Zanzibar Island Things to Do

There are quite a few ruins sites in Zanzibar, and it is a good idea to visit at least one site to get a taste of this island's history.

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.

If you are visiting the Jozani forest, or passing by car near it it is imperative to try and spot the rare Kirk's Red Colubus monkeys. These are endemic to Zanzibar (found nowhere else in the world). If you go to the park itself, the guide will surely know where to find the friendly troop of these monkeys, who don't really mind the tourists snapping pictures!

The Jozani Forest is the only natural forest remaining in Zanzibar, while the rest has been cleared out for agriculture, spice plantations, grazing of cattle, palm tree plantations, and villages.

Anyway, this makes for a fun couple of hours exploring the forest and the mangrove forest.

It is quite easily accessible from Stone Town, some 18 km away on an asphalted road.

It is great fun to watch the fishermen as they come to the shore in their simple boats. As soon as they reenter, the other villagers literally swarm around the boat, and the fishermen lay their catch of fish, octopus and lobster on the sand igniting a colourful impromptu market.

Tourists are sometimes allowed on fishing trips, either on small boats or on larger dhows. This is best arranged either via a tour operator or by your hotel. You can also ask the tourist office in Stone town.

When the tide retreats, leaving behind hues of turqoise, brown and silver, out come the Zanzibari women in their colourful khangas. They wade for hours on end harvesting seaweed to be sold to oriental tradesman for just a few cents. This is a daily happening on the East coast, and a trademark of life in Zanzibari coastal communities.

This the postcard beach flanking the humble Jambiani village. The colours of the sea are amazing, and the beach itself with its white fine sand and multitude of palm trees is truly idyllic.

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.

Jambiani is a quiet palm studded beach village on the East Coast. It is ideal for spending some quiet time chilling our or for meeting fellow backpackers from around the world. There are plenty of guesthouse style accomodations - and the seafood here is excellent.

As in the other small villages along the coast - the people's lifestyle is comparable to squatting in small huts (some of them roofless). A peek in a house often reveals no furniture - no chairs, carpets, tiles or beds. But the people are really friendly and appreciate a chat with us foreigners.

At dusk the children play football, and the smell of fires used for cooking (barbeque style) fills the air. The cool breeze from the sea is a refreshing change to the opressive heat of midday.

Jambiani's beauty lies in both its picture perfect appearance as well as the simplicity of the lifestyle of its people. Take the time to not merely be a stuck up tourist on the beach - observe the people and their lifestyle; interact with them if possible - it is a rewarding experience.

If you are looking out at sea whilst in Stone Town, chances are there is a large dhow gliding effortlessly through the cobalt waters. Their simplicity and grace cannot but hold your gaze. Watching dhows at sunset from among the Zanzibar buildings is also a highly suggestive picture ...