Zanzibar Travel Guide

Zanzibar, I am screaming, y'all. This place is surreal; I wish I knew early that Africa was this beautiful!

Zanzibar is a beautiful island located off the coast of Tanzania and known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or a little bit of both, Zanzibar has something to offer everyone. 

Here's a travel guide to help you plan your trip to this stunning island.

Getting There: The easiest way to reach Zanzibar is by taking a flight to Dar and then using a ferry to Zanzibar or flying direct to Zanzibar International Airport, which is located in the capital city of Stone Town. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach your destination.

Accommodation: Zanzibar offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. The most popular places to stay are in Stone Town or on the east coast, where you'll find plenty of options to choose from.

What to Do:

• Explore Stone Town: Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its narrow alleyways, colonial architecture, and rich history. Don't miss visiting the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Sultan's Palace. (Make sure to visit the Emerson humuzi)

• Visit the beaches in both the north and south: Zanzibar is famous for its beautiful beaches, and there are many to choose from. Nungwi (a 2-hour drive with traffic from the ferry station in Stone; taxi fees range between $35 and 45 dollars); Kendwa, which is 15 minutes drive from Nungwi (I arrived during a full moon party at Kendwa Beach); and Paje in the south, which is about a 2-hour drive from Nungwi (40-45 $ private taxi fee). 

• Visit the Zanzibar Horse Clubs and swim with turtles in Nungwi, and in the south, make a reservation at Rock Resto Mohamvi (if it is busy, you will need to book ahead of time).

• Dive or snorkel: Zanzibar is also known for its amazing coral reefs and underwater wildlife, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling with dolphins.

• Take a Sunset Cruise: A sunset cruise is the perfect way to end your day on the island. You'll get to enjoy stunning views of the sun setting over the ocean, as well as some drinks and music

Food and Drink: Zanzibar is famous for its seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants serving fresh, delicious seafood dishes. Other local specialties include spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, which are used to flavor many dishes. Don't miss trying Zanzibar's famous spices, such as the Zanzibar Red Banana, and the local coconut brew known as "Tandai."

With its stunning beaches, rich culture, and amazing food, Zanzibar is a truly special place that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this island has something to offer everyone.

Secret: if you book your trip three months in advance, you can save a lot of money on the budget; I spent a week there and spent less than $1,000 for everything inclusive + duty-free shopping in Dar, and I'M GOING BACK!

With love, yours truly
Xo