Best places to visit in Zanzibar: Africa Natural Safari
AFRICA NATURAL SAFARI (The best tour company in Tanzania)
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Best places to visit in Zanzibar
There's
more to Zanzibar than just
pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, and here's our pick of the top 5
destinations on the island worth visiting.
Zanzibar Top 5 Destinations Zanzibar Stone Town
Zanzibar Spice Plantations Zanzibar Butterfly Center Zanzibar Dhow Cruise
Top 5 Destinations
Best places to visit in Zanzibar:
Our pick #1
Stone Town
When
you think of Zanzibar, you are probably thinking of crystal clear waters,
pearly white sand and swaying palm trees. However, Zanzibar is more than just a
pretty face. The historical and cultural center of Stone Town is a maze of
quaint alleys and old buildings just waiting to be explored. Its rich and
diverse past has seen people from all over the world move to Zanzibar and this
cultural blending can be seen in full force in Stone Town where African,
Indian, Arab and European influences seamlessly intermingle, giving the island
a completely unique vibe that will permeate your soul and stay with you
forever. Take a wander through the Darajani Bazaar and check out the fresh
produce or learn a bit about Zanzibar’s history by visiting the former slave
market to make the most of your time here.
Best places to visit in Zanzibar:
Our pick #2
Spice Plantations
Rivaling its beaches for worldwide recognition, spices from Zanzibar have really made a
name for themselves in the global market and no trip to the island would be
complete without taking the time to get properly acquainted with them. Cloves,
nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and pepper are just some of the spices that can be
seen during a tour of one of Zanzibar’s many spice plantations. Tours are
usually led by a knowledgeable local guide who will not only teach you about
the culinary and medical properties of whichever spice you have stumbled upon,
but will also explain each spice’s historical context and its significance in
the spice trade route. Taking a tour through Zanzibar’s spice plantations,
however, is not just about getting familiar with turmeric and chill, it is just
as much about seeing the rural side of the island and communicating with its
locals.
Best places to visit in Zanzibar: Our
pick #3
Prison Island
Prison
Island might not sound like the most appealing place in the world but this
tropical paradise is the perfect place to escape the crowds of main Zanzibar
and relax in the sunshine. Taking its name from the fact that it was a former
prison for slaves, this patch of natural beauty holds all kinds of delights,
not least the numerous giant tortoises that wander freely around the island.
The island can be reached from Zanzibar in about 30 minutes by boat and once
there you won’t be able to resist jumping in the water. It is best to come with
snorkeling equipment in tow as the water there is crystal clear and teeming
with exotic marine life. Once you’ve made the most of the shoreline, head to
the interior of Prison Island and look out for butterflies before exploring the
ruins of what was once the prison building.
Best places to visit in Zanzibar:
Our pick #4
Butterfly Center
Beauty
queens of the insect world, Zanzibar’s Butterfly Center has realized the true
potential of these glorious creatures. The butterflies at the center are not
just there to be admired, they form an essential part of the organization’s
poverty-alleviating mission. The center works with members of the local
community and provides them with butterfly farming training. These new farmers
will then be paid when they bring butterfly pupae into the center as these
create part of the exhibit that is displayed for the benefit of visitors. The
funds to pay these farmers come from the profits generated by entrance fees to
the gardens so by visiting the Butterfly Center, you are directly contributing
to the local community. It is possible to have a guided tour through the
gardens or through the local village to see the butterfly farmers at work and
learn about their farming techniques.
Best places to visit in Zanzibar:
Our pick #5
Dhow Cruise
Nothing
highlights the strong Arabic influences in Zanzibar better than the elegant
Dhows that sail around the island. Taking a ride in one of these boats is a
truly magical experience and gives travelers the perfect chance to get
intimately acquainted with the water. Usually, passengers will be taken around
1km from the shore of Zanzibar before the motor is switched off and the sail is
erected. Peace and tranquility then flood the dhow as you silently cut through
the gentle ripples of the Indian Ocean. It is recommended that you time your
excursion with sunset as the vivid oranges, pinks and purples that tinge the
sky create some of the most beautiful scenery you will have ever witnessed.
Some cruises will stop at one or two of the reefs along the way and allow you
to snorkel, making sure you see the best that Zanzibar’s waters have to offer.
For
more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com
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