All You Need To Know About Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago, located of the eastern coast of Tanzania, Africa in the middle of the Indian ocean, it is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, bursting with culture & history it is so much more than white sand beaches, clear warm waters with coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. Zanzibar is made up many small islands and two major islands Unguja (the main island, informally referred as Zanzibar) & Pemba.
Zanzibar’s History
Zanzibar like the mainland Tanzania was settled by bantu-speakers at the outset of the first millennium, with trade rapidly increased & by the 10th century it was one of the central Swahili trading towns. Persians, Indians and Arabs used Zanzibar as the base for voyages between the middle east, India and Africa. Unguja, the larger island offered a protected & defensible harbor
In the 14th century Zanzibar was controlled by the Portuguese, later came to the under influence of sultanate of Oman. The Zanzibar archipelago developed an economy of trade and cash crops it was famous for its cloves and other spices that’s why to date it is also known as spice island as it was the center of spice trade, ivory & slaves were other major products, Zanzibar at the time was more of the power & business capital of the Swahili coast (stretching from present day Mozambique to Kenya), Zanzibar city was the Swahili coasts main port for slave trade in middle east. In the 19th century, as many as 50000 slaves passed annually through the port, the sultanate furthered its relationship with British who put pressure on the sultanate to abolish slave trade as time progressed Zanzibar became a British protectorate until 10th December 1963 when it was terminated by the United Kingdom and made provision for full self-government in Zanzibar, Zanzibar became a constitutional monarchy under the sultan
However, a month later, on 12 January 1964 the sultanate was deposed during the Zanzibar revolution & replaced by the people’s republic.
In April 1964, the Zanzibar republic merged with mainland Tanganyika, was soon renamed, blending the two names, as the united republic of Tanzania, within which Zanzibar remains a semi-autonomous Region.
Facts About Present Day Zanzibar
After the union of Zanzibar & Tanganyika, Tanzania was born, within which Zanzibar remains a semi-autonomous region. The Zanzibar archipelago is 25-50km off the coast of the mainland Tanzania.
– The capital is Zanzibar city, located on Unguja island, its historic center is stone town, which is a world heritage site
– Like mainland Tanzania the official language is Swahili & English but many zanzibarians are also fluent in Arabic
– the official currency being the Tanzania shillings
– Islam is the dominant religion by over 90%
– Population is over 1.3million according to the 2012 census
– Main industry are spices, raffia & tourism

Best Time To Visit Zanzibar
Like the mainland Tanzania throughout the year you can visit Zanzibar but it is during the dry season (June to October) that is regarded by many as the best time to visit Zanzibar
Why June To October Is The Best Time To Visit Zanzibar?
– First of all, the skies are clear and most day are sunny (perfect weather for your stay)
– Secondly, you can do a safari, Mount Kilimanjaro hike & other extension in mainland Tanzania as it is during this time that it is favorable to visit the mainland too
– Easy mobility, moving around is easier when it is dry unlike rainy season
– fewer mosquitoes unlike the rainy season which is favorable condition for mosquitoes
– easier to meet people, do group tours, group activities and greater parties
– lastly, there is plenty and more options of activities to do on the dry season

Few Considerations Against This Period
– Prices are high as it is the peak season
– Many travelers as it is peak season, if your preference is a quite trip
Other Favorable Times To Visit Tanzania
November
– it is expected to be dry, sunny so it is a great time for a visit
– little chances for short shower rains which are expected in December & January
December
– weather will be between sunny and short rain showers (to reduce the dust)
– small peak season around festival season

January to February
– it is expected to be sunny & dry so it is great time for a visit
March
– this is a grey time, not clear if it will be dry or perhaps the rainy season will begin
April to May
this is probably the least favorable time to visit Tanzania as it is expected to be rainy season therefore very difficult to move around or enjoying the sun
but there are some advantages for this period
– lower rates
– less travelers (low season)

How To Get To Zanzibar
The best way of getting to Zanzibar is to fly to Zanzibar
If you are coming from a foreign country, you can fly directly into Zanzibar international airport
You can fly to Zanzibar from Kilimanjaro international airport, from Arusha airport (Arusha airport is more recommended after northern circuit safari), from Dar es salaam international airport, from Mwanza airport
Flights you can take.
– Air Tanzania flight 7:40 pm from Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) to Zanzibar (possible flight after a northern circuit safari) however it is recommended not to fly directly after a safari as any major emergency can hurt chances of catching your flight
– Air Tanzania flight 7:15 am from Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) to Zanzibar
– Precision air flight 4:00 pm from Arusha airport (ARK) to Zanzibar
– Coastal air, flight link, precision air, air Tanzania & Auric air running multiple flight From Domestic Airports To Zanzibar
A Ferry To Zanzibar
You can also take a bus to Dar es salaam(17-25usd) & then take a 2 hours’ ferry to Zanzibar(35usd) however this option is not greater value than a direct flight to Zanzibar as a bus will take almost 10hours to Dar es salaam & ferry takes about 2 hours from dar es salaam to Zanzibar.

Budget & Cost Of Your Stay In Zanzibar
Your budget for your stay in Zanzibar will be highly influenced by your accommodation choices, with variety of budget hostels to luxury villas Zanzibar can accommodate travelers of different budget level
Accommodation.
– budget hostels – 20 – 30usd
– Budget hotels – 35 – 70usd
– Mid-range hotels – 80 – 300usd
– Luxury – over 400usd
Daily meals & drinks budget
– Budget meals – 6usd – 12usd
– Mid-level restaurants – 20usd – 40usd
– High end restaurants – over 70usd

Transfers
– Budget (public transport) – 2 US$ daily budget
– Private transportation – 5usd – 80usd
– Private transportation from stone town to beach elsewhere is 45usd average
– Car rental – from 120usd daily
Tour & activities
– Budget tours (prison island, stone town, Mnemba atoll) – 20 -40usd
– Jet ski – 40usd an hour
– Scuba diving – 180 – 300usd

So a daily budget of 50usd can be enough for a strict budget traveler to cover essentials (accommodation, meals & something to do for the day)

How Long To Stay In Zanzibar?
As you are planning your vacation you keep asking yourself on how much days, weeks you should spend at a place, this time you are looking at how many days you should stay in Zanzibar? We understand how long you should stay is sometimes not a flexible choice for many but we recommend a minimum of 7days as ideal a maximum of 2-3 weeks is advisable. As you can move from beach to beach or to a different island on your stay.

Why You Should Visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar archipelago is one of the best destination for a beach stay in Africa & around the world, here are reasons of why you should visit Zanzibar
1. Stunning beaches, white sand, clear waters, stunning sunset vies offer a perfect mix for what you will want on your beach stay
2. Unique and great culture, the Swahili culture which is highly influenced from traders from Europe and middle east from the 14th century
3. Spices & spice tours, it is famously known as spice island from its influence in the spice trade
4. Fascinating history, stone town was the capital of different colonial influencers and traders in the Swahili coast so it is reach of history, stone town is a world heritage.
5. A great add-on for you to relax after finishing your Tanzanian safari, Mount Kilimanjaro hike or east African safari
6. Budget friendly, Zanzibar accommodates all travelers from strict budget travelers to high end travelers
7. Great reefs sites perfect for snorkeling & scuba diving
8. Peaceful &Safe, depending mostly on income derived from tourism Zanzibar is pretty much safe for tourists with some areas like stone town equipped with surveillance cameras
9. Great weather, Zanzibar has great weather throughout the year with exception of late march to May which is a rainy season
10. A great romantic getaway, if you are looking for romantic getaway one not very crowded and you can have self-time, Zanzibar is a way to go

Where To Stay In Zanzibar
Often travelers are faced with the questions “where should I stay in Zanzibar?” after saving & yearning about your vacation in Zanzibar it is just right for you to know where you should stay, which side of the island you should stay, the best & right answer on this is you need to stay at different parts of Zanzibar as they slightly differ and to your benefit we are going to share insights on this,
The Northern West Beaches
The North West Part Of Zanzibar Made Up Of The Most Popular Beaches Nungwi & Kendwa, This Beaches Are In Walking Distance From Each Other, They Boarder Each Other & Are Very Similar.
Nungwi Beach
This is the north most tip of Zanzibar, this is the most popular beach in Zanzibar as a result of its beauty and stunning sunsets, on this beach fishing boats still launch a scene unchanged for centuries but they are overlooked by a long line of hotels and resorts, this resorts offering variety of water activities and sports (jet ski, parasailing, scuba diving etc.), also there is a natural turtle sanctuary. this is what will say as most active beach in Zanzibar in term of activities also with a party like atmosphere as it has bars but nothing Like Any Party Beaches On The World.
Why Nungwi
– Plenty of water activities
– High number of tourists (if you are socially active or a solo traveler and would like to meet people)
– Party like atmosphere (beach with most bars)
– Turtle sanctuary
– Favorable tidal patterns that ensure swimming at all hours
like all other places Nungwi is not all good let’s get to why some traveler opt to avoid a stay in Nungwi
– High number of tourists (definitely not over crowded in comparison to crowded beaches in the world)
– Less peaceful, you can be constantly harassed by beach boys and beach merchants
– Nungwi resorts are higher priced in comparison to other beaches (with exception of kendwa).

