Zanzibar

Zanzibar Tour Experience : Zanzibar island is also known as Unguja and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches found across the island. The island is found on the coast of the Indian Ocean.

The different parts of Zanzibar which are explored during tours include the northern coast, the eastern coast as well as areas of Stone Town where tourists on vacation engage in a number of activities such as;

Visits around Stone Town

Stone Town is located at the heart of the island and is found on the western coast of Zanzibar and is famous for its history and architecture.

Walking around the busy streets and alleys of Stone Town are part of the tour experience around the island. Other attractions around Stone Town include Darajani market, Palace museum, house of wonders, the Arab fort among others.

There is also a food market in Stone Town where tourists can enjoy the local food such as sea food other traditional recipes. Shopping also takes place in the town where traditional clothing and many other items are sold.

Stone Town also has a history of slavery and tours are also organized to the place where slaves were auctioned.

Spice tour

Spice tours are also carried out on Zanzibar island which is known for the production of spices such as cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, vanilla and many others.

Tours to the spice plantations are also organized during visits to Zanzibar. These plantations are located outside Stone Town and involve learning more about the spices and their uses as well as the value of the spices, how they are grown.

The spice plantations of Zanzibar many years back were tended by slaves.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is another activity  on Zanzibar island and can be carried out almost all year round.

This activity can be carried out in locations such as Mnemba Atoll as well as beaches around Nungwi or Kendwa. Tanzania as a country has diverse habitat below the surface with clear water, white sand beaches and coral reefs which make snorkeling an unforgettable experience on the island of Zanzibar.

The coral reefs in Zanzibar are of a variety and during a snorkeling excursion a number of factors to be considered when planning to engage in this activity include when to go snorkeling and also the tides.

The months of July to September are recommended for the activity although snorkeling can be carried out all year round during a tour of the Zanzibar island.

Scuba diving

Another adventurous activity which is carried out on Zanzibar island is scuba diving  on different parts of the island.

The beauty of the waters of Zanzibar island which are habitat to numerous marine species make it a good location for scuba diving. This activity can also be carried out all through the year and the best months to engage in scuba diving include February, March, July and also August.

The marine life in the Indian ocean which can be seen by divers at different times of the year include eagle rays from June to March, manta rays from December to April, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, seahorses, humpback whales, dolphins, hawksbill turtles among others.

Swimming

Swimming is also done during tours on Zanzibar island and can be carried out around the different beaches on the island.

Some of the popular swimming locations on the island include Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach, Pongwe beach, Jambiani beach, Mnemba beach, Paje beach, Matemwe beach and many other white sand beaches of Zanzibar.

Kite surfing

Kite surfing around Zanzibar island is carried out at destinations such as Paje, Jambiani, Kiwengwa, Matemwe and Ras Nungwi.

The warm waters of Zanzibar and the winds favor the kite surfing activity. The time of the year which is recommended for kite surfing is during the months of December to March and also from June to September.

Kite surfing can also be carried out by both beginners and also expert kite surfers. There are also some kite schools along the beaches in Zanzibar.

Fishing

Fishing on Zanzibar island is carried out on different parts of the coast of Zanzibar such as in the north, west and eastern coast.

This activity can be carried out for a full day and half day fishing tours on Zanzibar island. The types of boats used during fishing include sports fishing boats.

Types of fish which are caught during fishing around Zanzibar include yellow fin tuna, sailfish, barracuda, king and queen mackerel, bonito tuna, broadbill swordfish and many others.

Cultural tours

Zanzibar apart from being a holiday destination with beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters, interactions with the people of Zanzibar and getting to know about their unique culture and traditions is another activity to look forward to.

While exploring the island, the locals act as guides around destinations in Zanzibar. Visits to the local villages can also be organized during cultural tours on the island which also involves going to the local markets, tasting traditional cuisines, craft shopping among others.

Boat rides

Exploring the island during a boat ride along the Indian ocean is another experience which is carried out during Zanzibar tours.

Private boat charters are carried out around Zanzibar island and another experience includes riding on traditional dhows from destinations such as Stone Town to Prison Island.

Nature walks around Jozani forest

Nature walks are also carried around Jozani forest which is home to the red colobus monkeys.

The forest is located south east of Zanzibar island and the red colobus monkeys which are seen in this forest are a rare species of primates.