Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Beautiful Zanzibar
Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Beautiful Zanzibar
Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Beautiful Zanzibar : Zanzibar is an alluring tropical destination providing visitors a chance to feel the sea breeze, hear the rustle of palm leaves and smell different aromas of the spices grown around the island.
Zanzibar is often referred to as the Spice Island which is a name crowned from being one of the largest exporters of spices in the world.
Zanzibar has been named number one top travel destination for 2023 by Travelers Worldwide and it was listed on top of the list of 15 best travel destinations in Africa.
Zanzibar is an archipelago of four islands off the cost of East Africa, its main island is Unguja often referred to as Zanzibar. Because of its strategic location along the spice and slave trade routes in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar has been a stronghold for many countries throughout its history. Oman once declared Zanzibar its capital for 30 years in 1832, Zanzibar then became a British protectorate until it joined Tanganyika in the 1960s to form Tanzania.
How To Get To Zanzibar
Unfortunately none of the US airlines fly directly to Zanzibar, but you can connect through hubs such as Dar es Salaam in mainland Tanzania, Middle East airports such as those in Doha, Qatar and Dubai, UAE or through Johannesburg, South Africa.
If you fly into Dar es Salam, you gave the option to take a short flight to Zanzibar Island or go by ferry.
Pro Tip: while on Zanzibar Island, it is recommend to exchange some of the currencies you are carrying into the local currency – Tanzania Shillings. You can get the local currencies from the ATMs in the airport, this way you will have money to spend on market stalls and cafes do not usually take cards.
Why You Should Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a picture perfect tropical destination with an island fringed with palms, white sand beaches, an interior that still has plenty of indigenous forest – which is a home to several species of monkeys including the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey which is only found in Zanzibar, Zanzibar City – the capital of the island that is full of amazing architecture that is a mixture of Omani palaces, Arabian arches and Indian Wooden balconies and studded doors. The Stone Town has narrow streets which are bustling with life providing visitors with a heady mix made up of local women offering you henna tattoos, Maasai warriors playing pool in a corner café, colorful markets, delicious food, fabulous shopping and plenty of varied history to enjoy. There are also beautiful beach resorts dotted along the ocean’s shores.
There are two best ways to experience Zanzibar during your tropical holiday which is by having a two – stop vacation.
- Stay in Stone Town to enjoy all the town has to offer for a few days
- Drive to one of the many beach resorts to spend a few days of relaxing on the beach, you will drive through the interior of the island to get to the beach and its resorts.
Best Time To Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar is situated very close to the equator and because of this, the temperatures are steady through the year. The temperatures normally go from warm to quite hot (77 degrees to slightly above 85 degrees) with the advantage of a fresh sea breeze reaching everywhere on the island.
Between March and the end of May, the island receives heavy rains however the days are mostly dry with only odd heavy showers. The short rains are received in November.
Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim nation so when planning to visit Zanzibar, it is advised you check what dates Ramadan and the Two Eid celebrations fall onto, during these celebrations many shops and cafes get closed although the beach resorts are open as business as usual.
Note: There is malaria on Zanzibar, you will need to get a suitable combination of malaria prophylaxis. Also check with your nearest tropical diseases institute in regards to which brands are recommended for the time you are planning to visit Zanzibar.
Best Things To Do In Zanzibar
The House Of Wonders
The House of Wonders also known as Bait al Ajaib is found in the Stone Town, the house was once the ceremonial palace of Sultan Bargash bin Said, the Omani Sultan who ruled Zanzibar between 1870 and 1888. The building features most of the typical Zanzibar architecture including enormous wooden doors, a reminder of both Arab and Indian Craftsmanship, tall columns crating shady verandas around the building and rooms located outside of the building creating an airy and cool country inside.
The house is now a museum with an intriguing and eclectic mix of artefacts from throughout Zanzibar’s history, next door of The House of Wonders you will finds the old Arab Fort dating back to the 17th Century which is worth exploring.
The Markets
The Darajani Market is the main market in Stone Town and in Zanzibar Island, the market is where everyone does their food shopping, exchanges gossip, hangs out and meets with friends. The atmosphere in the market is electric, the brilliant colors, noise and smells are a feast for the senses.
There is a small souvenir market situated next to the Old Fort with local arts and crafts on sale, during the night there is a food market in the Forodhani Gardens just in front of the House of Wonders.
As a visitor, make sure you have plenty of small denominations of Tanzanian shillings in cash to buy food which is cheap.
The Jozani Forest
The Jozani Forest is found inland of the island is part of the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the forest is the only home to the rare red colobus monkeys. During you holiday on Zanzibar Island tours can be arranged from the Stone Town or any beach resort to the forest reserve, a guide walk takes you through the mature forest which is full of teak and mahogany, raffia palms and wild date palms.
You will also spot animals such as chameleons, elephant shrews, and bush babies. You will also spot the friendly monkeys which you are not supposed to touch but they will reach out for you as they are interested in the visitors as the visitors are interested in them.
The Spice Plantations
Zanzibar is filled with Spice plantations, during your holiday you can book a tour to the spice plantation where you will learn about different spices how they are prepared and taste some of them. Some of the spices you will taste include cinnamon, ginger, lemongrass, chili, cardamom, vanilla, turmeric, curry leaves, nutmeg, cloves, bay leaves, and many more. You will also find coconut, jackfruit, durian, guava, papaya and 10 species of banana.
Shopping In Stone Town
Apart from the markets and the ubiquitous street stalls and locals displaying their wares by the side of the small lanes in the old town, Stone Town gas superb shopping. The whole Stone Town is an interior decorator’s dream come true.
The Gizenga Street is filled with art galleries selling the typical native Tingatinga paintings, shops selling African carvings and colorful kangas all with a typical sayings imprinted on them and the Maasai beaded jewelry. The area around Shangani Street has a few more up-market souvenir shops.
Best Restaurants To Try In Zanzibar
The Tea House At The Emerson On Hurumzi Hotel
The Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel is formerly known as the Emerson and Green is one of the best places to stay in Zanzibar, the hotel offer typical Zanzibar food at The Tea House on their roof terrace at night.
The Tea House is a small and cozy place with superb views, you will also get a taste of the best Zanzibar’s Cuisine can offer.
Forodhani Gardens
The Forodhani Gardens night market is the best place to sample Zanzibar street food, from freshly caught and grilled fish and shrimp to the Zanzibar Pizza across between an omelette and a pancake.
You can enjoy extremely cheap and extremely interesting food with a superb setting and atmosphere thrown in.
Freddy Mercury’s Bar
Freddy Mercury was born on Zanzibar Island and there is a bar named after him “The Mercury’s” situated right next to the dhow harbor. The bar offer great cocktails and has fabulous seats for the famous Zanzibari sunsets.
Best Places To Stay In Zanzibar
- The Serena Inn
- Emerson On Hurumzi Hotel
- Breezes Beach Club
