After the rainforests of Uganda and Safari life in the Serengeti, we embarked on the next leg of our African adventure. We seamlessly transitioned from the untamed beauty of the wilderness to enchanting Zanzibar. Rugged mainland to lusty island was a travel narrative we had to write. The time was here to trade vast plains for turquoise shores. The powder soft white sand beaches were the perfect sanctuary to unwind in a different corner of Tanzania.
To catch up on the start of our Tanzania journey, be sure to read our safari diaries here!
Rich Tapestry of Cultures and Flavors
Enchanting Zanzibar, with its rich tapestry of cultures and flavors immediately captivated our senses. This mysterious island in the Indian Ocean is a melting pot of influences. Here Arab, Indian, European, and African traditions converge to create a unique and harmonious blend. First we stepped into the labyrinthine streets of Stone Town, the historical heart of Zanzibar. The warm air was infused with the scents of exotic spices. Spices that have drawn traders from distant lands for centuries. The architecture and crumbling facades tell tales of a bygone era, echoing whispers of Omani sultans, Portuguese explorers, and Swahili merchants.
With our Indian, Middle Eastern, Northern African and European ethnicities, we call ourselves ‘spice trade babies’. We immediately felt connected and captivated by the diversity.
The mix of Zanzibar’s culture is vividly expressed through its culinary offerings. For us, every bite was a journey through centuries of cross-cultural pollination. Zanzibar’s cuisine is a bold fusion of Swahili, Arabian, and Indian flavors. With curry and veg options galore, we were in foody paradise, 🤤. Exploring Stone Town and the beaches of Paje and Jambiani offered us a taste of the traditions that have shaped Zanzibar. Let this spice trade island travel guide feed you with flavor, design and cultural inspiration. Remember, if it’s in the guide, it’s great and worth your time!
Stone Town
We were ready for major beach time, so 1 night in Stone Town was enough to soak in the city’s vibrant hustle. This is the transportation hub of the island and worth a jaunt around to observe the cultural melting pot. We quickly learned a popular phrase of the island, ‘pole pole’. This means ‘slowly slowly’ in Swahili and the locals take this lifestyle to heart and encourage you to do the same. We waited on average an hour for our meals at restaurants. Plan ahead to avoid hangry outbursts!
Getting There
• Fly into the Stone Town airport (ZNZ), the historic center and a World Heritage Site. From here we took a $16 taxi to the heart of the city on New Year’s Eve. The streets were littered with traffic jams and people, it was an immediate vibe.
• If you are in Dar Es Salaam, you can opt for a ferry to Stone City with Azam Marine. We highly recommend booking the highest-class seats you can for priority boarding and air conditioning. These boats get packed and the extra personal space will do you right. You can also take this ferry back to the mainland at the end of your Zanzibar stay. DAR airport has tons of international flights out of Africa, you do not have to backtrack to Kilimanjaro or Arusha.
Where to Stay
• Sharazad Wonders Boutique Hotel – right in the heart of the labyrinth lies this gem. Affordable and friendly with a well-curated clothing and accessory store attached. $
• Park Hyatt Zanzibar – seafront high-end option. We loved the Arabic influence with arches galore strewn about. $$$
• Emerson Spice Hotel – well priced and alluring. A restored 19th century Swahili sultan’s palace. $$
To Do
• Freddie Mercury Museum – did you know Freddie is from Zanzibar? Enjoy a deep dive into this icon’s life, the locals are proud to call him one of their own!
• Tanzanite souvenir – boasting 1,000 times more rare than diamonds. Scour the many Tanzanite stores in Stone Town for a memorable piece of jewelry.
• Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral – a haunting yet powerful testament to the island’s complex history. The echoes of the past are palpable amidst its architectural transformation from slave market to cathedral.
• Darajani Bazaar – if you have never traipsed a Middle Eastern souk, don’t miss this open-air market. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Make sure you bargain!
Eats & Drinks
• Karafuu Coffee House – a proper cup of morning joe, we were smitten.
• Livingstone Beach Restaurant – we enjoyed our midnight New Year’s cheers here with live music, fireworks and feet in the sand. Ice is a hot commodity on the island as electricity can be inconsistent. A room-temperature drink may be in your future even at a decent establishment.
• Secret Garden – enjoy al fresco dining amongst refurbished ruins. A diverse menu of seafood, Swahili dishes and veg options. Don’t miss the live music in the evenings.
• Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar – this place was recommended to us by locals. It was so popular around the holiday we could not get in. Stop by to see what the catch of the day is!
Jambiani and Paje
Jambiani and Paje are neighboring beach towns on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. From our research, we could tell these two places would have plenty of activities and dining within walking distance from our villa. We took a 90-minute taxi for $40 from Stone Town and landed in the heart of Jambiani. We were immediately stoked with the warm ocean and house music luring us to nearby beach bars. Paje is known to be livelier than Jambiani, attracting young tourists and backpackers. We loved the calm of Jambiani while Paje was a quick cab or stroll north up the coast.
