Best places to visit in Zanzibar

Best places to visit in Zanzibar : There’s a good reason why Zanzibar is often described as a “cultural melting pot.” The stunning blend of Arabic, Moroccan, and Swahili cultural influences, the vibrant people, and the “Hakuna Matata” philosophy that permeates every element of the local way of life are what make this charming archipelago stand out from its Indian Ocean Island counterparts like the Seychelles or Mauritius, not the immaculate beaches or the azure waters (as alluring as the waters may be). Let’s say you want a beach holiday in Africa that offers more than just a standard beach getaway. If so, Zanzibar beckons with its incredibly fresh food, lively marketplaces, and an array of activities that go well beyond the beach. Although swimming is prohibited during low tide on the east coast beaches due to the tides’ ebb and flow, do not be alarmed! With enticing pools and reefs that are a snorkeler’s paradise at low tide, our five-star resorts in Zanzibar have you covered.

However, the people steal the show; it’s not just about the scenery. The spirit of “Hakuna Matata” don’t worry, be happy permeates everything around you. In sharp contrast to other places, the Zanzibarians exude happiness and pleasure. Your trip to Zanzibar is made even more magical by their genuine joy and welcoming smiles. Thus, Zanzibar extends a warm welcome and countless surprises to those who are prepared for an adventure where the culture is as fascinating as the shoreline. Karibu sana! A fascinating list of things to do in Zanzibar is waiting for you.

Take a walk around Stone Town

One of the greatest places to visit in Zanzibar is Stone Town, also called Mji Mkongwe, which means “old town.” It is a vibrant and historic town. The town, which is teeming with both locals and tourists, is bursting with a variety of cultural influences. It welcomes anybody who dares to go into Stone Town’s fun-filled passageways from the white sands and refreshing waters of Zanzibar’s beaches.

The best way to discover the history of this wonderland is to explore its alleyways. Stone Town is a cultural and historical adventure. You can plan a whole day here, which is an extra bonus. There are boutiques, amazing restaurants, art galleries, and restaurants aplenty, all of which contribute to the atmosphere that makes this place one of the top things to do in Zanzibar.

Mnemba Reef

Situated on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba is a private island with one of Africa’s best beaches. On the brightest and sunniest days, everyone is invited to dive into the pristine waters of Mnemba Reef, even though only lodge guests are allowed access to the island.

Sunset Dhow Cruise.

Take a sunset dhow sail off the coast of Zanzibar to round off your day. Not taking a dhow boat while in Zanzibar almost feels like a break with tradition, but we can assure you that this is an experience that genuinely lives up to the splendor you have seen in pictures. Although dhow excursions are possible at any time of day, it is not to be missed to experience the surrealness of a sunset voyage.

Spice Tours.

Although a tour of spices might not seem like the most thrilling way to spend your day, Zanzibar’s reputation as the Spice Town has been greatly influenced by spices like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Exploring spice plantations and hearing tales of the spice trades that brought immense fame and fortune to Zanzibar when the Omanis arrived, the tour will take you on an olfactory journey with a guide.

Learn about the origins, cultivation, and local uses of the spices, or take a cooking class and use them yourself. You may also taste and purchase the spices. You might feel a little more sentimental and pickier about the spices you purchase and use the next time you’re in the kitchen after the spice tour.

Forodhani Night Market.

On evenings in Stone Town, the Forodhani Food Market is the place to be. The streets come alive with a new type of enthusiasm after dusk. The night is the ideal time to experience the region in a fresh light because of its energy, which brings with it new people, markets, and booths. Chefs dressed in white eagerly set up business for the evening as gas lamps light the room and flaming grills come to life.

Both locals and tourists occupy the space as chefs tempt you to try something new and tantalizing scents encourage you to try new things. Some of the delicacies that are not only delicious but also pay homage to the blending of cultures that make Stone Town so diverse and international include shawarma, Zanzibari pizza, and coconut bread (which is to die for when paired with a meaty piece of fish).

Chumbe Island Coral Park.

The Chumbe Island Coral Park is an award-winning hidden gem in Zanzibar that stands out as a fully protected private reserve and a stunning nature-immersion and conservation-focused destination to visit, even though the island may not have as many eco-friendly programs as, say, the Seychelles.Spend a few nights at the five-star Chumbe Island Coral Lodge for a more thorough exploration of the island. Here, sustainable practices are prioritized in everything from fishing to solar water heating and even photovoltaic energy usage, and simplicity is embraced in the design to provide a simple yet genuine lodging.

Visit the Seaweed Farm.

Seaweed farming, one of Zanzibar’s biggest revenue streams, was established to give women in the area’s rural areas a means of subsistence so they could provide for their families and themselves. Seaweed is a gift from the ocean to these ladies, and it is used to make a variety of goods, such as soaps, essential oils, cosmetics, and medications.If the tides permit, head over to the Paje seaweed farm for an enlightening experience where you can see the intricate and intriguing harvest process in action! You will then proceed to the hamlet, where the factory and processing center are situated, where you will be able to observe the process of turning the seaweed into its finished goods.

You can participate in a tour that goes beyond simple observation when you visit the Paje Seaweed Farm. Your visit turns into an act of empowerment, enhancing the wealth of these strong women who cultivate the seaweed by directly supporting their livelihoods. Explore, learn, and depart with stories you have shared about the seaweed-lined beaches of Zanzibar.

Swim in the Kuza Cave

There is a little-known swimming spot in the settlement of Jamibiani on Zanzibar’s southeast coast. “But it’s Zanzibar, I can swim anywhere,” you might be thinking, and although that may be the case, the Kuza Cave offers a refreshing swimming experience that’s unmatched in Zanzibar.

On the southeast coast of Zanzibar, this limestone jungle cave invites you to swim in pristine freshwater that is thought to have therapeutic qualities. To see artifacts recovered from the cave and discover more about Swahili history, choose a tour. After that, look for eateries serving authentic Swahili cuisine and live music performed by local musicians on the islands. A straightforward and enjoyable day trip is to the Kuza Cave.

Visit Zanzibar Coffee House

Coffee lovers can discover a small, off-the-beaten-path sanctuary at Zanzibar Coffee House, even though finding a nice cup of coffee might not be at the top of their lists. Enjoy a freshly brewed Arabica coffee just the way you want it, or have an espresso with a little pizza or piece of cake. Enjoy the beauty of your surroundings while you’re here. The coffee shop’s building, which doubles as a hotel, has a little more noticeable Arabian influence due to its distinctively Arabian design and décor. These minor nuances, together with the excellent service, will definitely transport you back in time. These include rich textiles and colors, ancient ornaments, and a subtle yet exquisite ruggedness.

Tumbatu Island.

Off the main road, Tumbatu appeals to travelers seeking a possibly more untamed slice of paradise and a cultural experience rather than the opulence of five-star resorts and the hustle and bustle of other “touristy” islands in the archipelago. Since the majority of Tumbatu has not been altered, it is one of the most unique Zanzibari activities that is only accessible with permission from the local Watumbatu elders. In an effort to maintain the island’s authenticity, Tumbatu is devoid of dining options and contemporary conveniences. Rather, this undiscovered treasure provides an enlightening cultural journey that goes beyond the obvious, bringing you closer to Zanzibar’s essence and making it one of the island’s few must-see destinations.