Zanzibar

Zanzibar safari tours on the East African coast of Tanzania boast a magnificent Island known as Zanzibar Island rich with history, lively culture, pristine white sand beaches along the Indian Ocean, and one of the most favorable climatic conditions for travelers.

The Zanzibar safaris in Tanzania are therefore the best adventures for honeymoon tours, group tours, history and cultural tours, water adventure safaris,  and wildlife experiences.

Beaches

Changuu Island (Prison Island), Chapwani, Bawe, Tumbatu, Mnemba Chumbe, Pange, and Nyange are some of the beautiful Islands along the Zanzibar coast.

Discover the rich history and culture of the Persians, Arabs, and Swahili who first arrived and settled at Zanzibar in 17 AD.

The ancient life, ways, culture, history, and architecture of the foreigners are still imprinted on the lives of the current dwellers, especially in the Zanzibar coastal towns and monuments. For example the Stone Town, Prison Island, and House of Wonders.

Would you like to experience luxury, midrange, or budget safari holidays on the Zanzibar coast? Inquire with an expert at Orinoco Expeditions for the best travel advice, planning, and memorable experiences on the Zanzibar coast.

Below, we discuss more about the different attractions and safari activities at the Zanzibar coast.

Tourist Attractions & Safari Activities at the Zanzibar Coast in Tanzania 

Visit Zanzibar, Africa’s tropical paradise to experience one of the world’s most enchanting attractions and the ultimate safari experiences for a wonderful African safari.

Among the many incredible attractions at Zanzibar Island are,

1. Stone Town

2. Prison Island/Changuu

3. House of Wonders

4. The Spice Plantations

5. Zanzibar Beaches, water sports

6. Jozani Forest National Park

7. Dar es Salaam

Let us discuss them below

Stone Town in Zanzibar 

Stone Town in Zanzibar replicates the town’s culture and history as one of the coastal trading towns of the Swahili people in East Africa.

The beautiful buildings of the Stone Town reveal architectural patterns from the Arabs, Persians, Indians, and Europeans and they have survived for over 1000 years. Expect to experience and watch this by walking through the narrow corridors and streets as you do shopping.

These influences are also imprinted on the cultural ways of the current locals in their daily way of life, dressing, religion, and trading.

Such incredible artistic, adventurous, and cultural expositions made the town to designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Prison Island in Zanzibar 

Prison Island is also a wondrous historical site and attraction in Zanzibar. It was an actual prison for rebellious slaves that were to be sold by the Arabs and it functioned till the late 1800s.

In the 1920s, Prison Island was made a quarantine area that aided the British territories in East Africa. The prison cells were later turned into hospital rooms where patients were treated for around 1 to 2 weeks before they were released to go back home.

Visit Prison Island to learn more about such remarkable historical incites.

House of Wonders in Zanzibar 

The House of Wonders also called the Palace of Wonders in Zanzibar is the tallest and largest building in Stone Town, facing the beautiful Forodhani Gardens.

It was built for Barghash Nin Said who was the second Sultan of Zanzibar in the 20th century in 1883 on the same site where the palace of the Zanzibari Queen Fatuma resided.  

The House of Wonders was called so because it was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and the first in East Africa to have an elevator. Thus, it was used as a ceremonial palace and an official reception hall that celebrates modernity.

Today, the House of Wonders in Stone Town is a museum where you can explore some of the historical artifacts of the coastal people.

The Spice Plantations of Zanzibar 

Zanzibar Island is also called the “Spice Island” as it is known for the various spices that are grown for both local consumption and bulk exportation.

The Zanzibar spice tours will allow you to explore and smell fragrant spices like Cinnamon, Cardamom, Black Peppers, Turmeric, Cloves, and Nutmegs, among others.

Expect an aromatic spiced rice lunch with fruits and spice shopping after your spice explorations.

 The Zanzibar Beaches

Experience the relaxing and pure exploration of the Zanzibar beaches with clear turquoise waters the white sand beaches that will bring you unforgettable adventures.

Some of the best beaches in Zanzibar are Nungwi Beach,  Nakupenda Beach, Paje Beach, Jambiani Beach, Kendwa Beach, and Mutuni Beach, among others.

At the beaches, experience amazing water sports like snorkeling,  kite surfing, parasailing, kiteboarding, jet skis, swimming with Dolphins, diving, and deep-sea fishing.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park 

Also known as the Jozani Chwaka National Park, protects the Jozani forest reserve in Zanzibar and it is the only national park in Zanzibar.

Jozani is a one-stop place for exploring the beautiful nature reserve that is home to different primates like the Red Colubusses, Syke’s Monkey also called the White Throated Monkey.

Jozani Forest is also home to small Antelopes like the Ader’s Duiker, and Suni Antelope, and various reptiles like snakes.

Dar es Salaam 

Formally the capital city of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is still the main economic point of the country and the largest city in East Africa.

Experience the beautiful Dar es Salaam through activities such as visiting Kariakoo Market, visiting beaches in the northern part of the town, visit the national museums, among others.

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar 

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the island’s dry season which is between July and September when the temperatures are favorable for especially treks and water sports.

For your inquiries about beautiful safari experiences in Zanzibar contact our committed and professional team for the best travel advice.