Zanzibar: Top 9 Must-See Sights and Top Getaways

Zanzibar is a beautiful island paradise located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It’s a place of unspoiled natural beauty, with idyllic white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. The island is also rich in culture and history, with a fascinating mix of Swahili, Arabic, Indian, and European influences. From its bustling markets and colorful bazaars to its ancient palaces and historic monuments, Zanzibar is a destination that offers something for everyone.

Zanzibar has a long and complex history, shaped by the interplay of different cultures and peoples. The island was an important hub of the spice trade for many centuries, with merchants from as far away as China and India trading their goods here. Over the years, Zanzibar was ruled by various sultans and colonial powers, including the Portuguese, the Omani Arabs, and the British. This history is reflected in the island’s architecture, cuisine, and customs, making Zanzibar a unique and fascinating destination for travelers.

One of the main draws of Zanzibar is its stunning beaches. The island has miles of coastline, with soft white sand and clear, turquoise waters. The beaches are a great place to relax and unwind, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like snorkeling and diving. Some of the most popular beach destinations on the island include Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje.

Another highlight of Zanzibar is its rich culture and cuisine. The island is famous for its delicious seafood, as well as its aromatic spices and flavorful curries. Visitors can explore the bustling markets of Stone Town, where vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handcrafted textiles and souvenirs. The island is also home to a vibrant music and dance scene, with traditional Taarab music and Ngoma dance performances taking place throughout the year.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 getaways in Zanzibar and provide hotel recommendations for each. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious beach resort or a rustic eco-lodge, there’s a Zanzibari getaway for everyone. We hope this guide will inspire you to explore the beauty and culture of this magical island and make the most of your Zanzibar adventure.

Stone Town

Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming town is a fascinating mix of Swahili, Arabic, Indian, and European cultures and is home to some of the island’s most significant landmarks, including the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Sultan’s Palace. Staying in Stone Town is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Zanzibari history and culture.

In Stone Town, we recommend the Park Hyatt Zanzibar. This luxurious hotel is housed in a restored 17th-century building and overlooks the Indian Ocean. The rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished, with traditional Zanzibari touches like carved wooden doors and ornate light fixtures. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a spa, and several dining options, including a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the sea.

Book Now: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/tanzania/park-hyatt-zanzibar/znzph

Nungwi

Nungwi is a charming fishing village located at the northern tip of the island. It’s known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving. Nungwi is also home to the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond, where you can see and learn about sea turtles up close.

For your stay in Nungwi, we recommend Essque Zalu Zanzibar. This luxurious resort features spacious villas and suites, all with private balconies or terraces overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort also features two outdoor pools, a spa, and several dining options, including a beachfront restaurant serving delicious seafood.

Book Now: https://www.essquehotels.com/

Kendwa

Kendwa is another stunning beach destination in the north of the island. It’s known for its long stretch of powdery white sand and clear, turquoise waters. Kendwa is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning sunset views.

For your stay in Kendwa, we recommend Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel. This hotel is located right on the beach and features spacious rooms with private balconies or terraces overlooking the sea. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a spa, and several dining options, including a beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood.

Book Now: https://www.kendwarocks.com/

Jambiani

Jambiani is a small fishing village located on the southeast coast of the island. It’s a quiet and peaceful spot, with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. The village is surrounded by palm trees and has a long stretch of white sand beach, making it a great spot for relaxing and unwinding.

For your stay in Jambiani, we recommend Spice Island Hotel & Resort. This charming hotel features traditional Zanzibari-style bungalows, all with private balconies or terraces overlooking the sea. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a spa, and a beachfront restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.

Book Now: https://www.spiceislandbeachresort.com/

Paje

Paje is another charming village on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. It’s known for its wide, shallow lagoon, which makes it an ideal spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Paje also has a stunning beach and a vibrant nightlife scene, with lots of bars and restaurants to choose from.

For your stay in Paje, we recommend Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa. This luxurious resort features spacious villas and suites, all with private pools and outdoor showers. The resort also features a spa, an outdoor pool, and several dining options, including a beachfront restaurant serving delicious seafood.

Book Now: https://www.whitesandvillas.com/

Matemwe

Matemwe is a peaceful and secluded village located on the northeast coast of the island Matemwe is a peaceful and secluded village located on the northeast coast of the island. It’s known for its beautiful coral reef and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving. Matemwe is also home to some of the best seafood restaurants on the island, where you can sample freshly caught fish and other local delicacies.

For your stay in Matemwe, we recommend Matemwe Lodge. This charming lodge features spacious bungalows, all with private terraces overlooking the sea. The lodge also features an outdoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.

Book Now: https://matemwe.asiliaafrica.com/matemwe-lodge/

Michamvi

Michamvi is a picturesque village located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. It’s known for its stunning beaches, calm waters, and peaceful atmosphere. Michamvi is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the local cuisine.

For your stay in Michamvi, we recommend Kono Kono Beach Resort. This luxurious resort features spacious villas, all with private pools and outdoor showers. The resort also features a spa, an outdoor pool, and several dining options, including a beachfront restaurant serving delicious seafood.

Book Now: https://konokonozanzibar.com/

Bwejuu

Bwejuu is a quiet and secluded village located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. It’s known for its unspoiled beaches and clear, turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Bwejuu is also home to some excellent seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh catches from the sea.

For your stay in Bwejuu, we recommend Breezes Beach Club & Spa. This charming resort features spacious rooms and suites, all with private balconies or terraces overlooking the sea. The resort also features an outdoor pool, a spa, and several dining options, including a beachfront restaurant serving delicious seafood.

Book Now: https://www.breezes-zanzibar.com/

Chumbe Island

Chumbe Island is a small island located just off the coast of Zanzibar. It’s a protected marine reserve, and visitors can snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters to see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish. The island is also home to a unique eco-lodge, which is powered by solar energy and uses rainwater harvesting to conserve resources.

For your stay on Chumbe Island, we recommend Chumbe Island Coral Park Eco-Bungalows. These unique bungalows are built with sustainable materials and feature panoramic views of the sea. The lodge also features a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine and offers guided snorkeling and diving trips to explore the marine reserve.

Book Now: https://chumbeisland.com/

Zanzibar is a magical island with so much to offer visitors. From its stunning beaches and rich culture to its history and architecture, there is something for everyone on this beautiful island. We hope this guide has given you a glimpse of what Zanzibar has to offer and helped you plan your perfect getaway.

When it comes to choosing your accommodation in Zanzibar, there are plenty of options to suit every budget and taste. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious beach resort or a rustic eco-lodge, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. We recommend doing your research and reading reviews before you book, to ensure you find the perfect place to stay.

While you’re in Zanzibar, be sure to explore the island’s many attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, there are plenty of things to see and do. Some of the highlights include Stone Town, the Jozani Forest, and the Prison Island. You can also take a spice tour to learn more about the island’s famous spices and see them growing in the fields.

Zanzibar is also a great place to relax and unwind. The island’s beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s coral reefs and marine life.

If you’re a foodie, be sure to sample some of the local cuisine while you’re in Zanzibar. The island is famous for its delicious seafood, as well as its aromatic spices and flavorful curries. You can visit one of the local markets to try the local specialties or dine at one of the island’s many restaurants, serving everything from traditional Zanzibari dishes to international cuisine.

In conclusion, Zanzibar is a truly unique and beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, rich culture, and fascinating history, it’s a place that is sure to leave a lasting impression. We hope this guide has helped you plan your perfect Zanzibar getaway and inspired you to explore all that this magical island has to offer.