Zanzibar

Introduction

Stone Town

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Zanzibar is the collective name for two islands in the Indian Ocean: Unguja (the main island) and Pemba Island. The capital of Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja, is Zanzibar City. The city's old quarter, known as Stone Town, is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Geography

Cities

• Stone Town is the fascinating harbour town, full of culture and fascinating architecture with its winding alleys, bustling bazaars and Arab houses.

Sights and Activities

• Stone Town - the older quarter of Zanzibar City, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The streets are crooked and narrow, and most of them can’t accommodate cars.
• Beaches
• Kendwa, on the north coast, is a quiet and beautiful beach town. The beaches are white sand. The Indian Ocean water is blue, calm and perfect for swimming.
• Nungwi is also on the north coast and close to Kendwa. Its a popular backpacker hang out with lots of cheap beach bungalows and little restaurants. Here you can also see where traditional dhows are built and also swim with turtles in the natural aquarium.
• For excellent views of the setting sun, check out either at The Africa House hotel's top deck or Mercury’s restaurant.
• Zanzibar is famous for growing spices, especially cloves. Travellers can take tours of a spice farm. The farmer takes you around and shows you various plants and their fruits.

Events and Festivals

Every full moon a big party is held in Kendwa. Although it does not compare with Thailand in its scale, the atmosphere is generally good and it's the most lively the island gets.

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) has a number of international flights.
Destinations include Nairobi, Johannesburg, Entebbe, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Frankfurt, Addis Ababa, Mombasa, Brussels, Milan and Rome.

By Boat

The ferry for Dar es Salaam leaves from Stone Town several times a day. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day from the port.

Getting Around

By Plane

There are no internal flights on Zanzibar, though there are flights to Pemba. For connections to the mainland, check 'getting there by plane'.

By Train

There are no train services on the island.

By Car

Taxi's are easy to hail on the island and relatively cheap, although always be prepared to haggle! As a general rule, always offer a third of the price you are first given by a taxi driver.

By Bus

Dala-Dala's (or shared buses) connect Stone Town with beach locations on the coast. They are incredibly cheap but prepare to be rather squashed. They will fit as many people as possible, including bags, produce and livestock!

By Boat

You can charter boats to go snorkelling, diving or fishing if you like. Or join a tour of course.

Eat

Stone Town is full of restaurants, from sea food to Indian specialities. For those with an adventurous approach to food the night market in Stone Town is a fantastic experience. In the beach resorts most interests are catered for but of course sea food is very popular.

Drink

Kilimanjaro beer out of a big bottle, while sat in a hammock on the beach, is the best drink experience you can have!

Sleep

There has been massive growth in hotels, villas, condos and guest houses over the past decade, providing travellers with a wide variety of affordable choices.