The spice island of Zanzibar with its interesting history influenced by early Arab traders offers beautiful beaches at the Indian Ocean and beach hotels of all standards. Consisting of the main islands Unguja and Pemba as well as of several smaller untouched islands, the Zanzibar Archipelago features gorgeous, palm-fringed white sandy beaches that stretch into the warm turquoise waters and invite visitors to unwind and soak up the sun.
The capital of Zanzibar City with its old historic centre of Stone Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, is situated on Unguja Island and is often referred to simply as Zanzibar. Its eventful history of gruesome slave and exotic trade still shows traces everywhere. Magnificent Sultan’s palaces and grand Arab houses, winding alleys and bustling bazaars give visitors the feeling of being immersed in the world of Sindbad and Alibaba.
Stone Town is the cultural heart of the island and the old city area of Zanzibar City, located on the western shore. The city got its name from the many big multistory buildings made of stone which form the landscape of the old town part. This buildings are actually not made of stone, but with mortar and corals. Although the corals were a good and easily available building material, they are also easily damageable. Some of the houses are in a bad shape and the Stone Town Conservation Authority co-ordinates the restorations of this houses to maintain the towns original glory.
Send inquiriesStep onto the decks of the vessel, relax and sail away on a magical sunset cruise to end your day. The cruise leaves stone town in the late afternoon to cruise along the coast, slicing through the clear turquoise water. The sounds of the bustle of busy people in stone town faint in the distance until they seem only in a memory. Musicians take over playing songs of love and loss, as the butler serves and keeps you your glass topped up with your choice of a selection of beers, wine and sodas encouraging you to sink back into the cushions and enjoy the romance of Africa while watching the scenery drift by. On board our dhow we also have a personal guide who will accompany you on your cruise and give you information on Zanzibar, feel free to ask any questions you may have about Zanzibar. Returning to stone town in the evening to the shores of Zanzibar, we guarantee blissful relaxation after hours of luxurious sailing around the beautiful Island of Unguja.
Prison Island was once built to condemn Zanzibari citizens to isolation on the island. These days it’s home to a tortoise sanctuary and a hotel. It lies at a 20-minute boat ride from Zanzibar’s capital Stone Town and once here, you find giant tortoises shuffle through the trees (some of whom are estimated to be over 100 years old!). On the island, you can visit the sanctuary, follow some hiking trails, or swim in the crystal clear waters surrounding the island.
The Zanzibar Spice Tour is a sensory adventure through the island's lush plantations, offering insights into its rich history as a spice trading hub. Led by knowledgeable guides, visitors explore aromatic fields, sample various spices, and learn about their cultivation and traditional uses. It's a delightful immersion into Zanzibar's cultural heritage and culinary treasures, making it a must-do experience for travelers seeking an authentic taste of the island.
Jozani Forest is a unique and biodiverse woodland located in the heart of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. It's the largest remaining area of mature forest on the island and serves as a vital refuge for several endangered species, most notably the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, which is endemic to the region and considered critically endangered.
Along the main sea promenade, the gardens have views of the most famous buildings of Stone Town, such as the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. At sunset, the gardens turn into a street-food market where you can try delicacies from Swahili and Zanzibari cuisine and enjoy the authentic atmosphere.
The Tours give guests the chance to experience more about day-to-day life in Zanzibar. The tours take you away from the crowds and include a visit to the Mangrove trees, exploring on a stand-up paddle board at the Michiamvi village, a tour of the Paje Seaweed Farm 'Mwani', a visit to the Mnarani Turtle Center and the dhow building market at Nungwi, and a 'Zanzibar undiscovered‘ tour.
If you are looking for a peaceful yet active escape, look no further; the endless coral reefs in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean offer some of the very the best diving and snorkeling in Zanzibar, and thanks to the steady sideshore winds and numerous sandy spots there is no better place for kite-surfing.