More Details on Zanzibar

An archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is one of Africa's best-known destinations. The islands of Zanzibar are surrounded by transparent, blue-green waters, and are bordered by miles of white-sand beaches. Zanzibar, a spot of paradise in the Indian Ocean, offers world-class diving and a rich culture.

Zanzibar is made up of the two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, and is surrounded by several other small islands. This page is about the main island Unguja, which will be referred to as Zanzibar.

During any visit to Zanibar, Duma recommends a visit to Stonetown and one of the many beaches.

Stonetown

The narrow roads of Stonetown make the town a maze of markets, bazaars, museums and palaces. Stonetown is always lively, and there are many tourists and curio shops throughout the town. Visit the fish barbecue at night, where you can try samples of octopus and squid. The island capital's culture is quite distinct from the mainland feel; visiting Zanzibar almost feels as if you have arrived in a different country. Duma Explorer recommends spending at least one night in Stonetown. We book several Stonetown hotels ranging from the Dhow Palace to the Serena Lodge.

Duma Explorer also recommends an overnight stay at Chumbe Island, a short boat ride from Stonetown. This island is home to only one tiny lodge, which as an environmentally friendly eco-lodge. Each bungalow has its own rainwater collection and filtration system along with solar energy for hot water and electricity. The trails, reef, and beautiful beaches make a stay at Chumbe Island a completely relaxing experience. The lodge is expensive, and reservations must be made six months in advance. There are many activities that can be booked from Stonetown. We recommend choosing at least one tour for your stay in Stonetown.

Spice Tour

No visit to Zanzibar is complete without a visit to the island's spice plantations. Smell and taste spices and fruits such as cloves, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, cumin, jack fruit and lemon grass. The four-hour spice tour involves a guided tour on the plantations of Zanzibar.

Prison Island

Prison Island is home to giant tortoises. There are excellent spots to snorkel the surrounding reefs and relax on the beach. The island can be visited in a full or half-day trip.

Jozani Forest

Unguja's only indigenous forest, Jozani is home to the endemic Kirk's red colobus monkey. One troop of monkeys has adapted to humans, and it is possible to see them at close range. There are several nature trails that wind through Jozani, exploring mangrove forests and evergreen thickets. Jozani Forest is usually visited in combination with another tour.

Duma Explorer also arranges airport transfers to/from anywhere on the island.

Recommended Beach Hotels

Duma Explorer can arrange beach lodging for you as well as flights to and from the mainland. We recommend the following beach hotels in Zanzibar:

High-end

Chumbe Island Ecolodge: Chumbe Island is an award winning eco-lodge located on an island about an hour away by boat from Stonetown. The island and surrounding reefs became Tanzania's first marine park in 1994. The snorkeling around Chumbe is excellent, and a stay at Chumbe is guaranteed to be quiet as there are only seven eco-bungalows.

Ras Nungwi: Ras Nungwi is located on a white sand beach in Nungwi, Zanzibar. There are many types of rooms available- garden rooms, chalets and an ocean suite. Ras Nungwi offers many water sport activities including diving, fishing, snorkeling, and sunset cruises. Spa services are available as well as games for the kids. Duma recommends Ras Nungwi during the hot season as the rooms are air-conditioned.

Matemwe Bungalows: Matemwe Bungalows is located on the east side of the island. The food, service and gardens are the best we have experienced in Zanzibar. Matemwe has a dive center and two pools. We recommend the Retreat rooms which are located away from the main lodge. These 150 square meter suites consist of a dining room, sitting room, bathroom and air-conditioned bedroom. The roof deck has a private plunge pool, sitting area and outdoor shower. Meals at the Retreat can be taken in the room and each Retreat has two personal attendants. The only drawback of Matemwe is that the beach is rocky.

Mid-Range

Pongwe Beach Hotel: We feel that the best mid-range lodge in Zanzibar is Pongwe Beach Hotel. The white sand beach and crystal blue waters are protected by a reef one kilometer offshore. There are no rocks on this beach so it is perfect for swimming. Pongwe offers a beach paradise at a reasonable price. Dive facilities are not available at Pongwe but can be booked with a nearby hotel. The hotel recently added a pool which overlooks the beach. Please note that the rooms at Pongwe do not have air-conditioning.