Is there a place on earth with a more seductive sound than Zanzibar? You can almost instantly feel the sea wind by simply uttering Zanzibar, hear the rustle of palm leaves, and smell the spices.

Off the coast of East Africa, there is an archipelago of four islands called Zanzibar. Its largest island, Unguja, is frequently called Zanzibar. Over the course of history, Zanzibar has served as a stronghold for a number of nations due to its advantageous location along the routes used for the commerce of spices and slaves in the Indian Ocean.

Even in 1832, Oman proclaimed Zanzibar it’s capital for a period of 30 years. Then, Zanzibar became a British protectorate until it merged with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in the 1960s.

Best time to visit Zanzibar

The dry season of the archipelago, which lasts from July to September, is the ideal time to visit Zanzibar and is also the busiest tourism period. Travelling is still worthwhile most of the year, though, because sunny skies and temperatures between 28 and 34 degrees Celsius are usual.

Good to know about Zanzibar

Culture

People from many ethnic backgrounds, including Persian, Arab, and African, make up the Zanzibari population. Despite having a majority Sunni Muslim population (though there are also many other minorities), Zanzibar also has a variety of Christians, Hindus, and other, lesser-known religions.

Currency

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling, but US dollars are often widely accepted in tourist regions.

How to reach Zanzibar

Zanzibar's tropical islands can be reached in one of two ways: by ferry or by aeroplane. Both Pemba Island and Unguja's main island, which is frequently called Zanzibar Island, are accessible by air. The majority of flights to Zanzibar depart from Stone Town on Unguja and Dar es Salaam on Tanzania's coast. The flight takes just 15 minutes.

Top places to visit in Zanzibar

The House of Wonders

The ceremonial residence of Sultan Bargash bin Said, the Omani sultan who ruled Zanzibar from 1870 and 1888, was the House of Wonders (Bait al Ajaib) in Stone Town. The structure features many elements of typical Zanzibari architecture, including huge wooden doors that are reminiscent of both Arab and Indian craftsmanship, tall columns that create shady verandas around the building, and rooms that are located on the outside of the structure, which create an interior courtyard that is both airy and cool. It now houses a museum that desperately needs some tender loving care, but it nevertheless contains an interesting and eclectic collection of artefacts from throughout Zanzibar's history.

The Markets

The primary market in Zanzibar Island as well as Stone Town is the Darajani Market. Everyone shops for food here, chats with friends and hangs together and gathers with buddies. The sounds, colours, and fragrances are a sensory feast, and the energy is tremendous. Do not overlook the spice section since Zanzibar is known as the "Spice Island."

Local arts and crafts are available for purchase at a small souvenir market close to the Old Fort, and the food market in the Forodhani Gardens, directly in front of the House of Wonders, is a must-visit at night. As the food is inexpensive and cards are not accepted, make sure you have lots of tiny denominations of Tanzanian shillings in cash.

The Jozani Forest

The Jozani Forest,the interior of the island, is part of the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, and the only home of the endangered red colobus monkeys. A guide will lead you through the mature forest, which is full of teak and mahogany, raffia palms, and wild date palms, on one of the guided tours that can be booked from Stone Town (or any other beach resort) to the reserve. If you're lucky, you might see creatures like chameleons, elephant shrews, and bush infants. You will undoubtedly see the amiable monkeys that you are not allowed to touch, but who will reach out to you anyhow since they are just as curious about you as you are about them.

The Spice Plantations

Visitor-friendly spice plantations include the following: You will learn so much if you schedule a trip through your hotel. Even if you are an accomplished cook, you will be astounded by the abundance of kitchen essentials that thrive here, including cinnamon, ginger, lemongrass, pepper, cardamom, vanilla, turmeric, curry leaves, nutmeg, cloves, and bay leaves. There are also ten different varieties of banana, coconut, jackfruit, durian, guava, and papaya.

Best Restaurants To Try In Zanzibar

The Tea House at the Hotel Emerson on Hurumzi

The Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel, formerly known as the Emerson and Green and listed among the greatest places to stay, serves traditional Zanzibari cuisine at The Tea House on their rooftop patio at night. You will experience the finest cuisine that Zanzibar has to offer in a small, cosy setting with stunning views.

Forodhani Gardens

To taste Zanzibari street food, skip the restaurants and visit the Forodhani Gardens night market. You can get incredibly cheap and incredibly intriguing food with a fantastic setting and ambiance tossed in, like freshly caught and grilled fish and shrimp and the Zanzibar pizza, which is a cross between omelette and a pancake.

Mercury’s

Did you know that Zanzibar is where Freddy Mercury was born? In addition to offering fantastic cocktails, the bar with his name, Mercury's, is located directly by the dhow harbour and has excellent views of the iconic Zanzibari sunsets.

Best Places To Stay In Zanzibar

The Serena Inn

In Stone Town, the upscale Serena Inn is the place to stay. After a day of dusty exploration, this hotel is ideal for sunset beverages on the patio, wonderful shopping is only a short distance away, and it has all the facilities you could want.

Breezes Beach Club

Accommodations along Zanzibar's coast range from five-star luxury resorts to hostels, but Breezes Beach Club and Spa is a beautiful resort that is not overly expensive but has all the amenities and a great spa. Although there are many water sports accessible, the area is still quite tiny and quaint.

Emerson On Hurumzi Hotel

Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel. is a historic townhouse that has been turned into a hotel. From the top terrace, you can see the city's irregularly shaped roofs all the way to the ocean. A beautiful interior and excellent personal service.