Tips & Tricks
Zanzibar Cultural Festival – this event takes place towards the end of July each year, shortly after the international ZIFF Festival of the Dhow Countries. Drawing cultural troupes from different countries and many from Zanzibar, the festival is marked with strong traditional customs and a rich heritage of culture. It is decorated with “taarab” music, […]
Mangapwani (beach) – this beach is located a few kilometers west of Mangapwani village (in the island’s northwest coast). The activities that visitors here pursue include swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking, diving, and water sports. Aside from that there are also dhow trips and nature trails plus visits to a dhow workshop.
Kiwengwa (beach) – this east coast beach is 40 minutes away from Zanzibar city. A few of the fanciest hotels on the island have claimed spots near Kiwengwa, where pure stretches of white sand seem to go on forever. Kiwengwa is a fantastic beach if you are looking to splurge a little and enjoy the […]
Nungwi (beach) – located on the northern tip of Zanzibar island is this town, which is best-known as its dhow building center (35 km. north of Zanzibar city). In recent years, tourism has grown significantly here, with CNN listing it as one of “100 best beaches of the world” in 2014. In addition, there are […]
Spice Plantations – thanks to Arab traders who settled in Zanzibar, this island became known for its spices internationally for centuries. Exports of spices such as cloves, cardamon, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, vanilla, and nutmeg have made this island legendary. Various tour outfits offer visitors the chance to view such items at the source, along […]
Prison Island – located just 30 minutes (via boat trip) from Zanzibar, Prison Island (a.k.a. Changuu Island) provides a fascinating glimpse into the island’s dark past – this land was once used as a place where slaves were detained. When slavery was abolished, the British converted it into a camp where people with infectious diseases […]