What You Need to Know About Zanzibar

A visit to the Zanzibar Archipelago will transport you back in time. The semi-autonomous archipelago lies off the Tanzania coast, and with an ancient culture and landscape over 2,000 years old, is made of Zanzibar island, the Pemba Island and several smaller islands. What is unique about Zanzibar is its tropical tableau and exceptional culture that makes for a quintessential Indian Ocean experience.

The coastal village life remains steeped in traditions fishing ways. Watch the farmers loading crates of mangoes onto outbound boats and the women farming seaweed off powder-white coral sands. Stay at one of the leading Zanzibar Resorts for a memorable time and experience.

Photo CC by Bradclin Photography

When to Visit

The right time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October as these are the cool, dry months of spring. Another bet time to visit is during the hot and dry months of December to February.

Get ready for a holiday amidst palm fringed beaches and watch the glorious sunsets. You can enjoy scuba diving during the months of July and August as well as in February and March. Avoid visiting the islands during the rainy season that last from March to late May and in November.

Photo CC mitchpa1984

Getting Around

One of the best and chest ways to explore the islands is the dala-dala. One can make use of shared taxis as well as regular taxis to move across.

Go for a car rental company carrying a good reputation and do some research beforehand. It is much cheaper if one rents the car at the airport or ferry port. Make sure you carry your driving license as there are many police checks on the roads. One can get the temporary Zanzibar drivers permit from the local authorities.

See and Do

You will simply love the sugary sands on the glorious white beaches of Zanzibar. Some of the most popular beaches are Paje/Jambiani, Matemwe/Kiwengwa, and Nungwi/Kendwa.

Zanzibar Island is one of the few places in the world where saffron and other spices are grown. Explore a number of different pots that are historically important such as The House of Wonders, Stone Town, and The Arab Fort. The Stone Town markets are the biggest one, and the Seaweed Center is where the industrial harvest of Seaweed takes place on Zanzibar island.

There are quite a lot of caves to explore here, and some suggestions are the Kuumbi Caves in Jambiani or the Tazani near Nungwi. Southeast Coast Surfing is very popular among locals and tourists on the island. There is a guaranteed spot for uncrowded surf for beginners in crystal clear warm waters where the reefs are flat and beginner friendly.

Photo CC by ShayneThomas

Enjoy Deep Sea Fishing on the North Coast or enjoy Kitesurfing at the Ras Nungwi Beach. You can enjoy fishing with local Dhow or can simply relax sitting and staring at the water for hours. Arrange for a cooking course with local women or simply cycle to explore the villages. Enjoy the Mwaka Kogwa festival in July or take the Dolphin Tour in Kizimkazi.