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Tanzania (Zanzibar)

In the old days, it was possible to get to Zanzibar only by light aircraft from the mainland. But those times are in the past. Nowadays, the Abeid Amani Karate International Airport operates in the archipelago, which serves flights from different parts of the world. Moreover, in 2021, a new terminal equipped in accordance with the latest standards was opened here. Flights here are operated by airlines Fly Dubai, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Oman Airways, Ethiopian Airways and KLM.

The Zanzibar Archipelago is a part of the East African state of the United Republic of Tanzania. The official languages of Tanzania are English and Swahili.

Due to Zanzibar's location in a tropical area, the weather is warm here all year round. The high tourist season here is from December to March and from June to September, when the average temperature is about +29°C and there is no heavy precipitation. The rest of the time is considered low season due to the higher rainfall. However, even in the low season, rains do not last long.

A feature of the Zanzibar coastline is very noticeable tides. The tides are most noticeable in the southern and eastern regions of the coast, less noticeable in the resorts of Kendwa and Nungwi. This should be taken into account when choosing the location of the hotel. However, some travelers like to walk along the bare bottom of the sea and look at the corals and ocean inhabitants remaining on the open bottom.

The capital of Zanzibar is Stone Town. It is officially believed that Stone Town was built in the 19th century, but in various sources this place has been mentioned since much more ancient times. This city has its own unique atmosphere. Visitors to Stone Town like strolling along its authentic streets with numerous restaurants and colorful markets with the smell of spices.

One of the most popular places to visit is Freddie Mercury's house. The legendary singer of the rock band Queen, beloved by millions of people around the world, was born in Zanzibar. There are many other places with interesting history in Stone Town, for example, the Sultan's Palace or the House of Wonders. This is the first building in the archipelago to have lighting, plumbing and an elevator.

In addition to historical sites, tourists should see with their own eyes the natural wonders of this exotic place. For example, you can go on an excursion to the island of Nakupenda, which appears above the water only at low tide. Or you can have a look at the island of Prison. Once there was a prison where rebellious slaves were kept. Now it is the home of Aldabra giant tortoises, which can be treated with delicious treats and petted like cats.

Tourists vacationing in Zanzibar can also go on guided tours to Tanzania, for example, to the highest mountain of the African continent, Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as to the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, or many other amazing attractions.

Zanzibar has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. There is everything for a great holiday: comfortable hotels, restaurants and cafes, markets, shops with original souvenirs and many other entertainments.

The administrative and cultural center of the Zanzibar archipelago is its capital, Stone Town. The most popular resorts in this exotic region are Kendwa and Nungwi.

Transportation routes are well developed in Zanzibar. Residents use such types of public transport as buses and dala-dala. Dala-dala is an inexpensive form of transport, which is a car with a covered body equipped with seats for passengers. Tourists can also use more familiar modes of transport. For example, a taxi by car or minibus. Zanzibar also has a well-developed car, bike, scooter, or bicycle rental service.

Zanzibar is known as a place where you can spend an amazing vacation on the beach. Here you can swim in the crystal-clear turquoise ocean waves, sunbathe on the soft sandy beach or relax in the shade of tropical forests. Zanzibar attracts travelers from all over the world with its unique atmosphere and nature.

Zanzibar is not only a place for a quiet beach holiday, you can also have great fun here. Party lovers will enjoy the traditional Full Moon Party, which is held monthly at the Kendwa Resort. This is a grand party with live music, famous DJs and an exciting fire show.

Also in Zanzibar, it is worth going to a very authentic village where the Maasai tribe lives. There you can learn about the customs and way of life of the Maasai, admire the original architecture, see exotic plants and animals. There are many interesting activities for everyone in Zanzibar.

Tanzania and Zanzibar have their own currency, the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Currently, $1 costs about 2,400 TZS. You can exchange dollars for Tanzanian shillings in Zanzibar. However, it should be kept in mind that like in many other countries, dollars issued earlier than 2009 are not accepted here. We recommend checking the issue date of your dollars before traveling, as you will not be able to exchange old banknotes.

Holidays in Zanzibar can be both affordable, luxury and even premium. There are hotels of different categories for any budget. As for the prices of restaurants and cafes in Zanzibar, meals in a simple cafe near the beach or hotel will cost 20,000-40,000 TZS per day. Lunch at a popular restaurant will cost $15-30, and in the upscale restaurant "The Rock" you will have to pay about $27 for grilled fish, $19 for seafood tempura.

