Zanzibar Island

Detailed Overview

Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, which consists of several islands in the Indian Ocean, is known under the name Zanzibar. It is the largest island, situated 15 miles from the mainland and can be reached by plane or fast ferry. International flights also land there. Zanzibar has also been known as the spice island for centuries and exports cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and nutmeg around the world.

On the west coast lies the capital of the archipelago “Zanzibar Town”, the historical heart of which is called “Stone Town”. The architecture of Stone Town has a lot of special features that result from the mixing of Arab, Persian, Indian, European and African traditions. The name “Stone Town” comes from the ubiquitous use of coral stones as the main building material. This stone gives the city a characteristic, reddish-warm color. Not to forget the Zanzibari houses with their finely decorated wooden doors. While strolling through the narrow streets of the seemingly wildly lined up houses you will pass a colorful mix of small shops that offer everything from spices and everyday goods to fabrics. In the morning hours it is worth visiting the fish market, where there is a lot of activity and when it gets dark, enjoy exotic dishes from the small cookshops in the Forodhani Food Market near Forodhani Gardens.

On a sightseeing tour you will pass the birthplace of Freddy Mercury, the restored Old Dispensery, which was built in honor of the throne jubilee of Queen Victoria, the buildings of the sultans in the Sultan’s quarter, the old fortress of the Omanis and also a visit to the palace museum which documents the history and the life of the sultans should not be missing.

Near Stone Town you can visit Changuu Island, also called “Prison Island”, which is a short 20 minute boat ride away. Dozens of giant tortoises live on the island, some of which are over 200 years old. You can also visit the Slave Trade Museum, which documents the terrible history of the slave trade in Zanzibar.

Do not miss a spice tour to one of the countless spice farms, which also means an insight into Zanzibari history and culture.

And then, finally enjoy the beach life on the countless white sandy beaches. Be it on the north coast, on the beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa or in the northernmost fishing village of the east coast, “Matemwe”, where the wide sand beach flanked by palm trees is still quiet and not so touristy. Or lounge on the beaches of Paje and Jambiani on the south east coast. Of course, activities such as kite surfing, parasailing, windsurfing, jet?skiing, snorkeling and diving are also offered. Or you can go fishing or take a cruise on a traditional dhow to a sandbank or other islands, including lunch and snorkeling.

The best diving spots you find on the west coast with the offshore islands, in Menai Bay in the south, at Mnemba Island in the northeast and in front of Nungwi and Kendwa. Wreck diving is possible off Stone Town.

On the way to the southern beaches one can visit the small Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the last tropical jungle of Zanzibar and watching the Zanzibar red colobus monkeys swinging in the trees.

Almost all tours can be booked through the hotels, which come in a wide variety of categories. Everyone will find a hotel to suit their taste and budget. If you tell us your ideas, we will find the right hotel and the suitable excursions for you.

There is much more to see and do… get in touch with us!

Itinerary