The “Spice Island,” Zanzibar is an exotic blend of unique nature and culture. Just the very name conjures up images of mystique and charm. Being here takes you to a place like no other, and I can’t recommend it enough. Because my experiences here were so incredible, I love sharing my 20 top Zanzibar attractions. So, read on to discover why you should visit the amazing Zanzibar!
About Zanzibar
As an archipelago, Zanzibar lies on the Indian Ocean 36 km off the African mainland. It is a semi-autonomous region, united with Tanganyika since 1964, forming Tanzania. The capital is Zanzibar City, where the historic Stone Town is located. Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” producing cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper. Its other important industries include raffia palms and tourism. Zanzibar is home to the endemic red colobus monkey and the rare Zanzibar leopard. Islam is the main religion in Zanzibar, remaining from the historical influences from Oman. The climate is Tropical Monsoon with rainy months being March, April, May, November and December.
Today, there remains a Swahili culture in Zanzibar that was at its peak from the 12th to 15th centuries. Swahili means ‘people of the coast’ and is the name of the language used in East Africa. On the Swahili Coast, Africans and Arabs combined their identities blending into the unique Zanzibar culture still present today.
In the early 16th century, Zanzibar became part of the Portuguese Empire for about 2 centuries. Then during the 18th century, Zanzibar became influenced by the Sultanate of Oman, and later around 1840 Stone Town became the capital for Oman. At this time, Zanzibar became the center for the East African slave trade. During the 19th century movement for the abolition of slave trade, the British Empire began to control Zanzibar. Furthermore, Great Britain enforced the Sultan to end the slave trade by signing the Moresby Treaty. In 1964 the republic merged with mainland Tanganyika. By blending the names, the United Republic of Tanzania came to be.
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20 Top Zanzibar Attractions
One of the greatest things about Zanzibar is that its best attractions are close together. For the purpose of my guide here, I categorize attractions in 3 areas: Jozani Forest, Stone Town and Beach-hopping. Stone Town holds a large concentration of top places to see which makes for a convenient walking tour.
Jozani Forest Reserve
As the only national park in Zanzibar, Jozani is an incredible place to see the unique flora and fauna of this island. Zanzibar is home to the red colobus and sykes monkeys, both endangered species. Also, for plant lovers Jozani does not disappoint with habitats, such as, mangroves, salt marshes and coral rag forests. (thickets on shallow soils over coral limestone) Other flora and fauna include mahogany and baobab trees, bushbabies, exotic centipedes along with numerous species of butterflies and birds.
It’s best to organize a Jozani tour because the park requires a guide. The entrance fee is about $11. I found the half-day tour just perfect. Located in south Zanzibar, the drive there takes about 30-45 minutes. I walked through the forests and mangroves. The highlights for me were seeing the monkeys. First, we saw a funny and rare sykes monkey steel some food from a driver. Also, mesmerized, I observed from just inches away a red colobus monkey mother with her baby. They busily foraged the leaves and unripe fruit from the lower limbs of the trees.
About Stone Town
Stone Town is a World Heritage Site in the old town of Zanzibar City. Historically, it was a prominent area, as the former capital of the Sultanate, spice trade and the east African slave trade. It remained the most important city during the British protectorate and even was the setting for the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution. Over the years, a blend of cultures influenced Zanzibar, such as, European, Arab, Persian, Arab, Indian and Swahill.
Stone Town’s architecture dates back to the 19th century and gave rise to the name of the town, using the coral stone for building materials. It is home to more than 1,000 coral stone buildings and 200 carved doors. Stone Town entails a picturesque maze of narrow alleyways lined by shops, bazaars and mosques. It’s one of the most significant tourist attractions in Tanzania. Stone Town is a concentrated area, so you can easily see many attractions on a walking tour.
Stone Town Top Attractions
Old Fort – The Omani Arabs built this stone fortress after removing the Portuguese in 1699. Used as a garrison and prison, today the fort is a venue for many cultural events. Its courtyard has outdoor markets. At the front entrance is a tourism center for getting maps and organizing tours. This is where I found my guide for a very fun and informative Stone Town Walking Tour.
House of Wonders Ruins – Next door to the Old Fort, this was the Sultan’s residence built in 1883. It was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and an elevator. After 2000 it became a museum on Swahili and Zanzibar culture. However, in 2020 the building collapsed during renovations. So, today it’s a work in progress but worth a look for its historical significance.
Forodhani Gardens – Across from the Old Fort and along the waterfront this park is a wonderful place to relax or find food. Every night after 6 pm their open-air food market is a foodie paradise. With numerous vendors, locals and tourists have a variety of cuisine for taste-testing. This is one of the best ways to tap into the local culture. I stopped here for a samosa and later went to the Cape Town Fish Market for dinner on the water in front of the night market. It was a perfect location for good food and ambience with live music.
A Stone Town Walking Tour is the best way to explore the sites.
