Reasons to Visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar is one of the most incredible destination on the continent of Africa popularly known for its crystal white sand beaches, abundance of marine life, crystal waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze and fresh coconut ready to quench your thirst.
Zanzibar is a must visit destination and here are the reasons to why you should visit this incredible destination.

1. To enjoy the beaches all to yourself
Zanzibar is one of the few areas in world with island paradises where you can talk walk on the crystal white sand which is one of the reasons to visit Zanzibar, there are several stunning beaches in Zanzibar with fine coral white sand and brilliant blue waters. Stunning beaches in Zanzibar in Nungwi and Kendwa beaches located at the northernmost tip of Zanzibar island Matemwe and Kizimkazi on the eastern side and Bwejuu and Dongwe beaches in the southeastern part of the Island.
Zanzibar’s blissful beaches have warm tropical waters, the archipelago is renowned for its clear warm waters, coral reefs and rich marine diversity making it a perfect destination for under-water activities such as diving and snorkeling.

2. Experience the Local Way of Life on board a sailboat

Zanzibar Archipelago offers a number of adventurous activities and sailing in the a local boat (traditional dhows)is one of the unforgettable experience to have, traditional dhows are locally handcrafted wooden boats used by the locals for transportation along the ocean and for fishing expeditions.
Sailing in the traditional dhow offers an experience in the historical times of the coastal trade carried out by the Arabs, British, Portuguese, Persians, Africans and the Indians.
Sunset dhow cruises are the most popular sailing expeditions at Zanzibar Archipelago, the sailing in a traditional dhow is done at sunset offering you an opportunity to enjoy watching the colorful display of colors on the sky as the sunsets while sipping on a glass of wine in your hand.

3. Eat local, hearty and flavorsome food
Zanzibar has a special cuisine referred to as the Zanzibar cuisine which is a must have during a visit to the island and it is one of the reasons to why you should visit Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Cuisine is a mixture of many different foreign influences such as African, Arabian and Portuguese, the cuisine features a perfect blend of flavorsome chapatti, fish and sea food among others.
Zanzibar Cuisine is prepared using several species which will leave your mouth watering, the cuisine is served at several restaurants and hotels in Zanzibar most especially in the Stone Town “The Stone Town Night”.
A must try dish in Zanzibar is the Urojo Soup, a coconut broth filled with toppings “ranging from eggs to meat skewers and falafels to peppers”.
Note: while trying to taste the local Zanzibar Cuisine, be careful of where you eat from.

4. Zanzibar some of the world’s clearest water
Zanzibar has some of the world’s clearest waters making it an ideal destination for water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and diving among others. Zanzibar has been added on a list of destinations with the clearest waters in the world such as the Maldives and Fiji, water activities such as snorkeling and diving are offered on a daily basis offering visitors an opportunity to explore the marine life under the waters of Indian Ocean.
Visitors visiting the island for snorkeling and diving expeditions have to board a local boat and trek to the snorkeling point where you will make a dive into the waters.

5. Stay in a Traditional Banda
Living in a traditional Banda is an experience of its own at Zanzibar which is a reason to why you should visit the island, traditional bandas are beautifully erected bungalows built using local materials such as wood and they are thatched by grass. Traditional Bandas are situated along the beach side offering you an experience where you can be just in your bikini enjoying your privacy while barefoot in the white sands enjoying the sea breeze.

6. Zanzibar is one of the most romantic places on earth
Are you looking a unique romantic gateway or a honeymoon destination with your partner, Zanzibar should be on the top of your lists as it will offer you an experience to remember all your lifetime. Zanzibar has many beautiful hidden beaches, islands and luxury boutique hotels worth discovering, during your romantic visit to the island you will have a number of romantic activities such as romantic beachside dinners, staying in the isolated bandas and escaping to a private beach among other endless adventurous.

7. Visit Stone Town and its vibrant market streets
Stone Town is a vibrant town filled vibrant colors, an aroma of spices, friendly locals and plenty of chaos which is fascinating to encounter, the town consists of narrow streets which are thrilling to walk through and during your walk you will notice the locals chime in as they greet visitors with a friendly Jambo or Hakuna Matata.
Stone Town’s liveliest part are the local markets which are filled with all sorts of spices, fruits, vegetables and meats, the commodities sold in these markets attract a lot of locals to buy various food stuff and spices and visitors as well.

8. Learn and understand the fascinating slave history
As you explore the Stone Town on your visit to Zanzibar, make it a point to learn and understand the fascinating slave history. The best sites to visit in Stone Town to learn more about the Slave history and how it impacted the history of Zanzibar include the Old Slave Market and the Museum. The Old Slave Market is one of the world’s last operating slave trade markets and the slave market site in the Stone Town is a prominent point of interest for visitors looking for a deeper understanding of slave history across Africa and how it impacted the Africa as a continent.

9. Out-of-this-world Marine wildlife experiences
Zanzibar has some of the world’s clearest waters which offer an impressive display of marine wildlife, this is one of the great reasons to why you should visit Zanzibar on your next safari/travel. Zanzibar offers exciting and memorable marine wildlife experience such as snorkeling and diving offering an opportunity to explore the underwater world and spot various marine wildlife such as dolphins, star fish among others. Mnemba Island is the most popular place for snorkeling on Zanzibar Island and daily trips are offered, these trips depart Zanzibar each morning.

10. Peaceful resting destination
If you are looking for a destination to run away from the bustle and hustle of the city life, Zanzibar is your ideal destination to visit, Zanzibar is a great place to unwind, relax and clock up some well-deserved beach hours. The island has a number of isolated beaches where you can peaceful rest with a glass of wine in your hand or while reading your favorite book.

11. Try the real Coconut Water
Are you a coconut water lover or your just looking for a new natural drink to try out, then Zanzibar should be your next destination. Zanzibar is a tropical island with millions of fresh fruits including coconuts which are in abundance, during your visit to the Island, grab yourself a fresh coconut with a straw and enjoy the intoxicating feeling of the natural drink.
A part from Coconuts, fruits such pineapples and bananas are plentiful and worth trying.

12. Discover the Doors of Stone Town
One of Zanzibar’s biggest drawcards is the old worldly charm of Stone Town, so be sure to spend at least half a day here to explore the hidden gems found throughout the winding alleyways. One of my favourite ways to explore Stone Town was discovering all of the beautiful old doors, which offer an insight into another world that time has surpassed but still kept sacred.

13. Discover the birth place Freddy Mercury
Though many know he famous
Calling all Freddy Mercury fans: Stone Town is where the entertainer was born and boy do the locals get a kick out of it! As one of Zanzibar’s most famous inhabitant, Freddy Mercury is a highly celebrated local celeb. If you’re a fan, be sure to drop by and see the exterior of the house (it is a private residence) and get snap-happy.