An azure blue sea, white sandy beaches, palm trees, impressive underwater world and a very rich culture give a perfect description of the bounty island of Zanzibar. A popular destination for a honeymoon or simply to enjoy a wonderful beach holiday. The island is located off the east coast of Tanzania and is therefore ideal to combine with an adventurous safari, read about it in my other blog EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A SAFARI IN TANZANIA.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO ZANZIBAR
Unfortunately, it is not possible to book a direct flight to Zanzibar from the Netherlands. You will have to make a stopover in Nairobi or Dubai.
We have combined this holiday with an adventurous trip through Tanzania. And went from Arusha by plane to Zanzibar.
Another option is by ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. If the sea is not too rough, this is a nice boat trip and a cheaper way to move between the mainland and the exotic island. The ferry runs four times a day and the trip between the two destinations takes about 2 hours.
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar has an ideal location in the Indian Ocean, close to the equator. As a result, there is a pleasant tropical monsoon climate that has two seasons: the rainy and the dry season.
The rainy season in Zanzibar is from the end of March to June and from the end of October to January. It doesn’t rain every day during the rainy season, but tropical downpours can be quite intense and the humidity is a lot higher these months. The dry season is from January to the end of March and from June to the end of October. February and March are the hottest months. The temperature can then rise to 35 degrees Celsius. The temperatures are very pleasant all year round. It varies between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius.
The best period for a sun holiday is in the months of January, February and March. The temperature is very pleasant and the humidity optimal. But the months of June to October are also doable. The temperature is then slightly lower, which makes it attractive for undertaking activities. The months with the highest chance of rain are April and May.
✈ We went with the all-inclusive formula of https://mapenzibeach.diamondsresorts.com/ and choose to stay in one of the beach villas.
WHAT TO DO IN ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar is so much more than a tropical destination for a sun holiday. Of course it is nice to bake for days on the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, but discovering the island is just as much fun! You will find something for everyone on Zanzibar. It has a very interesting history, beautiful buildings, breathtaking culture, amazing underwater world and more than enough sporting activities to undertake.
DISCOVER THE CAPITAL, STONE TOWN
The capital of Zanzibar breathes history and the locals make it a vibrant city. The slave trade has left its mark on the island as it was the epicenter of the slave trade until 1873. Although this grim and troubled past may not be part of your to do list of a trip to Zanzibar, it is definitely worth getting to know the island even better through its history.
Stone Town is a collection of striking narrow and winding streets, beautiful grand houses in Arabic and Indian style, busy bazaars and mosques. Zanzibar’s colonial past is visible everywhere, from the doorposts to the imposing Arab palaces. There is something majestic about the capital, but it is not apparently beautiful because all the buildings are in a poor state of repair. Even if that is the case, the longer you walk around the more you come to appreciate the city for its imperfections.
SPICE TOUR
The Spice Tour is one of the most famous activities you can do on Zanzibar. The island used to be one of the great world leaders in producing spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. During this activity, you will be introduced to multiple spices at a local farm. In addition to a tour, there is also the opportunity to taste and smell spices. Highly recommended is the tour with Colors of Zanzibar.
CHANGUU, PRISON ISLAND
Off the coast of Zanzibar you will find the uninhabited island of Changuu, better known as Prison Island. This island is an impressive place with a historical touch. As the name suggests, Prison Island was used as a prison for African slaves. After slavery was banned, Prison Island was used as a place for terminally ill people, with the idea that no one else could get sick on the main island of Zanzibar.
You can visit Prison Island from Stone Town with a half day tour. From Stone Town you depart with a local boat towards the island, a boat trip of about 30 minutes. Changuu is now mainly visited because a large number of giant tortoises live here. Some of these giant tortoises are over 150 years old, unbelievable. You can walk around the island with or without a guide and take a look at the old prison. Around the island you will find a beautiful coral reef where you can snorkel.
NUNGWI TURTLE AQUARIUM
Swimming with Sea Turtles, an absolute “Must-Do” Tour.
The natural aquarium is located in Nungwi and the organization cares for the injured or weakened turtles until they are healthy and strong enough to go back to the ocean. It is a wonderful project to save these beautiful animals.
But you can also step into the aquarium to swim with the turtles. The turtles are very curious and will come to you, feed them, or let them swim around you, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
SNORKLING AND DIVING
Wherever you stay on the exotic island of Zanzibar, a day of snorkeling or diving should definitely be on your to-do. The northeast coast of the island in particular is a good tip for this activity. Here you will find the protected underwater area Mnemba Atoll, an amazing paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The best time to take a look at the underwater life is during the months of November to March. Possible animals that you can spot are turtles, barracudas, moray eels, sharks, rays, tropical fish, starfish and many more beautiful things.
WALKING TO THE REEF
The tide is very variable on the entire east coast of Zanzibar. A big difference between ebb and flow! it is only possible to swim/snorkel in the sea during high tide. The reef is located approximately one kilometer from the coast. But the walk to the reef is a fantastic journey, especially with children. Always go with a guide, because they now the tide schedule. And you will learn so much about the sea life.