Zanzibar has a wide range of excursions with different prices from affordable to high-class. Fishing on the islands will cost about $100 per boat or from $350 per yacht. Prices for excursions to interesting places of the archipelago are low, while trips to the national parks of Tanzania will cost more than $1,000.

In Zanzibar, you can get a wide range of different experiences. There are guided tours for nature and history lovers, as well as lots of places to visit, so everyone will find something to see. For example, you can go on a gastronomic trip to local restaurants and try such unusual dishes as Zanzibar pizza, Urojo lentil soup with mango and lemon or Mishkaki kebabs.

Travelers can choose leisure activities according to their preferences, whether it's going to the local spice market or extreme tourism with amazing diving and kitesurfing. Lovers of natural views can go on a boat tour, looking into the mangrove lagoons or visit the island, which appears only at low tide.

There are not many nightclubs in Zanzibar, but for fans of nightlife there is a Full Moon Party. At this party, you can drink cocktails on the ocean shore under the starry sky of Africa and dance barefoot on the silk sand of Kendwa to live music and famous DJs.

In Zanzibar, you can perfectly combine beach holidays with trips to the famous national parks and reserves of Tanzania. Here you can get acquainted with African nature in all its diversity and immerse yourself in wilderness. These impressions are priceless.

Safaris in Tanzania are conducted in different ways. If this is your first time on safari, you should start with a game drive which is a guided tour that entails viewing the wildlife of the Dark Continent in the comfort of a 4×4 open-sided safari vehicle designed for a safer trip.

Travelers who don’t mind physical exertion, can try walking and cycling safaris which usually include hiking in such National Parks as Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Udzungwa Mountains, Kitulo, and Mahale Mountains. Lovers of water activities will definitely be fascinated by a boat safari that often allows you to come closer to crocks, hippos, elephants and see various birds in their natural habitat. Night game drives or the so-called “after dark safaris” are getting more and more popular. They offer a completely different experience of spotting African nocturnal animals and some of the most popular animals who dial up their activity level after the sunset. And finally, the cherries on top of the cake are hot air balloon, paragliding and light aircraft flying safaris that open to travelers the literally breathtaking beauty of Africa.

Cities & Resorts

Dar es Salaam

In the old days, this beautiful African city was the capital of Tanzania. Now it impresses tourists with its unique combination of different cultures. Here you can see Catholic cathedrals, Buddhist pagodas and Islamic mosques, explore Chinatown and stroll along buildings built in the English style.

The narrow streets with two-story Swahili-style houses in the old part of Dar es Salaam look very authentic. There are government buildings, offices, banks and classic boulevards in the modern city.

There are many places of interest in Dar es Salaam. Travelers should visit the most popular attractions such as Sultan Majid's Palace, the spice market and the magnificent botanical garden. The National Museum of Tanzania is also located in this city. It is famous all over the world for its collection of unique archaeological, ethnographic and historical exhibits. In the collection of this museum there is a unique human footprint made more than three million years ago. This place is a must-visit for everyone who is interested in the history of mankind.

Dodoma City

The capital of the country is located on a plateau which rises 1290 meters above sea level, and it’s 320 km away from the coast of the Indian Ocean. Simba Hill offers an incredible view of this city, the streets of which are full of coniferous and laurel trees.

There are a lot of interesting places in Dodoma that are worth visiting, for example, the railway station built at the beginning of the 20th century or the Geological Museum. There are places of religious significance in this amazing city, such as a mosque and Anglican, Lutheran and Catholic cathedrals. While walking around the city, don’t miss a chance to visit the sacred Sikh temple, where you’ll be offered to have a cup of tea with amazing sweets.

Dodoma has a variety of bars, discos, nightclubs and restaurants where you can have a great time and try delicious dishes of Tanzanian and other cuisines.

Stone Town

It is the main city of the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar, consisting of 75 islands. This atmospheric city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tourists from all over the world come here to walk through its narrow streets and admire the stunningly beautiful and unique doors of local houses.

It is worth visiting the old Arab fort, built on the site of the settlement of colonialists from Portugal. Nowadays, there is a market inside the fort where you can buy original souvenirs, while in old times slaves were sold here. There is even a slave trade square in the Stone Town, a gloomy place where tens of thousands of people were sold annually in ancient times.

But the most famous sights of Stone Town are the Sultan's Palace or the House of Wonders, the first building of the archipelago, which had modern communal amenities, and the house of the world-famous rock star Freddie Mercury, whose homeland is Zanzibar.

