Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Zanzibar

Are you planning on a once-in-a-lifetime tropical adventure? If so, Zanzibar is the perfect location for you! With its stunning beaches, unique culture, and fascinating history, Zanzibar offers visitors a once-in- a-lifetime travel experience. This warm and friendly archipelago of islands off the east coast of Africa is a must-see destination. Whether you’re seeking sunshine, stunning scenery, or a deeply cultural experience, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on the island.From strolling bustling streets in Stone Town to relaxing on beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder that vacationers flock to this destination every year. But with such an exciting destination to explore, what should you know before planning a trip to Zanzibar?

What’s the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar?

The weather in Zanzibar is perfect for year-round visitors. The archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean and enjoys many balmy days throughout the year. From December to March, the temperature is warm, but it’s not too hot, making it the perfect travel time for tourists. If you visit in June and July, you can expect a beautiful and sunny climate, but it will be a bit hotter than other times of the year. If you’re interested in experiencing the culture and attractions of Zanzibar without the crowds, May and October are excellent times to visit. This is the time when you can explore the island without the influx of tourists.

A Guide to Zanzibar Attractions

There are many attractions to explore on the island of Zanzibar, from its vibrant markets to its vast conservation areas. Here are just some of the must-see places you should visit during your stay:

Stone Town

The capital of this beautiful island is Stone Town, also known as Mji Mkongwe, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling the city’s ancient and winding alleyways is a must-do experience. You can spend time wandering past historical churches and mosques, discovering unique shops and cafés, and allowing yourself to get lost in its captivating mix of African, Arab, and European influences.

Beaches

Zanzibar’s beaches are some of the best in the world. Spend days relaxing on beautiful powder-white sands and taking in stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Some popular beaches include Kiwengwa Beach and Nungwi Beach, which offer tourists plenty of activities like snorkeling, swimming, and boat tours.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the perfect place for nature lovers. It is home to some rare species of animals such as zebras, monkeys, and rare bush baby species. The area of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park also includes 3 different walking trails that take you through mystical rainforest landscapes filled with indigenous plants such as palms and wildflowers. As you explore this stunning national park, you’ll discover plenty of opportunities for birdwatching too!

What Activities Should I Do During My Trip to Zanzibar?

Zanzibar offers visitors plenty of exciting activities to choose from. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed vacation spot, there’s something for everyone on this island paradise. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Snorkeling. Zanzibar offers both beginner snorkelers and more experienced snorkelers great opportunities to explore the expansive marine life around its coastlines. Diving schools can help provide you with all the supplies necessary for a fantastic underwater adventure.
• Fishing. Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of both big game fishing styles such as marlin and sailfish or go trolling or bottom-fishing off the islands shorelines.
• Dolphin Viewing. Book a trip on one of Zanzibar’s many traditional fishing boats to witness hundreds of dolphins as they flock around the island’s coastline.
• Spice Tours. Zanzibar is known for its delicious spices and flavorful food, so why not take a guided tour to discover what’s behind all that flavor? There are plenty of spice tours available that take tourists through plantations as well as behind-the-scenes spices market visits.
• Historical Sites. As previously mentioned, Stone Town is full of history and visiting some of its monuments and attractions will be an unforgettable experience. Some of Zanzibar’s most visited historical sites include the Old Fort and House of Wonders, King Palace Museum and the National Museum.

There’s something for everyone looking for an exciting experience in Zanzibar!

What Travel Tips Should I Know Before Visiting?

When visiting any new country it’s important to know the lay of the land; here are some practical tips that should help make your stay in Zanzibar pleasant:

• Respect local laws and customs. As with all international holidays, try to be respectful of local laws and customs when in Zanzibar as there are large religious and cultural differences from most Western countries.
• Keep your papers safe. Immigration laws in Zanzibar are very strict and all foreign visitors are expected to carry their passports with them at all times. It’s also important that you keep your documents safe; try not to leave them lying around or keep them in an easily accessible place.
• Currency exchange. U.S Dollars are widely accepted in Zanzibar but it’s still practical and worthwhile to exchange your money into Tanzanian Shillings or Kenyan Shillings when visiting as they have stronger purchasing power than U.S Dollars.
• Stay aware and be mindful. As with any international travel destination, it pays to be aware of pickpockets and general safety on your travels around Zanzibar. Don’t carry too much cash with you and be sure to stay in well-lit areas at night.

Now that you know what to expect from your visit to Zanzibar, planning your dream vacation will be easy! With so much to discover from its fascinating history to its heavenly beaches, this island paradise has something for everyone. Now that you know how best to plan your trip all that’s left for you to do is book your tickets and start counting down until your dream holiday in Zanzibar! For more information, check out Zanzibar Holiday’s website which provides detailed insights on everything to do with this beautiful destination!