on premium services, with top-notch professionals and quality infrastructure, so that your stay on the island will enjoy all the comforts you need. So if you want to discover this unparalleled archipelago, you just need to get in touch with us.
