The 10 most beautiful places to visit in Zanzibar • Wanderlix

As in an awakened dream, here are the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Zanzibar!

There is something magical, just by saying his name: Zanzibar. This part of Africa, failed like a piece of paradise fallen from the sky off Tanzania, evokes immediately the dream holiday.

Many are those who combine a trip to Zanzibar with a safari stay in Tanzania. However, the island can also be a resting journey. Zanzibar takes you in a tourbillon of exoticism, mysteries, spicy charms, wonderful landscapes, cultural influences, scents and various flavors.

But never without abrupting. Because it is soft, benevolent and offers travellers a tranquility as few places on Earth... What if you already taste it? Discover the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Zanzibar!

1. Stone Town

It would be sad to visit Zanzibar by focusing only on its beautiful beaches cyrielle. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, plunges you into a real cultural and historical bath essential to measure the beauty of the island.

Do you know that from the 18th to the 19th century, Zanzibar belonged to the Emirate of Oman and that Stone Town was a hub of the slave and ivory market? Or that the city was the preferred starting point of the great explorers who came to rub themselves to the enigmatic lands of the African continent?

All these stories, both shocking and intoxicating, still murmured in Stone Town. Then, in the dazzling streets of the old town, you can’t end up looking at the beautiful carved doors, the busy balconies, the exotic boutiques and the secret and reusing palaces.

2. The atoll of Mnemba

North of Zanzibar, the Atoll Mnemba and its exclusive island are a treasure that makes Zanzibar proud. This sublime natural gem seems straight out of a postcard: white sand and crystal clear waves (to almost cram the retina), swimming possible at every hour of the day, bridge sites for marine turtles, dream villas advanced in the water, rich seabed and barreled.

This tropical paradise and its island are in reality private and reserved for travellers staying in the unique luxury hotel. However, you can take advantage of this during a diving or snorkeling usually from Stone Town. The coral reefs of the atoll are accessible at any level and promise an unforgettable initiation to underwater life.

3. The island of Mafia

One of the places of interest of Zanzibar is 150 kilometers from Dar Es Salaam , it is surrounded by submarines and heavenly beaches. We appointed: the island of Mafia. Its reputation is also due to the presence of the whale sharks that each year, from October to March, make diving enthusiasts happy.

However, the island of Mafia is a secret that only a handful of visitors are allowed to pierce. Limiting the tourist affluence is the best way to preserve this rich and splendid marine park, so book in advance!

4. The forest of Jozani

Jozani, a top tourist destination, remains one of the most beautiful places to visit in Zanzibar. This forest houses the endemic red colobes: a unique monkey species on the island.

However, the ride is fast and a little "catch-tourist". Go especially to amaze yourself in front of the adorable bush of primates, but also the many birds and butterflies that veer in the heart of the forest. Nature lovers will be seduced by the unique flora of eucalyptus, palm trees and bamboo.

5. The village Matemwe

This small fishing village in the northeast of the island has preserved its tranquility and authentic charm. Here, life stretches slowly along the pristine stretches of sand and at the rhythm of the Dhows, these traditional boats made by hand on the entire African coast.

Faced with the small island of Mnemba, Matemwe is also a high diving and snorkeling place. The lucky ones might see some dolphin benches. From evening to morning, you will hear the laughter of the children of the village and can initiate yourself to the art of algae pickers.

Also, at sunset, it's good to stroll on the beach and taste fresh products purchased at the market. Especially the fishes from the impossible scream!

6. Pemba Island

The archipelago consists of several islands and all have their reasons to be among the places of interest in Zanzibar. Among them, the island of Pemba. Nicknamed "green island", it bathes in a romantic atmosphere, in mangroves and fertile valleys.

A privileged destination for lovers, it offers long walks on isolated beaches or in the heart of a lush nature. The island of Pemba is also an opportunity to discover the cultivation of rice, coconut, banana, cassava, beans and spices.

Do you know that Zanzibar is nicknamed "the island with spices"? Its cinnamon, vanilla, lemongrass, nutmeg, pepper and cloves are recognized worldwide. On the island of Pemba, as in other places to visit in Zanzibar, the local farms open their doors to curious and greedy travellers!

7. The village Kizimkazi

Kizimkazi is, like many villages in Zanzibar, a place of life as dense as relaxing. Here, you discover as nowhere else the art of fishing and maritime traditions.

On the beach enclosed in a small bay, fishing boats frog and make endless round-trips. The fruit of their fisheries is sold at the beach or sometimes even directly on the boat.

The opportunity for you to share an improvised barbecue with locals or photograph some fish drying on trees. During your visit to this superb fish market, you may even have the chance to board a Dhow and discover the rudiments of an intact tradition.

8. The Jambiani and Paje villages

Built on the south-east coast of Zanzibar, the two small fishing villages of Jambiani and Paje bathe in calm and traditions. At high tide, you will observe the continuous ballet of the Dhows heading to the seas.

At low tide, you will encounter women picking algae that will then be sold as a drug or food product. A major economic activity on the island. Jambiani and Paje, many times cited among the most beautiful places to visit in Zanzibar, are full of activities: bike rentals, typical small markets, seaweed farm visits, kite-surfing courses, mangrove excursions, etc.

9. Chapwani Island

Take the boat from the old town of Stone Town. Thirty minutes later, you are on Chapwani’s secret island. Can't resist the evocative charm of this hidden address... The private island, licked by a long golden sand beach and the translucent waters of the Indian Ocean, shelters only five bungalows and a villa.

These huts facing the sea offer an idyllic but unbelievable setting: the praise of simplicity and harmony with nature prevail. Then why not give in to the charm of a Robinson Crusoe-style stay?

In addition to being one of the most beautiful places to visit in Zanzibar, Chapwani is a haven of authenticity and sensational experience!

10. The beaches

How can we talk about places of interest in Zanzibar without evokeing its beaches? Imagine. White sand, coconut trees, azurean waters, flamboyant seabed, chamele of blues changing to high tide, shiny algae nets and natural pools with low tide, discreetly rolling shells and urchins...

It is so beautiful that it seems unreal! In this immensity of landscapes and natural phenomena, we have selected 4 of our favorite beaches (not those of the villages mentioned above).

Bwejuu, isolated beach

Loved east of Zanzibar, the beach of Bwejuu is far from any tumult. Peace and harmony are his only words. Figuring among the "30 most beautiful beaches in the world" Bwejuu collects natural beauties.

Pongwe, quiet beach

Visiting Zanzibar is also discovering unusual places such as the beach of Pingwe. With its turquoise and emerald waters, sheltering a coral barrier, the beach of Pingwe is peaceful and attractive.

But his real asset is his restaurant "The Rock". Jonché on his rock is the ideal place to have a drink or a lunch in an exceptional place.

Nungwi, the best known beach

At the northern tip, Nungwi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches but also the most touristic. It is renowned for its festive atmosphere, its bars and restaurants offering local dance shows, diving schools and sunsets that attract crowds.

Despite her attendance, she remains no less splendid. It has another strength: swimming in Nungwi is possible at any time of the day because the beach is one of the few scattered by the strong low tides.

Kendwa, beach for sunset

The quiet beach of Kendwa is, due to its location, an excellent spot to admire the sunset. Its village remained incredibly authentic, spared infrastructure and naturally shaded by the banana trees, palm trees and sovereign coconut trees.

Families love its calm waters and soft sand ribbons. Young people prefer their animations, especially during the Full Moon Party.