Zanzibar Island

The semi –autonomous region of Tanzania mainland in East Africa composed of the Zanzibar archipelago in the Indian Ocean known too as a “Spice island” and sometimes referred to paradise on earth just 25 – 50 kilometers off the coast of the mainland and consists two large islands “Unguja” which is the main island but also the capital of Zanzibar, other island is “Pemba” which sometimes is known as the green island due to its lush with plant life, the island also is good for scuba diving, snorkeling, big game fishing, boat tours, ancient building visit and historical towns including the ancient town of chakechake. Both these two big Zanzibar islands and other more small islands which all together make Zanzibar Island offers a historical consideration from its ancient town like the stone town –a UNESCO world heritage site on its western edge. Outstanding stunning beaches along its eastern shores, kite surfing and reef walks to swimming with Dolphins; on the southern coast of this heaven on earth island lies the Menai bay conservation area where sea turtles are protected, far interior of the Zanzibar island visitors can reach to Jozani forest where wildlife animals can be spotted including the Zanzibar rare red colobus monkeys, small antelope species, flying foxes, Marsh mongoose, interesting birdlife, vervet monkeys and a number of other primates can possibly be sighted. Zanzibar is really a destination to end up your long safaris from Serengeti and other adventurous activities like hiking and Mountain trekking for breath taking at its beautiful stunning beaches and relaxation.

THINGS TO DO IN ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar island has something curated for everyone to enhance your travel experience and make your visit to Zanzibar archipelago truly unforgettable. From exploring its pristine beaches with crystal clear water to embracing its rich cultural heritages and captivating natural beauties that will make you feel fascinated in this tropical paradise on earth. It offers opportunity to relax on its extremely pleasant beaches, craving adventure, and vast explorations. Below are things that you can expect or include during your time in time in this magnificent island in Tanzania.

Venture into the Jozani Forest located in the central east region of the Zanzibar archipelago, the only national park that can be found in Zanzibar covering an area of only 50km². Jozani forest reserve is a home for the rare and endangered Red Colobus Monkeys of Zanzibar. Experience magnificent flora and fauna up close in this lush forest reserve for it accommodate so much life in all of its forms, explore the natural trails with experienced guide and encounter so much like amazing tall trees, blue monkeys, chameleons, mongoose, bush babies, duikers, tree hyraxes, bush pigs, Zanzibar leopards, civets among others but the reserve is also a home to more than 40 bird species plus a beautiful array of more than 50 butterfly species that decorates the reserve. Jozan forest reserve is an amazing source of natural herbs where every plant has its important in curing a certain disease in the community and our expert guides will be able to explain them on the way while exploring the park forest, wildlife’s, and mangrove habitats where you are likely to spot crabs and fish species in the reserve allowing you to gain a unique and deeper understanding of the Zanzibar island’s biodiversity and conservation efforts put in place.

A visit to Ngezi forest reserve in the north-western areas of the Micheweni District in Pemba Region  which is one among the largest islands of the  Archipelago in Tanzania bordered by Kiuyu kwa manda village in the south, Tondooni, Verani and Makangale in the north, Msuka village in  east, Kipangani village and Pemba Channel in west side. With an area of 1,440 hectares (equivalent to 3,600 acres), Ngezi forest reserve is an ideal place for travelers with eager to witness the night wildlife’s since 1959 when it was established, mostly comprising primary forest. Ngezi forest reserve contains some unique vegetation and rare tree species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, the forest offers a chance to encounter as many tree species as possible including riverine forests comprised with plants like Barringtonia racemosa and Samadera indica, as wel as Raphia and Anthocleista where swamps are found, tropical forests and Maquis shrublands in Tondooni peninsula with vegetation like Sorindeia madagascariensis, Diospyros consolatae, Tamarindus indica, Afzelia quanzensis, Terminalia boivinii, Cussonia zimmermannii, and Olea woodiana while some other areas are dominated by mangroves hosting plants like Sonneratia alba, Avicennia marina, Xylocarpus granatum, Bruguiera, Rhizophora, and Ceriops. In Ngezi forest reserve you can also notice some other plants that are the endemic of the area such as Chrisalidocarpus pembanus and Ensete proboscoideum, as well as Terminalia catappa, Musa acuminata, Typhanodorun lindleyanum, and Philippia mafiensis. Ngezi forest reserve in Pemba Island has significant number of orchids, including Aerangis, Bulbophyllum, Eulophia, Disperis johnstonii, Nervilia bicarinata, and Vanilla roscheri acting as important grazing areas for beautiful butterflies in the reserve. While in Ngezi forest resrve you are likely to encounter as many wildlife as possible including some rare species, such as the endemic Pemba flying fox  with the population estimated to be more than 20, 000 individuals in the area, come across some gorgeous Primates that calls this nature reserve a home including an endemic subspecies of vervet monkeys, as well as the Zanzibar red colobus monkeys introduced in 1970s in the reserve that you are likely to come across during the visit to this notable reserved area, other wildlife that you can expect includes  blue duiker and the Pemba scops owl among others making this equatorial reserve to be an important area you should include during your trip to Zanzibar island.

