Zanzibar

Zanzibar, also known as Unguja, is an archipelago belonging to Tanzania off the east coast of Africa. Its seat and largest city is Zanzibar City.
Its economy is mainly based on spice production and tourism. The old center and tourist attraction of Zanzibar City is Mji Mkomwe, known as Stone Town, the old town, which is part of the World Heritage Site.

Zanzibar City
The capital of the island is located in the western part, ships also arrive here from mainland Tanzania. The most famous part of the city is Stone Town, the old town is located along the coast, which presents the architecture and masterpieces of the old days. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
There is a smaller park in the central part of Zanzibar. The park’s famous animal is the red Colobus monkey, an endangered species that lives here in large numbers. Hiking trails have been created in the mangrove forest, so you can see the rainforest and its surroundings up close.

Spice farms
The island is famous for its spices, so you can visit several such farms.
There are also some around the Masingini forest near the capital: you can get to know the herbs and fruits grown within the framework of the tour, and you can buy some of them at the end.

Kuza cave
At the border of Jambiani settlement there is a small cave that resembles the Mexican cenotes.
At the bottom of the stalactite cave, you can swim in clear water, which is a real refreshment after the heat outside.

Nungwi
The city is located at the northern tip of the island and is the center of tourism. There are many hotels, restaurants and bars in the city, so it offers a variety of daytime and nighttime entertainment options.
The beautiful, blindingly white sandy beach is a real surfing paradise, one of the most popular places for water sports lovers, but also a favorite spot for divers.

In addition to its beach, the Baraka Natural Aquarium is worth mentioning, where injured turtles are treated and rehabilitated back to nature. In this place you can swim with them, a great experience for everyone.

Nakupenda (meaning ‘I love you’ in Swahili)
A small sand island that exists only during the day and “disappears” due to the sea at night.
Only a few km from Zanzibar town by boat.

Mnemba Island
It is located in the northeastern part of Zanzibar, not far from the coast, where a beautiful white sandy beach awaits tourists. The island boasts about 150 species of fish, and its underwater flora and fauna are very spectacular.

Changuu Island
The small island not far from the city of Zanzibar is also known as Prison Island.
The island has a turtle zoo where you can see and feed giant Aldabra tortoises.

Weather:
Its climate is due to its proximity to the equator and its position in the Indian Ocean. The weather in Zanzibar is cooler than on land as it is surrounded by sea with cooling winds.

Zanzibar has a tropical climate with four distinct seasons: two dry seasons (one short, one long) and two wet seasons (one short and one long). In Africa, the dry and rainy seasons constantly alternate, so you can expect the same in Zanzibar.

The warmest and most popular months are December, January and February. At that time, we cannot really expect rain, only rarely, for a few minutes. The temperature can approach 40 degrees and the humidity is high. This is the main season of the winds.
The long rainy season, the monsoon period, lasts from March to mid-June. It is definitely not worth traveling in April and May due to the unbearable humidity and weeks of torrential downpours.
The long dry season lasts from mid-June to mid-October, during this time of the year the weather is cooler, 24-26 degrees Celsius, and there is hardly any precipitation.
The short rainy season “mwaka” lasts from mid-October to mid-December. It may rain several times, but it does not come close to the amount of precipitation in April. Short showers are replaced by bright sunshine, and 28-30 degrees Celsius are guaranteed.

Wind:
The windy season is split into two: mid December to February, which is known as the Kaskazi, this blows from the North at around 12-25 knots, most days between 15-18knots. The Kuzi blows from the South to SE from May to October, but can start in April.

General:
Official languages ​​are English and Swahili.
Zanzibar is almost entirely Muslim.
A passport and visa valid for at least 6 months is required to enter Zanzibar.

Banking:
There are very few ATMs in Zanzibar and most of them are located in Stone Town, at the airport and near the ferry terminal.

Internet:
It is better to buy a SIM or use the wifi of restaurants and cafes if needed.