The island of Zanzibar is part of Tanzania being a small island just off the mainland. With it’s stunning turquoise waters and pure white sand beaches, it’s strikingly different to the rest of Tanzania. This paradise island is a perfect way to end a busy and fun filled safari trip.
I was part of a safari tour in Tanzania, which ended in Zanzibar and then had 4 days to myself to relax. Unfortunately is rained everyday! Surprisingly though the water was still just as blue. There was a brief break in the rains and when the sun came out the water glistened and I could see Zanzibar in all its glory.
So things to do in Zanzibar?
Here is a guide of things to do and places to see in Zanzibar, Tanzania. I was mainly in Stone Town and Nungwi beach (at the Northern tip of the island).
1. Tour Around Cultural Stone Town
Stone Town is where I flew into from mainland Tanzania and it was a surprising place to visit. Completely different to the rest of the beachside places on the island. Very much like Morocco, this Muslim town has many quirky features, from it’s textured street walls, intricate carved doors, with pastel blue colours, art and textile shops and bustling food markets.
Stone Town has many alley ways to walk down, with a real artsy feel and many historical sites. Check out the busy Darajani Market, selling fresh fish, meat and spices. There’s also everything from cheap electronics to clothes and textile shops.
2. Explore Christ Church, Zanzibar
This early Christian church made of coral stone was built in 7 years. Christ Church has a dim past and on my guided tour of Stone Town we were taken down into the chambers by the church. This is where they kept slaves chained up in such cramped conditions, some would die from suffocation.
It was a hard thing to see in person and once inside, you get just a glimpse and sense of how claustrophobic theses chambers are. Back inside the church we were shown a wooden crucifix made from the wood of the trees that British explorer David Livingstone died under. His heart is buried under the same tree in Zambia.
Outside the church is the memorial ‘Memory for the Slaves’, commemorating theย abolishment of slavery. Although hard to see and hear of the stories that happened here, it was an insightful tour into the hard history of Stone Town.
3. Touch Giant Tortoises on Prison Island (Changuu)
Changuu Island, known commonly as Prison Island is only 30 min by boat from Stone Town. Delving more into Zanzibar’s past, the guide I had booked explained how this island was originally intended to hold slaves but ended up being used as a quarantine station for yellow fever epidemics.
In 1919, a gift of 4 giant tortoises were given to the island by the British governor of the Seychelles. Changuu island today is used as a tourist island, where you can feed and touch the tortoises, whilst learning a bit about the history of the place.
4. Snorkel off Changuu Island
As well as seeing giant tortoises off Prison Island (Changuu) it’s a great place to snorkel. I was on my own but felt pretty safe with my guide, as he and another guy driving the boat stopped out on the open water. The snorkelling was actually really good and I might have even seen more fish than I did on the Great Barrier Reef!
You can do this as a half day trip from Stone Town, with the Prison Island tour, meeting the giant tortoises and then snorkelling. It’s a really cheap tour as well so I would definitely recommend this!
5. Relax on a White Sand Beach
Heading up North to Nungwi beach, I instantly felt more relaxed. It’s such a different vibe from busy Stone Town and the beaches of Nungwi are stunning. Imagine crisp, turquoise water, so clear and glistening in the sun. When the tide is in, there are steps taking you directly down into the water.
This is where you don’t have to do anything at all. Just sit. We always feel we should be doing something, visiting an attraction or doing an adventure activity, etc. Sometimes it’s just nice to sit and let doing nothing take over. After a while you will wind down take everything at a slower pace.
6. Read a Good Book
When it was raining on my time on Zanzibar island, I thought it was a great time to just take some time for myself and read a good book. Something that can be hard to find time for at home. There is also something meditating about hearing a downpour of tropical rain in the background.
7. Have A Go At SUP
SUP or stand up paddle boarding is a great way to get a bit active on Nungwi beach. Paddle boards can be rented for cheap and they double up as another way to explore the beautiful island. If you’re looking for more activities try renting out a kayak or booking a sunset boat cruise.
8. Watch the locals playing football
From a great vantage point of a cute little cafe, I was able to watch the locals in a game of football. With such a stunning backdrop it’s easy to just sit back and take in the setting (without doing any of the hard work).
9. Enjoy a Zanzibar Sunset & Sunrise
Zanzibar has some great sunsets, with that orange glow slowly drifting over the blue water, there’s no better way to end the day on Nungwi beach. Get up early the next day and be rewarded by a tranquil and pretty sunrise over the ocean. Stone Town also had some great sunsets, even better along with a good cocktail on a rooftop bar!
10. Eat & Watch A Storm Roll In
When there’s a storm on Zanzibar? Eat, drink, read, take a nap in a hammock (covered of course) and just watch nature. Although not ideal weather I did get some decent shots of a storm rolling in over the ocean.
There are also many cafes and restaurants, serving fresh seafood, western style dishes also and great cocktails. You can just eat all day long- why not!
11. Watch the Local Women Fish
In the mornings you might catch the local women heading out into the ocean to go fishing. With their traditional methods, they line up in single file, walking out to the water with their fishing nets. This is a great photography opportunity to capture the local way of life.
12. Take a Look at the Village
Just in from the tourist beach hotels are the local villages. You can walk around by yourself (just be slightly cautious- no flashing of valuables, etc) or you can book a village tour which will explain about local life. I also went to the local night club with a few people who were still on the island from my tour group. This was a pretty fun experience but I did have the security of my guide who joined us even though our tour had ended. For women alone I would avoid going out after dark by yourself, as a precaution.
Solo Female Travel in Zanzibar
Being a Muslim country females should have shoulders and knees covered, especially whilst in Stone Town. I felt safe enough with my tour group around Stone Town but when I tried to venture out alone in the morning I did feel a bit uncomfortable (even though I was covered up). The men stared a lot and were hissing/ shouting things. I cut my walk short, much to my annoyance as I felt it was best at the time. However I did see many other females walking out alone who seemed perfectly fine so I guess it’s just down to how comfortable you feel in the present situation.
On the beaches its much more relaxed in terms of how you can dress. Although still respectful to cover up a bit in restaurants, the locals do not seem to be bothered by it as much as in Stone Town. What you will get through is touts on the beach, selling sunglasses and what not. They are friendly enough and more annoying than anything else. A firm no should do the trick and you can continue on your way.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar?
The majority of the best beaches are in the North and West side of the island but really you can find stunning beaches anywhere. Kendwa and Nungwi in the North are considered some of the best beachside places to visit, whilst Matemwe in the North-East is becoming more popular with tourists.
On the East side Kiwengwa beach and Pongweย beach are popular spots. The South is more undeveloped but Kizimkazi beach is a great place if you’re after total seclusion. Bwejuu and Dongwe beach in the South East are great for snorkelling. For diving places, head up to the North of Zanzibar.
If you have time on your hands then a road trip from the North and down the West side of the island would be a great way to see the variety of beaches on offer.
Best time to visit Zanzibar, Tanzania?
The long rainy season is from March-May, with tropical downpours across the island. The short rainy season is during November and December- the rains are much lighter but can be unpredictable.
The best time to go is during the long dry season from June-October, when rainfall is rare and the temperatures are slightly cooler. January and February are also popular times to visit and it is usually hot and dry.
Whatever time of year or part of the island you visit, I’m sure Zanzibar will be a stunning getaway and a perfect way to round up a week long safari in the Serengeti! Hope you enjoyed this post and I have inspired you to visit this beautiful Tanzanian island. Let me know in the comments below!
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