The Zanzibar Archipelago
(Unguja & Pemba Islands) of Tanzania
A tropical paradise known for its palm-lined beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life.
The historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, and European influences.
Visitors can enjoy spice tours, snorkeling, diving, and authentic island culture across Unguja and the quieter Pemba Island.
Stone Town
Stone Town, the cultural heart of Zanzibar City, is a vibrant blend of Swahili, Arab, Persian, and European influences. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its winding alleys are lined with intricately carved wooden doors, sultan-era buildings, and spice-laden markets.
Visitors can explore key historical sites such as the House of Wonders, the Arab Fort, and the Anglican Cathedral built atop a former slave market. Expect an immersive journey through history, culture, and architecture with an atmosphere both chaotic and enchanting.
Prison Island (Changuu Island)
Once used to detain rebellious slaves and later a quarantine station, Prison Island is now a peaceful retreat known for its turquoise waters and giant Aldabra tortoises.
A 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town, the island offers rich coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
Visitors can walk among century-old tortoises, relax on quiet beaches, and enjoy panoramic views back toward Zanzibar’s coast. The experience is a blend of wildlife, colonial history, and island leisure.
Nungwi Beach
Nungwi, located at the island’s northernmost tip, is one of Zanzibar’s most famous and lively beaches. Renowned for its soft white sand, clear blue waters, and excellent swimming conditions, it also serves as a hub for nightlife, water sports, and dhow-building culture.
Visitors can enjoy diving, sunset cruises, beach parties, and cultural tours in a destination that seamlessly blends local life with international tourism. Nungwi is ideal for travelers seeking both relaxation and vibrant coastal energy.
Kendwa Beach
Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa Beach offers a more laid-back alternative with wide sandy shores and stunning sunsets.
The beach is known for its calm waters unaffected by tides, making it perfect for swimming all day.
It’s a hotspot for full moon parties but also caters to travelers looking for peace and quiet.
Visitors can indulge in beach yoga, enjoy fresh seafood, or take boat trips to nearby islands.
Jozani Forest
Located near the center of Unguja Island, Jozani Forest is home to the rare and endemic red colobus monkey. As Zanzibar’s only national park, it features a unique mix of mangroves, tropical hardwoods, and swamp forest ecosystems.
Guided walks allow visitors to see wildlife up close and explore elevated boardwalks that cut through the lush undergrowth.
It’s a haven for nature lovers and conservation-minded travelers.
Mnemba Island
Mnemba is a private island off Zanzibar’s northeast coast, encircled by some of the best diving and snorkeling waters in East Africa.
Though the island itself is exclusive to lodge guests, the surrounding reefs are accessible to day-trippers via boat tours.
Visitors can expect clear visibility, abundant marine life including sea turtles and reef sharks, and a tranquil marine environment ideal for underwater photography and relaxation. Mnemba offers a high-end escape for lovers of the sea.
Spice Tour Farms
Zanzibar's nickname, “The Spice Island,” comes alive during a spice farm tour, where visitors can see, smell, and taste everything from cloves and cardamom to vanilla, nutmeg, and lemongrass.
Tours typically include demonstrations of how spices grow, how they’re harvested, and their traditional medicinal uses.
Guests can expect a multisensory experience filled with tastings, storytelling, and hands-on activities. Many tours end with a traditional Swahili meal flavored with the very spices seen on the farm.
Kizimkazi Mosque
Located in the southern coastal village of Kizimkazi, this 12th-century mosque is one of the oldest Islamic structures in East Africa.
The area is steeped in spiritual and historical significance, with inscriptions that date back nearly 900 years.
Visitors can combine a visit to the mosque with dolphin-watching tours that launch from nearby beaches. The experience offers a quiet mix of cultural heritage and natural wonder.
Pemba Island
North of Unguja, Pemba Island is a green, hilly escape known for its rich vegetation, spice farming, and untouched coral reefs.
Less developed than Zanzibar’s main island, it offers a more authentic and secluded experience.
Visitors can explore mangroves, visit traditional villages, dive in world-renowned sites, and unwind in peaceful surroundings. Pemba is perfect for travelers seeking off-the-grid adventure and serenity.
Cheetah’s Rock
Cheetah’s Rock is a wildlife sanctuary near Zanzibar’s west coast that offers rare, up-close encounters with rescued animals in a strictly ethical environment.
The tour includes guided interactions with animals like cheetahs, lemurs, lions, and zebras, all rescued and rehabilitated.
Visitors will learn about conservation, animal behavior, and personal rescue stories in a controlled, interactive setting. It’s both a thrilling and educational experience that prioritizes animal welfare.