Things to do in Zanzibar : The islands that make up the Zanzibar Archipelago have some of the most breathtaking beaches on earth. Despite being a part of Tanzania, Zanzibar maintains its independence, with its citizens preferring to identify as Zanzibar is. Residents are governed by their own elected officials. Islam is the most popular religion on the island because the Arabs, who had taken the island from the Portuguese, dominated it for centuries under the Sultan of Oman. Afterwards, the Arabs lost sovereignty of the island to the British. The island’s architecture and cultural legacy have been affected by foreign occupation and intermarriages. Arabic and African (Swahili) cultures are strongly blended. It is also noteworthy that, in comparison to Tanzania’s mainland, the island’s inhabitants are more traditional and grounded due to the strong Islamic influences.
While in Zanzibar on a safari, there are plenty of sites to see and safari activities to partake in. For those looking for a peaceful retreat where they can enjoy the Indian Ocean and all it has to offer, the Islands make a great hideout. In addition to fantastic restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, Zanzibar has fantastic beaches. This extensive post will go over the majority of the main features and points of interest that make Zanzibar such a wonderful safari destination
Top things to do in Zanzibar and Stone Town.
See Stone Town’s landmarks and get to know the locals: Stone Town, the cultural hub of Zanzibar, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town, which is located on the main island of Unguja, takes its name from the 19th-century structures whose architecture was influenced by settlers from Europe, Arabia, India, and Swahili. A Guide to Zanzibar Tanzania. Stone Town has a well-documented history due to its Arab and European ancestry. One excellent way to learn about the history of the island’s residents across several ages is to take a tour around the town. Situated in the centre of Zanzibar, the town used to be a major hub for general commerce and slave traders travelling to and from the mainland. Stone Town is distinguished by its numerous mosques, bazaars, historic buildings, and extremely small streets.
The Anglican Church cathedral, the ceremonial palace, the Kidichi Persian Baths for Sultan Said (sadly, the changing rooms, massage table, and pool have not been well maintained), the Dunga ruins, the Peace Memorial Museum, and the Makusurani graveyard for former Arab rulers are the town’s main attractions.
Situated north of the Town, the Mtoni Palace Ruins are another fantastic location that is well worth a visit. The Mtoni Palace was devastated by fire in the 1800s, but its remnants continue to draw large crowds of tourists. The house of marvels, one of the sultan’s six palaces, the former ancient slave market, other historical buildings, and the town’s general architecture can all be seen.
Attractions for visitors in Stone Town is The Old Fort, sometimes called Ngome Kongwe, is a fascinating 17th-century structure that the Omani Arabs erected after driving out the Portuguese. Later, in the 1700s, it was employed to defend the town from adversaries like the Mazrui Arabs. You may learn about its history and the vital role it played in defending the town from possible enemies from a local guide. The majority of Stone Town’s hotels and lodges offer day trips that are guided by knowledgeable guides. In the upcoming chapters, we will delve further into a few of Stone Town’s main attractions.
Visit the Local markets in Stone Town.
You can go shopping for fruits, giant saw fish, meat, and veggies while in Stone Town, or you can visit the Darajani market to observe how locals make ends meet. You are welcome to participate in the fish auction, wherein fish dealers will bid on the largest catch. It’s fun to participate in the fish auction because it gives you a chance to meet the locals and observe unusual and enormous marine life. You can participate in the auction if you have any extra change. One of the biggest fish might be valued and given to the less wealthy female fish traders. You can purchase fresh fish at the market, have it grilled or fried, and have it served with potato chips.
Visit the Livingstone House.
This structure can also be found in Zanzibar’s Stone Town. Sultan Sais Majis constructed it in 1860. Later on, it functioned as the base of operations for missionaries and explorers travelling to East Africa on specific assignments. The well-known Dr. David Livingstone was one among the explorers. Before setting out on his trip to the mainland of East Africa, Livingstone resided in the building. Since the British purchased the home in 1947, it has been home to government tourism offices.
Visiting Prison Island.
