"Zanzibar - The Spice Island" Top 5 Page for this destination Zanzibar Island by SanguiniA

Zanzibar Island Travel Guide: 415 reviews and 947 photos

Exotic Images ...

Just the name ZANZIBAR conjures exotic images ... and indeed this is a truly unique place wherethere is an infusion of Arabic, Indian and African cultures. It is difficult to describe this place, to go deeper than the wonderful beaches and palms.

Experience Zanzibar ...

Stone Town

This place must be experienced to be fully understood - the relaxed attitude, the islamic traditions and prayers, the markets, the Stone Town architecture, seaweed harvesting at the beaches, the Zanzibaris sitting on their house porches watching the life go by, children playing with afootball or some simple toy, the women looking curiously at westerners from beneath their robes and covered heads, the fishermen returning from a hard day's work, the dhows (traditional boats) sailing through the emerald sea - these are but a mere fragment of the sights you may encounter and cherish in your heart forever.

Things to do ...

Sunset on Jambiani Beach

There are plenty of things to do in Zanzibar, first and foremost a visit to the spice plantations - Zanzibar is THE Spice Island after all! Then you can stroll and get lost in Stone Town, relax and sunbathe on one of the postcard beaches, snorkel, dive, admire the endemic Colubus Monkeys in the Jozani Forest Reserve, go searching for the dolphins at the south of Zanzibar or visit some ruins. Have a look through my tips to help you in familiarising yourself with this island jewel bathed by the Indian Ocean ...

Pros and Cons

Pros:Exotic and unique
Cons:The terrible secondary roads!
In a nutshell:An exotic getaway in the Indian Ocean

Last visit to Zanzibar Island: Mar 2005
Intro Updated Dec 6, 2005
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Reviews (26)

Exotic Beauty Favorites (1)

Zanzibar is a great destination after a safari ... to truly relax and appreciate the exotic atmosphere Tanzania has to... more travel advice

Shopping in Stone Town Shopping (1)

There are plenty of Bazaars in the narrow roads of Stone Town - and the key is always to BARGAIN! These shops offer all... more travel advice

Beach at Blue Oyster Hotel - Zanzibar Island

Chillin' Out by the Beach Hotels (2)

This is more of a guesthouse than a hotel. It is situated on Jambiani beach, just a few metres away from the sea, with... more travel advice

Me on a balcony in the Dhow Palace - Zanzibar Island

Want to live in an Arab Palace? Hotels (2)

What a good idea to splash out to stay in this place! It really puts you in the Zanzibar Stone Town atmosphere - the... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All Renting a car in Zanzibar
Things to Do (13)
See All Spice Tours
What to Pack (1)
Useful items in Zanzibar

Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All Caution with your valuables!
Restaurants (2)
See All Dining with a view of the Indian Ocean
Local Customs (2)
See All Other Muslim considerations

Comments (24)

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giampiero6 Aug 15, 2011 at 2:13 PM

Statistics show 50% more time spent on this page since the relaunch. I agree, it looks great! Well done
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easterntrekker Feb 8, 2009 at 6:32 PM

We have also booked the Dhow Palace. happy to hear you rated it highly!!
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Manyana Jan 7, 2008 at 2:02 PM

stunning photos, informative tips, and definitely i'd be going to zanzibar at some point! salam from arabia, a:^)
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marielexoteria Nov 10, 2007 at 9:54 AM

Wow! What an amazing picture, the one from the seaweed harvesting tip. Greetings.
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JessH Jun 4, 2007 at 5:42 AM

Hi Alison. Zanzibar truly looks mezmerizing! Great page, lovely tips and nice photos here. Greetings from the desert / Jess :-)
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starship Sep 20, 2006 at 5:22 AM

Excellent view of this fascinating place. You covered alot of important information and made very interesting. Great pics too!
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Henrik_rrb Sep 4, 2006 at 5:31 AM

As always - great photos and tips! Loved the photos of the ocean, and the one with the dhows. Doesn't sound like I should rent a car here, either....? :) /Henrik
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calcaf38 Jul 12, 2006 at 12:39 PM

Hi Alison, You lucky duck: Your Zanzibar tip (watching the Dhows) is on the Home Page right now. It is a lovely picture, bu the way.
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atobol Jun 3, 2006 at 2:54 PM

Jiambiani looks good, great photo!
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husain Mar 26, 2006 at 8:04 PM

i noticed the beautifully crafted doors on my trip as well, but didnt know about the indian link- keeping elephants away