Zanzibar

Zanzibar Vacation

Known as the Spice Island, the beautiful island of Zanzibar on Africa’s east coast is bursting with culture and history, seemingly at odds with its idyllic geography of white-sand beaches with palms swaying lazily in the sea breeze. Together this makes Zanzibar a fabulous place to explore as well as a dream to relax and unwind.

Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site.

What to expect in Zanzibar

Stone Town

Stone Town is the oldest part of Zanzibar, built on a 95-acre peninsula and comprising around 2,500 buildings constructed with coral stone, lime, and clay—hence the name Stone Town. Among these buildings were 45 mosques, two Christian churches, two Hindu halls, and two huge baobab trees. In recent years, renovations have been carried out and some buildings have changed from their original form. The Stone Town tour will take you to famous and historic buildings such as the House of Wonders, built in 1883, which served as the ceremonial palace for Sultan Said Barghash bin Sultan.

The tour also visits the Sultan’s Palace, used by several sultans as a residence. From there, you’ll proceed to the old fish market—today serving as a general market—and then to the former slave market. You’ll stroll along the narrow lanes (with time for shopping if you wish) and visit many other places of interest. The tour typically lasts about two to three hours.

Jozani Forest

This is a half‑day tour to Jozani Forest, home to the endangered red colobus monkey. After about 45 minutes driving from Stone Town, you’ll start with registration and a short briefing before a guided walk into the main forest to see indigenous and medicinal trees and other plants of interest. Afterwards, you’ll visit the monkeys and finish at the mangrove boardwalk area.

The forest is mainly divided into three areas: the main forest, the red colobus section, and the mangrove boardwalk. Your guide will share extensive information about this unique ecosystem.

Prison Island

This is a wooden engine boat trip to Prison Island, originally intended as a place for the confinement of slaves. It takes about half an hour to reach the island from Stone Town. The giant Aldabra tortoises—relocated many years ago from the main island—are one of the island’s most remarkable attractions. You’ll take a short walk around the ruins of the prison buildings and the former quarantine facility used during outbreaks of contagious diseases such as cholera and yellow fever, then circle the island before swimming or snorkeling among the beautiful coral reefs.

Today there is a hotel and restaurant on the island where you can have lunch or snacks and drinks. The visit can be arranged as a half‑day or full‑day excursion.

Spice Tour

A Spice Tour can be done in the morning or afternoon and includes a short drive and walking, depending on your location. It is a visit to spice farms, a walking experience where you can see, touch, taste, and smell many spices grown on the island, including cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, turmeric, and more.

The tour also gives you the chance to taste tropical fruits such as jackfruit, passion fruit, mangoes, and papaya, including the famous durian—called the ‘hell and heaven’ fruit by locals. Availability depends on the season. This tour takes about 3 to 4 hours and can be done from a Stone Town hotel on the way to a beach hotel, depending on the time and your day’s plan.

Jambiani Village

This is a cultural tour reflecting the daily lives of Zanzibaris in the countryside. It takes about an hour’s drive from Stone Town. With your local guide, you’ll walk around small farms, visit homes, and learn how dishes are prepared—especially with coconut milk. Then you’ll visit the beach where seaweed is cultivated.

You’ll learn more about local culture and livelihoods. You’ll have lunch and time to relax or swim before driving back to your lodge or hotel. Scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, and many more activities can be arranged on request. Zanzibar’s beaches, history, and people are unique—don’t miss the chance to visit this wonderful island.

Dolphin Tour

This is a full‑day tour with lunch. From Stone Town, it’s about an hour’s drive to the Kizimkazi area. On arrival, you’ll be provided with snorkeling equipment like masks and flippers and shown a lunch menu to choose from before you sail to view and swim with dolphins. Dolphin tours started many years ago here, part of the Menai Bay Conservation Area established to protect marine life, including dolphins. Species found here include bottlenose dolphins and others commonly seen offshore.

The dolphins have become accustomed to people over time, making the experience particularly engaging. The community of Kizimkazi appreciates the program and supports marine protection, as it benefits them by creating markets for local products and employing many residents in dolphin‑related activities.