TravellerHints! Located only a short distance off the Tanzanian coast at the cross ways of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Zanzibar has long been at the focal point of the Indian Ocean experience in East Africa and a Zanzibar holiday is a sensory experience per excellence.
A traveler can go on spice tours, taste local delicacies and walk the cobblestoned streets of the capital’s old quarter stone town now among the World Heritage Sites it’s buzzing with colorful back-street markets and local zests.
And then of course there are the Zanzibar beaches with clean, crystal sands mesmerizing to the eyes, the perfect place for anyone who simply wants to enjoy a lazily luxurious beach retreat.
Zanzibar and its outlying islands specifically pemba and unguja are home to some of the finest beaches in East Africa as well as a number of its best dive sites.
Zanzibar has one of the world’s most romantic honeymoon destinations, accommodation that ranges from luxury beachfront cottages to exclusive boutique hotels and elegant spa resorts, parents on the other hand will be delighted by Zanzibar’s family friendly hotels and safe swimming beaches.
Once Infamous for being a central port for trading over the Centuries, the “Spice Islands” also has the unfortunate reputation for being the main hub during the African slave trade although thankfully the island is now a prosperous and attractive place to be with an experience of a lifetime awaiting you our esteemed traveler.
Zanzibar has numerous attractions to offer chiefly stone town and its environs, below are some of the wonders awaiting you:
How to get there – Zanzibar
Being an island in the Tanzanian coast, transport by air is the only feasible method for reaching Zanzibar from outside East Africa.
There are very few direct flights, but from Dar es Salaam it is not too difficult to book a short hop flight to Zanzibar or there are frequent ferries (some old and slow and worryingly un-seaworthy to the eye, and some fast and modern though more expensive).
Recently the Bakhresa group of companies inaugurated the ‘fast ferry’ from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, and the other way around, using Azam Marine’s ferries only.
Ferrying is considered the most convenient way to travel to Zanzibar especially for those with a tight travel budget compared to flying.
The ferry terminal in Dar es Salaam is about 12km from the Julius Nyerere International Airport, 30 to 45 min drive depending on traffic.
The ferry terminal in Zanzibar is in Malindi, right at the heart of stone town.
Loss of luggage or delays can be more common on flights to and around East Africa, Especially if you are making numerous transfers.
From Arusha (base of Kilimanjaro and start point of many Safaris), It is possible to travel to Dar es Salaam by bus and transfer to Unguja and Pemba by ferry to Zanzibar.
However it is advisable to fly. The bus journey is over 650 km can take more than 10 hours. Internal flights are a far more comfortable and less time consuming option.
Flights can be arranged from Arusha for around USD 150 / EUR 120 one way. The flight is approximately one hour fifteen minutes.
From Dar es Salaam there are daily flights to Zanzibar.
Flights cost around USD 100, and EUR 90. Booking through alternative airlines seems to be the most cost-effective and simple option.
Zanzibar is part of the Union (United Republic of Tanzania) and it maintains its own immigration service. So please, carry your passport with you when travelling either by flight or ferry just to be safe.
ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO – ZANZIBAR
STONE TOWN: breathtaking scenery of ancient history
Only in Stone Town that innumerable narrow streets wind their way through craft shops, art galleries, fabric kiosks and picturesque coffee shops.
It is also the ideal place for the traveler to venture on foot and getting lost within this maze of ancient streets will enable you the traveler to experience the steep history and charm of stone town first hand, it will also give rise to a number of cultural experiences that can appear much more local and authentic than the beach life up north.
Further on, young painters add the finishing touches to their latest paintings as the aroma of freshly plucked and roasted Arabica drifts through the air from an old-fashioned coffee shop down another side street.
Whether you are buying or selling, or neither of the two, a walk through these streets is a fascinating encounter
The Spice Plantations – Zanzibar
A tour of Zanzibar would be incomplete without a visit to one of the spice plantations in Zanzibar to witness firsthand on how Zanzibar came to be known as the Spice Island, a traveler will be able to see cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, lemongrass, jackfruit, vanilla, coconuts, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which are an essential ingredient in a Zanzibar’s everyday life.
It is the island’s connection to spices and herbs. Zanzibar and Spice is a romantic engagement that dates back to the 16th century.
Apart from being an important commodity on the trade routes. Spices can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, it is also the perfect opportunity for the traveler to see the countryside and rural areas of Zanzibar and also connect with local people.
