Best Things in Zanzibar 2023/2024: A Holiday Guide
Zanzibar Island is a beautiful island located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse cultures, delicious local food, and rich history. Here are the ‘Best Things in Zanzibar 2023/2024: A Holiday Guide’ to ensure your dream holiday becomes a reality.
1 | Stone Town
Stone Town is the historic and cultural heart of Zanzibar City, which is the capital of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its maze-like alleys, ancient buildings, and bustling markets.
The town’s architecture reflects the diverse influences of the traders, sailors, and settlers who have passed through over the centuries, including Arab, Indian, Persian, and European styles. Some of the most notable buildings include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Sultan’s Palace.
The town’s architecture reflects the diverse influences of the traders, sailors, and settlers who have passed through over the centuries, including Arab, Indian, Persian, and European styles. Some of the most notable buildings include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Sultan’s Palace.
The town’s narrow streets and alleyways are lined with shops selling colourful textiles, handmade jewellery, spices, and traditional crafts. You can also find street food vendors selling delicious Zanzibari snacks like samosas and chapatis. Stone Town also has a rich cultural heritage, including the former slave market, which is now a museum. The town has several mosques, including the Old Fort Mosque, which was built in the 18th century.
Overall, Stone Town is fascinating for its history, architecture, culture, and lively atmosphere. It’s a perfect destination for anyone visiting Zanzibar.
2| Beaches
Zanzibar is known for its stunning pristine beaches, which are among the best in the world. The tropical islands’ turquoise waters, white sand, and palm trees create a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and adventure.
Some of the most popular beaches on a Zanzibar holiday trip include:
- Nungwi Beach: Located on the northern tip of the island, Nungwi Beach is known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and lively atmosphere. It’s the best way to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like snorkelling and scuba diving to green turtles and tropical fish.
2. Kendwa Beach: This long stretch of white sand beach on the northern tip of Zanzibar is a quieter alternative to Nungwi. It’s a great beach destination to watch the sunset, go for a swim, or relax in a hammock.
- Paje Beach: Located on the east coast of the island, Paje Beach is a kite surfer’s paradise with its constant winds and flat water. It’s also a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and strolling along the beach.
- Jambiani Beach: This quiet fishing village on the island’s southeast coast is known for its long stretch of white sand beach, clear waters, and colourful boats. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the village’s traditional way of life.
- Matemwe Beach: Located on the island’s northeast coast, Matemwe Beach is a secluded and peaceful spot for relaxation and quietude. The clear waters and coral reefs are ideal for snorkelling, and the nearby Mnemba Atoll is a popular diving spot.
- Nakupenda Sandbank: As part of the Blue Safari Cruise Tour, this is a must for those that have not been to a sandbank before. The tour also includes visiting other islands and being welcomed by traditional dancers, refreshing drinks and delicious seafood.
Overall, the beaches of Zanzibar offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere or a quiet escape.
3 | Changuu Island (Prison Island)
Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, is a small island located about 6 kilometres northwest of Stone Town, the capital city of Zanzibar. The island was originally used as a quarantine station in the late 1800s and later as a prison, hence its name. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and historical sites.
One of the main attractions on Changuu Island is the population of giant Aldabra tortoises, which were brought to the island in the early 20th century from Seychelles. Visitors can see and interact with the giant tortoise, which can live up to 150 years.
Another popular activity on the island is snorkelling. The waters surrounding Changuu Island are home to a variety of colourful fish, coral reefs, and even dolphins. Visitors can take a guided snorkelling tour or simply explore on their own.
Changuu Island also has a historical prison building that dates back to the 19th century, which has been turned into a museum showcasing the history of the island. The prison was never actually used for its intended purpose and was later used as a hotel before being abandoned.
Overall, Changuu Island is one of the popular activities for anyone going on a Zanzibar Holiday. It offers a unique combination of history, nature, and relaxation and is a great place to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town.
4| Old Slave Market
The Old Slave Market is a historic site located in Stone Town, the oldest part of Zanzibar City, on the island of Zanzibar. The market was once a hub of the East African slave trade, where enslaved people were bought and sold from the late 18th century until the market’s closure in 1873.
The Old Slave Market was originally a square-shaped enclosure surrounded by high walls and guarded by soldiers. It was located close to the port, where enslaved people were brought in by Arab and Swahili slave traders from various parts of East Africa, including present-day Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. The enslaved people were kept in cramped and unsanitary conditions, often chained and packed tightly together in small cells. They were subjected to brutal treatment and violence, including torture and sexual abuse, before being sold to the highest bidder.
After the British forced the Sultanate of Oman to abolish the slave trade in 1873, the market was closed, and the building was repurposed as a storage facility. Today, the site is a museum that offers a glimpse into the dark history of the slave trade in East Africa. The museum features exhibits and displays that showcase the brutality of the trade and the resilience of those who were enslaved.
Visitors to the Old Slave Market can explore the cells where enslaved people were kept, view artefacts such as chains and shackles, and learn about the efforts of abolitionists and anti-slavery activists. The museum also offers educational programs and guided tours that delve deeper into the history of the slave trade and its legacy in Zanzibar and beyond.
5 | Try The Street Food From Forodhani Market
Forodhani Market is a popular tourist destination located in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is well-known for its wide variety of delicious street food stalls that are available during the evening hours. It is one of the best places to visit during a Zanzibar holiday trip to enjoy an excellent choice of delicious food and Zanzibar specials.
Here are some of the popular street food items you can find at Forodhani Market:
- Zanzibar Pizza: Also known as “chapati za kumimina” or “Zanzibar burrito,” this is a thin layer of dough that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as minced meat, cheese, egg, and vegetables. The dough is then folded and cooked on a hot griddle until crispy.
- Seafood: Being an island, seafood is a staple at Forodhani Market. You can find a variety of fresh seafood, such as lobster, prawns, calamari, octopus, and fish. The seafood is grilled or fried and served with a spicy sauce and lime wedges.
- Samosas: Samosas are triangular-shaped pastry pockets filled with spiced meat or vegetables. They are a popular snack in Tanzania and are often served with chutney or chilli sauce.
- Mishkaki: This popular street food in East Africa consists of skewered meat marinated in a spicy sauce and grilled over charcoal. You can find a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, and goat.
- Zanzibar Mix: Zanzibar mix is a salad made with various fruits, vegetables, and legumes. It typically includes diced mangoes, cucumbers, onions, and chilli peppers, along with chickpeas and roasted peanuts.
- Sugarcane Juice: This is a refreshing drink that is made by crushing sugarcane and extracting the juice. The juice is then mixed with lime juice and served over ice.
Overall, Forodhani Market is a great way to experience the vibrant street food culture of Zanzibar and to try out some of the local delicacies. A Zanzibar holiday has a lot more to offer and is definitely a place to visit.
I hope you enjoyed reading up on my experience on a Zanzibar holiday. If you enjoyed reading this blog, please feel free to read my other blogs at https://www.mymemoriesabroad.com/category/blog/ or head to my Pinterest profile to have a look at travel photos which will hopefully inspire you to book your holiday to remember at https://www.pinterest.co.uk/mymemoriesabroad/.
