Zanzibar / Tanzania
Zanzibar is an exotic archipelago located in Africa in the Indian Ocean approximately 40 kilometers off the coast of Tanzania. Here awaits a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches, turquoise sea, spice plantations, and rich history. A holiday in Zanzibar attracts not only for relaxation by the sea but also for safari in mainland Tanzania, unique culture, historic Stone Town, or the popular resort of Nungwi. Thanks to the pleasant tropical climate, the island is a sought-after destination almost all year round.
What to taste in Zanzibar?
Zanzibari cuisine combines African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Thanks to a rich history of spice trade, the local gastronomy is among the most diverse in East Africa. You should especially try:
- Zanzibar Pizza – a popular street specialty prepared on a pan with savory or sweet filling,
- Pilau – fragrant rice with spices, meat, or seafood,
- Urojo – traditional thick soup with potato pancakes and vegetables,
- Grilled octopus and fresh fish – simply prepared with lime and local spices,
- Mishkaki – marinated beef or chicken skewers grilled over charcoal,
- Fresh tropical fruits – mango, papaya, pineapple, passion fruit, or coconut,
- Spiced tea and Zanzibari coffee – flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Why will you love Zanzibar?
- Beautiful beaches and turquoise ocean – Zanzibar offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Indian Ocean. Among the most popular is Nungwi in the north of the island, where there is minimal tide and great conditions for swimming all day. On the east coast, you can observe a significant tide, revealing sandy shallows and vibrant marine life.
- Historic Stone Town and the scent of spices – The historic center of Stone Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants with narrow streets, Arab palaces, markets, and famous carved doors. Zanzibar is also known as the Spice Island, and therefore visits to spice farms are among the most popular excursions.
- Safari, animals, and underwater world – A holiday in Zanzibar can easily be combined with a safari in Tanzania's national parks, where you can observe elephants, lions, giraffes, or zebras. On Zanzibar itself, rare red colobus monkeys, giant tortoises, or dolphins live. Many travelers wonder if there are sharks here – in the surrounding waters, mainly smaller species live, which do not pose a common danger to swimmers. Expeditions for whale sharks are also popular at certain times of the year.
Practical tips:
- Official language: Swahili and English.
- Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS), in many tourist places, you can also pay with US dollars.
- Opening hours: Shops are usually open between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, tourist restaurants, cafes, and bars often until late evening hours.
- Public transport: Local minibuses daladala run around the island, taxis or car or scooter rentals are also available. Cruise ships dock at the Zanzibar Cruise Terminal in Stone Town, from where the historic center is just a few minutes' walk away.
- Weather: Zanzibar has a tropical climate with year-round high temperatures between 28–32 °C. The best time for a holiday is from June to October and from December to March, when sunny weather prevails and there is minimal rainfall.
What to visit in Zanzibar:
- Stone Town – a historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Arab architecture, markets, and famous wooden doors.
- Nungwi – one of the island's most famous resorts with beautiful beaches, restaurants, and snorkeling opportunities.
- Kendwa – a wide sandy beach with minimal tide and beautiful sunsets.
- Jozani Forest – a national park where rare red colobus monkeys live, which are not found anywhere else in the world.
- Prison Island – an island known for its colonial history and breeding of giant Aldabra tortoises.
- Mnemba Atoll – one of the best places for diving and snorkeling with rich marine life.
- Spice farms – traditional plantations where you can learn about the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The most interesting from Zanzibar's history:
For centuries, Zanzibar was a significant trade center on routes between Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India. It gradually became an important port for the trade of spices, ivory, and slaves. In the 19th century, it was the center of the Omani Sultanate, and its wealth is still reflected in the historic palaces and grand houses in Stone Town. After merging with Tanganyika in 1964, today's Tanzania was formed. Today, Zanzibar is one of the most sought-after destinations in East Africa, combining beautiful beaches, rich history, unique culture, and unforgettable nature experiences.
Useful information
Port map:
Places worth seeing:
Letecký pohled na Stone Town.
Stará pevnost, známá také jako Arabská pevnost, ve Stone Townu.
Stone Town – historické centrum Zanzibaru.
Getting to the port:
Cruise ships dock at the Zanzibar Cruise Terminal located at: Malindi Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. The port is situated right next to the historic center, which passengers can easily reach on foot within a few minutes. In case of docking outside the main pier, passengers may be transported to the shore using tenders.
Cruises to :
South Africa, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Italy from Durban na lodi MSC Sinfonia
| Ship: | MSC Sinfonia |
|---|---|
| Route: | South Africa, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Italy |
| Embarkation: | Durban, South Africa |
| Disembarkation: | Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy |
| Duration: | 25 nights |