Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands – the most famous being Unguja located 25 kms from the mainland coast at Dar es Salaam. The island is famous for its mix of exotic beaches, famous spice plantations, history (Stone Town being the capital) and diverse culture. Unguja (the main island in Zanzibar) is also home to many endangered species including the red colobus monkey and green turtle.

The North and East Coast of Unguja have particularly inviting beaches with powder white sand lapped by turquoise blue warm waters of the Indian Ocean and framed by many coconut and wild date palms.  This makes for an ideal location to relax particularly after a safari or trek up Kilimanjaro.  There are many excursions and water sports for people to indulge in and a whole range of accommodations to choose from (see below).

Zanzibar Package, Stone Town

View of Stone Town

Zanzibar’s capital is the historical Stone Town, home to much of Zanzibar’s tourism industry. It is also a World Heritage Site. The town contains numerous historical and cultural sites, including Makusurani graveyard (where many of the islands’ previous Arab rulers are buried), House of Wonders (a four story building which was the first place on the islands with electrical lights), Hamamni and Kidichi Persian Baths (the first public baths on the island), Dunga Ruins (ruins of a palace built in the 15th century by the rulers of the time), and the Peace Memorial Museum, a national historical museum detailing the island’s long history.

Coastal tourism

A beach on Zanzibar

Zanzibar is home to large amounts of beaches and clear Indian Ocean water, as well as coral and limestone scarps which allow for significant amounts of diving and snorkeling. The diving and snorkeling are done in marine parks. The aquatic life seen includes dolphins, moray eels, lion fish, octopus and lobster. Tourists may also go dhow cruising around the small islands. They can view the sunset and have refreshments on board. Some of these marine spaces are providing important ecosystem preservation, such as Chumbe Marine Park.

Spice tour[edit]

The town is famous for its spice tours. Tourists visit the various coconut and spice plantations in the island. Zanzibar is known for its variety of spices that are used to prepare food, cosmetics and medicines. Some of the fruits available include banana, coconut, lime, jackfruit and breadfruit. Spices include clove, nutmeg, black pepper, vanilla and coriander. Zanzibar is also known for its salt and seaweed farms that may be visited by tourists on request.

What makes Zanzibar special?
What makes Zanzibar different to other tropical island destinations is the eclectic mix of sun, sea, sand and spice. But there is much more – vivid history, culture and a variety of excursions that makes this one of the most popular all-round beach destinations for people of all ages and interests.  Apart from this, a whole range of endangered species can be found in the warm tropical waters around the archipelago – from bottlenose dolphins and green turtles to the once assumed extinct coelacanth!

Zanzibar also hosts annual festivals and events drawing people from all over East Africa and the world.