Zanzibar Island may not be like the United Republic of Tanzania, Kenya, or other East African countries that will offer you wildlife safaris, Gorilla trekking, and Chimpanzee trekking safari tours. It is a place of white sand beaches surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
So, most of the best tours will be in that lane for the entire trip.
Beach safari holidays are one of the time greats giving you a tranquil environment with maximum relaxation. These tour trips are usually an extension for travelers who have enjoyed the best tours in the national parks of the United Republic of Tanzania and Kenya and usually are booked on free cancellation.
However, they are ideal for honeymoon gateways and families as you get to walk on the white sands while you taste the shores of the deep blue ocean. You can swim, enjoy a boat tour, scuba dive, or snorkel in the Indian Ocean.
The top beaches are the Nakupenda beach, Paje, Bwejuu, Nungwi, Kizimkazi, Michamvi, Kendwa, and Matemwe beaches.
Boat tours are some of the popular tours to engage in as you explore Zanzibar tours. This island is one of the dhow countries as they are best experienced here on free cancellation.
These boat cruise best tours are experienced in dhow boats which are locally built with superb decoration. This trip will take you to Prison Island to see the giant Aldabra tortoise which was a gift from the Seychelles government in the 19th century.
Enjoy the romance of sunset sights of Stone Town from the sea. You can also enjoy enchanting views of the sunset over the clear blue waters and see fishermen diving into the Indian Ocean to get their late catch.
Zanzibar archipelago is also known as the “Spice Island” due to the variety of species that are grown. During this authentic tour, you will explore a spice plantation and experience the world of tropical fruits and species.
Most of the big commercial farms are located in the Masingini forest just outside of Stone Town (Zanzibar City).
The spice tour trip is usually approximately a 3-hour walking tour trip accompanied by expert local tour guides who give you authentic tours for free cancellation.
Experience, taste, and smell the different species that are grown in the Spice plantation in Zanzibar Island like Turmeric, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Cloves, Nutmegs, etc. You can also try out traditional spiced food.
Cultural tours of Zanzibar Island expose you to the different cultures on this outstanding Island. You will experience many cultural life influences of the Arabs, Indians, Europeans, and Africans and the architectural features of Stone Town.
This town is built from coral stone, stroll past large verandas with carved banisters and huge wooden feature doors. You can visit mosques and churches in Zanzibar City which are ideal for Zanzibar tours.
Also, you get to experience how local food is prepared using the Island’s variety of species and coconut milk during this trip. Explore the busy local markets in Zanzibar city filled with African and Asian-inspired trinkets, aromatic herbs, and clothing like the Darajani market.
Perhaps, you may as well opt to choose a visit a traditional dhow construction site or visit a local school in one of the rural areas.
Cultural/community tours are best for knowing Zanzibar’s history and evolution, especially with the rural populations, and we strongly recommend them when here.
There are several tourist attractions that travelers can see on their Zanzibar tour trips. Do not expect to see many big game animals on this island as you can only see these in the National Parks of Tanzania though you can see some primates, art galleries, sea animals, nature, etc.
These are the top things to see on your Zanzibar tours;
Beaches in Zanzibar Island are life epic attractions on the coast of the Indian Ocean and they are best for relaxation, a chilled trip, or a romantic East Africa honeymoon during Zanzibar tours.
These places all have white sands and you can enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and boat cruises, similar to those of South Africa in Cape Town. The best beaches to see on Zanzibar Island are Paje, Bwejuu, Nungwi, Kizimkazi, Michamvi, Kendwa, Matemwe, and Nakupenda Beaches.
You can book the best tours to beaches with a free cancellation policy.
The Zanzibar Archipelago has an extraordinary bird life of over 230 species. 4 species are endemic and have several endemic subspecies. Visitors can see these birds on a birding trip when they explore the different places here like the coast of Pemba Island, Unguja, Prison Island, and Latham Island Islands.
Some of the notable birds include Bearded Scrub-Robin, Fischer’s Turaco, Pemba Green Pigeon, Goshawk, Black-Bellied Starling, Masked Booby, Brown Noddy, Sooty Tern, etc. These birds are among the major attractions on the Island.
