Zanzibar is a group of islands situated on the East African coast and is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar is regarded as a semi-autonomous archipelago, meaning a group of islands under the administration of a big country. However, Zanzibar also operates as an independent state with a president and handles its own affairs, like taxation.
Zanzibar is made up of two major islands that are the main focus and target for tourism. These islands are Pemba and Unguja. There are other, much smaller islands dotted across the Indian Ocean that are part of Zanzibar. The Pemba islands are very popular because of their exciting beach activities. The Unguja islands host the administrative center of Zanzibar, which is the main capital.
Zanzibar is a major tourism destination in Africa for beach and relaxation activities. It is among the most visited islands in Africa and the number one in the region. This is basically because of the variety of interesting and relaxing tourist activities it offers. Tanzania is arguably a divine destination for tourism, offering adrenaline-filled safari adventures and the famous beach activities. This place offers nothing short of exciting and relaxing activities that will leave visitors yearning to come back.
Activities in Zanzibar
When it comes to exciting beach and exploration activities, Zanzibar outdoes itself. It offers a wide range of activities and attractions, including historical sites and more. It is short to say Zanzibar is a beacon destination on the continent. Below are some of the interesting activities to do while visiting Zanzibar.
Exploration of Stone Town
Zanzibar’s Stone Town is one of the oldest cities in Africa, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. It is situated on the western Swahili coastal side of Unguja Island in the Indian Ocean. The appearance of this town is prehistoric, with some buildings built in the 17th century at the peak of the slavery industry. The buildings in this town still stand strong, even up to date. The scenic style of building using coral stone.
The Stone Town stretches its roots to the 9th century with architectural findings linking a prehistoric merge of the Arab, Indian, Swahili, and European construction knowledge. Some important landmarks trace their construction to the earlier years of the Omani Sultanate. This is why Stone Town is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of this town and how it changed the island into a civilized, modest town.
Visiting the former slave markets
While in Zanzibar, visitors can explore the former slave markets found on Unguja Island. In the early years of the 19th century and the later 18th century, Zanzibar was an important place for the slavery industry. As slaves were brought in from the mainland, Tanganyika sourced from areas, they were taken to the island of Zanzibar in the slave markets. Here, slave masters from across the world would come to buy and take them. These historical slave markets closed at the end of the slave trade period. Visiting these former slave markets offers an insight into how slavery was practiced.
Kitesurfing
A very interesting activity done in Zanzibar is kitesurfing. Kitesurfing is sometimes known as kiteboarding. This activity is done using a wind-powered kite that pulls a surfer on a surfboard on the water. These wind-powered kites are steerable, thus creating a fun and interesting water sport.
Snorkelling
Another common activity in Zanzibar is snorkelling, and this exciting activity sees visitors explore the marine environment of the Indian Ocean. The pristine waters of this ocean are crystal clear, suggesting an unmatched snorkelling experience. Visitors are provided with the snorkels, which are breathing tubes to help them embark on this activity seamlessly.
Horseback riding on the beaches
Horseback riding is also a common activity in Zanzibar. Visitors can explore the scenic, pristine white sand beaches on horseback. Horseback riding is not just a unique beach activity, but also a captivating photo. Horse riding can extend further from the beach coastline to the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, enjoying an untamed experience.
Touring the Prison Island
Historic adventures seem not to stop in Zanzibar, as the Prison Island offers another recap on the ancient times of this island. As the name suggests, the Prison Island was a detention center for slaves. This island is also known as Changuu Island. However, its sole purpose as a detention center was not utilized, as it later functioned as a quarantine center for people who had yellow fever.
Today, this Prison Island harbors the giant Aldabra tortoises are can be spotted here. Some of the tortoises on the island are massively big. With some of them dating their existence to the time of the end of the slave trade.
Swim with turtles
This is another activity done in Zanzibar on the Nungwi beach. Swimming with turtles takes place in the Baraka natural aquarium. This aquarium is found on an eroded lagoon and features as a rehabilitation center for turtles that are injured or rescued from fishermen. Visitors can swim with these turtles as they take part in feeding them. Some turtles at this aquarium are as old as 120 years and offer a worthwhile experience.
Zanzibar is an incredible destination that can be explored at any time of the year, with the dry season or summer being the most ideal. Monteero Safaris crafts the best tour package to explore the untamed adventures of this island. Contact us now, as we take you across the prehistoric sites like the Stone Town, Prison Islands, slave markets, and more beach activities like kitesurfing, horse riding, and swimming with turtles, among others.