Zanzibar is a beautiful Island in East Africa. This island is rich in culture and white-sandy beaches. The palm trees and sea breeze are unimaginable in this area. For years, Zanzibar was well known as the Spice Island. As a result of the Spice plantation for many years, during the Arab settlements. This makes Zanzibar a fabulous place to explore and a dream destination to relax and unwind.
Zanzibar comprises two islands: Unguja and Pemba. Only 50 kilometers ( 16-31 mi) off the mainland coast.
This Island was added to the World Heritage Site list in 2000. The main reason was the refined architecture, which reflects culture. The mix of Arabs, Swahili, Indians, and Europeans lasted for more than a millennium.
The capital city of Zanzibar is Unguja ( Zanzibar City)
The Portuguese led the first invasion of the Swahili in 1498, and the Swahili held the island for almost 200 years. Before that, Arabs had been in relation with Zanzibar since AD 700 as they sailed to the Gulf. From 1698 (17th Century) to 1837, Zanzibar was under the Omani Sultanate. This brought about significant economic changes by introducing cash crops and facilitating trade with Arabs.
Today, many of the winding streets and high townhouses of old Stone Town remain unchanged.
Visitors can walk between the sultan’s palace, the House of Wonders, and the Portuguese fort and the gardens, the merchants’ houses, and the Turkish baths of the old city.
People can also visit spice plantations through spice tours. You will have a chance to observe cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices.
Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the world’s best beaches. But sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on.
This area is characterized by waves that break coral reefs and sandbars offshore. The low tides reveal small pools of starfish, anemones, and minnows.
This area offers the best swimming spot because it is less susceptible to tides. The smooth beach and sand make it the perfect place to spend days in the sun. Read more about the best things to do in Nungwi
Stone Town dominates much of this area. Offers the well-known beaches of Mangapwani. During low tides, it is possible to see the slave caves. Another worthwhile location to explore on the west coast is the Chole Island Marine Park—Snake Islands and Prison Grave in Zanzibar.
On this side of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area. It is the breeding zone for Sea turtles, an endangered species. This area is protected for sustainable conservation. It’s possible to visit Jozani Forest, home to Zanzibar’s rare Red Colobus Monkeys. Other primates and small antelopes can be seen in Jozani Forest.
The Zanzibar Islands are a gem of Africa. Thinking about where to go for the best beaches to visit for a honeymoon or family trip? The Zanzibar holiday is beyond imagination.
For health-related information, we recommend visiting the CDC website for the best recommendations.
There are many things to do on Zanzibar Island. It just depends on your interests.
Zanzibar is well known for the spice trade. So what is a better way than to immerse yourself in the local culture? Then learn about its wealthiest and most profitable industry?
Tourists can choose from a variety of tours and explore the winding streets with expert tour guides who provide information on the industry’s origins. They also educate guests about a variety of spices produced in Zanzibar.
Stone Town is the heart and soul of the island. It has an incredible mash-up of winding alleys and old Arabic-style buildings. You can lose yourself in this magical town. Soak up the local culture by sipping a cup of coffee from a local vendor. Or keep on wandering through the streets. And discover the unique little spots at every turn.
A vast, scenic expanse of green, Jozani is the last indigenous forest on Zanzibar.
Located inland from Chwaka Bay. This area often floods. This nurtures a unique swamp forest of many amazing-looking trees and ferns.
A spectacular night-time food market. Forodhani opens in the late afternoon in Stone Town. The buzz and energy of this market are spectacular. Here you can find fresh local produce as well as grilled fish, meat, and vegetables.
The seafood options are by far the most popular. The fish is served with fried potato balls, naan bread, and samosas.
A half-hour boat trip from Zanzibar. Prison Island offers a fascinating glimpse into its dark past. This land was used to detain slaves.
And when slavery was abolished. It functioned as a camp where people with deadly diseases were sent.
That is all in the past, and today the island is a nature reserve for giant tortoises. But also the site of the ruins that once housed the prison.
Nungwi is a village located on Zanzibar’s Northwestern tip. This is a popular place, yet tourists do not overrun it. It’s one of Zanzibar’s top beaches as the tide doesn’t head out too far.
This is an excellent beach for those looking to soak up some sun and dip their toes in the sea. But who doesn’t need the luxury of a fancy hotel on top?
Known as the Sultan’s Palace, the Palace Museum is the most historic building in Stone Town. It is a must-see for any tourist.
The Palace Museum is located on the waterfront. Overlooking the ocean, it was built in the 19th century as a home for the Sultan and his family.
After the 1964 revolution, the site was used as a Government building and was renamed The People’s Palace. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing relics from the former Sultan family.
The House of Wonders is a stunning, historic landmark in Stone Town.
