Zanzibar is a large archipelago in the Indian Ocean, which consists of many islands. Of course, many tourists associate this place with snow-white beaches, the soft rustling of waves, and palm groves. However, Zanzibar has preserved some fascinating and remarkable attractions. There is definitely something to see here.
Zanzibar Tourist Attractions
The island has preserved a large number of architectural and historical monuments, and of course, the nature of Zanzibar is a unique attraction that deserves special mention. When planning your trip to the island, use the map of attractions at the end of this article, and you will find photos and descriptions below. This will help you create an optimal itinerary that allows you to explore as many interesting places in Zanzibar as possible.
Stone Town
The main historical and architectural attractions of Zanzibar (Tanzania) are concentrated in Stone Town, the capital of the peninsula and the oldest city. It is here that narrow streets wind between oriental mosques, bustling, colorful bazaars, and ancient houses. The streets are so narrow that cars cannot drive through them. The best way to explore Stone Town is by walking and taking in the sights.
An interesting fact! The city’s area is only 1.5 by 2 km.
Official sources indicate that the city was built in the 19th century, but references to settlements in this part of the island date back to the 8th century. At that time, it was a significant port where spices, coconut oil, and slaves were actively traded. Today, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique architecture. The city’s distinctive atmosphere is likely influenced by the fact that residential buildings and other structures were constructed haphazardly without a specific plan. Stone Town is a collection of white, haphazardly built houses with ornate doors and lace-like balconies.
The main attractions of Zanzibar Island that can be visited in the capital include:
- the arab fleet;
- freddie mercury’s home;
- the Sultan’s Palace is the House of Wonders;
- the ruins of Mrukhubi and Mtoni;
- St. joseph’s cathedral;
- Malindi Mosque.
For more information about Stone Town and its attractions, please visit this page.
Cheetah’s Rock Nature Reserve
What should nature lovers see in Zanzibar? There is a place on the island where you can interact with cheetahs and see how these agile and fast cats live in their natural habitat. Interestingly, the reserve houses cheetahs that were rescued under various circumstances. The animals are provided with proper care and are trained to interact with humans on a daily basis.
It’s good to know! The owner of the reserve, Jenny, personally conducts tours for guests in English. During the tour, she provides detailed information about each cheetah’s rescue, care, and training. The tour lasts for 4 hours.
In addition to the cheetahs, the sanctuary also features lemurs, zebras, lions, hyenas, peacocks, roe deer, and monkeys. Visitors can feed, play with, and pet these animals. At the end of the tour, the friendly Jenny offers guests a glass of champagne.
Practical information:
- The tour costs $160 and includes a transfer from anywhere in Zanzibar;
- payments are made only in cash, and the tour can be paid in advance;
- If you live on the southeast coast, the transfer costs $20 each way;
- the reserve is open to visitors over the age of 15;
- When visiting a shelter, choose neutral-colored clothing and shoes without any decorations to avoid attracting unnecessary attention from the animals.
- Book your tour in advance on the official website www.cheetahsrock.org.
Mnarani Aquarium
What to see on the island of Zanzibar, if you want to combine sightseeing and outdoor activities? Fortunately, there are still places in the world where life flows according to the laws of nature. Here, you can immerse yourself in a world filled with colors and creatures that still trust humans. One such place is Nungwi in Zanzibar. It is an artificial lagoon where thousands of years-old trees grow, and sharp cliffs rise, with a turtle farm created by the care of humans. People come here to spend time with the slow, cute turtles.
The aquarium was built in the northern part of the island in 1993. It is essentially a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rearing of turtles in Zanzibar. Once the turtles reach a certain age, they are released into the wild. Visitors can feed the turtles, hold them in their hands, and even swim with them during their tours. The experience is enhanced by the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon, the picturesque surroundings, and the sounds of nature.
This is important! There are two turtle tanks on Nungwi Beach. The one closer to the shore is only for feeding. If you want to swim with the turtles, you’ll need to walk a little further, turning right from the beach.
The main feature of the reserve is that it is not a traditional aquarium, but a natural habitat for animals.
Practical information:
- address: Nungwi Beach, Nungwi, Tanzania;
- cost of admission: $10 — the price includes a guide’s story, seaweed for feeding the turtles, and the opportunity to swim with them;
- Be careful – turtles can bite your legs, mistaking them for food.
- come for a tour at 9-10 a.m., when there is no large influx of tourists;
- website: www.mnarani.org.
