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Zanzibar is a tropical island that is most famous for its stunning beaches, good weather and beautiful accomodations. Nungwi and Kendwa are among the most famous beaches and offer everything concerning beach activities from watersports, snorkeling, boattrips or simply relaxing on the white sands.
We prepared an overview for you in our article about the best beaches in Zanzibar.
The city of Stonetown is where most visitors start their staying in Zanzibar as it can be reached by plane and by ferry. You can read our article How to arrive Zanzibar? for further information. Beside the beautiful and unique architecture of Stonetown itself it offers alot of historical sights, restaurants and boutique hotels. You can find a small list of the most famous sights in Stonetown and book a Stonetown Daytrip with us to visit this cultural heritage.
The Old Fort (also known as the Arab Fort)
It is a heavy stone fortress that was built in the 17th century by the Omanis to protect the city from European invasions. It has a roughly square shape and the internal courtyard is now a cultural centre with shops, workshops, and a small arena where live dance and music shows are held daily. The fort location is also used for the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
The House of Wonders
in located on the Mizingani Road along the Stone Town seafront, and is probably the most well-known landmarks of Stone Town. It was built in 1883 and restored after the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896. Formerly the Sultan’s residence. It was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity. Since 2000, its interior has been dedicated to a museum on Swahili and Zanzibar culture.
Forodhani Gardens / Food Market
The Forodhani Gardens are a small park in the frontwalk of Stone Town, right in front of the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. Every evening after sunset the gardens host a popular market selling grilled seafood and Zanzibari recipes.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph
The cathedral was built by missionaries between 1893 and 1897. The design was based on that of the Marseille Cathedral and is one of the most well-known landmarks of Stone Town and can already be seen while arriving the harbor of Stonetown. The church is still operational today and holds regular mass on Sundays.
Slavery Museum / The former slave market
The museum consists of slave chambers (one for 50 men and one for 75 women and children), a memorial, and an Anglican Church built on the site of the tree that served as whipping post. It provides information on the history of the building and slave trade in Zanzibar. You can go into the holding chambers in the cellar that was used by the Oman Arab and British slave traders.
Jozani Forest has excellent nature trails, featuring some very exotic trees and plants that are home of the Red Colobus Monkeys that live here. These Monkeys can only survive on Zanzibar, nowhere else in the world, since they need a diet of 70 different plants, berries etc. The Red Colobus Monkeys are a protected species. A major part of the entrance fees goes to the local farmers in the surrounding area. In the past, the farmers killed the Monkeys because they destroyed their crops. Ever since they are compensated for their losses, the killing stopped.
You can book a guided tour with us to visit the Jozani Forest on a Daytrip.
Tazari Caves (near Nungwi)
The caves belong to a recently discovered series of caves that contain stalagmites and stalagtites and is home to crab spiders and bats.
Kuza Caves (near Jambiani)
Visitors can swim in natural pools inside the cave that have been created by a subterranean river.
Kiwengwa Caves (near Pongwe)
These caves are a part of ancient history of the Zanzibar Island and have just recently been opened to the public. The stalagmites and stalactites have been formed from water dissolving calcium carbonate from coral stones. There is hardly any natural light so flashlights are recommended. You can visit the caves with us as a Caves Daytrip.
Surfing in Zanzibar
The Southeast Coast of the island offers a variety of surf spots for different level surfers. The reefs are flat and beginner friendly in some sections. For a good surf experience in Zanzibar a guide is essential.
Snorkel Excursions
Menai Bay Conservation Area in the southwest side region holds very colourful coral reef systems with vivid sea life. You can take a morning trip out to snorkel or dive in a traditional dhow boat from Fumba Beach. You can see our Blue Safari Daytrip here.
Spices have long been a pillar of Zanzibar’s trade-heavy economy and Stone Town ibecame the heart of the Spice Trade along the East Coast of Africa. Portuguese and Chinese traders introduced spices such as garlic, cacao and chili to the islands several centuries ago but it was the Omani Sultan Seyyid Said who fully exploited the potential of Zanzibar’s tropical climate and incredibly fertile soil. Today you can visit some legendary Spice Farms on our Daytrips to explore and taste the secret of Zanzibar’s ancient treasures.
