Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland. The Zanzibar archipelago consists of more than 50 islands, ranging from tiny outcrops to the larger, more populated islands of Unguja also known as Zanzibar Island and Pemba.
Stone Town is the main port and commercial center of the whole Zanzibar. The ancient city—declared a UNESCO cultural heritage site in 2000—is charming and romantic to say the least. Stone Town is small and safe, and not knowing where you’re going is part of the experience. Locals are very helpful and would gladly show you directions as many times as you want, but sometimes it’s best to let yourself get lost. One place you can drop by to enjoy a cold smoothie in stone town is Lazuli, a tiny but wonderful restaurant.
Zanzibar is a conservative place and the majority of the population are muslims. That said you can still have lots of fun albeit being mindful of others. There are a few bars in Stone Town where you can buy alcohol, and you can also opt to drink in tourist and ex-pat restaurants and in fancier hotels in town and on the coast. Skimpy clothing and drunken slurring through Stone Town is best avoided.
In Zanzibar, life moves pole pole – Swahili for slow and you might want to relax and take a cue from the unhurried pace. Your smoothie might take 45 minutes to show up, but it will be delicious and worth the wait.
Zanzibar is popular with tourists and as such international and local hotel chains have moved in to tap into this. Being an island there is a wide variety of different beach destinations to suit each one’s tastes and preferences. The main choice, however, is between Zanzibar City area (including Stone Town), northern beaches (Nungwi and Kendwa), North East (Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani) and East Coast (Michamvi, Bwejuu, Paje and Jambiani).
There are several options for bed and breakfast ranging from economical to high end. If you’re looking for a beach escape with other Westerners, head north to Nungwi and Kendwa, where you’ll find the same all-inclusive packages and beach discos you’ll find in most other warm parts of the world.
For a slightly more Zanzibari experience, try quieter towns like Bwejuu or Jambiani where your slice of island paradise is mixed with the rhythms of village life. Many Zanzibar beach lodges have more in common with a good African safari lodge. Typically you can expect attractive beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, while at the top of the range are some smaller and more intimate beach lodges that have a boutique feel.
