Top attractions in Zanzibar and Stone Town
The Islands are an excellent hideout for tourists who desire a serene and quiet place to explore the Indian Ocean and all that it has to offer. Zanzibar offers amazing beaches, great nightlife, restaurants, and many other fun activities.
The Zanzibar archipelago consists of a group of islands with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Although Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, it remains more independent. Residents have their elective leaders and governing structures. Islam is the dominant religion on the island and this is because the Arabs (under the Sultan of Oman) ruled the island for centuries after conquering it from the Portuguese. The British later took over control of the Island from the Arabs. Foreign occupation and intermarriages influenced the architecture and cultural heritage of the island. There is a heavy mix of African (Swahili) and Arabic culture.
Visit Stone Town
Stone town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the cultural center of Zanzibar. The town is found on the main island of Unguja and gets its name from the 19th-century buildings whose architecture was influenced by European, Arabic, Indian, and Swahili settlers. Because of its Arab and European background, Stone Town has a history that is well documented. Taking a tour of the town is a great opportunity to understand the history of the island’s inhabitants spanning different eras. The town is located at the very heart of Zanzibar and was once an important stopover for both general merchandise and slave traders moving to and from the mainland. Stone Town is characterized by very narrow streets, bazaars, ancient architecture, and several mosques.
The Key attractions in the town are the Anglican church cathedral, the ceremonial palace, the Kidichi Persian Baths for Sultan Said (unfortunately the pool, massage table and changing rooms have not been well maintained), the Dunga ruins, the Peace Memorial Museum and Makusurani graveyard for past Arab rulers.
The Mtoni Palace Ruins is also an excellent site worth visiting and is found north of the Town. Built in the 1800s, the Mtoni Palace was destroyed by a fire but its remains still attract a lot of visitors. You can also visit the former old slave market, the House of wonders (one of the six palaces of the Sultan), check out other heritage sites, and admire the overall architecture of the town.
Visit the Local markets & Forodhani nightlife in Stone Town.
While at Stone Town, you can visit the open-air market and see how people make ends meet or go shopping for fruits, giant seafood, meat, and vegetables. You can join in the fish auctioning where fish dealers put a price for the largest catch. Taking part in the fish auction is exciting as it allows you to mingle with the locals and get a chance to see rare and giant ocean creatures. If you have some spare change, you can take part in the auction. You could put on a price on one of the largest fish and donate it to the female fish dealers with less money. While at the market, you can order fresh fish and have it fried or grilled to be served with potato chips.
Apart from fried fish at open-air markets, you can also visit the night markets along the streets for roasted meat, French fries, and local food. English is widely spoken and you can start conversations by asking them about life on the island. If you are interested in buying local souvenirs, jewels, and clothes, then you should visit the boutique stores found on Changa Bazaar Street, Kenyatta Road, and Ginzenga Street.
Visit the Beaches
The beaches in the western part of Zanzibar provide some of the most beautiful sunsets while those in the south are known for having a high concentration of dolphins.
When you imagine an idyllic tropical beach with white sand, turquoise water, and palm trees waving lazily in the breeze the images you have in your head are much like the beaches of Zanzibar.
The island’s beaches are considered to be the best in Africa and the popular Kendwa Beach on Zanzibar’s northwest coast was recently voted the best beach in Africa and the 4th best beach in the entire world. Kendwa is known best for its nightlife.
Nungwi Beach with its white sands and beautiful turquoise waters will impress almost anyone who visits it. It has a variety of accommodation facilities, clubs, bars, and restaurants and is where most of the island residents go for the best parties and beach experience.
The other popular beaches are Paje Beach on the eastern side of the coastline. All the beaches have beautiful white sands and waters which are excellent for swimming and diving. To visit all the beaches in a short time, it is important to choose a hotel that is strategically located to allow easy accessibility to the different islands. All beaches in Zanzibar are free to the public.
Water sports activities in Zanzibar
Snorkeling, windsurfing, Parasailing, and Scuba Diving: There are several water sports that one can choose to take part in while on holiday at Zanzibar. The parasailing experience is one example of a fun sport that will take your breath away as you discover beautiful aerial views of the island and its other hidden spots. Parasailing can be done alone, with friends, as a family, or with your hubby. Apart from parasailing, the clear waters and coral reefs provide excellent opportunities for Scuba diving and Snorkeling.
The Old Fort
The Old Fort also known as Ngome Kongwe is an interesting 17th-century building that was built by the Omani Arabs after expelling the Portuguese. It was later used to protect the town against enemies like the Mazrui Arabs in the 1700s. A local Guide can share with you information about its history and the critical role it played in protecting the town from potential enemies. Most of the hotels and lodges within Stone Town arrange day tours led by an experienced Guide. We will be discussing some of the key attractions in Stone Town in more detail in the following chapters.
Visit the Livingstone House.
This building is also found in Stone Town Zanzibar. It was built by Sultan Sais Majis in 1860. It later served as the headquarters of explorers and missionaries who had come for specific missions in East Africa. One of the explorers was the famous Dr. David Livingstone. Livingstone stayed in the building before starting his expedition to the East African mainland. The British bought the house in 1947 but now houses government tourist offices.
Visit Religious Establishments
Although Islam is the dominant religion on the island, Zanzibar also has residents who are Christian or Hindu. Stone Town has Hindu temples, Christian Cathedrals, and several mosques. The Shakti Temple for example stands out for its unique architecture while the Malindi mosque is the oldest on the island with a rare but simple design. Christians can visit the Anglican Cathedral which was built in the 19th century. The cathedral is close to one of the largest slave markets in Stone Town and is worth a visit.
Sunset dhow cruise
A dhow cruise will allow you to appreciate the sheer beauty of the Indian Ocean. Our dhows ensure enough supplies for the day including delicious snacks, seafood (grilled fish, lobsters, octopus, and calamari), and drinks to keep everyone excited and happy. You will cruise and visit some of the small island and fishing villages where you can go ashore and explore the area or climb old baobab trees. During the cruise, you may spot dolphins, swim along the beautiful green lagoons, fish, or snorkel along the coral reefs and mangroves.