Zanzibar, Tanzania – country #82.
First of all, Zanzibar is very different from other parts in Africa. Surprisingly, it even reminded me of Asia sometimes. The climate is hot and dry until the end of March, then it becomes hot and wet but temperatures stay between 27ºC – 35ºC. No wonder life on the island is slow and relaxed. The population is primarily Muslim (let’s say 90 precent) therefore it’s advised to bring some clothes that will cover your shoulders and knees, especially when walking around in Stonetown. The best way to get around in Zanzibar is by car as it takes a while to get from one place to another. If you’re a confident driver you can rent a car but people also book a chauffeur for a couple of days. If you stay in one village/region, there are taxis to take you places nearby.
By all means, Zanzibar feels safe and relaxed but important to realize is that people live in very different conditions that you may be used to. Don’t forget to bring some candy for the kids and buy some souvenirs to support the locals and also don’t forget to tip people who clean your room, they will be so grateful.
Most of all, don’t forget to buy cat food and bring it everywhere with you. Cats are everywhere.
If I could live there? No. Me, as a dog person, I could never stay in the country, where they don’t like doggies. And here, dogs are less than everything else …….
If I would visit Zanzibar again? Definitely. I love it.
THE PHRASE HAKUNA MATATA IS USED A LOT AND PEOPLE IN ZANZIBAR LIVE BY ITS MEANING.
We stayed at the Hotel White Paradise, where people are very friendly (as everywhere in Zanzibar), great service, beautiful spacey rooms, great food, beautiful large pool in the lobby area. It was a real paradise.
When in Zanzibar:
Stonetown
Another must visit in Zanzibar is Stonetown. Get lost by walking around or hire a bicycle at Bluebikes! A few highlights in are:
Freddy Mercury House, did you know that the famous Queen frontman was born in this house?
The Old Fort
House of wonders, is the largest and tallest building of Stone Town but construction at the moment
The Africa House for a perfect sunset restaurant. Queen Elisabeth used to stay here! Definitely an unique place in our Zanzibar travel guide.
Forodhani Park transforms into a delightful night market after the sun sets. Locals and travellers mingle and eat local street food, especially fresh fish and grilled octopus.
Freddie Mercury Museum
Prison Island Zanzibar,
Changuu Island − its local name, has a scary ring to it but this island only used to be a place where they would keep sick prisoners in quarantine for a while back in the 1800’s. To get there you travel by traditional Dowa boat which you can book with several companies. It take about 30 minutes to get there from Stonetown. You can find giant land turtles here, once gifted by the sultan of Oman. The turtles have a lot of space, enough food and shade but it’s still a tourist attraction, which always feels a bit off for me personally. Then again, tourism is one of the most important incomes for the locals here, so choose your battle..Entree costs 9 dollars per person.
Trip na Prison Island
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
It is the only national park in Zanzibar. Park harbors some of the Island’s endemic or extraordinary wildlife species that include the nocturnal Zanzibar tree hyraxes known for its four toes on the front feet and three on the back, the Zanzibar red colobus with over 1000 individuals.
You will also find Sykes monkeys, the Kirk’s red colobus monkeys named after Sir John Kirk (British conservationist who first made it poplar and recognized in zoological science). Bush babies, Zanzibar leopards, giant elephants, African civets, Zanzibar genets and adder’s duikers are some of the residents of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. There are also over 80 bird species.
TIP: bring some bananas for monkeys.
Jozani Park
Nakupenda Sandbank
In like manner you must visit this pretty uninhabited island. You can easily combine this with your trip to Prison Island. This includes the boat trip, snorkeling and the best local lunch on the beach at Nakupenda.
TIP: bring your own snorkeling mask if you can, equipment is not in the best condition. During the high season, you won’t have the beach to yourself, as many tours stop here but it never feels too crowded. The water is amazing and you can see bright coloured starfish and other species in the water. Best to bring some waters hoes as the Indian Sea can be full of sea urchins.
Maluum Zanzibar
Secret spot alert! It’s yet to be discovered by the masses so completely off the beaten track. This natural pool is a must visit if you get the chance! Located in trendy Paje, a beautiful spot on the island where you can find a combination of local and touristy spots. This underground water cave reminds me of the cenotes in Mexico!
The Rock Restaurant
Probably the most famous restaurant in Africa and not without reason.
This Zanzibar travel guide shows: The Rock is situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean and you can get there by boat when the tide is high. They offer food & drinks but expect to pay double the price.
TIP: around 5pm the light is incredible and if you’re lucky the tide is high (the tide changes every time so get informed before you go there). A reservation is advised if you want to go inside!
The Rock Restaurant
Schools
There are many schools in Zanzibar, but not many teachers. I was told that all they are taught in most of these schools is Coran.
Spice Farm
Did you know that Zanzibar is home to the most amazing spices and herbs? Because of the climate, they grow cinnamon, turmeric, gloves, cardamon, vanilla and tropical fruits. With this in mind, you should definitely book one of the many spice tours on the island. Your guide will tell you all about the spices they grow and you get to smell, taste and feel them all! You’ll love the fresh coconuts that you can drink and taste and the guys who work there will entertain you with a song and dance while you receive jewellery made from palm leaves. Eventually, you end the tour (which takes about one hour) with a home cooked lunch that consist of delicious vegetables, fish and vanilla coffee.
Spice Farm
ZAASO – charity organization.
www.zaaso.net
We also attended a charity event in Season Lodge Zanzibar.
ZAASO is a non-profit NGO horse & donkey sanctuary, and also provides a general animal clinic services.
ZAASO charity event
JAMBO KITE SCHOOL
If you are bored, you can try to learn kite-surfing. You can find them on IG @JamboKiteSchool
Phone number +255 777 386 569
Under the line:
Hakuna Matata = no stress
Jambo = Hello
When you are driving and you hit a monkey or a duck (just these 2 animals), you will get 2.000.000TSH (900USD) fine or 2 years in a jail.
If you cut mangrove tree, you go to a jail immediately.
Contacts:
Romana, who is a lovely lady married to a Masai in Zanzibar. She will set up any trip in Zanzibar you can think of. Including charters from and to the airport.
Whatsapp +420 608 559 552
Instagram @zanzibartravelling
Ali – our amazing guide. Whatsapp +255 623 962 801
Amour – our incredible driver. Whatsapp +255 773 647 164
Wiki: Unguja, also known as Zanzibar, is the main island in the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar. Stone Town, part of Zanzibar City, is an old trade center, with mosques and winding lanes. The 1883 House of Wonders is a former suntan’s palace with a clock tower. The Old Fort now houses a cultural center and stone amphitheater. Underground aqueducts fed hot water to the late-19th-century Harmammi Persian Baths.
Zanzibar is 25 – 50 km off the coast the mainland.
Capital: Zanzibar City
White Paradise Hotel
White Paradise Hotel
Hotel White Paradise
Mangrove Forest
Upendo Beach
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