Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar 

This might just be the most famous island in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is very popular and visited by thousands of visitors every year.

Officially, the island we call ‘Zanzibar’ is Unjuga, and it, along with Pemba Island, make up the archipelago of Zanzibar. However, this name is rarely used and can be confusing for travel-purposes, so we will call it Zanzibar for clarity.

Visitors to Zanzibar especially love:

✓  A variety of accommodations for all budgets. From all-inclusive beach-front resorts to beach bungalows for those on a tight budget. 

✓ Day trips. There are many interesting and historical places to visit in Zanzibar. Stonetown is a living, breathing Unesco World Heritage Site! Architecture, history and culture are all mingled together in this beautiful, ancient town.

✓ Spice Tours on the Spice Island. Zanzibar is one of the top producers of cloves in the world. Visit a spice plantation to see how cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, vanilla, saffron, lemongrass and more are grown locally and sustainably.

✓ Swim with Dolphins! If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, here is your chance! No caged, captured animals here. This experience is much like a wildlife safari in the national parks: the dolphins are wild and free and are known to pass through the waters around Jambiani, Zanzibar. Tourists get to jump in the waves with them for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Some things to keep in mind when considering visiting Zanzibar:

✖ Zanzibar is popular and may be crowded around New Year’s. While your luxury hotel may offer privacy, if you wander around the streets of Stonetown, you may feel crowded.

✖ The local population of Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, during the holy month of Ramadan it is advisable for tourists to dress modestly and be respectful of fasting. While restaurants will be open, we recommend only eating inside the restaurant and not on the street.

✖ There are “beach boys” who like to comb the beaches offering friendship or trying to sell things. They may be annoying, but should leave you alone if you are firm and direct.