Zanzibar, an archipelago of islands off Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, is a heavenly place to spend your holidays away from the madness and stress of our Western countries.
Zanzibar: a bit of history
The Zanzibar Archipelago is made up of two main islands which are :
- Unguja : the main island
- Pemba : located about 70 km north of Unguja
When one generally refers to Zanzibar, people mistakenly think of Unguja Island. Indeed, it is the most visited island (around 100 visitors per year against 000 per year for Pemba).
Between the XIIth and XVth centuries, the Zanzibar Archipelago found its way through thedevelopment of trade links with Arabia and the Persian Gulf. Zanzibar has become a powerful city-state supplying slaves, gold, spices to all over the world. The trade with the Orient brought Islam and Arab architecture.
Subsequently, during the XVIth century Zanzibar fell under Portuguese control then next century under the domination of the Sultan of Oman. In the middle of XIXth century the Europeans took a growing interest for this archipelago which caused the decline of the domination of the Omanis.
En 1964, Zanzibar united with the mainland (Tanganyika) to become the Tanzania.
Today the Zanzibar archipelago hosts around 1,4 millions d'habitants.
The archipelago is developing and opening up to tourism year after year. Indeed, this archipelago offers great possibilities to spend a few days in the sun.
When is the best time to go to Zanzibar?
Zanzibar enjoys a equatorial climate very pleasant all year round.
The country knows two rainy seasons:
- March to May
- October to December
The best times are therefore the following:
- January and February
- July to September
However, you should be aware that even during periods of rain, the weather can be very good. Indeed, I went to the Zanzibar archipelago during the months of March to May and the weather was excellent in March and April. However, I had a lot of rain in May.
Top 8 things to do in Zanzibar
Although it is a small archipelago, you can't be bored in Zanzibar so many many activities to do.
After spending two months on the Zanzibar archipelago, I managed to get a fairly clear overview of this archipelago. So here is a summary of the most famous activities of the island.
Stone Town is the true soul of Zanzibar where many different cultures and traditions live together.
You can to stroll for hours in the small narrow streets traveling through the centuries.
Among places to visit, I propose you to :
- Dinner at Forodhani Gardens located on the seafront: it is a night market (street food) where stalls of local food set up in the early evening. Obviously, this place, which many tourists go to, is also loved by locals. You can taste all kinds of local food there. Expect to have to negotiate the prices, but obviously it will be difficult to pay the same prices as a local.
- Visit the Old Dispensary: this building is one of the most striking on the seafront. It was a former charity hospital which now houses offices. You can freely access this building.
- Get lost in the back streets of Stone Town : this city mixes Arab, Indian, European and African influences. Carved wooden doors are perhaps the most famous feature of Zanzibarite architecture. Some of these doors are several centuries old.
- Stroll through the Darajani market: probably one of the biggest markets in Zanzibar. Getting lost there will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the life of the locals. You will find all kinds of things there, be it fruits, vegetables, clothes etc ...
Stone Town is also the starting point for many of the activities that one can do in Zanzibar.
2 - Visit Prison Island or turtle island in Zanzibar
Departing from the port of Stone Town, you can opt for a Prison Island tour, a small island located a few kilometers from Stone Town.
The excursion lasts half a day and you can participate in three major activities on this island :
- Visit of the giant tortoise sanctuary: this sanctuary is the home of many protected giant tortoises. There is the oldest turtle in the world at 193 years old.
- Visit of the island: you will learn more about the history of this small island.
- Snorkeling around the island of Prison Island: after visiting the island, you can relax quietly on the fine sand beach or venture out and take a little snorkeling trip around the island.
The village of Retired, located at the southern tip of the island, is the starting point of expeditions aiming to swim with dolphins.
The excursion is done early in the morning from Kizimkazi and generally lasts until the end of the morning.
You will have the opportunity to swim with dolphins as much as you like during this exceptional morning.
The tour operator with whom you will make this excursion will take care of you lend diving equipment (mask, snorkel, fins).
4 - Make diving around Mnemba atoll in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a destination known worldwide in particular for the beauty of its seabed.
It seems inconceivable to me to go to this paradise archipelago without even taking the opportunity to explore its seabed.
Mnemba atoll is one of the most famous diving spots of Unguja Island.
Whether you are an experienced diver or the youngest snorkeling beginner, this place will satisfy everyone.
You will find both Snorkeling spots accessible to all and diving spots reserved for the most experienced.
I spent my PADI Open Water in Zanzibar and did several dives around the private island of Mnemba. The funds are magnificent, you will find many colorful corals as well as countless species of fish and mammals, such as turtles, dolphins etc.
5 - Zanzibar or the spice island: do the Spice Tour
Usually from Stone Town, you have the option of making a guided tour in the forest in search of the plants and trees of Zanzibar which earned him the name " spice island ».
During this visit you will have the opportunity to discover and taste many kinds of spices such as cloves, vanilla, curry, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemongrass, etc.
Most tours last half a day with time to visit and tasting of spices and fruits, Then possibility to buy spices as souvenirs to take home.
Le rate a spice tour depends on the tour operator you are going through as well as your bargaining power. As a general rule, the price of a tour varies between US $ 10 and US $ 30 depending on the number of people attending. To this you will have to add tips.
6 - Visit the Jozani forest
Jozani Forest is the largest forest on the island of Zanzibar. It is located south of the chwaka bay. This forest is home to many swamps compounds trees of wetlands as well as ferns. The entire area, protected by Jozani-Chwaka National Park, is home to the famous and unique red colobus in the world. This species of monkey is threatened with extinction.
We also find other species of monkeys (galagos, duikers) and more than forty species birds.
There are several options when you want to visit Jozani Forest.
The most chosen formula is a 45-minute visit in the forest then a visit to mangroves of about 30 minutes.
During the visit of the forest, during the first part a guide will explain to you how each species of tree and plant is used in the daily life of the inhabitants. Afterwards, you will have the chance to observe Zanzibar's red colobus.
The visit to Jozani Forest takes around 2 hours, but you can opt for a longer walk in the forest, which may take you the whole day.
Le rate for the shortest ride is US $ 5 to US $ 10. To this, you can add the tips of the guide.
7 - bask on the sublime beaches of Zanzibar
The Zanzibar Archipelago is home to sumptuous white sand beaches on which you can relax in peace.
La water temperature is pleasant all year round between 24 and over 30 degrees.
However, don't be fooled by high and low tides, which could lead to some fun little twists and turns to tell.
Among the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar, I can recommend especially :
- Paje
- Jambiani
- Retired
- Porcupine
- Kiwegwa
- Matemwe
Take a leisurely stroll on these beaches and enjoy a relaxing sunset with magnificent colors.
8 - Meet the inhabitants of Zanzibar
Unfortunately, few tourists take the time to meet the locals. Believe me, it is worth it. The locals are extremely kind and generous.
The small difficulty lies in the fact that few locals speak English. But it is always possible to make yourself understood by making the effort and taking the time you need.
Meet the locals to find discover their culture and traditions as well as their culinary specialties, You will not be disappointed.
I visited Zanzibar for two months in order to participate in a volunteering project. I was able to live among the locals during these two months. This experience taught me many things about this part of the world.
Zanzibar is a beautiful destination that can suit any type of traveler, so don't hesitate to explore it!
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