Unguja Island zanzibar

Unguja Island Zanzibar

Unguja Island is one of the two main islands of Zanzibar Archipelago and one of the most beautiful islands in the world, the island covers an area of 643 square miles popularly known its white-sand beaches, blue crystal- clear waters and lush tropical vegetation.

Unguja Island is a perfect destination for visitors such as honeymooners, newlyweds looking an ultimate Beach tropical holiday, the island is also a fine destination for water – lovers as it offers excellent water experiences such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing and kayaking.

Generally, Unguja Island is a perfect destination to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the everyday life. The island’s shore line has plenty of restaurants and bars serving local cuisines and refreshing cocktails you will enjoy while watching the sunset with your feet in the white sands.

Why Visit Unguja Island

 Unguja Island is also referred to as Spice Island is rich in culture and has a lot of historical sites which date back to the slave trade era, visitors of the island can experience and get lost in the island’s ancient ruins and vibrant markets.

There are many reasons to why you, Unguja Island “Zanzibar” should be on top of your bucket list, however below are some of the top reasons to visit the island.

Stunning Landscape

Unguja Island has stunning landscapes from rolling hills to pristine coral reefs, as visitors of the island you will be stunned with the stunning landscape. Unguja Island has something to offer for everyone who loves nature.

 Most Beautiful and Secluded beaches in the World

 Zanzibar’s Prison Island.

 Wildlife

Though you cannot find the Bug 5 in Unguja Island, the island has its own unique ecology. Unguja Island’s coral reefs and mangrove forests are a habitat for several species of wildlife including Whales, dolphins, Sea turtles, Manta rays, colobus monkeys, dik-diks, Mozambique cobras and Pemba flying foxes Zanzibar leopard which is a critically endangered animal.

 Unguja “Zanzibar” Island is a perfect destination for primate safari as it hosts several primate species including red colobus monkeys and the Zanzibar Servaline genet which is a rare species. The red colobus monkey is an endangered species and its population is currently decreasing.

Marine life

Marine life is one of the major attraction in Unguja Island, these interesting creatures can easily been seen during snorkeling and diving activities, marine life in Unguja Island include bottlenose Dolphin, Green Turtle, Seahorse, Mantis Shrimp, Nudibranch, Octopus, Humpback Whale, Frogfish, Moray Eel, Cuttle Fish, White Tip Reef Shark, Trumpet fish, Porcelain, Napoleon Wrasse among others.

Unguja Island is also a great place to see coral reefs, the island has a healthy coral reef systems that offer some of the best diving experience in Africa.  If you are looking for an idyllic tropical paradise to relax and enjoy some of the unforgettable scuba diving experience Africa has to offer.

Birdlife

Unguja Island hosts a variety of different species of birds including parrots, hornbills and kingfishers among others. Birds in Zanzibar have vibrant colors and interesting birds which are best sighted early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are most active.

Some of the common birds in Zanzibar “Unguja” include the red-headed barbet, African gray parrot, blue-tailed bee-eater, and white-throated robin among others.

Birding tours on the island offers birders an opportunity to learn about the different species of birds and their habits while in the natural habitat.

  Cities

Stone Town is the capital of Unguja Island and a historical town of Zanzibar City “Unguja Island”, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with old buildings, markets and mosques. The city is made up of narrow alleys where visitors can happily get lost. The city has lots of souvenir shops where visitors can buy traditional Zanzibar Items such as spices, carpets and clothes.

The Stone is also the old colonial center of Zanzibar City and one of the fascinating sites in this town is an Old Arab Fort.

Another Popular town of Unguja “Zanzibar ” island is Nungwi which is a great place for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.  Nungwi has a lot of excellent restaurants serving seafood dishes freshly caught from the Indian Ocean.

 If you wish to have a more rural setting o Uguja Island, consider visiting Pemba Island as it hosts some of the most beautiful villages with traditional houses made from coral stone.

Unguja Island has more adventure to offer, other activities to do on this dreamy Island include

Diving – Unguja Island is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers as it offers some of the breathtaking coral – reef marine life experience, the crystal clears of the Indian Ocean is perfect for scenic photography. Visitors can also enjoy the captivating beauty of the island by staying onshore.

Visiting Jozani Forest National park – the park is dominated by trees older than 100 years and is the only national park in Zanzibar, Jozani Forest national park is a home to the unique Zanzibar red colobus monkey.

 Beach day – there is nothing better than spending your day sunbathing on one of the best beaches of the Archipelago found on the Unguja Island, these beaches are a treat with their pristine sands and turquoise waters. Some of the best beaches to visit include Nungwi and Kendwa, visitors can also visit the nearby islands such as Pamunda, Pemba Island, Chumbe and Unguja Island.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing – Paje popularly known as the “The Pearl of Zanzibar” is one of the best kite surfing destinations on the Archipelago and Africa as well, Paje has vast white sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise water and is a home to perfect winds and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Wildlife Safaris – visitors who wish to have a wildlife experience while on their holiday on Unguja Island can make a short trip to the mainland Tanzania to experience the big 5 and other incredible wildlife in Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area among others.

How to get to Unguja Island

By Flight

Unguja Island can be accessed via many airports in Eastern Africa, the main airport of the Island is Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) which is located 3.1 miles south of Stone Town, to enter Unguja Island – Zanzibar you need to have a Zanzibar Visa and certain vaccinations such as Yellow Fever and Malaria.

Also, visitors can arrive to Unguja Island from Dar es Salaam, there are direct local flights with charter airlines operating small aircrafts serving daily flights to the Island.

By Boat

A ferry is one of the popular ways to get to Zanzibar Island, a ferry is got from Dar es Salaam and takes approximately 2 hours to Unguja Island. There are also ferries from Mombasa and Stone Town.

Note: Visitors looking for a more luxurious ferry option, they can choose from one of the various cruises which offer breathtaking views en-route to Zanzibar.

Regulations

Visitors to Unguja Island, Zanzibar, should a bid and respect the rules of the Island, these include protection of the coral reef, wildlife and the landscape.

Also, Zanzibar Archipelago is an Islam dominated region which is why all visitors should follow sharia law –dressing code. Women should attires that full cover their bodies and men should also wear appropriately most especially while in the Stone Town.

Accommodation at Unguja Island

Unguja Island has a number of different accommodation options including luxury hotels and beach resorts, villas to price friendly hotels and Guest houses.

These accommodations include

• Palms Resort Zanzibar
• Resident Zanzibar
• Blue Moon Resort
• Drifters Zanzibar
• Reef & Beach Resort
• Waikiki Zanzibar Resort

Useful information About Unguja Island

Geography

Unguja Island is located on the East Africa Coast of Tanzania, north of Dar es Salaam, because of the location of the island it is possible for visitors to combine trips to Serengeti national park and other wildlife parks of Tanzania with Unguja Island.

Weather

Unguja Island experiences high temperatures all year – round ranging between 28°C (82°F) and 32°C (89°F).

Best time to visit

The Best time to visit Unguja Island is during the cool- dry months that is from June to October

Note: understanding the best time to visit Unguja Island and Zanzibar Archipelago at large is useful as it impacts flight prices and availability.

Health

In order to reach Unguja Island you will travel through malaria areas that is why visitors are advised to seek medical advice from their doctors and also consider antimalarial medication.

Money

Visitors are advised to carry a small amount of Zanzibar Currency, the Tanzania shillings (TZS) as back-up when paying for items in areas such as the Stone Town and beyond where credit card facilities are unavailable.