Both these beaches were absolutely pristine with shades of turquoise as far as the eye could see. For any ocean lover, enchanting Zanzibar is a must.
Where to Stay
• Passion Boutique Hotel Zanzibar – perfectly appointed adults only hotel right on the beach. The staff was kind and courteous, the decor was on point and we had our favorite dinner at their restaurant. Extremely fair prices for the experience. $
• Bamboo Zanzibar – great boutique option. Guests love the privacy of the location, infinity pool, large rooms, diverse dining options and sleek design. $$
• Alma Boutique Hotel – just 13 rooms at this sprawling beachside resort. Enjoy their spa, pools and gym onsite. This is the perfect place for a cocktail and hot peanuts during sundown under their expansive palapa. $$$
*We loved the use of earthy building materials and the way the hotels and resorts were built into the natural scenery rather than tearing it apart.
Eats
• Mamamapambo – an intimate dinner spot with romantic lighting and feet in the sand. We appreciated their Italian wine selections! Most places we dined at on this trip only served South African wines, so the diversity was welcomed. The chapati roll stuffed with coconut & ginger red beans, fresh salads and pasta were our highlights.
• B4 Boutique by Arabian Nights – we enjoyed a healthy and casual lunch here. Vegan poke bowls and the Mediterranean mezze plate were the standouts. B4 is also your one-stop shop for kite surfing, lounging and an international and local DJ scene at night.
• Passion Boutique Hotel – we had our best dinner on the island here and the highest level of service. The appetizer and mains were coursed out properly and the staff knew their wine list. We opted for local Swahili curries and they were outstanding.
• Duyen – we wished we had another night to dine here. Many locals vouched for this place and we will be sure to visit on our next trip. They boast Vietnamese food with lots of veg and vegan options.
Drinks
• Jetti Bar – an adorable place for snacks, drinks and sunset right at the end of the pier. This is the perfect location to observe low tide. The water can retract up to 2km from the beachfront and the way the landscape shifts is mesmerizing.
• Ha Beach Hotel Zanzibar – very chill place to enjoy drinks & hookah day or night. This is the spot for house music DJs and dancing in Jambiani & the owner Achmend is a delight.
• Red Monkey Beach Lodge – they host live music jam sessions every Sunday with a BBQ. This legendary event gathers international and local musicians. Even tourists can share their talents on the open stage!
• For more action and dancing check out B4, New Teddy’s Place and Demani. Each place is known for a party night. Do a little Google search if you are looking for nightlife.
To Do
• We enjoyed scuba diving with Buccaneer Diving. The best part is, we didn’t need wetsuits! The fish, lobsters and coral looked vibrant and happy.
• Mafia Island south of Zanzibar is known for scuba diving with whale sharks. If you can swing a side trip, do it!
• If you didn’t get a chance to connect with the Massai people during your safari you will be able to in Zanzibar. Many of them come to the island to sell jewelry, making money for their communities. They are incredibly friendly and fun to talk to.
• The beaches are filled with kitesurf companies. Aquaholics Kite & Surf Center and B4 Kite were some standout outfitters that offer rentals and lessons.
• The dhows are the traditional wooden sailboats you will see all over the beaches. Link up with the locals for a sunset cruise or snorkel trip.
Pole Pole
As much as we loved a few planned activities, our pole pole days were the most memorable. We took a page out of the local’s books and walked slowly with no real agenda. We took a dip, found shade, watched the local kids play and reminisced on all the splendor Africa shared with us.
Pole pole encapsulates a cultural approach to life that emphasizes a relaxed and unhurried pace. This philosophy encourages people to take their time, appreciate the present moment, and cultivate a laid-back attitude towards daily activities. It also reflects a mindset that values patience, mindfulness, and the appreciation of life’s simple pleasures. Pole pole aligns with the idea that rushing through life can cause one to miss out on the richness of experiences and connections.
Witnessing unique lifestyles and feeling a huge departure from my homeland are the reasons I continue to travel. If we could all pole pole like the people of Zanzibar the world would be a kinder place. This was the perfect end to our African odyssey. If you can swing 4+ days here after your safari, you really must. This might just be the most laid-back place I have ever had the pleasure to visit. I am grateful for the warm people who welcomed us with open arms. Until next time Enchanting Zanzibar! If you have any questions we are eager to hear from you.
Pole pole,
Rach
PS ~ Hot off the press are our 7 safari tips we want you to know well before booking your African adventures. Be sure to read up on those here!
PSS ~ Cashews are grown in Zanzibar and they are divine, eat as many as you can!
