Places to see in Zanzibar
Places to see in Zanzibar
Places to see in Zanzibar : Sitting on the edge of the beautiful Indian Ocean, Zanzibar Island is a spectacular tropical beach destination filled up with warm smiles and the gentle sea breeze. This beautiful island lies 22 miles off the coast of East – Central Africa and comprises of pristine white sand beaches and lush nature which make the island the most idea place for a romantic getaway or a family adventure.
Zanzibar is a wonderful destination perfect for adventurers, seafarers and traders from all over the world, though Zanzibar is famously known for pristine sand beaches and as a spice island. There is a number of amazing places to visit and are as listed and detailed below.
STONE TOWN
Stone Town also known as Mji Mkongwe in Swahili is the oldest part of Zanzibar City named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the ton is known for its rich cultural heritages of Arab, Persian and European elements.
Stone Town is the walled portion of Zanzibar City and is reputed to be the oldest working town in Africa, the town is also famed for being a birth place for Freddie Mercury. Stone Town is also.
Stone Town is located on the western coast of Unguja – the main island of Zanzibar Archipelago, the town is a former capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate and a flourishing center of the spice trade and slave trade in the 19th century. The town still retained its importance as the main city of Zanzibar during the period of the British administration and is still a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa.
Most of the Stone Town’s architecture dates back to the 19th century and it reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture giving a fusion of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements.
Stone Town consists of a maze of narrow alleys lined by houses, shops, bazaars and mosques, remarkable cathedrals, slave markets, a sultan’s palace, Fruit and vegetable Market, Forodhani Park among others.
Because the streets of Stone Town are narrow for cars, bicycles and motorbikes are common used mode of transport, as you explore the Stone Town you will enjoy watching various sights of this incredibly historical town.
SPICE FARMS
Zanzibar Island also known as spice island is famously known for its huge spice farms scattered around the island, during your vacation on the island spice farms are a must visit. Visiting these Spice farms offers you an opportunity to enjoy the unique rainforest nature with lots of tropical plants, trees and spices such as Turmeric, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Black Peppers, Cloves, Nutmegs among others.
After exploring the spice farms, you will enjoy a traditional weaving class and have an opportunity to purchase community produced spices, soaps and creams.
PRISON ISLAND
The Prison Island of Zanzibar also known as Changuu Island is an amazing destination to visit in Zanzibar, this small island spreading across 5.6 kilometers is situated just off the coast of Stone Town (northwest of Stone Town).
. Prison Island was once used as a detaining center for rebellious slaves, the British First Minister of Zanzibar Lloyd Mathews purchased the island in 1893 and constructed a prison complex on it. Since no prisoners were ever housed on the island it became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases, the station was occupied only for around half a year and it became a popular holiday destination.
The island hosts Giant Tortoises which were originally sent to the Island by the British governor of Seychelles from the Island of Aldabra, the species of tortoise are now considered vulnerable and has been placed on the IUCN Red List by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Visiting the Prison Island, you will enjoy spotting the giant sea turtles, the ruins of the prison and the unmissable rustic wooden bridge jutting out into the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean welcoming you the island.
JOZANI FOREST & BUTTERFLY CENTER
Jozani Forest also known as Jozani Chwaka Bay national park is the only national park on Zanzibar Island with an area of 50 kilometers square, the forest is a must visit while on a holiday in Zanzibar Island offering guests the opportunity to watch different species of monkeys include the red colobus monkeys – only found in the Jozani Forest. Jozani Forest is also a butterfly center hosting over 50 species of butterflies, there also over 40 species of birds which you will enjoy spotting. During the tour in Jozani national park, you guide will introduce you to many of the native trees and plants of the region such as the towering hardwood trees protected here.
KIZIMKAZI DOLPHIN ADVENTURE
Kizimkazi dolphin Adventure is a perfect to spend a day swimming with bottle – nosed and Humpback dolphins, the tour to Kizimkazi starts with a visit to Kizimkazi fishing village on the southern tip of the island. Visitors get to swim every close to the dolphins which is truly a memorable and very rewarding experience. Guests can also visit the 12th century mosque.
SUNSET DHOW CRUISE
Sunset Dhow cruise on Zanzibar Island is a very captivating experience to do offering guests an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of the sunsets, on this experience you set out on a sunset Dhow Cruise and experience the warm glow of the sunset while cruising with your loved one or friends and family. Remember to take amazing pictures to cherish forever.
CHEETAH’S ROCK
Cheetah’s rock is a small but a very nice local zoo situated on the Northern tip of Zanzibar Island hosting numerous species of animals including monkeys, chameleons, bush babies, turtoises and zebras, peacocks, 2 beautiful cheetahs, among others .
During you visit to this beautiful wildlife sanctuary, you will learn more about these rescued wild animals while in the natural habitat.
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION POND
Sea Turtle Conservation Pond is an NGO Community – based Conservation facility protecting the green turtle population of Zanzibar, while on a holiday in Zanzibar it is recommended to visit this sites for interaction with these peaceful animals, you can also feed the turtles and have a swim in their lagoon alongside them.
Zanzibar is a great destination you should put on your bucket list.
