Zanzibar Beach

The original Safari Blue tour (make sure you are booking the right thing!) is one of the most popular day trips from Stone Town (and a fair few other locations as well). Though not cheap it offers a full and fascinating day including all transport, snorkelling, food and drink etc. It also offers a far more nature-friendly way of possibly catching sight of some dolphins than the numerous ‘Swimming with Dolphins’ trips offered from Kizimkazi. The tour starts on the Fumba Peninsula, a twenty minute (and rather hair-raising) drive from Stone Town. Upon arrival at the set-off point it takes a bit of time for the boats and gear to be prepped for travel, so expect some waiting around. It is advisable to wear shorts and water-shoes too as you may have to wade when boarding and disembarking your vessel and there are sea urchins and painful coral along the sea bed. But the slow start to the adventure shouldn’t mar the overall experience. The trip takes you to a sandbank, cold soft drinks and beers are provided en route. From this bank you can snorkel. Guides set up a shade tent in which you can have a snack or a cool drink. The snorkelling is good and the location peaceful. If you are lucky you may spy some dolphins while sailing.

The heart of Zanzibar's capital, Stone Town, was constructed during the 19th century and remains largely unchanged. Labyrinths of narrow alleys lead to palaces, mosques and old Arab houses; tiny shops sell dotted tinga-tinga paintings, Zanzibar clocks and heavily adorned chests. The early-morning market on Creek Road is fabulous, as determined Zanzibar is haggle over fragrant spices, exotic fruit and enormous fish.

Stone Town is an easy place to explore on foot. You never need to travel by vehicle and indeed it's virtually impossible to get around the alleys in any other way than on foot – though determined locals wobble through on bicycles, and more recklessly on the occasional motorbike. You should be aware that Stone Town can be noisy and there is nowhere to stay where we can guarantee silence. Five-times-daily calls to prayer from the mosques (including at dawn, and two hours before dawn), along with the hustle and bustle of town, are part of everyday life here. It's a lively, vibrant atmosphere, but don't expect tranquillity.

A Spice Tour of one sort or another has become practically obligatory for most tourists to Zanzibar. It is said that the tours were conceived when a local farmer showed a band of travelling hippies the wonders of this farm in an attempt to make them better understand the power of herbs and spices. The modern day tour comprises of a trip to a farm in central Unguja (by coach or minibus) where you will be given a chance to walk around the herb and spice plantations, tasting and smelling the various products. Guides should explain the uses of each spice and perhaps a little of their history (most were introduced to the island through various trade links). You may even get to try your hand at coconut harvesting (practically impossible for the inexperienced and shockingly easy for a Zanzibari farmer). The tour will usually be rounded up with a first-rate meal. Many of the tours are run in conjunction with other excursions such as to the Kidichi Persian Baths, Mahurubi Ruins or Mangapwani Slave Caves. Most Stone Town Hotels and practically every tour operator will offer some version of the Spice Tour; see the main Excursions page for further details. Prices vary widely and depend upon what you want from your trip.

Changuu Island was used as a penitentiary for rebel slaves by the sultans from the 1860s until the end of the slave trade. After which the British began building a prison on the island under the guidance of First Governor, Lloyd Matthews. This was completed in 1894. However, the ‘prison’ was only ever used as a quarantine centre for possible yellow-fever victims, and even then was hardly used as that. Don’t be deceived by the word ‘prison’ in the island’s English name, the significance of the island, like so many of Zanzibar’s cultural sites, has been made little of and the ‘prison that never was’ now houses a resort and restaurant. The island is a popular day-trip destination from Stone Town. About 20 minutes from the city by traditional Dhow sailing boat, the island offers excellent snorkelling, a beautiful and quiet white sandy beach, giant turtle sanctuary and coral rag forest. One can take the footpath through the woodland, spotting birds, bats, various butterflies and duiker antelope (so long as you tread quietly). The Aldabra Giant Tortoise sanctuary is a major tourist lure. The turtles are not indigenous. Many of those on the island today are descended from 4 that were presented to Lloyd Matthews by the governor of the Seychelles. They are magisterial creatures, weighing in at an average of 200 kg some are as old as 100 years. For TSh 1,000 you can feed them, but watch out for their snapping beaks.Other marine life is also reasonably rich and Changuu provides good snorkelling. It is by no means the most extensive or varied snorkelling spot off the coast of Zanzibar, but being so close to Stone Town and so easily accessible makes it ideal for those who want to see ‘under the sea’ a little while on a city break.