It hosts a fascinating exhibition and offers a brilliant insight into Zanzibar and Swahili culture.
The House of Wonders is the grandest and tallest building in all of Stone Town. It is found in a prominent location in front of the Forodhani Gardens on the old town’s seafront, on Mizingani Road.
The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort, is located on the seafront, right in front of the famous Forodhani Gardens.
Built in the 17th century to defend the island from attacks from the Portuguese. Nowadays, the Old Fort is one of Stone Town’s main sights.
Visitors can admire the remains of the former fort and move around the courtyard. In the center, sellers offer local produce. An old amphitheater still hosts events and functions in the fort.
As in other parts of Africa, many flights land in Zanzibar. It can be either the main island, Unguja, or Pemba.
If you’re traveling on International flights, expect to arrive at Dar es Salaam International Airport.
From there, you can take a flight or ferry to Zanzibar. A flight to Zanzibar is around $50 or more, while a ferry is the budget option. Learn more about ferries to Zanzibar
There is no bad time to visit Zanzibar, but the best time is from June to October, during the peak season.
December to February is hot and dry. It is another popular time to visit Zanzibar, especially for those who want to enjoy water activities in the ocean.
Zanzibar Island offers the best accommodation ever in Tanzania. Some are located at the beach while others are in the middle of Stone Town.
These accommodations vary in price; you can either stay at a five-star hotel or a backpackers’ hostel in Zanzibar.
What matters is the budget and your preference.
Notable hotels and lodges on the Zanzibar Islands include Zanzibar Serena, Gran Melia Hotel Zanzibar, Fumba Beach Lodge, Amaan Bungalow Beach, Riu Palace Hotel, and others.
You can explore our list of the best places to stay in Zanzibar
Our team carefully researched and focused on trips that attract people with the same interests and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.
Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.
Memorable meals are a hallmark of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed.
Depending on the service level or tour type you have chosen, a pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win for an enjoyable trip.
Our cook accompanies other tours, and other services are included with our accommodation partners, including hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges.
The answer is absolute yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos.
We conduct safaris in politically stable regions to ensure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.
Our Professional Safari Guides are well-trained about wild animal behaviors, and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness.
Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers with a hatched roof to give maximum visibility of the game.
African safaris offer unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the defining features of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”).
On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified!
Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises imaginable! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.
Tanzania’s destinations are accessible year-round, but we recommend scheduling your safari during the dry season for the best sightings, as grasses and bush are at their least dense—July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincide with the Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park.
(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho, or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.
Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken across Africa, this is not a problem, as English is widely spoken in East and Southern Africa. In addition to English, all our professional guides are multilingual, so we have you covered.
African safaris offer unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the defining features of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”).
On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified!
Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises imaginable! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.
We are determined to ensure that you experience the luxury of genuinely memorable travel. On every trip, we aim to create a ‘charmed space’ within which you can relax, absorb fresh insights, be stimulated and charmed by new encounters – and have fun!
Whether traveling alone or with friends, Blessing Safaris guests often mention how particularly agreeable they find their traveling companions. our groups are deliberately small, comprising 2 to 7 guests especially for safari.
Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.
Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.
Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges
Help us to help you by organizing even better tours, and save money. If you contact us in advance you will save a big deal in terms of price as you have the best time for negotiation and customization of the tour with a safari planner and save more.
Why not? , We offer private tours whether you’re alone or with family and friends celebrating a special anniversary or planning a reunion of family and friends you can discuss with us. We can create a special itinerary away from traffic, travel in style with the itinerary specifically shaped to your requirements.
The answer is absolutely yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.
Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rovers with a hutched roof to give maximum visibility of a game.
African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.
This aspect is much overstated. You will rarely see a snake, but if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows and doors. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the idealistic ambiance. Bear in mind that malaria is a threat in most wildlife areas, and it is necessary to consult your doctor for advice before embarking on your safari.
Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park
Note – the migration is a natural event and the timing varies month by month; year by year. A good thing is it won’t happen in one day it takes time to complete. And we update most of our clients once the migration starts, so if your great desire is to witness the migration communicate with us in advance so as we can try our best to assure your encounter. Please note that the vast majority of travelers do not witness the wildebeest crossing of the Mara as the timing and duration varies widely each year. The best probable months are July, August, September
Around the turn of the century (until the ’30s and ’40s), mobile tenting was the only option, and “camp as you go” was the standard practice. Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile tenting safari has increased. By the same token, one can understand that the cost of having a “luxury hotel” following one around in Africa is expensive. However, most people settle for permanent tented camps. Because they are “permanent” they can be equipped with flush toilets and traditional bathroom fixtures and conveniences. Don’t be misled by terminology – a permanent tented camp offers the comfort of a 5-star hotel but with the romance and adventure of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa.
(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.
Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered
