As if in a daydream, here are the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Zanzibar!
There’s something magical about just saying the name: Zanzibar. This piece of Africa, stranded like a piece of paradise that fell from the sky off the coast of Tanzania, immediately conjures up dream vacations.
Many people combine a trip to Zanzibar with a safari in Tanzania. But the island can also be a relaxing trip in its own right. Zanzibar carries you away in a whirlwind of exoticism, mystery, spicy charms, marvellous landscapes, cultural influences, diverse scents and flavours.
But never rudely. Zanzibar is gentle, kind and offers travellers a sense of calm like few other places on earth… Why not get a taste of it for yourself? Discover the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Zanzibar!
1. Stone Town
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gideon Ikigai
It would be sad to visit Zanzibar and focus solely on its myriad of magnificent beaches. Stone Town, a Unesco World Heritage Site, immerses you in a cultural and historical bath, essential to appreciate the full beauty of the island.
Did you know that from the 18th to the 19th century, Zanzibar belonged to the Emirate of Oman, and that Stone Town was a disastrous hub of the slave and ivory trade? Or that the town was the preferred point of departure for the great explorers who came to explore the enigmatic lands of the African continent?
All these stories, both moving and intoxicating, are still whispered in Stone Town. Then, in the narrow streets of the old town, you can’t stop looking at the magnificent carved doors, the elaborate balconies, the stores selling exotic products and the gleaming secret palaces.
Originally from France, Olympe organizes atypical & tailor-made excursions from Zanzibar.
Selous Safari – 2 days
4.8
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Sample itinerary:
Take a round trip from Zanzibar, landing directly in our favorite park, Selous, after a 50-minute flight […].
2 days all-inclusive
650€ / pers.
2. Mnemba Atoll
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gideon Ikigai
North of Zanzibar, the Mnemba atoll and its exclusive island are a treasure trove that is the pride of Zanzibar. This sublime natural gem looks like something straight out of a postcard: white sand and crystal-clear waves (almost enough to burn your retina), bathing at all hours of the day, nesting sites for sea turtles, dream villas set high in the water and a rich, multicolored seabed.
This tropical paradise and its island are actually private and reserved for travellers staying in the only luxury hotel. However, you can still enjoy the island on a diving or snorkeling trip, usually departing from Stone Town. The atoll’s coral reefs are accessible to all levels and promise an unforgettable introduction to underwater life.
Originally from France, Olympe organizes atypical & tailor-made excursions from Zanzibar.
A night on a volier on Mnemba Island
5.0
27
Sample program:
Aboard our sailboat, you’ll spend an unforgettable day and night on Mnemba island.
Departure from Kendwa beach, excursion to Mn […]
2 days all-inclusive
300€ / pers.
3. Mafia Island
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kjersti Joergensen
One of Zanzibar’s places of interest is 150 kilometers from Dar Es Salaam, and is surrounded by an underwater world and heavenly beaches. We call it Mafia Island. Its reputation is also due to the presence of whale sharks, which delight diving enthusiasts every year from October to March.
Yet Mafia Island is a secret that only a handful of visitors are allowed to discover. Limiting the number of tourists is the best way to preserve this rich and splendid marine park, so book in advance!
4. Jozani forest
Photo credit: Shutterstock – SanderMeertinsPhotography
Jozani, a tourist hotspot, is nonetheless one of the most beautiful places to visit on Zanzibar. This forest is home to the endemic red colobus monkey, a species unique to the island.
However, the walk is quick and a little « touristy ». The main reason to go there is to marvel at the adorable faces of the primates, as well as the many birds and butterflies that flutter about in the heart of the forest. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the unique flora of eucalyptus, palms and bamboo.
5. Matemwe village
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marius Dobilas
This small fishing village in the north-east of the island has preserved its tranquility and authentic charm. Here, life stretches out slowly along the immaculate sandy beaches and to the rhythm of the Dhows, the traditional hand-built boats found all along the African coast.
Opposite the small island of Mnemba, Matemwe is also a Mecca for diving and snorkeling. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few schools of dolphins. From evening to morning, you can hear the laughter of the village children and learn the art of seaweed harvesting.
As the sun goes down, it’s great to stroll along the beach and sample the fresh produce bought at the market. Especially the fish from the unmissable fish auction!
