Zanzibar

Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, is known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. In Stone Town, you'll find winding alleys and doors with intricate carvings. You can snorkel in coral reefs, tour spice plantations, and spot rare animals like the red colobus monkey in nature reserves. At local markets, you can taste fresh seafood caught that day.

Geography and Climate of Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, located about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania. It consists of two main islands, Unguja (informally called Zanzibar) and Pemba, along with numerous smaller islets. Unguja, the largest island, stretches 85 km long and 30 km wide. Zanzibar has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains in November and December. The average temperature ranges from 28°C to 32°C throughout the year, allowing for beach activities in all seasons.

Walking Through Stone Town

Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a mix of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European architectural influences. The narrow streets contain wooden doors with intricate carvings, showcasing Zanzibari craftsmanship. You can visit the House of Wonders, a former sultan's palace that now houses a museum of Swahili and Zanzibari culture. The Old Fort, built in the 17th century by Omani Arabs, hosts cultural events and contains small shops. The Anglican Cathedral, built on the site of the old slave market, provides context about Zanzibar's involvement in the slave trade.

Beaches and Water Activities

You'll find many beaches along Zanzibar's coastline, each with its own character. Nungwi Beach in the north has clear waters and active evenings. Paje Beach on the southeast coast attracts kitesurfers. You can snorkel and dive around the coral reefs of Mnemba Island, observing tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Many resorts and local operators organize boat trips to sandbanks, where you can have a picnic surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

Spice Plantations and Tours

Zanzibar's historical role in the spice trade earned it the nickname "Spice Island". You can visit spice plantations to learn about how various spices are grown and used. On a spice tour, you'll encounter cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg in their natural environment. Many tours also include tropical fruits like jackfruit, durian, and various citrus fruits. These tours explain Zanzibar's agricultural practices and how spices contribute to the island's economy.

Wildlife and Nature Reserves

Zanzibar contains various ecosystems and unique wildlife despite its small size. In the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, you can see the red colobus monkey, a species found only in Zanzibar. The park also includes mangrove forests and a mahogany forest. Birdwatchers can find species like the Zanzibar red bishop and the Zanzibar servaline genet. At the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre near the park, you can walk among hundreds of butterflies in a tropical garden. For marine life, the Chumbe Island Coral Park has a protected coral reef with over 200 species of coral and 400 species of fish, which you can observe while snorkeling.