Zanzibar is a beautiful island full of life! Its interesting history, wonderful architecture, and endless stretches of shoreline make it a beautiful place to visit.

So, while you’re exploring Zanzibar, here are some places that need to be on your must-visit list:

Beaches

Zanzibar’s treasure, which plays a huge role in the archipelago’s tourism-related income, is its magnificent beaches!

With white powder-soft sandy shores, dotted with palm trees swaying gently in the pleasant breeze, slowly leading to the playful azure Indian Ocean, filled with vibrant life forms ranging from regular seaweed to exotic fish and corals residing in the reefs lining the island, Zanzibar is an ideal beach destination.

Head to the northern beaches of Zanzibar for easy access, swimming and diving. Since these beaches tend to attract a lot of tourists, it won’t be as quiet and calm as the southern beaches, where you should definitely go if privacy and tranquility are your priorities.

The best 2 beaches up north would be Nungwi beach and Kendwa. Both these beaches are very well known for their various accommodations and abundant water sports activities!

At the other end, Kizimkazi Beach is the perfect spot to relax and is known for its frequent dolphins. Bwejuu and Paje are secluded too, being the ideal locations to create special moments with friends and family, or even by yourself!

Spice Tour

Besides the incredible beaches, Zanzibar is also famous for its variety of spices!

Resting only an hour away from Stone Town is a spice farm. A must visit spot to dip into true Zanzibar history and culture, if not for the delicious fruits and spices.

Your guide will teach you all about the numerous spices, ranging from hot peppers and cinnamon to the bitter-sweetness of cumin. You will also be told about how fruits and spices are cultivated and the unique purposes of each herb.

You can spoil yourself by letting your tongue try some of these tasty condiments, before having lunch made form fresh ingredients brought from the farm!

Forodhani Gardens

Night markets are always fun to go to, especially when you have an entire new cuisine to try!

Viewing the waterfront in front of the clock tower, street venders open their shops as the sun dips into the horizon, and the aroma of delicious food fills the air. The type of foods can range from regular grilled seafood to special local items such as a Zanzibar Pizza!

Each stall even has slightly different recipes that they follow for the same dish, so each stall is worth a visit!

Note: The difference between a regular pizza and a Zanzibar Pizza is that in a Zanzibari Pizza, the dough is thick – quite similar to a pancake’s – and can be filled with anything, sweet bananas and chocolate or a savory cheese and meat combination.

This is the perfect stop for food lovers and enthusiasts, an ideal location to end your day at. Taking in the sights and sounds of people buying, selling and enjoying themselves to the maximum.

Stone Town

The capital and heart of the Zanzibar Archipelago is Stone Town, buzzing with people going through their daily routine. The mazy lanes are filled to the brim with mystery and history both intertwining with a very rich culture, staying true to its origins.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is the only historical town in East Africa that still stands and has advanced with society instead of crumbling, while managing to keep a good grasp on its history and preserved culture.

You could take a stroll and shop at many different stalls while heading towards Darajani Market to experience the local market place and how people living here go about their groceries. Before calling it a day, you could explore the night markets just in front of the clock tower.

Jozani Forest

Only a 20-minute drive away from Stone Town, rests the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, which is Zanzibar’s only national park as most of the island is made up of towns and coasts. This is a complete opposite to the many shores of Zanzibar, with its grasslands, marshes and forests.

Many endangered species call this park home, such as the Ader’s duiker, the Zanzibar servaline genet and the famous Zanzibar red colobus monkeys which bring in most of the visitors as they’re only found here!

It would really be a crime to miss out on any of these amazing destinations!

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Tanzania and have a great time! Don’t forget to check out the Expert Guide on Selous Game Reserve while you’re there!