6. Pemba Island
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lukasz Nycz
The archipelago is made up of several islands, all of which have their own reasons for being among the places of interest in Zanzibar. Among them is the island of Pemba. Nicknamed the « Green Island », it is bathed in a romantic atmosphere of mangroves and fertile valleys.
A favorite destination for lovers, it offers long walks on secluded beaches or in the heart of lush nature. The island of Pemba is also an opportunity to discover the cultivation of rice, coconuts, bananas, manioc, beans and spices.
Did you know that Zanzibar is nicknamed the « Spice Island »? Its cinnamon, vanilla, lemongrass, nutmeg, pepper and cloves are world-renowned. On the island of Pemba, as in other places to visit in Zanzibar, local farms open their doors to curious, gourmet travellers!
7. Kizimkazi village
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marius Dobilas
Like many of Zanzibar’s villages, Kizimkazi is both a busy and relaxing place to live. Here, like nowhere else, you’ll discover the art of fishing and maritime traditions.
On the beach hemmed in by a small bay, fishing boats swarm back and forth incessantly. The fruit of their catch is sold right on the beach, or sometimes even directly from the boat.
This is your chance to share an impromptu barbecue with the locals, or to photograph a few fish drying on the trees. During your visit to this superb fish market, you may even have the chance to climb aboard a Dhow and discover the rudiments of an unspoiled tradition.
8. Jambiani and Paje villages
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marius Dobilas
Nestled on Zanzibar’s south-eastern coast, the two small fishing villages of Jambiani and Paje are steeped in tradition and calm. At high tide, you can watch the continuous ballet of Dhows as they set out to conquer the seas.
At low tide, you’ll meet women collecting seaweed, which is then sold as medicine or food. This is one of the island’s main economic activities. Jambiani and Paje, often cited among the most beautiful places to visit in Zanzibar, are packed with activities: bike rentals, typical markets, seaweed farm visits, kite-surfing lessons, mangrove excursions, etc.
9. Chapwani Island
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MOIZ HUSEIN STORYTELLER
Take the boat from Stone Town. Thirty minutes later, you’re on the secret island of Chapwani. Impossible to resist the evocative charm of this well-hidden address… The private island, fringed by a long golden sandy beach and the translucent waters of the Indian Ocean, is home to just five bungalows and one villa.
These seafront refuges offer an idyllic, yet unadorned, setting, where simplicity and harmony with nature take precedence. So why not indulge in a Robinson Crusoe-style stay?
As well as being one of the most beautiful places to visit in Zanzibar, Chapwani is a haven of authenticity and sensational experiences!
10. The beaches
How can you talk about places of interest in Zanzibar without mentioning its beaches? Just imagine. White sand, coconut palms, azure waters, flamboyant seabeds, changing shades of blue at high tide, brilliant nets of seaweed and natural pools at low tide, seashells and sea urchins rolling discreetly about…
It’s so beautiful it’s unreal! In this immensity of landscapes and natural phenomena, we’ve selected 4 of our favorite beaches (in addition to those in the villages mentioned above).
Bwejuu, secluded beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ciprian23
Tucked away to the east of Zanzibar, Bwejuu beach is far from the hustle and bustle. Peace and harmony are its only watchwords. One of the « 30 most beautiful beaches in the world », Bwejuu is a collection of natural beauties.
Pongwe, a quiet beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – BBP76000
Visiting Zanzibar also means discovering unusual places such as Pingwe beach. With its turquoise and emerald waters and coral reef, Pingwe beach is peaceful and seductive.
But its real trump card is its restaurant: « The Rock ». Perched on a rocky outcrop, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a drink or lunch in an exceptional setting.
Nungwi, the best-known beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MarcantonioBartelloni
At the northern tip of the island, Nungwi beach is one of the most beautiful, but also the most popular with tourists. It’s renowned for its festive atmosphere, bars and restaurants with local dance performances, diving schools and sunsets that attract the crowds.
Despite its popularity, the beach is nonetheless splendid. And there’s more: you can swim at Nungwi at any time of day, as it’s one of the few beaches spared from high low tides.
Kendwa, sunset beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ilyas Kalimullin
Kendwa’s tranquil beach is, thanks to its location, an excellent spot to watch the sunset. The village has remained incredibly authentic, untouched by infrastructure and naturally shaded by banana, palm and coconut trees.
Families love the calm waters and soft ribbons of sand. Youngsters prefer the entertainment, especially at Full Moon Parties.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Tanzania