Stone Town Walking Tour – Because there are so many layers to Stone Town, it’s best to take a walking tour with a local guide to provide details. I hired my informative guide at the Old Fort. He helped me understand the complex history of Stone Town by taking me to the Darajani Market, the Old Slave Market and architectural highlights.
Spice Tour – Being on the “Spice Island,” it only makes sense to learn more about the spices grown here. Local tours take you to a spice farm learning about spices, such as, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, cardamom, chili, and black pepper.
Zanzibar or Swahili Doors – These elaborate doors were designed as a mark of status and prestige for wealthy merchants from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. About 200 still adorn the alleyways of Stone Town, so you can’t miss them. These doors were built before anything else in the house and the carving designs are symbolic. For example, the carved chains marked a homeowner in the slave trade.
The Darajani Market is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the authentic local culture!
Darajani Market – This main bazaar is in the center of Stone Town. There are numerous sections to the market and one could easily spend a whole day here. Overall, I walked through areas, such as, produce, spices, fish auction, caged chickens, meats, clothing, rugs and handicrafts. At this market you step into a world where the locals go and experience true Zanzibar.
Old Slave Market – My guide took me here to explain some of the most important events during the slave trade years. Zanzibar was a center for one of the largest slave markets in the world and one of the last ones open. Run by the Arab traders, the British finally closed it in 1873. There is a museum onsite to learn in depth about this horrific chapter of history. The Christ Church Cathedral now stands over where the slave auctions happened. Most importantly, there’s a memorial where you can pay your respects. This moving sculpture shows slaves chained together in a pit.
Jaws Corner – This quirky outdoor café in the heart of Stone Town is where the locals meet for coffee. Get a cup of traditional Arab coffee and join the locals in the courtyard here. I observed mostly men playing board games with their coffee alongside.
Hamamni Baths – This is a historic building with the Persian Baths installed by the Sultan in the 19th century. They remained in use until 1920. Hamamni means “the place of the paths.” These baths were available for the wealthy people offering cold and hot baths warmed from aqueducts.
Yes, Freddie Mercury the lead singer from the Rock Band, Queen lived here until 18 years old.
Freddy Mercury Museum – He was born and raised in the museum that was his home. During the onset of the Zanzibar Revolution in 1963, Freddie and his family moved to London. This museum is a wonderful tribute to his legacy with numerous photos, written lyrics, music and even his piano and yellow leather jacket.
Palace Museum – Just north of the House of Wonders on the waterfront is the “Sultan’s Palace.” Built in the late 19th century, this 3-story building is now a museum about the daily life of the royal family. It showcases royal paraphernalia and personal belongings giving an idea of what it was like live in Zanzibar back then.
Old Dispensary – Across the road from Zanzibar port, this historic building was built by an Indian architect as a hospital in honor of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Later, it became a Dispensary and then a cultural center. In 2000, it became restored as a polyclinic. Its multi-cultural influences display in the various styles. For example, the Indian stained-glass decorations, stucco décor from European neo-classical and Zanzibari coral rag adorn the building.
Dhow Cruise – A perfect way to explore the coastline of Zanzibar is on a wooden Arab Dhow sailboat. There are many ways to experience these historic boats. A local guide referred me to the company The Safari Blue, offering both private and public Dhow cruises. Some tours include a Swahili meal or even snorkeling.
Top Zanzibar Attractions: Beach-hopping
Prison Island – Changuu Island is located about 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town. A 20-minute boat ride gets you there. Even though it originally was set up to be a prison, it ended up being a quarantine facility for those having yellow fever back in the 19th century. Today, it’s a popular beach resort and snorkeling getaway with the Aldabra Giant Tortoises here, gifted by the governor of Seychelles.
Naupenda Beach Nature Reserve – This is the closest beach to Stone Town about 3.5 km away and is reachable by boat. This provides crystal-clear waters, swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
The Rock Restaurant – Everyone who has tried it, raves about this unique seafood restaurant literally on a rock. Located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar, it’s often called the ‘floating restaurant. ‘ All bookings must be made online. Depending on the tide, you either wade to the restaurant or take the complimentary boat. Clearly, this open-air restaurant on the water is more than just a meal, it’s an experience.
Zanzibar Beach Resort – This resort is located close to Stone Town and is great if you just want some R & R with amenities. It provides access to the beach.
Nungwi Beach – Located on the northern tip of Zanzibar, this beach offers white sandy beaches and clear waters. It’s a commercialized area with numerous resorts, spas and restaurants. Also, it offers many water activities, such as, snorkeling, Dhow cruises and fishing.
Enjoy Zanzibar!
As one of the most interesting places on earth, Zanzibar is deep with endless layers and inspiring with all its natural beauty. There is so much to see and do here with both nature and culture. And all this wonder is in a concentrated area, so it’s doable to experience a lot at once. Please leave your comments below if you care to share any tips or suggestions on how best to experience Zanzibar!
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