Stone Town is among the top attractions here. It is the ancient part of the largest city (Zanzibar City) of the islands. It is a perfect attraction as you get to see how the old Swahili trading town of East Africa looks, sound, and smell.
Enjoy the sights of Stone Town’s elegant stone buildings, sip chai or coffee, and bargain with the local vendors. Try out the local food here as this is a town to remember during Zanzibar tours.
Jozani Forest Reserve is also one of the leading attractions to look out for on your visit Zanzibar tour.
It has spectacular flora and fauna as it boasts an estimated population of 100 tree species, 50 butterfly species, amazing bird life, and 291 species of plants and it is off the coast of the Indian Ocean.
Jozani Forest also has a good number of Red Colobus Monkeys and other animal species like Duikers, Bush Babies, African Civets, Sykes Monkeys, etc. You get to see these animals and primates in their natural habitat on your trip here.
This reserve –Jozani Forest has an environmental impact on the islands like as providing good weather.
If you want to explore Zanzibar Island to the fullest, there are the best places you can explore and enjoy the best tours especially the Stone Town and spice plantations.
While here, expect no wildlife parks but the experience you will get is extraordinary and outstanding.
These are the major places to explore while on your tour trip and they are on the coast. They are spectacular with blue waters that come on the shores and white sand with tall palm trees almost similar to those of South Africa.
Paje: It is situated on the east coast, and it is perfect for water sports.
Nungwi: This is a pure place with a small village in the north. Travelers can come here to relax on the coast and as well to enjoy the place.
Kendwa: This is one of the biggest beaches on the coast and a popular destination. It has several resorts and restaurants, and it also hosts full moon parties.
Nakupenda Beach: It is a slender slice of a sandbank just off the coast of Stone Town or Zanzibar City.
The Stone Town has a history of Zanzibar City, the largest city and capital of the Zanzibar archipelago. The town is found on the main island of Unguja near the coast and it is one of the few remaining ancient towns in Africa with several attractions.
This town was a primary trading post on the spices, silk, and slave trade routes for over a millennium. It has also been a unique meeting place and blending of the African, Indian, Arabian, and European cultures.
This place is a UNESCO World Heritage because of its beauty and Zanzibar’s historical value.
There are several places to explore on a trip while in Stone Town and these include;
Many travelers and locals come together and dine on the street to eat locally cooked food and enjoy the nightlife.
The Cathedral of Christ Church was built by the British symbolically over the old whipping post of the island’s largest slave market. This was the first cathedral in East Africa and offered beautiful architecture.
It also offers a unique knowledge of the history of the slave trade in the Zanzibar archipelago.
It has art galleries, a curio market, and other attractions.
Prison Island is also known as Changuu Island and this small Island is spread across 5.6 km in the western part of Zanzibar Island.
The name’s island originates from the initial planning of establishing a prison as it was established for rebellious slaves and a coral mine.
This Island is a must-see jewel of the United Republic of Tanzania with its major attraction being a large home for the endangered Aldabra giant tortoises. These tortoises have lived for over 200 years.
On your trip here, you will also get a chance to explore and learn Zanzibar’s history of the Island and you can also enjoy swimming and relaxing on the white sands.
Jozani Forest is a top destination for a trip and it boasts of the world’s rarest animals like the Red Colobus Monkey as well as a variety of birds, butterflies, Bush Babies, and other attractions. It is just a small distance from the Stone Town.
Travelers can always enjoy a Jozani Forest tour thanks to the boardwalks and you can get a tour guide at the entrance if you require more information concerning animals and plants.
For you to explore Zanzibar Island, you need to visit the spice plantation to enjoy the spice tour trip. The Zanzibar archipelago is exotically known as Spice Island for its history and modern role as one of the major producers of spices.
Most of these spice plantations are only a short distance from Stone Town meaning that they can be reached quickly.
During your Zanzibar tours here, take a walk through a spice plantation to see cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, lemongrass, vanilla, and nutmeg. On your visit to the spice plantations, you can also enjoy a traditional lunch made of spices.