Various Spice tours have been developed which give an in-depth information not only about spices, but also organically grown herbs and detailed descriptions about their uses in traditional dishes, as cures for ailments and even for dyeing traditional ceremonial outfits for weddings and festivals.
The guided walking tours pass through villages and spice plantations, a walk through the farms a traveler will be able to see workers climbing trees, seek out specific plants and cuts off various barks while letting you feel and taste everything.
A tourist will be decorated with palm-leaf accessories such as ties, rings, bracelets and glasses. At the Spice farms you will have an opportunity to taste some of the exotic fruits of Zanzibar.
After the tour, a traveler will be invited to a magnificent traditional Swahili lunch served in a local house, here you will get a really taste of the spices in the food.
The tour includes visiting the kidichi built in 1850 by the first Sultan of Zanzibar as a gift for his Persian wife. Also while at the Spice farms, it is the best place to buy fresh spices directly from the source. Plantations between Stone Town and the north beaches can be used as a good stopover point.
The House of Wonders;
After finally making the trip back near the main street, the majestic House of Wonders is eagerly awaiting to be explored.
It is a spectacular masterwork of architecture which was initially the palace of Zanzibar’s sultan and is now home to the National Museum of Culture.
Highlights of the collection within the museum include: a large traditional Swahili boat commonly known as “mtepe” by the local people in the central courtyard and two 16th century bronze cannons captured from the Portuguese by the Oman’s during the war.
The Slave Chambers
It is quite possible for a traveler to take a short excursion of the slave chambers (between the Anglican Cathedral and St Monica’s Hostel), although nothing of the old slave market remains, some 15 holding cells are located underneath the Anglican Cathedral and St Monica’s Hostel.
Two of them, beneath St Monica’s, are open to the public and offer a sobering foretaste of the appalling realities of the trade. Dank, dark and cramped, each chamber housed up to 65 slaves awaiting sale.
Tiny windows cast weak shafts of sunlight into the gloom and it’s hard to breathe even when they’re empty. They are a haunting, but necessary reminder, for the tragic history of Stone Town.
The Old Fort
One of the oldest buildings in Zanzibar known in Swahili as “Ngome Kongwe” it is positioned on the main seafront adjacent to the house of wonders and facing the Forodhani.
Built in late 17th century by the Oman’s to defend the island from the portuguese, it is known to have been successful at repelling at least one attack from the Portuguese and their allies.
It was later used as a prison and as barracks. In the early 20th century it was used as a depot during the construction of the railway that connected Stone Town to the village of bububu.
The fort is a square of high, brown walls with merlons, protecting an inner courtyard. In the courtyard there are remnants of earlier buildings, including those of a Portuguese church and another Omani fortification.
The Fort is one of the prominent tourist attraction sites in Stone Town, and its courtyard has been adapted to serve as a cultural center with curio shops selling tourist-oriented merchandise such as tingatinga paintings, it is also has an open-air Amphitheatre where live dance and music shows are held most evenings, a restaurant, and a tourist information desk.
It is also the main venue used for large events such as the ‘festival of the dhow countries’ (also known as the Zanzibar International Film Festival).
The Tea House:
Traced right at the heart of Stone Town, hovering on top of a Swahili mansion in a convolutedly carved wooden gazebo, the Emerson Tea House is at the very top of the Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel, the setting could never be more antique with knitted cushions decorating the surrounding walls intersected by appealing tables and dainty curtains blowing in the wind above.
Indeed, it is the most exclusive rooftop restaurant in the whole of Zanzibar. One of the unique features of the Emerson Tea House is the sunset hour.
It is peculiar for travelers and are encouraged to arrive at any time from 6pm, to enjoy a “sundowner” before dinner. Enjoy expertly made cocktails with a 360 degree view of stone town.
Mojitos, followed up by a multi course dinner with an emphasis on seafood, spices and island fruits.
The only way to make a reservation for Tea House in Stone Town is to do so in person the day before you wish to visit or to get someone you know to make it for you. It is an experience not to be missed.
Entertainment follows up as the evening goes on, a small band takes it to the stage and encourages everybody to get up for some Swahili dancing.
Forodhani Gardens
As the local Swahili saying goes by “milima haikutani” translating to “Hills Do Not Meet” but people definitely do, then forodhani gardens is just the place for a traveler will get the opportune time to mingle with the locals and other travelers; who knows one might meet a longtime schoolmate or friend!
The Gardens are a dreamland for seafood lovers, a traveler will find all sorts of fish including barracuda, squid, octopus, crabs, shrimps, lobsters, prawns, chicken Shawarma and other delicacies like: chapatti bread, kebab, Zanzibar pizza even Nutella pizza.
