Is Zanzibar Worth Visiting? Top 5 Things to Do

Zanzibar is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination in Africa, particularly for travelers on Kenya or Tanzania wild safaris. The historically rich island has pristine beaches with powdery white sands, clear turquoise blue water, and great weather that anyone cannot resist.

Beyond sunbathing, you can immerse yourself in Zanziba’s cultural richness by exploring the Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visiting one of the many spice plantations on the island. More interesting, the locals are friendly and always ready to receive guests.

I also realized that fun and adventure don’t just end on the main “Spice Island”, you can also explore nearby islands around the archipelago. This includes Prison Island where you can see giant tortoises. So, my take on the question, “Is Zanzibar worth visiting” is absolutely YES.

A little about Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, about 22 miles (35 km) off the East African coastline. It consists of several small islands and two major ones; Unguja informally called Zanzibar, and Pemba. The Islands are accessible via air or water from mainland Tanzania.

The fastest way is to fly to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on the main island. If you are already in Tanzania, a domestic flight or ferry can take you to the destination. The journey takes about 30 minutes by air and up to 2 hours when you board a water vessel.

In addition to tourism, agriculture and fishing are the main drivers of Zanzibar’s economy. The Island produces spices for export which has earned it the name “Spice Island”. Forestry, manufacturing, construction, and mining also contribute to Zanzibar’s income.

Things to do in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is such a wonderful place for families, friends, honeymooners, and even lone travelers. The island has plenty of attractions just for everyone including children. I know there are many places you can visit in Zanzibar but I have the top 5 interesting things to do on the Island.

1. Explore the white sandy beaches

If you like lying on silky white sand while the warm tropical sun glances down at you, then Zanzibar is for you. And, if you are my type who enjoys listening to the sounds of the ocean waves, and rocking in a hammock, then you don’t have to go to the Caribbean.

The turquoise water of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Zanzibar is beyond imaginable. Walking here gives intense feelings, joy, and happiness. As the sun dips into the ocean tides, the beautiful bays give a true holiday vibe. Everyone including children can be seen merrily jumping, or trekking along the sandy beaches. 

2. Take a walk around Stone Town

Stone Town, also known as Mji Mkongwe in the local Swahili language, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What does this mean? It is a legally protected area with indisputable historic and cultural significance. Stone town has such recognition worldwide and there is so much to learn when you visit.

The town is located on the west side of the island, with most of its architecture dating back to the 19th century. As you walk along the narrow alleys, you’ll come across historical buildings including former palaces of the sultans, fortifications, churches, mosques, and other institutional buildings.

Zanzibar’s Stone Town architecture has a number of distinctive features like carved wooden doors. This is a result of Arab, Indian, Persian, European, and African traditions mixing together. Coral stone is the main construction material giving the town a warm dishish color. 

House of Wonders is the tallest building in Stone Town. It was the first to have electricity and an elevator. The 19th-century palace was built by Sultan Barghash bin Said, the second sultan of Zanzibar to embrace modernity. Today, it serves as a museum of the island’s Swahili and Zanzibari cultures.

3. Take part in watersports

If you prefer something more active, Zanzibar gives guests the opportunity to participate in amazing watersports. Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, jet skiing, and kite surfing are available. As you explore the clear warm waters, you can see beautiful marine life including coral fish and dolphins.

Zanzibar has various sporting centers which offer good training for anyone willing to participate in watersports. They also have great equipment to ensure that you safely enjoy the excursion. So, you don’t have to worry if you have no experience in any hobby.  

You might also want to ride on a traditional dow, a century-old means of transport for Zanzibaris. The vessels were mainly used by fishermen and Arab and Indian merchants. Most of these wooden boats are well maintained and locals commonly use them in taking tourists for rides in the ocean.

4. Explore the beauty of Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest is a great place to visit when on your Zanzibar Tour. Officially known as Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the forest is famous for Indigenous Red Colobus monkeys. Other animal species found in the park are the Sykes monkey, bush babies, butterflies, and more than 50 species of birds.

The forest, though not exceptionally dense, is aesthetically pleasing. Besides the fauna, it has a sizable Mahogany forest, Mangrove forest, and swamp marsh. Playful monkeys are particularly entertaining and you can see them from a close distance. This place sometimes gets crowded.

5. Visit Zanzibar’s spice farms

Zanzibar’s spice farms are a reminder of the early days when spices were among the major trade commodities on the Island. In fact, there was a time when Zanzibar was the largest producer of cloves in the world. These days, the production of spices is declining while tourism is taking over.

Taking a tour of spice farms gives the opportunity to learn about the variety of spices grown in Zanzibar, their uses, and how they smell and taste. I had never seen how rare spices like cardamom, nutmeg, and vanilla are grown but a trip to the firm made me learn a lot about them.

The best time to visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a year-round holiday destination but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October. This period coincides with the great migration season when millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes trek covering a distance circular route of over 1,000 km.

April and May mark the start of long rains on the archipelago, it is not the best time to visit Zanzibar. You may also visit during November and December but your days on the beach will be cut short with the afternoon showers. During this period, temperatures on the Island also begin to rise.

You can also visit Zanzibar from January to March if you don’t mind the heat and humidity. However, the sunny conditions offer the best time for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. The lagoons and coral reefs can be seen clearly underwater, particularly on the south coast.

FAQs

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about Zanzibar.

Is Zanzibar safe?

Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists but it’s important to remain cautious, especially at night. There are several cases of muggers snatching bags and other valuables from unsuspecting travelers. Beach boys can sometimes be nagging and persistent as they request to guide or help you.

Is Zanzibar a country?

Zanzibar is not an independent country but is considered a semi-autonomous region of the Republic of Tanzania. While it’s partly self-governing, you don’t need a separate visa for Zanzibar if you already have one for Tanzania.

What is so special about Zanzibar?

Zanzibar has stunning beaches, modern-world accommodation facilities, great weather for tourism, a rich history, and a great cultural legacy. Visitors can relax to soak up the sun, participate in watersports, tap into the past at the Old Town, explore forests and wildlife, or tour the spice firms to learn about various species grown there.