Zanzibar is an autonomous region in Tanzania in Africa and is made up of a few stunning tropical island paradises. The main island is actually called Unguja but most people just call it Zanzibar Island. While the mainland of Tanzania is famous for climbing the highest mountain in Africa - Mt Kilimanjaro, for the exotic Maasi tribe, and the awe-inspiring Safaris in the Serengeti, Zanzibar is a relaxing tropical paradise defined by long fine white sand beaches and beautiful palm trees, and a rich history connecting it to the Arab world.

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is one of the most rewarding tropical beach destinations in all of Africa to visit - much like the Maldives or Tahiti. Three of the hotspots to stay on the island are the northern coastal paradise of Nungwi, the historical bustling town of Stonetown, and the kite-surfing and party-dominated coastal resort of Paje.

  • Visa Policy: Visa On Arrival, Cost $50 For Most Passports or $100 For American Passports

To get to Zanzibar, there is an international airport with flights to many key destinations, alternatively one can fly to the largest city and former capital on the mainland of Dar es Salaam and take the highspeed ferry.

  • Airport: Zanzibar International Airport
  • Cost Of Ferry To The Island: $35.00

Kite Surfing

There are numerous things to see and do on the island and kite surfing is one of the most popular. Zanzibar is one of the world's premier places for kite surfing. The beaches and seas here are just perfect for kite surfing and there are numerous kite surfing schools to learn this fun activity. One of the best beaches and resort towns for kite surfing is Paje. Here the beaches and large with fine white sand and the beach is protected from the surf by a reef barrier a few hundred yards out.

  • Paje: The Resort Town Of Paje Is A Hotspot For Kite Surfing

Scuba Diving

There are many great destinations for scuba diving all around the island. Zanzibar offers some beautiful places to dive and discover the alien world just beneath the waves that is normally hidden from view.

Here on the coast, the expansive Indian Ocean water is clear. The coast is full of coral and limestone scarps that create the perfect environment for diving and snorkeling with their abundant marine life. Some of the animals seen include:

  • Dolphins
  • Morey Eels
  • Lobsters & Octopus
  • Lion Fish

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Stonetown

Zanzibar boasts a stunning historic town called Stonetown. This city doesn't feel like any other city in sub-Saharan Africa. It was historically an Arabic - particularly an Omani settlement as they traded down the coast of Africa. One can really feel the Arab influence here with the distinctive architecture and the markets to be found throughout the town.

  • Status: Stone Town is World Heritage Listed

Stonetown is the autonomous province's capital and the largest city and is UNSECO Listed. Some of its main attractions include:

  • Makusurani Graveyard: Where Many Of The Previous Arab Rulers Were Buried
  • House Of Wonders: First Place On The Island To Get Electric Lights
  • Hamamni And Kidichi Persian Baths: First Public Baths On The Island
  • Dunga Ruins: Ruins Of A 15th Century Palace
  • Peace Memorial Museum: Also The National Historical Museum
  • Markets: There Are Many Traditional Arab-Influenced Markets

Spice Tour

The island was once the gateway between the Arab world and that of sub-Saharan Africa. One of the legacies of this can be seen in the spice tours. On these tours, visitors can visit many spice plantations and coconut plantations. Zanzibar is famous for its large variety of spices including nutmeg, black pepper, coriander, vanilla, and clove. Zanzibar has plenty of tropical fruit as well as salt and seaweed farms.

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What To Eat

Every resort on the island offers great selections of food to choose from. But one of the main things here is to enjoy the abundant seafood of the Indian ocean. Lobsters can be really cheap here only costing upwards of $10.00.

Restaurants here are mostly on the beach affording eye-watering views of the tropical Indian Ocean. The food on Zanzibar offers a fusion of African, European, Arabic, and Indian cuisine - with a whole lot of seafood. There is plenty here for the foody traveler.

Accommodations

There are many resorts all along the coast, but be sure to stay in a tropical island bungalow. See here for a range of accommodation options. Staying in Zanzibar is much like the other accommodation options of other tropical beach exotic resort destinations. Bungalows are often with thatched roofs, wood, and woven materials. Some even have sandy floors inside.

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