Kendwa Beach
Kendwa beach is adjacent to nungwi, located just south of nungwi these beach share similarities with nungwi. With both beaches being very popular, beautiful, stunning sunsets, water activities and favorable for swimming at all hours
Full moon party, this party hosted by kendwa rocks beach hotel on the beach it is a great visit if you are in nungwi or kendwa. With delicious grill menu, amazing acrobats & fire eaters, dance music, can also chill on the beach or join the dancing crowd. This full moon parties mostly happens on a Saturday night.

Activitis To Do In Nungwi & Kendwa
This beaches are relatively close and in walking distance so they share same activities
– Mnemba atoll, this tour goes to shores of mnemba island with great coral reefs it is perfect for snorkeling
– Visit mnarani aquarium or turtle sanctuary
– Scuba diving
– Full moon party (each full moon)
– Water sports (jet ski, parasailing etc)
– Sunset dhow cruise
– Buggy tours
– Snorkelling

The Eastern Beaches
The east part of Zanzibar has many beaches mostly characterized by low tides unlike the north, west tides on this side are less favorable for a swim meaning you have to walk far out in the sea to swim. Paje, jambiani, matemwe, kiwengwa, pwani mchangani, uroa, pongwe etc all these beaches are in the east coast of Zanzibar
Popular activity at the east coast is kite surfing especially in Paje, which is the most popular of the eastern beaches but still with less tourists in comparison to the northern beaches. If you wish for more laid back places you should consider the east side
Why the east coast of Zanzibar?
– Less popular, so less travelers
– Peaceful, unlike the north there is less beach boys and beach merchants in the east coast
– Lower budget, resorts cost less in comparison to the accommodation in the northern Beaches
Matemwe, North East Zanzibar
found slightly to the east of Zanzibar north tip. contrary to the more northern beaches, it can be tidal here.it is now on rising popularity and it can now get a bit busy.
The Western Beaches & Stone Town
The west coast of Zanzibar is more popular for its old fort “stone town” which is still a present day major trading part in Zanzibar, with beaches stretching from its left & right this beaches are occupied with ports, fishermen boats, also very popular with locals as they surround the major trading part of Zanzibar, it is by far the biggest settlement on the island. However there the beautiful nakupenda beach just 20mins of the coast.

Stone Town
it is the old part of Zanzibar city, the main part of Zanzibar city, former capital of the Zanzibar sultanate, and the flourishing center of the spice trade as well as the slave trade in the 19th century. This town has been the capital of all colonial rulers from Portugal to Oman to Great Britain, until it became independent in 1963. To date it remains the capital of the semi-autonomous government of the Zanzibar archipelago. It’s a mix of African, Arabic, and colonial styles all packed into one city. Because of all the unique influences, Stone Town was actually declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000!
Each twist and turn though the narrow streets of stone town will bring you to something new as you lose yourself in centuries of history. Making the best way to get a feel for this city is to wander around the narrow maze of streets. You’ll definitely get lost, but that’s half the fun!
You’ll also probably be able to tell quickly that a lot of things haven’t been properly maintained since the colonial era. The older facades of the buildings are part of what gives Stone Town it’s unique charm!
Stone Town itself is fairly small with a population of just 16,000 residents living inside the city in 2016. The town’s economy is now primarily based on tourism and it is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Tanzania.
FUN FACT: Stone Town is actually one part of Zanzibar City. The other area of the city is called Ng’ambo, which is more modern. Stone Town is the more historical section. So if you see the two names used interchangeably, it’s because Stone Town is part of Zanzibar City!

The Southern Beaches
With kizimkazi and mtende beaches the south side is home to little fishing villages, this side is low key only quite popular for doing a dolphin tour, it is easier to spot dolphins if you take boat cruises from this beaches.