10 Must-See Attractions in Zanzibar

 One of the most magical places to visit in Africa is Zanzibar, a small archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar with its untouched white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and rich cultural life is an unforgettable getaway destination for any kind of traveler. This is a tropical island paradise with a rich history of Arab, Persian, Indian and European cultures and therefore a mixing pot of traditions, tastes and architectural designs. Be it visiting its historical towns, lazing on the beach or diving through its coral reefs, the experiences in Zanzibar will remain unique and unforgettable.

 The beauty is not the only thing that attracts travelers of the whole world to this place as its calm and laid-back atmosphere is also worth mentioning. Offering a great variety of Zanzibar Tour Packages, visitors can select the itinerary to suit history buffs, beach lovers, water sports, and honeymooners. These Zanzibar Holiday Packages usually consist of guided tours, luxury resorts and an in-depth cultural experience. To make your trip to Zanzibar perfect, this guide has selected the top 10 attractions you should not miss in Zanzibar to enable you to make the best use of your holiday.

Here are some of the must-see attractions in Zanzibar

1. Stone Town- Zanzibar Cultural Heartbeat

Stone Town is the historic center of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow alleys make one feel that he is strolling through the past. The town is labyrinth of twisting streets, intricately carved wooden doors, old mosques, busy bazaars and Arab-style houses. Do not leave out the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the Sultan s Palace Museum.

The cultural heart of most Zanzibar tour packages, Stone Town is a rich understanding of the varied heritage of the island. It is a great way to begin your Zanzibar expedition, as guided walking tours usually incorporate visits to historical places and spice markets.

 2. Nungwi Beach -A Powdery Sands Paradise

Nungwi Beach is a very popular beach destination in Zanzibar situated at the Northern part of the island. It has soft white sand, clear water and is palm fringed along the coast making it a perfect sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling spot. Luxury resorts, local restaurants and dive shops border the beach.

Most Zanzibar holiday packages identify Nungwi as a place that one must visit in case he or she is in need of a mixture of relaxation and activity. Traditional dhow sunset cruises are not to be missed here as they are very romantic and beautiful.

3. Prison Island -Turtles meet History

Prison Island or Changuu Island is a small boat trip off Stone Town. It initially served as a prison to rebellious slaves and then a quarantine station. The island today is a peaceful getaway that has historical ruins and a home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are more than a century old.

Many Zanzibar tour packages include visitors to the island who like to feed the tortoises and visit the coral reefs that surround the island by snorkeling. Its transparent waters and rich underwater fauna flora make it a good day-trip.

4. Jozani Forest – Walk with Red Colobus Monkeys

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the sole national park in Zanzibar and it harbours the rare red colobus monkey, which is only found in the island. It is a beautiful forest which you can walk through and enjoy nature at its best exotic plants and trees, mangroves, and plenty of bird species.

Eco-tourism is an increasingly popular component of Zanzibar holiday packages and a Jozani Forest guided tour is very popular among families and nature enthusiasts. The experience is both conservation and education based with an opportunity of wildlife photography.

5. The Rock Restaurant -Eating in the Middle of the Sea

The Rock Restaurant, located on a rock in the Indian Ocean off Michamvi, is one of the most famous locations in Zanzibar. You must have a boat to reach it at high tide; at low tide you may walk. It is a restaurant that serves seafood and has an amazing ocean view.

Luxury Zanzibar tour packages usually include a visit to The Rock where couples and food lovers can have an once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. It is advisable to make reservations as it gets crowded and has limited seats.

 6. Kendwa Beach -Sunset Beach Parties

Kendwa Beach is a short distance south of Nungwi and has clear waters and a lively beach scene. It has one of the finest spots on the island to view awesome sunsets and party on the beach during full-moon. The atmosphere of the beach is very vibrant and mellow at the same time, which draws backpackers and honeymooners alike. Kendwa features in most Zanzibar holiday packages, particularly the packages targeting younger tourists or those that want a lively, social atmosphere on the coast.

7. Spice Farms -The Perfumed Side of Zanzibar

 Zanzibar is also nicknamed the "Spice Island" because of its past in growing spices. A trip to a spice farm is an olfactory experience as one walks through the fields of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla among others. You also get to know the way these spices are cultivated, harvested and used in the local foods.

A typical Zanzibar tour package will include spice tours, which provides visitors with a cultural experience that appeals to the senses. Most tours conclude with a Swahili lunch and it is both a tasty and teaching trip.

8. Mnemba Atoll – Underwater Paradise of a Diver

Mnemba Atoll is a marine conservation site off the northeast coast of Zanzibar with good diving and snorkeling locations. It is a paradise of under-water lovers as the coral reefs are full of tropical fish, dolphins and sea turtles.

There are also the best Zanzibar holiday packages that are tailored to the needs of scuba divers and snorkelers which include full-day boat excursions to Mnemba. The atoll is also targeting the high-end luxury tourist who wants to stay in exclusive beach resorts and have their own islands to themselves.

9. Paje Beach -Watersports and Kite Surfing Paradise

Paje Beach is renowned with its bustling kite-surfing community, shallow turquoise water and its long white sand beach. Its consistent wind patterns make it a good site to learn and for the experienced surfers. It is also an excellent location of beach bars, local culture and relaxed vibes.

Paje Beach is regularly included in Zanzibar tour packages that are sporty or targeted at the youth. It is ideal for those travelers who wish to have action and relaxation at the same place.

10. Forodhani Gardens -Night Market Delights

Forodhani Gardens, in Stone Town, is known for its daily food market which takes place every night. In the evening, the park turns into a vibrant center of street food of the locals selling grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizzas, sugarcane juice, and others.

Most Zanzibar holiday packages suggest that one should visit Forodhani to experience the local life. It is an excellent place to have inexpensive food, communicate with local people and taste real Zanzibari tastes in a vibrant atmosphere.

Conclusion

Zanzibar is not only a tropical island but also a melting pot of culture, nature, history and adventure. With its maze of alleys in Stone Town, its open beaches in Nungwi and Kendwa, its green rainforest in Jozani and its spicy aromas of the spice farms and the seafood markets, the island has it all to please any traveler. All these attractions represent the multifarious beauty and the rich spirit of Zanzibar, and this is why this place can be chosen as a vacation destination by families, couples, individual travelers, and history lovers.

By using selected Zanzibar tour packages, you will maximize your experience during the trip. These packages usually come with local guides, transportation, hotels, and access to some important attraction sites. Do you want to have a romantic honeymoon, a learning experience or an activity-filled holiday? Regardless of your choice, there are Zanzibar Holiday Packages that suit your interest and pocket. There is just so much to see and do that Zanzibar can rightly be called one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world. Allow its beaches, culture and warmth to take you in your next voyage.