The Rock Restaurant is on the unassuming peninsula of Michamvi which is on the east coast of Unguja Island. This restaurant’s establishment began as a lifeline for existing fishermen and now it offers the best dining experience on Zanzibar Island.
This amazing restaurant has only 12 tables and it offers the best seafood lunch that you can ever imagine. The seafood lunch is usually served with a bottle of crisp South African rose.
The food here is extra-ordinary prepared traditionally.
The Palace Museum was commissioned by Sayyid Sir Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid, the second Sultan of Zanzibar Island in 1883. This museum is outstanding as it is made of coral stone, silver fittings, and marble underfoot of the Stone Town.
It is a mansion because the Sultan used it as his residence back in the day in the classic Omani style. This museum was set up in the 1990s with 3 floors and it is a wealth of charming royal relics including furniture, clothing, and sheets of writing.
The House of Wonders or Palace of Wonders is a landmark building in Stone Town. It is one of the largest and tallest buildings in Stone Town with the highest point and it is found between the Old Fort and the Palace Museum.
It is known as the House of Wonders because it was the first place on Zanzibar Island to have electricity and the first in East Africa to have an elevator. Explore this place of history and enjoy its amazing wonders by visiting the museum with art galleries.
Visit Zanzibar tours and trips offer you the best things to do when you trip on this amazing Island.
Do not expect game drives which are favorite in the Serengeti National Park of the United Republic of Tanzania or the Tsavo National Park of Kenya though there are several water sports.
You can book these activities on a free cancellation basis and below are the most exciting things to do in Zanzibar Island on trips.
There are several accommodation facilities in Zanzibar Island where you can stay during your holiday tours.
Accommodation is classified as luxury, midrange, and budget accommodation all having restaurants that offer good food for lunch and dinner and most of them have free cancellation.
Luxury accommodation includes Mnemba Island Lodge, Matemwe Retreat, Matemwe Lodge, Zawadi Hotel, Baraza Resort and Spa, Fundu Lagoon, etc.
Midrange accommodation includes Nungwi Dreams Hotel, Konokono Beach Resort, Langi Langi Beach Bungalows, Warere Beach Hotel, Sunshine Marine Lodge, Fun Beach Hotel, etc.
Budget accommodation includes; Stone Town Cafe and Bed & Breakfast, Dhow Palace Hotel, Zenji Hotel, Antonio Garden Hotel, Spice Palace Hotel, Al-Minar Hotel, The Seyyida Hotel & Spa, Forodhani Park Hotel, Mizingani Seafront Hotel, etc.
When traveling for Zanzibar tour trips, you need to have appropriate clothing for beach call tours and be comfortable. Here is the common wear for you to put on while you explore Zanzibar Island.
Yes, you can wear shorts on Zanzibar Island mostly on beach trips or tours. This province is mostly of Islamic traditions, so it is advised to wear shorts that at least cover the knees.
Zanzibar archipelago tours may not be the same as call tours in the United Republic of Tanzania or Kenya but still, there are things you need to pack for your tour trip to this outstanding destination.
Some of the essential items that shouldn’t miss on your packing list for tours in Zanzibar Island include;
The weather of Zanzibar Island is the same as that of the United Republic of Tanzania and Kenya meaning that this tourist destination is open to visitors all year round.
However, for you to enjoy it more, the best time and months are from June to October as these are cool dry months ideal for tours.
The other months to explore Zanzibar Island when it is hot and dry are December to February as the beaches are amazing.
However, there are short rains expected in those months. Even though there are short rains, the fun never ends as the Island still offers amazing adventure tours that one cannot forget.
During these rains, expect to get some special offers from hotels and resorts and usually, there is free cancellation.
Ideally, a minimum of 3 days should be enough for your Zanzibar Island trip as there is much you can enjoy. During these 3 days, you can walk around the white sand beaches, scuba dive in the Indian Ocean, or enjoy a spice tour trip within the spice plantations.
But if you have more time, like for honeymooners, then 7 days is the best way to go around Zanzibar Island. You will get to know some locals and dig into their culture and relax fully during these tours or trips.
