Places to visit and see in zanzibar

Jozani Forest

The majority of people come in search of the uncommon red colobus monkey at this expansive and picturesque patch of green that is a biodiversity hotspot and a part of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. The unusual screams and vivid coats of this simian specimen are the result of thousands of years of isolation from related species on the African mainland. Butterfly-filled nature walks, a boardwalk that drops into mangrove swamps, and a very remote possibility of seeing a leopard are all present. However, don’t get your hopes up too high; the last leopard sighting was decades ago.

Nungwi Beach

You came to the Indian Ocean to bury your toes in coral sands as white and pristine as caster sugar, and Nungwi, on Zanzibar’s most northwesterly tip, is the spot to do it. There is a DoubleTree Resort by Hilton here, along with a few lodges surrounded by tropical gardens, beach huts, and restaurants with sea views. However, the area has not been overrun by large groups of foreign tourists, and locals mix freely with guests. There are many opportunities for water activities and sunset cruises, and you may plan deep-sea fishing expeditions to look for jumping sailfish and aggressive-appearing bull dorado.

Forodhani Market

Welcoming Zanzibar’s famous nighttime food market, a swirl of cooks juggling spitting pots, Forodhani Gardens morphs into a riot of calorific magnificence as the afternoon fades toward nightfall in the heart of Stone Town. The variety of foods is astounding, and the fragrances are wonderful. Bring a lot of food. Some of the options, like falafel the size of your fist or tandoori lobster kebabs, may be recognizable to you. The fish dishes with fried potato balls, naan, and samosas are among of our favorites. You won’t need to eat for a week, or perhaps only till tomorrow at the same time and place.

Palace Museum

The Palace Museum, built in 1883 under Sayyid Sir Barghash bin Said Al-orders Busaid’s as the second Sultan of Zanzibar, is a beautiful confection of coral stone, silver accents, and acres of marble beneath your feet. Since the Sultan of Zanzibar commissioned it as a dwelling in the traditional Omani architecture, it has the appearance of a mansion. Zanzibar was ruled by the Omani Empire for over 200 years beginning in 1698. Since the middle of the 1990s, it has become a museum, displaying a variety of fascinating royal artifacts on three levels, including furniture, apparel, and written documents.

House of Wonders.

The House of Wonders, also known as Beit-al-Ajaib, is weak in some parts to the point of collapse and is a portion of a Unesco World Heritage site (and indeed, a partial collapse happened in December 2020, prompting the Omani government to pledge millions of dollars towards repairs). When it was finished in 1883, it was the biggest mansion in East Africa and the first one to feature a lift, earning the name “House of Wonders.” On Zanzibar, it was also the first to enjoy the convenience of electricity. Despite Stone Town’s current dire situation, it remains one of the top attractions to visit; the fascinating displays include clothing, fishing gear, and a classic Swahili dhow boat.

Spice tour

Spices were first brought to Zanzibar by Portuguese traders some 500 years ago after they were brought from their colonies in South America and India. Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other ingredients are still produced in modest organic facilities today. To follow your nose down winding backstreets while being escorted by a knowledgeable guide is one of the most sensory ways to explore the destination. You’ll breathe in delicious fragrances of cardamom, black pepper, vanilla, and turmeric. After the tour, you can purchase items to go home and have a lunch in Swahili that is flavored with the scents you have just experienced.

Old fort

The Old Fort, the oldest structure in Stone Town, is situated just in front of Forodhani Gardens on the beachfront. The Old Fort, which was constructed in the 17th century to defend the island from invading Portuguese, is today one of Stone Town’s most popular attractions. You can stroll about, taking in the ruins of the previous fortress, and stroll through the central courtyard, where vendors are selling a variety of fragrant local goods. Even now, events and activities are held at an old amphitheater.

The Rock restaurant

A symbol of culinary brilliance can be found on the inconspicuous peninsula of Michamvi on the east coast of Unguja island. As a vital resource for subsistence fisherman, The Rock restaurant has developed into perhaps the best eating establishment in Zanzibar. There are just 12 tables, and it’s frequently completely booked, but your taste buds will appreciate it if you can make a reservation. Possibly a bottle of fresh South African rosé, tambi (local Swahili noodles), fish carpaccio with coconut sauce, and stir-fried fish. Life is a beach, followed by dinner.

Nakupenda beach

A thin section of sandbank just off the shore of Stone Town is known as Nakupenda (Swahili meaning “I love you”). What’s not to love, then? This little beach is a haven of fine, white sand that contrasts the vivid blue of the water. It’s the ideal location for swimming, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, and just staying cool under the intense African sun. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the beloved dolphins, the local celebrities, off in the distance, going about their own business.

Changuu Island

Changuu, also known as Prison Island, is a popular destination for beachgoers who want to sunbathe, swim, and snorkel in crystal-clear seas. They also come to meet the gigantic tortoises that are descended from those that were brought here from the Seychelles more than a century ago. The island’s unofficial name comes from a dark period in Zanzibar’s past when it served as a holding facility for slaves, which explains its significance.