Each evening as the sun sets in Stone Town, Forodhani Park transmutes into an open-air food market with mouthwatering local delicacies such as fish kebabs, “urojo” a thick mango and tamarind soup served alongside chickpea fritters, boiled potatoes, cassava flakes, chutney, and as much hot sauce as you dare, all cooked to perfection in the most memorable setting possible.
The Island Beaches – Zanzibar
Heading to the Beach, Then Zanzibar Has Just the Thing for Every travelers Desire. Zanzibar as an island boasts of an array of beaches which are certainly worth the effort to visit, some of the pristine beaches include Kendwa, Nungwi, Kizimkazi, matemwe beach and many more.
Nungwi Beach – Zanzibar
Right on the northern most point of the island, Nungwi beach is a truly stunning place to be at with Azure waters and white sandy beaches awaiting to be ventured upon by a traveler.
From stone town it’s a 2hrs drive by road depending on various factors ranging from police checkpoints and the number of stops the driver makes en route.
There are several viable options on how to get there such as hire a car and self-drive, hotel arranged transport, hire a taxi from stone town or ride the local dala dalas.
Nungwi is the third largest settlement in Zanzibar with a population of about 5000 people.
Nungwi beach
Is relatively quiet during the day, but it also provides a wide range of watersports and things to do, including scuba diving, Jet Ski, paragliding, deep sea fishing and parasailing although the latter is quite expensive along with other activities such as volleyball, craft lessons or the local village tour. It is a place for anyone looking for pleasure with peace of mind at the same time.
Nungwi –
Is most popular with a long line of quality restaurants, bars and hotels providing ample entertainment and variety. Some of the restaurants include:
Langi Langi Beach Bungalows Restaurant –
Excellent food with a fine sea view. One of the best places to eat in Nungwi. Definitely go there and get the curries or masalas.
Although this place is very popular (because it’s so good) and as such the traveler needs to make reservations and may also need to wait a while for your food. Relax and wait, the food is worth it.
Flame Tree Cottages Restaurant –
This place has a shorter menu than most places, and the food is great. If you’re not a fan of seafood, ask before ordering anything not in the seafood section of the menu.
Mama Mia –
The restaurant is characterized by a terrace overlooking the sea, and travelers can even enjoy the opportunity of dining on the beach.
The dishes suggested combine the high quality and freshness of local products with the talent of the chef on deck.
Whether one stays in a five star resort such as: (Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Diamonds la Gemma Est and Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort) or one of the most affordable accommodations, a traveler will still have full access to many massage parlors, coffee shops and bars along the waterfront.
This is one of the most chilled out bars – the cholo’s bar, the music they play is well selected and makes the beach, which the bar is directly on, even more pleasant.
Mnarani Sea Turtle Conservation Area
At the northern tip of Zanzibar, in Nungwi on one of the most beautiful beaches of the island paradise, is the Mnarani Sea Turtle Conservation Area.
The conservation area acts as a sanctuary for turtles which are either rescued with injuries or hatched from eggs which have been collected from beaches, where due to human pressure, their survival is at risk.
Five of the world’s seven species of sea turtles can be found in Tanzania. The two species of Hawksbill turtle and Leatherback turtle are critically endangered, and the three species of Green turtle, Loggerhead Sea turtle and Olive Ridley are classified as endangered, it is one of the few places in East Africa where a traveler gets a glimpse at these endangered species. Sea turtles have a long life and it takes them long to reach adulthood.
This makes them particularly vulnerable to human intervention during all phases of their life. Thereby making it a place worth visiting en route to the beach.
Kendwa beach
Kendwa beach is a breathtaking scene of white sands dropping off into the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
The beach is good at all times of the day, it is a quiet getaway resort from the hustles and bustles of stone town, and it also has the added benefit of a huge beach.
It is positioned on the west coast of the island, overlooking the tiny Daloni Island and the larger island of Tumbatu, It is a one hour’s drive from Stone Town.
Only a few properties have managed to locate themselves on the western side of the island.
One of the few noticeable properties on Kendwa is the Kendwa Rocks Resort, home to the monthly Full Moon Party, but for every other day the resort is all about peace and quiet, sunbathing during the day and sunset cruises in the evening using the local taxis available in the area.
Matemwe beach: explore the unexplored
The beautiful sandy beach of Matemwe is on the north eastern coast of Zanzibar, looking out to the exclusive island of Mnemba.