If you are interested in knowing how much a safari from Zanzibar is? or if Zanzibar is affordable, you should plan to spend around $45-$60 per day per person on your vacation as this is the average daily price. This price is also based on the expenses that you will spend.
The things that determine the cost of the tour trip to Zanzibar Island include flight costs, accommodation costs, and the cost of activities to engage in.
If you are traveling on a low budget, expect to spend around $15 on food, $ 10 on local transportation, and $43 on accommodation.
This will make up the total based on the number of days you will be spending on Zanzibar Island and use a tour operator with a free cancellation policy for tours or trips.
Absolutely yes, Zanzibar Island is worth going for trips and there is no limitation to the excitement of the adventure tours.
It is a popular destination for those on honeymoon tour trips ideal for family getaways and one of the best places offering superb beach holidays. It also offers marine activities as well with a visit to Stone Town or Zanzibar City.
Zanzibar Island offers travelers with tranquility and relaxation. Cruises on traditional East African boats, the dhow, provide a unique view at sunset, swim deserted beaches or dive on reefs, and end the day eating fresh seafood lunch or dinner during tours.
You get to visit the oldest ancient towns in Africa and worldwide and tour the spice plantations, local communities, and the prison island, during Zanzibar Island trips or tours.
Yes, the Zanzibar archipelago is tourist-friendly as it is safe for travelers on tour trip holidays. This island province is crime-free, and it is politically stable.
The United Republic of Tanzania has its military deployed to keep peace and keep away terrorists. The people of Zanzibar Island are friendly, and they will welcome you with smiling faces for superb life tours or trips.
Also, the tour guides at this tourist destination place are professionals and are multilingual so every tourist feels safe, and it gives free cancellation to most travelers.
No, there is no safari in Zanzibar! All the safaris/call tours are in mainland Africa Tanzania and Kenya. However, Zanzibar Island offers the best beach tours that are good for relaxing and families giving your life memories.
Zanzibar safari packages are combined with United Republic of Tanzania tours to give you so much fun, and you can start from any national park of the United Republic of Tanzania and later connect to the island using a short flight from Dar es Salaam with free cancellation.
You can enjoy so many activities here like scuba diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, dhow cruises, etc. during Zanzibar Island trips and tours for life experiences.
Zanzibar Island is a semi-autonomous province of the United Republic of Tanzania, and it consists of the main islands of Unjuga, Pemba, Mafia, and other islands.
This province united with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. You can access it from the United Republic of Tanzania using a ferry from Dar es Salaam for superb tours and trips.
Zanzibar Island is famous for its spices due to the farming and processing of aromatic spices like cloves, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemongrass, and black pepper and that’s why it is referred to as the Spice Island.
Also, it is famous for its beaches and has Stone Town one of the oldest towns in Africa making it good for tours and trips.
It used to have trade routes for the Arabs, Portuguese, and Europeans. It offers the best tours for marine top activities.
Zanzibar Island is an African country, and it is not Indian. It is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. This province is only situated within the Indian Ocean, and it is made of other smaller islands, and you can access it by ferry from Dar es Salaam.
It is not a country as it is part of the United Republic of Tanzania as they united in 1964 to form one united republic country.
Swahili (called Kiswahili locally) is the widely spoken language in Zanzibar Island/spice Island and it is also spoken on the East African coast, particularly in Kenya and mainland Tanzania.
Yes, English is the second most widely spoken language with most people especially expert guides can speak it fluently.
This a common question but this depends on the budget of travelers. Zanzibar Island can be cheap and expensive depending on where you are staying, the activities you are engaging in on Zanzibar tours and trips, food, and your transportation modes.
On a tight budget, you can spend as little as $45 to $50 per day on a Zanzibar trip and you explore the Stone Town or Zanzibar City, Prison Island, beaches, etc.
Yes, you can break your Zanzibar Island trip for a day join unforgettable adventure tours, and marvel at a Tanzania Safari.
