| Reviews and photos of Zanzibar Island attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Zanzibar Island sightseeing. Zanzibar Island Map |
 | Zanzibar Island Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 192 |  |
 Stone Town by SanguiniA
You will find yourself aimlessly wandering through the narrow alleyways, on cobblestoned streets imagining yourself in another era ... the experience is indescribable!
The fusion of cultures on this little island is very evident, with all types of Indo-Afro-Arab architectures and a strong presence of colonial Portugese buildings. The dark stain of slavery history is also an attraction, with museums, places and monuments to visit.
A visit to Stone Town is a unique and mandatory if you are visiting Tanzania. Still, a word of caution. Stone Town is a bit overhyped - it may take a few moments to get used to - everything is dilapidated and like on the mainland, there are hustlers everywhere. But give it a couple of hours, and this mysterious place will get a hold on you and charm you - take my word for it! Leave a Comment
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 Jambiani Beach in low
tide by SanguiniA
The only downside is that, as like with all of the East coast, the sea is highly tidal and is impossible to swim in at times (unless you try and wade for a kilometer!). If it is the middle of the day and the tide is out - acuna matata! Just try and get a fisherman to take you for a swim near the coral reefs offshore! It is a wonderful experience - both sailing in the little traditional fishing dhows as well as the sea itself - great snorkelling!
Along the beach you will also find plenty of young ladies offering you to paint hennas - try this out, for a couple of dollars you can get an authentic swahili henna tattoo. Leave a Comment Directions: East Coast, Zanzibar Island
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 by grets
I love visiting markets everywhere I go, and this one was no exception. Markets are so full of life, so vibrant and colourful, and such a good place to see how daily life evolves in a place, what sort of goods are available and what kind of food people eat. Leave a Comment Directions: Halfway along Creek Road
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 Zanzibari women harvesting
seaweed by SanguiniALeave a Comment Directions: East Coast, Zanzibar Island
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 Maruhubi Ruins by SanguiniA
One of the most accessible of these sites is the Maruhubi Palace ruins; about 4km away from Stone Town. It was once Sultan Said Bargash's palace and was built between 1880-1882. It used to house his many wives - each had her own bedroom, bathroom and toilet. In 1889 though, it was destroyed by a great fire and has been in ruins ever since. This palace used to have 2 storeys but the topmost one has collapsed due to the fire.
This is a pleasant an peaceful site, and the ruins look wonderful amongst the multitude of palms and the sea in front of it. Leave a Comment Directions: 4km away from Stone Town
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 by grets
Slaves came from the interior of Africa, often tribal enemies being captured and sold, and were cruelly marched to the coast. Tied together by long chains, shackles on the ankles and heavy yokes on their shoulders, many slaves would die on the journey. Those too weak to continue were either killed or abandoned.
The boat journey from the coast to Zanzibar was harsh and pitiless, with slaves either placed below deck on “shelves” of no more than a couple of feet in height or on open boats exposed to the elements. Without the height to sit or the space to lie down, the journey must have been crippling. It’s hard to imagine what the slaves would have gone through. There can be no dignity left with such conditions, with no sanitation, disease was rife and the situation must have been unbearable – especially for those on the bottom “shelf” – everybody else’s waste from above running through the floors……..
Those who didn’t die on the journey or weren’t thrown overboard because they had contracted a disease or were too weak to fetch a good price, would reach Zanzibar unable to straighten their legs for several days as a result of the cramped conditions. After being cleaned up, the slaves would be paraded through the streets whilst being checked out by potential buyers. Slaves would either be bought to work on plantations in Zanzibar or continue to Oman or elsewhere.
On 5th April 1897 Sultan Hamoud signed a treaty to abolish the legal status of slavery in Zanzibar. Leave a Comment Directions: Near the junction of New Mkunazini Road and Creek Road. The Anglican Cathedral now stands on the spot previously occupied by the Slave Market, and a plaque on the floor in front of the altar marks the spot where slaves where sold!
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 by gretsLeave a Comment Directions: On the northeast side of town
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 spice tour by sachara
We visited the plantations near Kizimbani.
Here you can make walks of two or three and half hours. Our young enthusiastic guide knew everything about the trees, herbs and spices.
Two little boys joined him for climbing in the trees to pluck the nuts or fruits. These boys could also plait the most fantastic bags, hats, necklaces and other items of palmleaves. It was a really enjoyable walk. Luckily there was a lot of shade, beause in the sun it was extremely hot. Leave a Comment Directions: 15 Km north-east of Stone Town.
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 by grets
Mangroves can grow to 5m in height, creating a forest which is rich in marine life and shore birds. Mangrove trees are especially adapted to survive in the salt waters of the sea.
Wooden boardwalks provide a path through this interesting habitat and allows you to take a close look at its inhabitants within this unique ecosystem. This is the only boardwalk of its kind in Africa, and revenue from visitors helps fund local development projects.
We saw many crabs scamper along the exposed myd, as well as mud-skippers flipping from puddle to puddle. Leave a Comment
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 Ceremonial room by grets
Exhibits include thrones, banqueting tables, ceremonial furniture, beds and other peronal items.
One room is dedicated to Princess Salme, Sultan Said's pregnant and somewhat rebelleous daughter who eloped to Germany in 1866 to marry a German merchant much against her family's wishes. She converted to Christianity and lived out her days in exile.
The museum is open from 09.00-18.00 Tuesday to Saturday and 09.00-15.00 Sundays, Mondays and holidays. Entrance fee $2. Leave a Comment
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