Unlike most of the beaches on the island it is untouched by tourism till recently, making it the ideal place for a traveler to explore the unexplored.
The village boasts of its beautiful and expansive beach which has become a popular tourist destination while visiting Zanzibar, the tidal range is very large hence making the beach become large during low tide, it is quite possible for a tourist to enjoy a swim during the day time, and when the tide comes, the beach transforms into a paradise.
One of the hotels in the area is the Matemwe Beach Village, whereby a tourist can relax amongst the books, games and huge cushions of the hotel. In the Matemwe Beach Village, one can always enjoy an atmosphere of relaxed hospitality and friendliness while services are being provided effectively and efficiently.
Pongwe Beach
Situated on the picture perfect northern part of the island, the beach boasts of its white powdery sands, turquoise waters and shady palm trees.
At low tide the beach forms a wide band of white sands that runs out to the seaweed farms and finally to the deep water. At high tide, the waves come right up to the edge of the palm, covered land that spreads back to the main road.
During the day at low tide, a tourist can walk around to nearby coves including to the immediate neighbor to the north, Tulia.
The beach boasts plenty of good properties such as the Pongwe Beach Hotel which is quite, simple and of great value. It is a small hotel offering exceptional services along the strip of the beach, less crowded making it the perfect holiday destination. This simple hotel is a great spot for travelers looking for a great beach holiday without the five star trappings.
Kizimkazi Beach
An untouched jewel nestled on the southern coast of Zanzibar, it is an area that is awaiting developments by all cost, prominent for its great diving sites and snorkeling that is on offer from the shoreline.
For the marine life lovers Kizimkazi is just the place for you to get the experience of a lifetime to be able to spot dolphins in the area. One can be able to see both the bottlenose and humpback dolphins.
The shallow waters of Kizimkazi make it the ideal hangout for dolphins due to the reliable food supply, to nurse their calves, rest and socialize.
Dolphin tours are best very early in the morning because in the afternoon as the sun rises seawater tends to become warm, therefore dolphins dive deep down the sea bottom to escape the heat.
The other perks of coming to Kizimkazi is that, the beach is totally accessible making it your own while there, secondly with fewer people heading down there, a tourist can get utter seclusion with a stress free environment while enjoying the beach life.
Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is a single small island nestled about 3 km off the northeast coast of Unguja, opposite Muyuni Beach. It is roughly triangular in shape and surrounded by an oval reef which has been declared a Marine Conservation area.
Mnemba Island and its reef are sometimes called Mnemba Atoll. The Island is a 90-minute drive from Stone Town across the main Zanzibar Island, before a twenty-minute boat crossing.
The Island is a popular scuba diving site, boasting of a wide variety of corals and the associated species, as well as occasional sightings of larger species such as turtles and dolphins. Calm conditions are most frequent in November and March, with maximum visibility.
Diving at Mnemba is magnificent, on the inside it’s like being in a hulk of an aquarium while the outside offers excellent wall and drift dives.
The island itself is a breeding ground for turtles and they are often seen gliding by along with dolphins, huge schools of fish, whale sharks and humpbacks when in season.
What makes Mnemba Atoll different to diving from town is the amount of schooling fish, from Striped Snapper, Surgeonfish and up to ten green Turtles can be seen on one dive.
If the traveler looks hard enough, will be able to find the masters of disguise the Frogfish who camouflage themselves so that they are not seen by predators. This dive is one not to be missed if a traveler is planning a dive trip while in Zanzibar.
Traveling to Mnemba Atoll in a traditional dhow sailing boat there is always the chance of spotting dolphins, and reaching the island itself, the colorful coral is no less than mesmerizing.
Zanzibar is home to many species of fish, with huge trevally, yellow snappers, barracuda, eels and many more.
Although the island is private, the boats will drop anchor close to shore, allowing the traveler to stand near the water’s edge, and explore the surrounding reefs.
Some guests will take to jumping from the top of the boat into the water, others tend to disappear with their snorkels and some will just bask in the silence on deck as the gentle wind continues to pass through.
From snorkeling, swimming and kayaking, to doing nothing at all, Mnemba has something for everyone.
The Prison Island – Zanzibar
Also known as ‘Changuu’ after the Swahili name of a fish, which is common in the seas around the prison island, but the name is no longer in use. Prison Island is an island found about 6 kilometers north-west of South Town.
The island was uninhabited until the 1860s when the first Sultan of Zanzibar gave it to two Arabs who used it as a prison for rebellious prisoners prior to shipping them abroad or selling them to the slave market in Stone Town.