You can board a ferry to Dar es Salaam from Stone Town which is about 2 hours or a short flight to find the most amazing national park in the world. You can witness the annual migration in the Serengeti National Park with the big five animals.
The closest is Nyerere National Park and Selous Game Reserve, home to more than half of all Tanzanian elephants.
Yes, Zanzibar Island is good for holidays as the destination is a relaxation point.
Travelers can sail on dhows on the high tide as this place is one of the dhow countries, swim with the Dolphins, enjoy the blue waters and the white sand beaches, visit the spice plantations, and visit the giant tortoises in their natural habitat at the Prison Island.
Scuba dive in the ocean, try out the local food, and enjoy the best tours in Stone Town. There is no doubt that Zanzibar Island is an excellent tour-trip destination.
Both the Maldives and Zanzibar Island will provide incredible experiences, but they will also provide very different best tours.
If you want an all-inclusive resort vacation with great beaches and world-class snorkeling, the Maldives might be a better fit. This country excels at resorts, but the prices are high, and the excursions are limited though usually there is a free cancellation policy.
Zanzibar Island/Spice Island, on the other hand, will offer not only great beaches and swimming waters but also other excursion options including a Stone Town tour trip.
Travelers and locals mix throughout the island, so a Zanzibar archipelago vacation will be more cultural and local than one in the Maldives. Zanzibar’s accommodation and seafood lunch options are also significantly less expensive than those in the Maldives.
The difference between the two is that Zanzibar Island is a group of smaller islands that are part of Tanzania. In 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
The islands have their own elected government and taxes. Tanzania, like Zanzibar Island, has a president. Zanzibaris are Tanzanian nationals.
Tanzania’s Zanzibar is a partially self-governing state. The Tanzanian Army is in charge of its defense.
The same visa is required for Zanzibar Island/Spice Island as it is for Tanzania, and the province uses the Tanzanian shilling.
United Republic of Tanzania safari tours are so expensive for several reasons, and these include.
This country has the highest park entrance fees, and they are well quoted, the accommodation facilities are highly priced because they are located in remote areas, and the safari vehicles are also superb and expensive to hire.
Domestic flights to the safari destinations are costly yet essential since there are long drives to the national parks.
Also, all the safari payments are paid in US dollars but not in Tanzanian shillings which makes it look expensive.
For the best Zanzibar tours, you need to use the best safari companies as they can even give you special offers on your trip tours. A tour operator should at least have a free cancellation policy.
Travelers should not drink water from unknown sources especially tap water as it is not safe. Always drink bottled water as it is purified and safe for drinking. Bottled water is available in hotels, restaurants, local shops, and resorts.
If you don’t buy bottled water, at least use a water filter bottle so that you drink water safely without getting sick.
There are several ways to get around Zanzibar Island you can walk or use private means or public means of transport.
Once you are in the Island province, you can use a taxi which is private and can take door to door in Stone Town.
The most common is the dala dala (minibusses) which don’t run on timetables and make frequent stops to wait for travelers. They are similar to the matatu of Kenya and Uganda.
The other option is the shuttle bus which you can book online with a free cancellation policy and travelers can also take boat rides, bike, or cycle around.
Does Zanzibar use Uber? –No there is no Uber in this province but there is no need to worry as you can use other modes of transport.
The ferry is one of the most common ways to get to this outstanding Island as it is simple. This ferry takes about 2 hours from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town, the major city on Zanzibar Island.
The ferry is operated by Azam Marine Coastal Ferries and Fast Ferries and this ferry is less expensive compared to the short flights though gives you an aerial view of the islands and there is a free cancellation on a ferry from Dar es Salaam.
There is a big distance between the 2 destinations but a direct flight between Entebbe Uganda and Zanzibar Island takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The flight distance is about 1026 km.
Tanzania vs South Africa is a common thing that many travelers wonder about. Both destinations are great destinations when it comes to Africa trips.
They are all wildlife destinations, and you can see the big 5 animals within the savannah plains. However, South Africa is good for wine tours and shark dives, but the United Republic of Tanzania will amaze you with wildlife viewing especially the Great Migration.
