Visit Zanzibar For The Perfect Getaway From The Hustle And Bustle

Feel the culture and warmth of the people in Stone Town

Stone Town, the cultural and administrative capital of Zanzibar, is situated in the south of the island and is the entry point to this autonomous country. After getting your passport stamped and visa granted through either the immigration department at the airport or ferry terminal, make your way into the heart of Zanzibar. Get lost in the narrow alleyways that separate the tall, dilapidated buildings from one another; the children playing games and running around on the streets warm your heart as strangers invite you to their doorstep where they sit to join them for some coffee.

Savour seafood, local flavour at Forodhani Gardens

With a rich history, Stone Town was one of the last slave-trading posts, a distinctive port in the Omani Empire and later in the British Navy, with one of their most famous hotels, Africa House Hotel, an homage to the latter. Situated across from the sea on its most prominent road, Old Fort is a heavy stone fortress that is a modern day cultural centre.

Featuring a host of shops, workshops and a small arena where live dance and music shows are held daily, Old Fort has become the daytime hub of tourists. Along with the House of Wonders (the largest and tallest building in Zanzibar), the Old Dispensary and the Hamamni Persian Baths, Old Fort will most likely be on any tour of Stone Town (highly recommended!) that locals will take you on.

Forodhani Gardens, a small garden right in front of the Old Fort and House of Wonders, lights up every single night with a post-sunset food market. As soon as the sun sets, the gardens host a popular, tourist-oriented market which sells grilled seafood and other Zanzibari recipes. Don’t be afraid to haggle over prices at these stalls as they’re frequented by locals and foreigners alike. It’s the main meeting hub for most locals before going off on their night-time adventures and it provides a great insight into local culture for foreigners.

Find calm, crystal-clear waters at the island’s best beaches

The North Coast of Zanzibar is littered with resorts waiting to pamper you. It’s the perfect place for a bit of R&R along with a bit of partying, as it’s notoriously known as the place that changes once the sun goes down. It also hosts one of the island’s (and East Africa’s) best full-moon parties once a month at Kendwa Rocks. Over at the East Coast, you will find the island’s best and most idyllic beaches. Home to a variety of lodges and hotels, the current is weak here so it’s easy to swim and snorkel, and with the isolation offered, it’s all you’ll want to do.