Despite the prison buildings being completed in 1894, causing the island to become known commonly as “Prison Island”, the facility never housed prisoners instead it became a quarantine station back in the day.
A new complex of quarantine buildings was built in the south-west of the island in 1931 which gave an upgraded quarantine capacity of 904 persons to the ship merchants coming to Zanzibar.
Although there are wonderful coral areas to snorkel around Prison Island, a traveler will get plenty of time to do so, the real attractions are the highly captivating Slave trade museum and the huge turtles.
Once on the island itself, one will have the unique and incredible opportunity to visit the giant turtles and, most often, this invitation is extended to assist with the feeding time in the afternoon. Provided the traveler is gentle and respectful, it is perfectly fine to touch the turtles and intermingle with these gentle giants, some of which are more than 180 years old
The waters are some of the clearest anywhere in the Spice Islands and, once more, there is every chance that a traveler will get a glimpse of the many pods of dolphins which inhabit this part of the Indian Ocean.
Jozani National Park
Nestled within the Jozani Forest is the Jozani Chwaka National Park. The park is located 35km southeast of Zanzibar Town off the road to Paje, and is best reached via bus, chartered taxi or with an organized tour.
It was established in the 1960s covering an area of 50 square kilometres within the core of Zanzibar Island. It is the only national park in the island.
This cool and shady patch of green is the largest and last area of mature, indigenous forest left on the Zanzibar Island.
Situated inland from Chwaka Bay on low-lying land, the area is susceptible to flooding, which cultivates a unique swampy forest of moisture-loving trees, lush and feathery ferns.
Living within the Park is the endangered species of the red colobus monkey, a beautiful and rare primate. Subsisting on leaves and living most of their lives in the trees and bushes, evolution has eliminated their opposable thumbs so they now only possess stubs.
For the primate lovers, as one goes primate viewing in the park, it is delightful to watch these lively creatures in their natural habitat as they feed, groom one another and care for their young.
Tour groups visit around 9.30am and 3pm, which are good times to see the monkeys when they are active. Drinks and simple meals are available at the on-site cafe-restaurant.
The red colobus monkeys are used to seeing humans around and will quest close to the tourist, allowing one to take lots of pictures.
Enjoy the opportunity to learn more about their behavior and also about the dedicated efforts that were directed at saving this fast-disappearing species.
Thanks to conservation drives, these monkeys now number close to 2500. The diversity of woodland landscape this lush forest covers is truly incredible.
It includes a tidal water-washed area between the Uzi and Chwaka Island bays, swarming with mangrove trees and other marine vegetation.
The woodland itself is sited in an ancient coral bed that creates a shallow depression with coral rag forests and thick bushes covering the higher ground around it.
There are also sand marshes that lie to the north of the forest. At the bay, a traveler will be able to view distinct varieties of colorful fish in the water along with crabs and mollusks. There is also on-site turtle sanctuary initiated by the local community.
Other species of fauna found in the park are the Sykes monkey, bush babies more than 50 species of butterflies and 40 species of birds.
The nocturnal Zanzibar tree hyrax, which has four ‘toes’ on its front feet and three on its back, it is said to be the first hyrax species that has acclimatized to the forest.
The seagrass beds of the Chwaka Bay, fringed with mangrove forests, are important breeding grounds for marine organisms, including open sea fish species. The mangroves are also a good breeding grounds for birds.
The highlight of the flora tour, will be the guided tour to see the Mama Mtondoo, a stately mahogany tree that is believed to be more than 200 years old.
Then, there are the fascinating twins, one strangler fig, and the other sycamore, growing together. The traveler could also view a raffia fern tree that has the distinction of sporting the largest leaves in the world.
Together, this landscape supports a stunning variety of flora that in turn hosts more than 100 species of butterflies.
You will be awestruck to see that few of these can be as big as a human hand. You can also view millipedes, lizards and amphibians like frogs.
Look out for the brilliantly colored sunbirds as they flit among the elegant tropical flowers, sipping nectar from them.
Follow the forest trails on your adventure tour of Zanzibar and you can watch other creatures such as sykes monkey, shrew, galago, chameleon and many more. If you are lucky, you may even spot a traversing shy Ader’s duiker or the unique suni antelope.
The Rock
If there was one a place to travel halfway around the world for, then it might just be at The Rock Restaurant in Zanzibar.
It is a restaurant like no other, perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean, no pencil or paint brush could comprehend such beauty it seems to have been dropped off from a fairy tale.