South Africa is fond of Cape Town and the United Republic of Tanzania has Zanzibar Island which are both good for beach holidays and have great seafood lunch. Also, both countries have great climates.
If possible one can visit both countries to taste the greatness of a true African safari.
The best tours in Zanzibar Island which we strongly recommend are Mnemba Dolphins and snorkeling, a safari blue trip, a Spice tour trip, Kite surfing for an aerial view of the Island, Jozani Forest tour trip, and exploring the Stone Town.
All the best tours can be booked with a free cancellation policy.
Yes, a Visa is required for foreign nationalities and be sure to check for the latest requirements with your consulate.
You can purchase visas in advance so that you avoid any inconveniences on arrival and there is no free cancellation or refunds.
No, it is not mandatory to tip, but a little gratitude will be received with happy smiles especially considering the low wages the workers are paid. Small tips matter a lot to drivers, guides, porters, and waiters.
Internet access is extensively spread throughout the main island of Zanzibar though the small islands are limited to internet access. It is better in Stone Town.
Yes, you can use your mobile phone as there is better network coverage on the main island and around Stone Town but know that there is less coverage in the smaller islands. Make sure that you have global roaming activated before leaving your home country.
Most hotels, resorts, major tourist attractions, and modern buildings have Western-style flushable toilets, especially in Stone Town. But within the rural places, expect to find squat/pit toilets which are mostly used by the locals, and also ensure to carry toilet paper and soap with you always.
Yes, but only in large hotels, resorts, and restaurants but small vendors usually accept cash on the main Island and around Stone Town. Always make sure that you have adequate cash with you when moving to rural areas.
You can always find ATMs on the main Island and the urban centers like Stone Town, but they are rare in the rural areas and villages. Just make sure that you exchange money before as the ATMs may be out of network and you get stuck.
It is ideal for all passengers to purchase travel insurance before departing to the island province. It is better to buy insurance in your home country as most tour operators here do not have this kind of insurance.
The Tanzanian shilling is the official currency of the United Republic of Tanzania meaning that it is as well used in Zanzibar Island. However, US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas but make sure that they are not below the year 2009.
Yes, it is safe to swim in the Indian Ocean as it is warm, and the waves tend to be small. This island is also a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Kendwa Beach is the clearest beach, and its tide doesn’t change. This means that you can always enjoy the crystal-clear waters for the entire day.
If you are interested in warm beach weather, warm water, and the best beach experience, then choose Zanzibar Island. Cape Town in South Africa is much milder as the Ocean is cold, so don’t expect warm snorkeling water.
Yes, you can always walk on the beaches, Stone Town, and Zanzibar Island as it is one of the best ways of exploring the island during daytime, but it is not safe during dark times. You can easily get robbed, always make sure that you don’t walk in isolated places and do not be alone.
There are several areas to visit on Zanzibar Island like Stone Town, Prison Island, Zanzibar City, and several restaurants. However, the North Coast is probably the most popular area on the province island for travelers.
There are many reasons why people visit Zanzibar Island. It is home to traditional coastal villages, has fine wildlife, and has outstanding dive sites in East Africa. It is a place worth visiting as you can laze on the beaches and relax.
Enjoy many activities and visit the ancient Stone Town.
Both of these islands are colorful, friendly vacation destinations with beautiful beaches.
If beaches are the priority, however, Seychelles is the better option. Its numerous islands are home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the world.
However, a trip to Seychelles may necessitate some island hopping, which can be costly.
Hotels and food in Seychelles are generally more expensive than in Zanzibar, which has more accommodation options. With a large local population, it’s also easy to find cheap food in Zanzibar City.
Also, it is rich in culture and provides numerous opportunities to integrate with the local community. As a result, it may be better suited to travelers seeking a vacation that includes more than just sunbathing and swimming.
In conclusion, Zanzibar tours offer amazing beach holidays of a lifetime and suit honeymooners, private travelers, and families.
Travelers can engage in several water sports tours like scuba diving, kite surfing, and swimming with Dolphins when you snorkel, sailing on the local dhows, exploring Stone Town, etc.
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