Zanzibar is a place of culture, art, spice, contrasts, water activities and offers a unique view of Africa. From the Arabs to the Portuguese and others, Zanzibar is a heady mix of sounds, smells and visual contrasts.
Food
Most lodges, hotels and restaurants in Zanzibar offer delicious Pan-African and European cuisine with the main focus on seafood, fresh vegetables and African flavours.
Vegetarians and halaal eating travellers can be catered for, but kosher food is hard to come by.
Avoid bad food experiences: do not buy food from street vendors or eat raw fruit and vegetables that have not been prepared by your hotel or lodge.
Always make sure to wash your hands with soap before touching your food.
Entertainment and Nightlife
In Zanzibar there are a variety of nightclubs, restaurants and bars. These nightlife venues have a very African feel and you do not need to be dressed up. Most of the venues play African or Reggae music. Hotels also provide entertainment and cocktails as the sun sets.
Zanzibar Attractions
Things to do
- Sultans Palaces
- Spice tours
- Water activities
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Arab dhow trips
- Exploring
- Museums
- Cobble stone street cafes and restaurants
- Stone Town
- Portuguese fort and gardens
- House of Wonders
- Chole Island Marine Park
- Prison Island
- Grave Island
- Snake Island
- Menai Bay Conservation Area
- Jozani Forest
Marine Life
Zanzibar is not a wildlife destination and is most popular for its marine life and the varied species. There are various species of turtle and thousands of species of fish. Scuba diving and snorkelling are highly recommended activities. If you would like to see a little bit of wildlife, then you can visit Jozani Forest for the Colobus Monkey.
Photography
Most of the top hotels will have plugs for you to recharge laptops and cameras. Just make sure to bring a convertor with you. Always ask permission before taking photos of people.
Please do not take photographs of sensitive areas such as military, naval, government and police buildings and procedures.
Fitness Level of Tours
In Zanzibar most of your time will be spent walking around or taking a cab, so no fitness level is required. To participate in the watersports some fitness level is required and you must know how to swim.
Packing for your Zanzibar Vacation
Zanzibar is an island destination, so you only need casual and semi-casual clothes. It is advised to bring something warm for early mornings and the evenings. Please note that one cannot dress in skimpy and revealing clothing in Zanzibar.
Men should not walk around in public places without a t-shirt and women should not wear mini-skirts. Women can wear shorts but not too short. Swim wear is allowed at swimming pools and on beaches. But nudity is definitely not accepted. To dress otherwise would offend the local people.
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