5 TOP THINGS TO DO IN ZANZIBAR

As a frequent traveler, I’ve seen many beautiful places around the world, but Zanzibar has a special place in my heart. This small island off the coast of Tanzania offers a rare combination of natural beauty, rich culture, and historical significance.

Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. It has a long and fascinating history as a trading hub, with influences from African, Arabic, and Indian cultures. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the spice farms, which offer a glimpse into Zanzibar’s agricultural heritage.

Before I go into details of the things we did in Zanzibar, Let me talk about where we stayed.

DoubleTree by Hilton Nungwi

The travel agency provided a prearranged taxi that drove us to the DoubleTree by Hilton in Nungwi. When we got there, we were happy to see that the ambience was just what we had anticipated: serene, breathtaking, and immaculately clean. It was great to have a queen-sized bed with an ocean view in our guest room.

Once we had unpacked and settled in, we took a leisurely walk to the nearby white sand beach, where we enjoyed the stunning views and took a refreshing swim in the water. It was a thoroughly relaxing experience. Afterward, we headed to lunch, which was included in our full board package, providing us with three hearty meals throughout our stay, along with pool and oceanfront cocktails.

The range of mouth-watering food was so vast that we occasionally missed some of our meals. I consumed so much food that upon returning to Nigeria, I had to undergo a detox. Nevertheless, the food was truly delicious.

These were the 5 top things we did in Zanzibar:

Stone Town

Our journey to Stone Town was an intriguing one as we traversed through numerous narrow streets lined with an abundance of shops selling a variety of wares, including such as clothing, artwork, and souvenirs.

We were in awe of the old, intricately carved wooden doors and historical buildings that graced our path. Our next destination was the meat market, but as our tour guide spoke, my husband turned to me and uttered, “Etemi, all the men are staring at you; we need to leave here.” He was correct; it was a brief yet unsettling moment.

The tour guide explained that the locals were unaccustomed to seeing women dressed in such a manner, but that I need not worry since we were with him.

Nonetheless, we promptly rushed into the market and purchased a shawl that read “Hakuna Matata,” providing some reassurance. We then ventured through the bustling fruit market before returning to the city. The tour guide led us to the Stone Town pier and the Old Fort, and I even had the opportunity to get a Henna tattoo.

Spice Tour

The Spice Tour was an exciting experience. During the tour, we visited the spice plantations to see how various spices are grown, harvested, and processed. We found it fascinating to learn about the different spices, including their cultivation, uses, and some that were unfamiliar to us.

Additionally, we gained insight into the spices incorporated into some of the fragrances we use. It was an informative excursion that broadened our knowledge.

As a part of the tour, we visited a local village and interacted with the locals, after which we were offered light refreshments. They dressed us up as ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ using palm fronds.

Overall, our trip to Spice Tour was a fascinating and educational experience that combines history, culture, and culinary delight. It is an excellent way to explore and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar.

Safari Blue Tour

One of my best experiences was the Safari Blue Tour, a full-day sea adventure that takes you on a journey through the stunning coastline and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This excursion allows you to explore various islands, sandbanks, and coral reefs that are teeming with marine life.

Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean was one of the highlights of the Safari Blue Tour, where you can observe various species of tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs up close.

During the tour, the boat stopped in the middle of the sea, and a few people on the boat took deep dives. I tried snorkeling for the first time and struggled with water entering my mask and affecting my eyes.

Breathing through my mouth alone was also a challenge. However, despite these challenges, I was glad to have attempted it anyway.

The tour also included a delicious seafood lunch at Kwale Island, where we enjoyed grilled fish, lobster, prawns, and other local delicacies. Throughout the trip, there were plenty of refreshments such as fresh fruit, drinks, and snacks provided on board the boat. We also sang and bonded during the tour. We toured Kwale Island, taking in its picturesque scenery. 

This tour is a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making the Safari Blue Tour a truly memorable experience, and a must-do activity for anyone visiting Zanzibar.

Dhow Sunset Cruise

We went on a Dhow Sunset Cruise, a popular Zanzibar activity and a romantic way to see the island’s beautiful coastline and stunning sunsets.

The cruise usually lasts for two hours and is conducted on a traditional dhow outfitted with comfortable seating. We were taken out into the calm, tranquil ocean by the crew. We relished the breathtaking sights of the Indian Ocean sunset.

Overall, a Zanzibar Dhow Sunset Cruise is a magical experience that perfectly blends romance, relaxation, and adventure.

Nungwi Beach

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and soak up some sun, look no further than Nungwi Beach, a stunning destination situated in the northern part of Zanzibar, Tanzania. Known for its crystal clear blue waters and sprawling white sand beaches, Nungwi Beach is a haven forbeach lovers. You can enjoy a variety of water sports, including snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as swimming and sunbathing.

Our hotel was located right on the beachfront. We spent most of our time swimming in the crystal clear waters of the beach and relaxing by the pool. One day, we were fortunate to meet some members of the Maasai tribe and took a picture with them.

Later that night, We enjoyed a special dinner in a tent that was made up, particularly for us. Although it was unexpected, it made the evening special. We were treated to a traditional dance performance by the locals following dinner. Some of the other guests at the resort even joined in on the fun.

Although we didn’t explore the nightlife in Zanzibar, we found the chilled and relaxed atmosphere of Nungwi Beach to be the perfect getaway. We hope to visit again soon and experience more of what this beautiful destination has to offer.

Interesting Facts about Zanzibar

• Zanzibar is an autonomous state of Tanzania.
• Stone Town is the Historic town within Zanzibar City.
• Zanzibar is a group of islands off the East Coast of Africa.
• Visas are gotten at arrival. I don’t know if that has changed.
• Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island in Africa.
• The best time to visit is between June and November.
• Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the band Queen, was born in Zanzibar.
• Zanzibar is predominantly a Muslim state so dress appropriately when going to the market or walking around the city. Remember what happened at the meat market. Lol!
• The city is generally known to be safe.

Have you ever visited Zanzibar? I Would love to hear about your experience.