Explore Mnemba island which has recently been declared a marine conservation area with so much opportunities in store for you, surrounded by thriving vibrant coral reefs and breath taking crystal-clear waters of the Indian ocean enjoy your private dhow or boat safari with a private expert guide from Matemwe beach to the hidden gems in the Mnemba Island where you can enjoy exhalating views of its vast coral reefs abundant water spots including the most famous spot that is done in Zanzibar “snorkeling”. The shallow crystal-clear blue waters in this area allows you to see abundant aquatic life in the area such as the stunning tropical reef fishes like Moorish idols, blue tang, snappers, and clownfish that can easily be spotted in this magical location together with a wealth number of marine creatures, from the majestic whale sharks to the rare gem species like nudibranchs. While exploring Mnemba island reefs and at the right time you may Luckly also encounter large pelagic creature can often be seen passing by in the blue waters and green turtles graze peaceably amongst the heads of plate and honeycomb corals in this region.

Stone town tour offers a thrilling opportunity explore and discover the Zanzibar’s historic town of Stone Town, a World Heritage Site that is recognized by the UNESCO. Touring stone town gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself deep into the vibrant ancient trading history (slave trade) characterized by the influences of traders from various corners of the world including Arabs, Europeans, and Persians. Embark on a tour that will allow you to discover some historical landmarks like palaces, houses, and so much more like the stone town market in the nearby area with lots of Zanzibar’s past history. This tour will also give you a chance to explore the Forodhani night market where you can observe different famous Zanzibar seafoods and experience the local people here with chances to taste the traditional cuisines in the area.

Nakupenda beach is a Sandbank few minutes off the Stone town taking around 20 to 30 minutes boat ride to arrive to this breath-taking sand bank in Zanzibar archipelago, once you are at the Nakupenda “I love you” sand bank you will obviously feel loved as the word means in Swahili language. Nakupenda beach provides vast activities that you can experience once on the sand bank, such activities include snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing where our dedicated team of experts will provide you with Snorkeling equipments for you to enjoy this sandbank as much as you can. Alongside these activities you will be able to spot countless colorful marine creatures including fishes that survives among the coral reefs in this spectacular ocean ecosystem. Enjoy relaxation on the sandbank and taste some tropical fruits including pineapples, bananas, watermelons, and so much more plus scrumptious lunch which will be made available right at the place

Zanzibar archipelago offers a paradise like nowhere with magnificent and unique opportunities to discover and explore its unparalleled world’s most breath-taking pristine beaches sandbanks with its powdery white sand, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This paradise on earth destination is known to host some of the popular beaches such as Nungwi Beach in the island’s northern tip offers a superb destination for beach lovers who wish to enjoy swimming areas, and sunbathing along the Indian ocean sandy shores. Another idyllic beach spot in Zanzibar’s coastline is Kendwa beach offering pristine sands and clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing as well, Kendwa beach also offers the stunning area for sunset and lively Zanzibar beach parties that do take place from time to time on the beach front bars, this beach is ideal for those seeking to unwind while enjoying the fun vibes along the beach. It also offers thrilling spots along the beach like kitesurfing, diving, snorkeling and other many water spots that you would like to engage on while at Kendwa beach in Zanzibar Island. Zanzibar archipelago offers some beautiful sandbanks that travellers can explore including Pange sandbank which is one kilometer away and 20 minutes boat ride from stone town offering vast opportunities to enjoy like swimming, snorkeling the calm and shallow waters of the Indian ocean, this area is also a home to enormous array of coral and tropical reef fishes such as clown-fish and parrot-fish among many others.

