Zanzibar Island | Location | Things To Do | Best Places To Visit 2024.
Location.
Zanzibar is one of the Indian Ocean islands. Zanzibar is located on the Swahili coast next door to the Tanganyika mainland of Tanzania. The northern tip of Unguja island is located at 5.72 degrees south, 39.30 degrees east, with the southernmost point at 6.48 degrees south, 39.51 degrees east. Zanzibar is an archipelago and is located about 25 kilometers from Dar es Salaam it is an exotic island that is also referred to as a spice island.
Zanzibar Island is famously known as Africa’s tropical fairyland offering the globe’s most charming and alluring beaches. At Zanzibar, you will find miles and miles of white sandy beaches dotted with palm trees, adjoined by the clear bright blue water of the Indian Ocean. While at Zanzibar Island, you will experience an easy-going beach life, but also several water activities activities.
Things To Do
Several underwater species can be sighted during your stay at Zanzibar Island. These animals include bottlenose dolphins, and whale sharks among others. The red colobus monkeys are also among the vulnerable wildlife species that you can have a glimpse of during tours in Zanzibar. The red colobus monkeys can be sighted at Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park which is the only national park on the island.
Zanzibar island has a handful of beaches and resorts in all four cardinal directions. But our personal preference is the east coast of Zanzibar mainly because of its gorgeous and serene beaches. The east coast of Zanzibar offers some activities and numerous multi-cuisine restaurants satisfying even the pickiest taste palette. According to our travel advisors, this side of the island offers you the best experience while at Zanzibar.
The Zanzibar islands are named the Spice Islands because of their rich history in the spice trade and the many spice plantations. The historic Stone Town is an amazing mix of cultures. Food lovers and culture enthusiasts can visit interesting places, such as the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, and the Darajani or Forodhani food markets. The opportunities are truly endless here!
There are so many things to do in Zanzibar that you’ll be spoilt for choice and, no matter how long your stay is, you’ll wish it was longer!
Best Places To Visit.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
The capital of Unguja is Zanzibar City and the significant section of Zanzibar City is Stone Town an ancient culture-rich melting pot, where Persian, Arabic, Indian, and European influences have merged over centuries offering a unique and fascinating destination. Stone Town is an ancient trading town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is really the heart of Zanzibar Island.
There is a lot to have a glimpse of in this eye-catching town but here are some of the major things you would not want to miss in Stone Town. Taking a stroll to Freddie Mercury’s house, Visit the old port in Stone Town, Eat at Forodhani Gardens Food, take a Zanzibar Spice Tour, See the Former Slave Market, sunbath on one of Zanzibar Island’s Perfect Beaches, see the Giant Tortoises on Prison Island.
Paje Beach, Zanzibar Island
Paje Beach is situated on the southeast coast. The beach is a true definition of paradise because of the beautiful features on it. The beach has beautiful white sand, swaying palm trees, clear turquoise waters, and some lovely beach bars, and restaurants making it one of Zanzibar’s most visited attractions.
Bordered by a small village on one side. Paje is calm, serene, and tranquil with a relaxed budget vibe. It’s a great alternative to some of the more popular beaches in the north of Zanzibar Island.
The beach is famous for water activities, particularly kitesurfing, drawing enthusiasts from all over the world. It is also great for scuba diving, with the reefs offshore here home to turtles, starfish, and many other colorful creatures.
Nungwi Beach – Zanzibar North
Nungwi Beach is situated in the northwest of the island and is one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful and popular beaches.
Its sand is spongy and the beaches have crystal clear waters. The waters are ideal and Nungwi also has some of the best sunsets on the island.
A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat is a must-do Zanzibar activity if you visit this beach!
Nungwi is among the most charming areas on Zanzibar Island with beach resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars offering diversity of night-time entertainment so a great option if you’re looking for some nightlife.
But Nungwi is not just a beach for partygoers as it also has spectacular coral reefs perfect for diving and snorkeling. If you are lucky, you may even have a glimpse on dolphins or turtles!
Kendwa Beach – Zanzibar North
Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar Island
Kendwa Beach is sometimes referred to as the “little sister” of Nungwi. Kendwa Beach is a 10-minute drive from Nungwi and is is much more soundless than its sibling.
There is still some nightlife to be found here although after the sun sets, this small coastal spot comes alive with relaxed beach parties.
This is among the few beaches on Zanzibar Island where the neatness doesn’t change which means it’s an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
The sunsets at Kendwa Beach are traditional and romantic so while there, sit back and enjoy it when the sun starts to go down over another day in this tropical paradise!
With so many things to do in Zanzibar, this tropical paradise shouldn’t be missed when visiting Tanzania and East Africa.
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