Butterfly Garden
If you’re heading to the Josani Forest, be sure to visit the Butterfly Garden. This is a part of the tropical forest that is enclosed by a net to prevent the butterflies from flying away. Here, you can observe the full lifecycle of a butterfly, from caterpillar to chrysalis, and witness the magical transformation. There is also a spot where chrysalises are displayed. Nearby, monkeys can be found living in the trees.
It’s good to know! It takes only one hour to visit the garden. The best time to visit is from August.
The territory has pedestrian paths and benches. The garden is more like a landscaped park, where it is pleasant to spend time, observing the beauty of nature. If you are lucky, you can take a photo of a newborn butterfly – it is very slow, so the pictures are clear and bright.
An interesting fact! The garden contains all the butterflies that live in Zanzibar.
Practical information:
- address: Pete Village, Jozani, Tanzania;
- opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
- ticket price: $5.5;
- official website: https://zanzibarbutterflycentre.com/.
Safari in Tanzania – where to go
Josani Chwaka National Park
Experienced tourists know perfectly well what to see in Tanzania in Zanzibar. Of course, we are talking about the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. Once upon a time, Zanzibar was completely covered with impenetrable forests, where mangrove trees towered, and the interweaving of powerful roots created a magical atmosphere. Gradually, the forests were cut down, and the land was cultivated and spices were grown. For many years, Zanzibar supplied spices to many countries around the world. The Jozani Forest is the only place where authentic nature has been preserved. The National Jozani Chwaka Bay is located in the southeast of the island. It is an area of 44 square kilometers that consists of three natural zones:
- mangrove forest;
- jungles;
- shrubs.
An interesting fact! There are trees in the park that are more than a hundred years old. This lush vegetation attracts a large number of birds.
The national park is home to monkeys, chameleons, snakes, antelopes, and genets (small predators that resemble ferrets). More than forty species of birds can be found in the tree crowns. Until 2003, the unique Zanzibar leopard could be spotted in the forest, but it is now considered extinct. Additionally, there are red-brown colobus monkeys, which are listed as endangered. These monkeys have a distinctive reddish-brown coat. The underwater world of the Josani National Park is equally diverse, with sharks, marlins, and dolphins. As for the flora, the forest is home to clove trees, vines, ferns, palm trees, ficus trees, and Mahagoni trees. For the convenience of tourists, the forest is equipped with walking trails and wooden bridges.
It is useful to know! The best time to visit the national park is from June to October. During the rest of the year, the island experiences heavy rainfall. It is recommended to use a guide for the tour.
Practical information:
- You can only visit the forest during daylight hours;
- For maximum comfort, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes.
- clothing should cover the entire body, the head should be covered, and a supply of water should be carried;
- there is a souvenir shop at the exit from the national park;
- The park is located in the central part of Zanzibar, near Chwaka Bay;
- You can get to the forest by taxi or minibus – dala-dala;
- the ticket price is $12.
Kendwa – useful information about a vacation at the Zanzibar resort
Ruins of Mtoni Castle
What to see in Zanzibar on your own? Mtoni is an ancient palace that was once the residence of the Sultan. The name of the castle means “place by the river.” The Sultan’s daughter describes the palace as a large structure with a courtyard, a bathhouse, and a mosque, as well as a separate section where the Sultan and his wife lived. From the Sultan’s daughter’s recollections, historians have learned that the palace employed around a thousand people. To allow the Sultan to observe his fleet, an observation tower was constructed.
An interesting fact! In the second half of the 19th century, the castle was abandoned, and during the war, it was completely dismantled. Today, tourists can only admire parts of the walls and the roof of the palace.
Practical information:
- the castle is located near the ruins of the Maruhubi Palace complex;
- To get to the castle ruins, you need to drive north on the main highway, then drive a few more kilometers and turn onto a side road. You can easily navigate using the signs.
Spice Gardens
Cultivation of spice gardens is not just an agricultural industry, but also a part of Zanzibar’s history and culture. Spice farms are a relatively new and trendy phenomenon, attracting tourists who are curious about the appearance of ginger and the growth of cloves. Exploring a spice garden offers a unique opportunity to touch, smell, and taste various spices. Additionally, each farm has a shop where visitors can purchase lemongrass, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.
Practical recommendations:
- Be sure to bring some small change with you, as farm staff often give gifts to guests in exchange for a small reward.
- The quality of spices on the farms is very high, but the price is also high, so many tourists prefer to buy spices at local markets;
The sights of Zanzibar are an amazing mix of natural beauty, African flavor, seasoned with the aroma of spices. Do you want to fully enjoy this place? Visit the disappearing Nakupenda Island, swim with dolphins, and feel like a prisoner in a prison on one of the exotic islands. Such a trip will leave a lot of vivid impressions and emotions.
