Zanzibar is among the biggest Islands on the East African coast and comprises two main Islands Unguja and Pemba, Unguja being the largest with about 1,464 sq km while Pemba is about 686 sq km. If you are wondering where to visit for a holiday beach safari, there are some amazing Popular Destinations in Zanzibar to put on your travel list.

Where to Visit in Zanzibar

An archipelago located off the east coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, unique culture, and exotic spices. Here are some of the popular destinations in Zanzibar:

• 1) Stone Town: is the capital and historic center of Zanzibar. The town has narrow streets, ancient buildings, and a mix of Swahili, Indian, and Arab influences. This city is not only aesthetically stunning, with old colonial buildings and wonderfully carved Zanzibari entrances, but your senses will be overwhelmed by the scent of the sea and spice. Stone Town has been a unique meeting spot for African, Indian, Arabian, and European civilizations for over a millennium as a main commercial post on the spice, silk, and slave trade routes. It is one of Africa’s few remaining old towns.

• 2) Nungwi: It is a coastal village in northern Zanzibar known for its crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, and diving, and the second-largest settlement, after Stone Town on Zanzibar’s main island Unguja. Although the tourism industry has significantly developed the area, Nungwi now lives on the cusp of modernity and tradition.

• 3) Jozani Forest: It is a natural forest reserve located in the center of the island and is home to the red colobus monkeys, one of the world’s rarest creatures, as well as home to a variety of birds, butterflies, and the bush baby. The boardwalks make it easy to walk around the forest, but if you want additional information on the plant and animal species you may hire a guide at the entry.

• 4) Prison Island: Also known as Changuu Island, it’s a small island off the coast of Zanzibar that was once used as a prison to quarantine slaves. Now it is a popular tourist spot and a sanctuary for giant tortoises. The oldest of which is over 190 years old.

• 5) Spice farms: Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” due to its range of spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. You can take a spice tour and learn about how these spices are grown and used in local cuisine. The spice tour takes you on a trip around a spice farm where you can see cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, lemongrass, vanilla, and nutmeg, giving you a better understanding of the island’s historic history in the spice trade.

Thinking about Zanzibar Island’s history and seeing pictures of the very romantic past, white sails dhows in the Indian ocean, swinging palms along the beautiful white sand beaches as the sun sets, ruins of the most historical buildings, women in black veils, exotic spice plantations, and the fascinating history of this Island, all of this is reflected in people’s culture and traditions today.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October when the weather is dry and warm and tours can be arranged independently before your arrival on this island but can be the best tour when combined with a Tanzania wildlife safari and Kilimanjaro climbing or both.

There are direct flights to Zanzibar from several international destinations, including Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and Dubai. Once you reach Zanzibar, you can use taxis, and buses, or hire a car to get around the island.

Now, when you plan to travel to Zanzibar, you need a valid passport and visa, depending on your nationality. Although Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, it has its own immigration office and requires a separate visa for visitors from the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand (other Commonwealth member countries, South Africans, Namibians, and others do not require a visa).

The post Popular Destinations in Zanzibar: The 5 BEST Places To Visit appeared first on Roam In Vibes.