Zanzibar is not just famous for “The Rock of Zanzibar” it is famous for its snorkelling beaches. There are many beaches around Zanzibar along with some small islands and a lot of reefs which are considered by snorkelers as some of the best in the world. The water around Zanzibar is home to more than 350 species of fish. In fact, there have been many sightings of the Humpback whale very close to the beaches of Zanzibar. While snorkelling on the coast of Zanzibar you can usually see dolphins, turtles, parrotfish, clownfish, stingrays, squids etc. Many snorkelers have mentioned that they have witnessed whale sharks at very close quarters. Since Zanzibar enjoys tropical climate, snorkelers can snorkel all year round. Generally snorkelers love to snorkel during the July to September period or during January-February. The water temperature is also nice throughout the year but during winter it can get a little colder. While in Zanzibar one of the best places to stay is Kichanga Lodge. This lodge is part of the group that owns the world famous “The Rock of Zanzibar”. They also own the Dongwe Ocean View Hotel. The Kichanga is famous in its own right because you can stay at a place with its own private beach. You can relax here after a hard day of snorkelling by taking in the views of the ocean or by taking in the sights of the hillside that is nearby.

Are you looking to explore the history of Zanzibar through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Zanzibar including the time-honoured buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Zanzibar. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Zanzibar‘s rich history. If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Zanzibar, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Zanzibar for a great trip!

Princess Salme’s European life is documented in a museum dedicated to her but the Omani princess was born in the Mtoni Palace of Zanzibar, every inch the Omani princess. The palace is unoccupied and lies in ruins, but glimpses to Princess Salme’s ancestral home are easily available.

Maharubi Palace is another creation of the royal family when they were in residence in Zanzibar. It was constructed for Sultan Barghash to accommodate his vast harem. At its peak, around 100 women from the royal harem had been stationed in this palace.

If you are looking for fun water sports and enjoy the amazing views of our island then fly with Parasailing. Fly alone or in-tandem as a couple and enjoy the experience together. If you like, get dipped in the water or come in to land completely dry.The excursion will be around 35mins - 60mins including the boat-ride and each person flying for 10 to 12 minutes. From 300 meters in the air, see the brilliant colors of the coral reef around the northern strip of Zanzibar - stretching over 2 kilometers into the ocean. Gaze at the sandy, white beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa, surrounded by tropical trees dotted with resorts and local fishing villages. Your Captain will provide safety and flying Duration: 3 hoursLocation: Kendwa Beach, Kendwa, Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar ArchipelagoWe start from Kendwa or Nungwi, this depend the wind and tidesDuration: 1 hourLocation: Nungwi Beach, Nungwi, Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar Archipelago.

Jozani Forest is the only national park on Zanzibar. Very small, only 50 km2 (19 sq mi) but a beautiful and tranquil place to visit! If you have never been to Zanzibar, Jozani Forest tour is one of must see tours on Zanzibar. Watch for red colobus monkeys as you walk through the Jozani Forest Reserve, where you’ll join a park ranger for a guided nature tour of the sanctuary. Learn how Zanzibar’s wildlife evolved in isolation from the mainland, follow a boardwalk through a mangrove swamp, and walk between towering eucalyptus and mahogany trees that provide essential habitat for native birds. Both morning and afternoon departures are available for this Jozani Forest Reserve tour, with pickup and drop-off at Zanzibar hotels.