Cultural tours and excursions give you an opportunity to immerse deep into the cultural side of the Zanzibar Island offering a unique blend of cultural activities and traditions that provide you with an authentic experience reflecting the local style of life of the people of Zanzibar, an experience that will make feel immersed fully into vibrant Swahili culture. You can engage in various cultural activities including but not limited to visiting historic Stone Towns the world recognized heritage site by UNESCO with narrow streets, bustling markets, and Arab-influenced architectural. Stone town offers travelers opportunity to explore local art galleries, sample traditional Swahili cuisine, and interact with warm and friendly local people of Zanzibar. Cultural tours in Zanzibar gives you an opportunity to attend one of the popular traditional music events and traditional dance performance showcasing the rich musical heritage of Zanzibar people. Immerse yourself among the local artists who often perform Taarab music, a melodious blend of African-Arabic and Indian influences that captivates audiences with its catching soulful rhythms. During your cultural tour you can participate in community-based tourism initiatives that support local craftsmen and artisans in Zanzibar archipelago through buying their handmade products such as carved wooden sculptures, some traditional Swahili garments, and more take them as souvenirs which will contribute to support and boost their income while you also gain a deep understanding and appreciation of the traditional Swahili culture among the Zanzibarians.

Zanzibar Island in Tanzania with its pristine vast beaches offer a wide range of outdoor activities and a good number of adventurous activities for you to engage on and enjoy during your island getaway in Tanzania. During your visit to Zanzibar you can choose to engage on some activities that are more adventurous such activities includes Stand-Up Paddleboarding along the calm ocean waters of Zanzibar are while enjoying the panoramic views of the Zanzibar coastlines, Sunset Dhow Cruises which gives you the opportunity to embark on cruise in a traditional wooden sailing boat to enjoy and experience a romantic and breath-taking sunset along the costs od Zanzibar Island, Kite Surfing for both experienced and beginners under the instruction of a coach to get the best of what the experience has to offer, Snorkeling and Diving, Tour to Prison island-Changuu private island to discover some hidden gems of the Island history and huge Tortoises, Visit Baraka natural aquarium in Nungwi where you can come close with wildlife and swim with turtles, visiting the Kidichi spice farms od a spice farm tour which takes you on a tour that will allow you to discover the rich agricultural heritages of the Zanzibar people and learn about different spices that makes this island popular of like cloves, nutmeg and cinnamons that also have shaped the economy plus the history of this magnificent island, Sea horse riding among other activities like Swimming with Dolphins around Kizimkazi area South of the Unguja are the best activities that you can expect or add during your time and visit to Zanzibar island.

Kidike Sanctuary located near Kangagani village, two kilometers east of the main road between Chakechake and Wete areas in Pemba Island within Zanzibar Archipelago. Kidike flying fox sanctuary is a home to a spectacular colony of Pemba flying foxes (Pteropus voeltzkowi) also known as Popo in Swahili language, a large bat indigenous to Pemba Island with a characteristic of dog-like facial features, these bats weigh up to 400 or 650 grams approximately to 0.9 or 1.4 lb. Expect to encounter about 4000 individuals hang in a patch of trees, often taking to the air, clearly visible during the day, staying undisturbed by local people in this area. You can clearly observe them from a small and tumbledown viewing platform in the area that will give you a clear view of these spectacular creatures that always remain faithful to the roots – a group of large and matured trees that favors habitats for these magnificent creatures.

Zanzibar Clovea

 

When to visit

Accessible all year round  though the best time to visit Zanzibar Island is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During these months, the weather is cooler and there is less rainfall, making wildlife spotting easier as animals congregate around water sources. The dry season also offers more stable road conditions, which can be important for safari travel. If you prefer to see the park in its lush, green state and enjoy fewer crowds, the wet season from November to May is also a good option, though it can be more challenging for game viewing due to the dense vegetation and occasional road closures.

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