About Zanzibar
Zanzibar, known as the “spice island”, has the one main town of Stone Town, which has a mysterious and historic feel to it. With the Arab influence, the buildings are a unique architecture amid narrow windy streets.
The middle of the island is lush and filled with spice trees and plants. The shore of the island is covered with soft and pure white sand. You can enjoy a sunset dhow cruise from any shore.
The north end of the island has beautiful sandy beaches and a little surf. The best scuba diving is at Mnemba Atoll, a small island off the northeast coast. Matemwe is the closest to Mnemba, but it can be accessed from any hotel on the north coast.
The spice tour is in the northern middle part of the island. On your transfer from the airport/Stone Town to your northern hotel, you can do a spice tour en route.
The southeast end of the island has a reef that protects the beach from rough waters. In the south end, you can tour Jozani Forest and see the Red Colobus Monkeys, or you can snorkel with the dolphins. On your transfer from the airport/Stone Town to your southern hotel, you can do a Jozani Forest tour en route.
In Stone Town, you can walk the windy streets and do some shopping. There are many restaurants and bars as well. We can arrange a half-day city tour to learn about the history and to get your bearings.
Zanzibar is primarily Muslim. While swimwear is allowed on the beaches, it is best to dress conservatively in the villages, including longer shorts and shirts covering your shoulders. You may hear loudspeakers coming from the mosques, particularly in Stone Town.
Adventures Within Reach can book your hotels and flights for Zanzibar. We recommend at least 1 night in Stone Town and at least 2 nights at the beach. You can easily spend a week on Zanzibar and not see and do everything!