Zanzibar

Zanzibar Overview

Just off Tanzania’s eastern seaboard lies the archipelago of Zanzibar: a tropical paradise of gently rustling palm fronds, sparkling white sand beaches, and lush green plantations where the tastiest spices in all of East Africa are grown. Chalema Tanzania Safaris will be your guide to the very best of Zanzibar, from the bustling markets and historic forts of Stone Town to the mysterious jungles of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park—and everything in between. We’ll draw upon many years of experience to give you an authentic look at what makes Zanzibar unique, introducing you to the vibrant culture and idyllic scenery of these islands firsthand.

Geographical location East-central Africa
Area 600 square miles (1,554 square km).
Guide Local Guide

Things to Do in Zanzibar

From the moment your plane touches down on the main island of Unguja, you’ll be swept away by the sheer romance and charm of Zanzibar. The people who call these islands home have come to enjoy a culture and lifestyle characterized by Western and Eastern influences alike. Nowhere is this more evident than in Stone Town, so named because many of its mosques, temples, and other edifices were built from limestone and coral. The populace of Stone Town is primarily Muslim, but you don’t have to look far to discover the architecture of the Portuguese in the midst of the city—or the graceful Arabian dhows sailing just offshore. The island has transcended its grim history of the slave trade to become a genuine melting pot where travelers are welcomed by locals eager to share their own stories.

Of course, Zanzibar is most famous as Tanzania’s near-mythical “Spice Island.” No visit to this sunny archipelago would be complete without the opportunity to explore the farms and fields where cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, turmeric, cardamom, nutmeg, and lemongrass are cultivated with care. These inexpensive tours can last up to a full day, and you can look forward to a curried lunch right on the farm, prepared with all the bounty of the islands. There’s no better way to get up close and personal with the flavors that have lent Zanzibar its international reputation.

Finally, don’t miss your chance to get off the beaten path to explore the unrivaled natural beauty of the islands. Whether you prefer to scuba dive amongst shoals of tropical fish or ride the waves on a traditionally built dhow, the Indian Ocean is the best way to get in touch with nature here. We can also visit nearby Prison Island to see giant tortoises in the flesh or venture into the wild heart of Zanzibar to explore the rainforests of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park in search of red colobus monkeys. There’s an entire world of wonder and excitement waiting for you here on the islands—and we can’t wait to show it to you.