The restaurant is located on the east coast of Zanzibar, a short distant from the shore of the beautiful Michanwi Pingwe beach. It takes an hour or so to reach the restaurant from Stone Town, you will not regret making the effort to get there.
During high tide, it becomes an authentic island with a wooden boat taking you the short distance to shore. In low tide, a traveler simply walks across the seaweed strewn beach to get to this magical place. Both methods will take you to a wobbly wooden staircase and into the restaurant, built in the local Zanzibar architectural style with a Makuti palm tree roof.
In the back of the restaurant, there’s a beautiful patio where one can grab and have a cocktail whilst being surrounded on all three sides by the pristine seas. Inside, there are 12 comfy tables for lunch and dinner.
Eating at The Rock is an experience the traveler can’t afford to miss; colors, relish and sensations blended together in a unique magical setting.
First up, an icy mojito seems the perfect antidote to the warm, humid air. The triangular sails of traditional wooden dhows dot the aqua horizon. The sea calmly laps at the coral below.
For the main course, the “very tender octopus salad” lives up to its name. The “citronette dressing” creole flavor suits the island vibe and syncs with a crisp, chilled French chardonnay.
The fresh lobster, Cigales, prawns, king fish and calamari are all well cooked on the grill and easily serves two. A couple of potato cakes (called potato scallops in some parts of Australia) are a hat tip to corner store fish n’ chips.
Seafood pasta variations, meat dishes and some stand-alone fish options also grace the menu. The Rock is a special place leaving the diner wanting more.
The Southeastern coastline of Zanzibar is recognized as amongst the most beautiful in all the world. Here the traveler will find 3 gems; The Rock of Zanzibar and its associated Kichanga Lodge and Dongwe Ocean View
Jaws Corner coffee shop
For the coffee lovers, travelling to Zanzibar specifically in Stone Town, the ultimate place to stop by and get a cup of black, freshly made coffee is the Jaws Coffee Shop. Positioned within the confluence Stone’s Town many windy old town streets, this unique square is the place where the traveler is able to socialize with the local community early in the morning while getting a cup of coffee.
The coffee served is black, unsweetened and with a tinge of freshly harvested Zanzibari ginger in the coffee, prepared to perfection in the Arabic style.
The philosophy on how to enjoy Jaw’s coffee is that instead of adding sugar to the coffee, the traveler is advised to alternate between a sip of the coffee and a nibble of the sweet sugary treats found on a small homemade table in front of the coffee brewer within the coffee shop creating an irresistible combination. The
Lukmaan Restaurant
One of the legendary restaurants in Stone Town that serves local ‘Zanzibari delicacies is the Lukmaan Restaurant, popular with locals and tourists looking for Stone Town’s best dishes.
The restaurant serves a menu that isn’t far from perfection which includes coconut vegetables, roasted bananas, stews, spiced rice and biryani rice which leaves the diner bamboozled with appreciation.
The Butterfly Center
Located along the main road connecting Zanzibar Town with the east coast, and about 2km west of the well-signposted Jozani Forest entrance.
The Zanzibar Butterfly Center is one of the largest butterfly enclosures in East Africa with a netted garden, a traveler will be able to see a great display of beautiful butterflies in an astonishing tropical environment while walking through the butterfly farms.
The tour of the center will enable the traveler to see close up and personal the amazing life cycles stages of the butterfly, including some beautiful cocoons. Tours usually last between 30-45 minutes but can be adopted to suit the traveler wishes.
Sunsets in Zanzibar
Contrary to what many people may think prior to arrival, Stone Town is likely to be the most spectacular place on the island to witness the last light of day and more specifically, the Africa House Hotel.
Luxurious in decoration and with a clear view of the horizon, the Sunset Lounge Balcony at the back of this unassuming hotel has a vibrant atmosphere, comfortable seating areas and the ultimate vantage point from which to watch the sun go down.
Another great alternative for catching the sunset or sunrise in Stone Town is to choose a lodge or hotel that provides access to a terrace on the top of the building.
That being said, the northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa are also ideal in that they both face a westerly direction.
Comfortable hammocks on the front of the bar at sunset Kendwa, are perfect for enjoying sunset cocktails at Kendwa Beach, you can also have the soft sands to yourself on the southerly most part of the two beaches in Nungwi.
Alternatively, for a small fee, you can take a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat, which comes with a fully stocked bar. Long stretches of sand on one side, and a red sun falling over the Indian Ocean to the west with nothing to obstruct the view.
