Zanzibar Travel Guide - Tanzania paradise
Zanzibar Travel Guide - Tanzania paradise
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania consisting of Zanzibar Island (locally, Unguja), Pemba Island and many smaller islands. Zanzibar Island is the main island in the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar. Stone Town, part of Zanzibar City, is an old trade center, with mosques and winding lanes. The 1883 House of Wonders is a former sultan’s palace with a clock tower.
The Old Fort now houses a cultural center and a stone amphitheater. Underground aqueducts fed hot water to the late-19th-century Hamamni Persian Baths. Zanzibar island itself is approximately 90km long and 40km wide. In 1896, Zanzibar was the location of the world's shortest war, surrendering to Britain after 38 minutes of naval bombardment.
There are a number of historically important (and frankly, just plain beautiful) buildings in Stone Town, like The House of Wonders and The Arab Fort. It is easy to arrange a simple walking tour with a local guide who can teach you some history. The market in Stone Town is one of the largest, most vibrant open-air markets anywhere. Here, you can find several varieties of bananas, "elephant garlic" unique to the island, the largest avocados you'll probably ever see, and more.
Prices are extremely reasonable. Even if you have no intentions of purchasing food, the spectacle alone is worth a visit. If seeing raw meat and fish covered in flies makes you squeamish, avoid that part of the market. Overall, pretty much all food that is not packaged in plastic is covered in flies.
Cities of Zanzibar
Stone Town – the vibrant and enchanting capital
Nungwi – at the northern tip of the island. Very popular with tourists since swimming in the ocean is possible even at low tide.
Kendwa – a few km south of Nungwi, also very popular with tourists.
Matemwe – a small traditional village in the North East.
Paje – the liveliest village on the South East coast known for excellent kiteboarding conditions
Jambiani – a small fishing village on the southeast coast
Michamvi – the remotest village on the South East coast known for great sunset beach and the coolest bar on Zanzibar, Kae Beach.
Makunduchi : at the south east tip of the island. 70 km from Stone Town.
Kizimkazi : small fishing village famous for the Dolphin tours.
There is a lot to see and to do on Zanzibar island. First and foremost, do enjoy the amazing white sand beaches especially at the north, east and south coast. The sand has the consistency of castor sugar! The best beaches are Nungwi/Kendwa, Matemwe/Kiwengwa and Paje/Jambiani, each offering different appeal. The inner city of Stone town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, is a most unique city. Blending Moorish, Middle Eastern, Indian, and African traditions and architectures, it is possible to spend days winding through Stone Town's labyrinthine alleys.
Surfing is getting more popular on the island. The Southeast Coast offers a variety of surf spots for different level surfers. Guaranteed uncrowded surf in crystal clear warm waters with a consistant waist high wave for beginners and shoulder to head high wave for advanced can be found on the island. The reefs are flat and beginner friendly in some sections and can be gnarly with sea urchins if you do not know the spots. Deep Sea Fishing with " Hooked on Fishing" in Nungwi in the North Coast. Kendwa Beach is also known for the Full Moon Party, arranged Saturdays just before or after a full moon. While not as big or extreme as those arranged in Thailand, the parties on Zanzibar attract quite a large group of people, especially when the full moon coincides with public holidays in Europe and North America. Kizimkazi is famous for the Dolphin Tour.
Forodhani Gardens is a nightly affair by the water. It starts at around 5 and gets busy after the sun sets. If you are not scared of local food, then this place is definitely worth a visit. It is possibly the cheapest food you will find on the island, and value for money too. Terrace Restaurant at maru maru hotel in Stonetown with a 360° view. All UNESO world heritage sites along with Magnificent Indian ocean can be seen from this famous restaurant. Botanic Country Resort, Tunguu central region, 14km from the Stone Town towards the East Coast behind the new Tanzanian Houses of Parliament. Taarab Square and Kipepeo Grill and Pub/Beer Garden with discotheque on weekends, live music on public holidays including outdoor cinema and live sports events on giant screens. Beautiful Gardens, food is from traditional Swahili & Zanzibarian dishes to International Cuisine.
Zanzibar does not offer much cheap accommodation. Most budget hotels in Stone Town charge US$30 per night and more. Choosing a cheaper option will probably demand compromising on location, quality and most probably both.
A lot to see in Zanzibar
Changuu
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Mnemba Island
Old Fort of Zanzibar
Chumbe Island
Nungwi Beach
Forodhani Gardens
Darajani Market
Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar
Hamamni Persian Baths
Christ Church, Zanzibar
Forodhani
Cheetah's Rock
Old Dispensary
Bawe Island
Spice & Stone Town Tour
Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Kidichi Spice Farms
Hurumzi
Tumbatu
Nakupenda Beach
Old Fort and Cultural Center
Darajani
House of Wonders (Beit Al Ajaib)
Kuza Cave
Kizimkazi Mosque
Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
Hamamni
Peace Memorial Museum
Tippu Tip's House
Kiwengwa caves
Chapwani Island
Shangani
Uzi Island
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Zanzibar
Malindi Mosque
Zanzibar Port
Changuu Island
Stone Town
Jozani Forest
Seaweed Center
The Arab Fort
( Zanzibar - Tanzania ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting Zanzibar . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Zanzibar - Tanzania
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