Best places to visit on your first trip to Zanzibar
The heavenly Zanzibar archipelago is one of the most amazing spots that a tourist can visit. The stunning island should be on every travel lover’s wish list, as it is home to the most breathtaking views, a rich culture and heritage, friendly and down to earth locals, and world class facilities. The pristine isle is ideal for an unforgettable holiday, and offers travellers a chance to make memories that will last them a lifetime, and enjoy experiences that will change their lives! For their first trip to Zanzibar, here are some places that tourists must visit, in order to have an extraordinary and memorable vacation.
- Stone Town
Tourists must ensure that they visit Stone Town during their vacation in Zanzibar. As this town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travellers can explore the winding streets, visit the Old Fort that was built by the Portugese, or go to the birthplace of Freddie Mercury.
- Kendwa Beach
Kendwa is one of the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. The best time to visit this tourist spot is during a full moon, when visitors can enjoy a unique insight into the island’s nightlife. Kendwa’s full moon parties are filled with fun and excitement, as tourists can meet local dancers, singers, acrobats, and fire-eaters!
- The Zanzibari
The Zanzibari is an amazing boutique hotel located at the beautiful Nungwi Beach. This great retreat offers well equipped rooms, free WiFi, comfortable beds, private balconies, a bar, a pool, and a snack bar. At the spa, guests can enjoy a variety of de-stressing treatments, soothing massages, manicures, pedicures, beauty treatments, and skin care remedies. Zanzibari is one of the best places for tourists to stay at, if they want to relax and unwind.
- Nungwi Beach
The scenic Nungwi Beach is an excellent spot for exciting water activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, jet ski tours, and kayaking, as well as for swimming in the cool, crystalline water, walking at the sandy beach, or relaxing near the lush greenery.
- Forodhani Market
Forodhani Night Food Market is a must-see for tourists who want to enjoy the authentic taste of Zanzibar’s local cuisine, which is a blend of Portugese, African, Indian, Arabic, and Turkish influences. Tourists can try amazing street food dishes such as biryani, kebabs, Mshikaki (meat skewers), Chipsi Mayai (chips and eggs), and Zanzibar pizza.
- The Rock Restaurant
The Rock Restaurant is one of the most unique restaurants in the world, as it is located on a rock in the middle of the ocean! This spot is perfect for a fancy dinner surrounded by the stunning view of the deep blue water and the bright orange sunset. Visitors can enjoy food such as grilled fish, octopus salad, prawns, lobster, crab, shrimp, gnocchi, ravioli, Swahili spaghetti, chicken skewers, crab, and squid!
- Kizimkazi Beach
At the scenic Kizimkazi beach, tourists can swim with bottle-nosed and humpback dolphins, in the crystalline waters. Tourists can also explore the nearby Miza Miza Caves, which are said to be magical.
- Jua Retreat
Travellers must also stay at Jua Retreat, a blissful spot where one can stay at private, well-equipped villas and enjoy facilities such as private pools! Surrounded by the lush green tropical gardens, blue ocean, and clear sky, visitors can have the time of their lives.
- Jozani Forest
Another great place to visit on a trip to Zanzibar is the remarkable Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, where travellers can spot stunning flora and fauna! The forest is home to ancient hardwood forest, and mangrove swamps, as well as amazing animals such as Red Colobus monkeys, 50 butterfly species, and up to 40 species of exotic birds!
- Mnemba Atoll
On their first ever trip to Zanzibar, guests must also be sure to go to Mnemba Atoll, which is home to a stunning coral reef, and marine creatures such as sea stars, white moray eels, pufferfish, lobsters, rays, octopuses, snappers, and scorpion fish. Tourists can also enjoy snorkelling among the colorful reefs, or swimming with dolphins.
These are some top places for tourists to see on their first ever visit to the breathtaking and unforgettable Zanzibar archipelago!
