Zanzibar tours & travel

The Zanzibar archipelago is an eclectic melting pot of cultures, customs and religions. Within the streets of Stone Town, you’ll find mosques and churches standing literally side by side. While Zanzibar is a primarily Muslim region, it shares a history of cultural influences that spread as far wide as the Middle East, India and ancient Persia. Previously a protectorate of Britain and officially a part of Tanzania since 1964, the archipelago has a long history of bureaucratic changes and tensions. 

Currently, the population of Zanzibar is largely divided. Many still champion for independence from Tanzania and seek to have Zanzibar declared its own country. Despite their political differences, the discussion remains respectful between the locals. You are just as likely to see them passionately debating politics in town centres as you are to see tropical fruit farmers hawking their produce roadside all around the islands. But one thing everyone in Zanzibar has in common is their love of soccer. Head to any beach in the late afternoon and you are almost guaranteed to witness the locals coming together for a friendly game of beach soccer.

The variety of food in Zanzibar rivals anywhere in the world. It owes this entirely to its geography: being at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the locals have picked up a thing or two about worldly cuisines.  Whether it is yam and plantain-based dishes from the Bantu peoples of Eastern Africa, Indian inspired masala curries featuring many of the spices the island is famous for, or the sweet date and hazelnut bread is traditionally eaten to celebrate the end of Ramadan – you will be spoiled for choices to fill your plate! Unsurprisingly for an island, seafood takes pride of place in Zanzibar and seafood lovers will rejoice at the wide range of dishes available at restaurants and markets.
 
An absolute must for anyone visiting Stone Town is the Forodhani night market. As soon as the sun sets each night, beachside Forodhani Park transforms into an open-air food market filled will vendors tempting you to try their dishes. Our pick is the Zanzibar pizza – filled with whatever fresh ingredients take your fancy at the time. Wash it all down with fresh coconut juice (direct from the coconut of course!)

Perhaps the most famous export from Zanzibar is its spices, including pepper, cinnamon and ginger to name a few. Visit a spice plantation to sample countless types of spices directly from the source. Don’t forget to pick up a selection from the local markets before you leave.

Zanzibar has a large Muslim population, so bear in mind that Ramadan is the fasting month for all Muslims. During this month, no food, drink or smoking is permitted during daylight hours. While non-Muslims aren't expected to fast, it's recommended to try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Must-try foods in Zanzibar:

1. Pweza wa nazi

 Octopus boiled in coconut milk to create a curry-based dish with cinnamon, cardamom, garlic and lime juice.

2. Barbecued lobster  

 Enjoy a lobster grilled to perfection at one of the many beachside eateries around the island. 

3. Spice cake

 A typical local dessert made using pastry with a mix of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and chocolate.

Zanzibar is an island province of Tanzania located off the coast of East Africa. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean on all fronts, it is covered mostly in lush rainforest and encircled by white beaches and coral reefs.

Zanzibar is actually an archipelago made up of many small islands and two prominent, main ones: Pemba Island and Unguja Island – the largest, often mistaken as ‘Zanzibar Island’, where the majority of the province’s population lives.

While there are various swanky stores in main hubs like Stone Town, specialising inexpensive trinkets and homewares, you simply can’t visit Zanzibar and not take an afternoon stroll through one of its lively, colourful markets. Lose yourself amongst the hustle of Darajini market in Stone Town, where you will find stores piled high with spices, vegetables, fabrics and dried snacks. The market is so jam-packed, stores often spill out into the tiny laneways nearby.

Things to buy in Zanzibar

1. Spices

Don’t leave the island without purchasing a selection of the many spices still grown on plantations today. Pepper, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg are among the islands’ specialities. But you can find almost every type of spice imaginable here!

2. Woven handicrafts

Pick up a handmade ukili bag, placemat, rug or even a sun hat. The locals have perfected this handicraft and are widely available throughout Zanzibar. A great way to support local initiatives and talent.

Festival of the Dhow Countries 

The highlight of the Zanzibar International Film Festival, the Festival of the Dhow Countries is a cultural celebration of international film, music, theatre and performing arts. One of the biggest annual cultural festivals in Africa, it takes place over the first two weeks of July. Film screenings, exhibitions and craft classes are on offer during the day, while at night beach parties are a fun way to interact with locals.

Sauti Za Busara Festival 

If you are lucky enough to visit Stone Town in early February you’ll be treated to a hypnotising swell of Swahili music and dance during this vibrant celebration of East African culture. The festival concludes with a beachside festival of crafts, cuisine and entertainment.