Known for its white sand beaches and bright blue waters, Zanzibar is a breath-taking paradise holiday. In Zanzibar you manage to relax and be excited almost everywhere you go. One of the best things to do in Zanzibar is to swim in the clear waters, but there is also much more.
Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, is the largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, which consists of several islands. Here are some fun things to do in Zanzibar.
Acrobats and capoeira
At sunset, on pleasant evenings, you can head to the Stone Town public beach to enjoy the last light of the day watching acrobatics and capoeira performed by the locals. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It’s pretty fun to watch from any of the nearby restaurants or on the beach.
‘…dance, acrobatics and music…’
Jozani Forest
Take a trip to Jozani Forest, the last sanctuary in the world to see the Zanzibar red colobus monkey. The forest is one of the lushest places in Zanzibar. It’s a reminder of what has become of our environment over the centuries. On the nature trails through the beautiful forests, it’s easy to find the red monkeys because they are not shy.
‘…the red monkeys are not shy…’
Mwani Zanzibar
A visit to Mwani Zanzibar is a must. Previously known as the Seaweed Center, Mwani Zanzibar is a women’s initiative that employs local women to make products from the abundance of seaweed around the island. You get to see the daily tasks of the seaweed farmers and it’s a pleasure to relax at the shop with a glass of seaweed fruit juice.
‘…relax with a glass of seaweed fruit juice…’
Paje Beach
Paje beach has hip cafes, burger joints, kite surfing, bars, and hostels, making it one of the great places to visit in Zanzibar. The most popular thing to do in Paje is kitesurfing but relaxing in the inviting turquoise waters is the perfect thing to do! Paje is considered one of the best places in the world to go kite surfing, and it’s easy to understand why when you feel the wind and see the gorgeous water.
‘…feel the wind and see the gorgeous water…’
Prison Island
Prison Island is one of the great places of interest in Zanzibar. Built in the late 1800s, the prison served as an island for slaves and prisoners, but is now a joy to visit the nearby tortoise sanctuary, home to some of the giant Aldabross tortoises.
‘…giant tortoises…’
Spice Tour
Zanzibar, often referred to as ‘Spice Island’ for its centuries of clove, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon production offers spice tours to a large farm where you can see, touch, and taste the many flavours of Zanzibar.
‘…see, touch and taste…’
Stone Town
While in Zanzibar, a visit to Stone Town is essential. The ‘Palace of Wonders’ is the tallest building in Stone Town and a main point of interest. It’s next to the Old Fort and is a sight to see; it’s the spot for the first elevator in all of East Africa. You can learn about the history of Stone Town and view old exhibits here. There are many unique places to see in Stone Town, including beautiful boutique shops and plenty of fabulous restaurants.
‘…beautiful boutique shops and fabulous restaurants…’