Hotels

Many people mistakenly believe that Zanzibar is an island, but this is not true. Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean that consists of 75 islands. The main and one of the largest islands of the archipelago is the island of Unguja, on which the capital of Zanzibar is located.

Most of the hotels in Zanzibar are concentrated on the coastline of Unguja Island. Many tourists prefer this place because it combines a great beach holiday with the atmosphere of Africa. During vacation on Unguja Island travelers can get a lot of exotic experiences.

Zanzibar has a well-developed tourist infrastructure and a variety of accommodation facilities from hostels with a minimum set of services to luxury five-star hotels. A trip to this exotic country will be a perfect choice for all categories of tourists. Here you can find a suitable hotel for any purpose of travel, for example, a meeting with friends, having a family trip, spending a honeymoon or a romantic vacation, and even having a MICE trip that blends leisure with business tasks.


Best Beaches

Kendwa Beach

One of the best beaches in Zanzibar and the most well-known beach in the Tanzanian archipelago. The famous Full Moon Party is held here.

Nungwi Beach

There are no tides on most of this beach, it is a great place for surfing. A calm beach for relaxation, ideal in terms of price-quality ratio.

Pwani Mchangani Beach

This is a real paradise with fine white sand, where you can spend a quiet and relaxed vacation.

Matemwe Beach

People come here to escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities. You won't be able to spend time in clubs or go shopping here, but you can enjoy the view of the beautiful coastline and try local beer.

Jambiani Beach

The southern beach of Zanzibar, where the tides are very noticeable. At low tide, the exposed ocean bottom looks incredible, here you can see and touch what is usually hidden under the water.

Paje Beach

It’s a favorite vacation spot for kiters. There are perfect winds and waves for water sports, snow-white sand and crystal-clear ocean.

Uroa Beach

A beach that is ideal for meditating under the gentle Zanzibar sun away from civilization. It features white sand and strong tides.

Kiwengwa Beach

If you like playing beach volleyball, you will like this beach. It is just the perfect place for active recreation and beach activities.

Kizimkazi Beach

People come to this southern Zanzibar beach to let their hair down, admire dolphins swimming in the ocean and enjoy the view of African nature.

Guided Tours

The ancient city of Stone Town

An old town with an incredibly authentic atmosphere and many historical buildings. In 2000, the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sultan's Palace – The House of Wonders

It is the largest and tallest building of Stone Town. Many years ago, plumbing, lighting and an elevator were installed in this building for the first time in Zanzibar.

Freddie Mercury's House

Now a small museum and a mini hotel are open in the house where the world-famous vocalist lived.

Prison Island (Changuu Island)

This island has a dark past, in old times there was a prison for rebellious slaves here. Nowadays it is the home of giant tortoises.

Nakupenda Sandbank or Disappearing Island

A mysterious island among turquoise ocean waters that appears and disappears depending on the tides.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Tourists can stroll through ancient forests and mangroves and see unique representatives of local flora and fauna. Here you can find a unique species of endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkeys.

Spice Farm

Here you can see how coffee, cocoa beans, vanilla and even coconuts are grown and produced.

Kuza Cave

An ancient sacred cave, it is believed that just by bathing here in incredibly clean water you can get rid of various illnesses.

Maasai World

Be sure to visit this place if you want to feel what real Africa is and learn about the traditions and way of life of the Maasai tribe.

Baraka Natural Aquarium

A place where you can swim with sea turtles, a magical lagoon in a beautiful garden among the rocks.

Mnemba Island

Here you can go snorkeling, see dolphins and have a photoshoot in nature.

Mafia Island

This island is notable not only for its unusual name, but also for its silky sandy beach, excellent diving spots and whale shark sightings.

The Selous Game Reserve

It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its wildlife diversity and undisturbed nature. Elephants, hippos, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, crocodiles, wildebeest and other fauna live here.

Mikumi National Park

It is the fourth largest national park in the country. Here you can see various animals of Africa: zebras and warthogs, buffaloes and giraffes, elephants and hippos, greater kudus and black antelopes.

Serengeti National Park

A giant nature reserve where elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinoceroses and other inhabitants of Africa feel comfortable.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

It is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here the Ngorongoro crater, which was formed on the site of an extinct volcano, is located. You need to see this unique place with your own eyes.

Mount Kilimanjaro

This beautiful and world-famous mountain is the highest point of the African continent. Both professional climbers and amateurs climb here.