There is a number of activities and excursions to undertake while on your visit to Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a paradise, an island lost in the seas of Mediterranean ocean, blessed with clear blue water, with white sand, perfect for the sea life.
World-class diving (a water lover’s paradise)
Zanzibar has some of the world’s most beautiful diving sights and warm waters. No wonder it is a popular destination for those wanting to explore the underwater world. You can do both shore dives and reef dives accessed by boat. Island hopping diving trips are one of the top highlights of Zanzibar holidays!
Zanzibar has a long list of offerings for the outdoor water enthusiast – from scuba diving and deep-sea fishing to kayaking and sailing on traditional wooden dhows. Swim and snorkel in search of tropical fish amongst the coral, or go windsurfing, kite-boarding water-skiing or island hopping.
But even if you’re not a water enthusiast, the chance to view the coastline from a traditional wooden dhow is not to be missed
Nakupenda Beach: Pristine Expanses
This may be the most untouched paradise you will ever see in your life. Nakupenda Beach off the coast of Zanzibar Town is an isolated island of pure sand surrounded by crystal waters. Simple as can be, the beach instills peace and relaxation in every visitor. Spend the day lying out in the sun, snorkeling the clear sea, and appreciating the disconnection from hectic civilization. This is the ultimate escape.
Exceptional beach life.
Not just aromatic, but also romantic – it’s an ideal place to spice things up. With some of the most beautiful lodges and settings in the world, how can the archipelago not be the perfect place for romance? It’s the perfect place to take long walks on the beach, relax beside the water and drink cocktails as the sunsets. Zanzibar is, of course, a popular honeymoon and wedding destination. This archipelago is renowned for clear warm waters, coral reefs and rich marine diversity making it a perfect under-water destination for snorkelling and diving. If it is lazy days along white sandy beaches that you are after – Zanzibar is hard to beat.
Stone Town: Historical Center
Zanzibar’s capital city is known as Stone Town, and it overflows with historic sights combined with contemporary experiences. Don’t miss the 17th-century Old Fort or the House of Wonders, Zanzibar’s architecturally stunning Museum of Culture. St. Joseph’s Cathedral still stands after centuries, and the time-worn details are stunning. For a taste of local culture visit Darajani Market or head to Forodhani Gardens for the epic seafood night market on the water.
Changuu Island: Prison to Paradise
Also known as Prison Island, this offshore marine wonderland had a grizzly history during the slave trade. Today, however, it is a popular day trip for visitors to Zanzibar. Giant turtles that roam the island are the number one attraction, along with a diversity of other creatures – from dolphins to butterflyfish. There is also an informative and commemorative Slave Trade Museum with moving exhibitions about events of centuries past.
The exotic spices of Zanzibar
Zanzibar Island is well known as the Spice Island due to the farming and processing of aromatic spices like cloves, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemongrass and black pepper. Visit spice plantations to learn about the process and history of these crops, their medicinal and culinary uses. Follow the aromas and sample the delicious blend of flavours in the market street food and traditionally prepared dishes.
Nungwi Beach: Treat Yourself
The northern tip of Zanzibar Island is filled with all your beach vacation needs and desires. Nungwi Beach has been rated one of the best in the world and is surrounded by resorts of the highest quality. Even if you are just visiting for the day, their water sports rentals, scuba diving courses, massage booths and seaside bars are available to one and all. Make sure to stick around for the epic sunset too. There truly is something for everyone here.
Dolphin tour.
This intense (but not necessarily moral) tour starts in Kizimkazi on the south tip of the island and includes snorkelling and chasing dolphins. Tours can be arranged from Stone Town to the village, a few hours boat tour that, local lunch, nap on the beach and an optional tour to Jozani Forest. The full tours leaves town at 8AM and comeback at 5PM – a complete day of fun and a very memorable experience, especially for the dolphins.
Cheetah’s Rock: Make New Friends
One of the island’s unique attractions brings tourists face to face with majestic African creatures, and it is a mind-blowing experience for all. Rescued cheetahs, lions, zebras, and more are introduced to each guest in an intimate and safe setting – soon, everyone reaches a mutual understanding. This immersive day of wildlife wonderment will stick with you forever, and you’ll have unbelievable photos to show for it.
Zanzibar Butterfly Centre (Located near to Jozani National Park). 9AM – 5PM. The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is a community development project and tourist destination just down the road from Jozani Forest. Revenue from admissions is used to pay farmers in the village sustainably farming butterflies. This genuine little project really makes a real difference to the farmers’ income and provides a wonderful experience for visitors as they can see spectacular local species flying close at hand in a beautiful tropical garden. US$5 per person
History and traditional dhows
Zanzibar has a long and complex history. Having once been the biggest slave market in East Africa, as well as a popular base for voyaging traders. It became well-known as the Spice Island for its aromatic spice offerings and was also an important player in the ivory trade. Zanzibar has been diversely influenced by the British, Arabs, Portuguese, Indians, Persians and Africans, all of whom have passed through the island and left their mark. Enjoy a trip on a traditional hand-crafted wooden dhow – a remnant from the trade history of the area and still in use daily for transport and fishing.
Spice tour.
Zanzibar Island, a.k.a., the Spice Island, was an important stop in the Spice Trade centuries ago. Today, it is one of the few places in the world where saffron is produced, and many other Middle Eastern/Asian spices (cardamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, etc.) are grown here. Several companies take you on a tour which winds you around the island, showing you how cinnamon, jack fruit, kukurma or anise (licorice) are grown; letting you sample some of the exotic fruit grown on the island; and allowing you to tour the beautiful plantations. If you have a car you can drive to the Kizimbani area yourself, where spice tours are offered. On the tips: you will be expected to tip the guy that climbs up the coconut tree singing a song (yes, it is that touristy), the guy that does the fruit tasting, the guy brading stuff from palm leaves while you walk around, and of course your guide.
Unique Nature and Wildlife Encounters
Zanzibar is home to unique species like the Zanzibar red colobus monkey and Zanzibar leopard. You can visit their natural habitat in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and check out the colobus and other types of monkeys from a trail through a mangrove forest. The Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond is a sea turtle sanctuary that is helping to conserve these interesting creatures.
For a combined package about Zanzibar, get in touch with Enclose Africa Safaris, team, to have the best of Zanzibar package arranged for you.