Changuu Island, commonly known as Prison Island, was uninhabited until the 1860s when Arabs moved there. Slaves deemed to be unruly or capable of leading uprisings were temporarily housed on the island. There, the slaves were housed until they were sold overseas. During yellow fever outbreaks, the Island was also used as a quarantine location for sick people. An actual jail was constructed after Zanzibar was purchased from the Arabs and given British protectorate status. After being completed, the prison was never used and is today a stunning resort. Four enormous Aldabra tortoises, a 1919 gift from a British governor in the Seychelles, were brought to the island. There were hundreds of places in Zanzibar that you simply must see by the 1950s. Later, trafficking significantly decreased their population, but they have recently rebounded as a result of the government erecting a sizable enclosure to protect them. It’s thought that some of the tortoises are over a century old. You can swim on the beach and take in the breathtaking scenery and birdlife, which includes the magnificent peacock, after spending some time caressing and touching the tortoises. You will need to rent a boat and set off on a 30-minute ride from Stone Town to the island.
Learn more about the Island’s slave history.
You may hire a local guide to show you around the historic slave market, slave caverns, and other must-see attractions in Zanzibar if you’re interested in learning more about the island’s history in the slave trade. Perhaps a better venue to learn about the atrocities of slavery and Zanzibar’s part in the trade is the Mangapwani Slave Chambers. The majority of the slaves were transported to Zanzibar from the continent and other regions of East Africa, where they were subsequently seized and sold into forced labour abroad. The distance between Stone Town and the Mangapwani Slave Chambers is twelve miles. Slaves were hidden in the underground Chambers even after slavery was outlawed. After gathering information, you can swim at the historic slave port.
Visit the Beaches.
Zanzibar is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches on earth, as was previously said. Every island has its own beaches with intriguing things to do. While the beaches in the south are well-known for things to do in Tanzania and Zanzibar, the beaches in the western portion of the island offer some of the most breathtaking sunsets. Possessing a large number of dolphins. Perhaps Zanzibar’s greatest and most exquisite beach is Nungwi. A visit to its stunning turquoise waters and white sands is sure to leave an impression on most people. The majority of islanders flock there for the greatest parties and beach safari experiences because it offers a wide range of choices for accommodation, clubs, pubs, and restaurants. On the eastern side of the shoreline are two other well-liked beaches: Kendwa, which is well-known for its nightlife, and Paje. Every beach features stunning white sands and crystal-clear seas that are perfect for diving and swimming. Selecting a hotel that is well-located to provide quick access to the various islands is essential if you want to see all the beaches in a short amount of time. In Zanzibar, public beaches are all free to use.
Visit the Seaweed Centre.
In Zanzibar, a group of women run the seaweed centre. The seaweed that grows in abundance along the coast has been used by the ladies to produce smoothies, drinks, organic soap, and oils. You will meet the women at the Centre and discover how they create their goods. You will have the chance to sample and learn more about a seaweed smoothie. You may help the ladies at the Zanzibar Seaweed Centre in a variety of ways. Purchasing some of their goods is the simplest way to help.
Go on a Sunset Dhow Cruise.
As the town or island fades into the distance, rent a dhow, a wooden boat, and go towards the ocean. The majority of dhows make sure that Zanzibar offers an ample number of top activities, provisions for the day, such as delectable appetizers, seafood (grilled fish, lobster, octopus, and calamari), and beverages to keep everyone merry. A Dhow tour, which often departs from the main island and travels to Kwale Island and fishing communities like Fumba, is a great way to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Indian Ocean. You can climb ancient baobab trees or get ashore to explore the area after you arrive at these islands or fishing settlements. While on the tour, you might see dolphins, fish or snorkel around the coral reefs and mangroves, or swim along the stunning green lagoons.
Quad Biking.
Riding a quad bike from one of the islands into the interior is the best way to explore all that is lovely about Zanzibar. You may ride a quad bike through rice fields, coconut plantations, fruit and spice farms, and plantations of sugar cane and pineapple.
Snorkeling, windsurfing, Parasailing and Scuba Diving.
When visiting Zanzibar, there are a variety of water safari activities available for participation. Parasailing is one of the enjoyable sports experiences. Top activities and sights in Zanzibar. That will wow you as you find breathtaking aerial views of the island and its other undiscovered locations. You can go parasailing by yourself, with friends, as a family, or with your spouse. In addition to parasailing, snorkeling and scuba diving are highly recommended due to the crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. Kendwa Beach, Matemwe Beach, Nakupenda Beach, Nungwi Beach, and Paje Beach are the top beaches in Zanzibar for snorkeling. Perhaps the greatest area of the water for snorkeling is the Pange Sandbank, especially for novices. At the Sandbank, the waves are shallower and more tranquil.
