Exoticism, Spices, Seafaring Romance & Dreamy Beaches - Experience an unforgettable Zanzibar holiday with us! Discover the magical archipelago: Pristine underwater worlds on Mafia Island, exciting spice tours in the heart of Zanzibar, and breathtaking beaches await you on your Zanzibar journey!
Like a jewel in the coral waters, the island is only a 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam. Belonging to Tanzania, this island has been attracting travelers from all over the world for centuries.
From here, European explorers such as Livingstone, Krapf, Rebmann, and others embarked on their journeys into the East African hinterland. Following in their footsteps, you can explore the archipelago through numerous excursions and turn your Zanzibar holiday into a true adventure. The old Sultan's Palace, the Arabic fortress, and the narrow alleys of the old town are evidence of a vibrant past. The various peoples who have inhabited the island over the centuries have shaped Zanzibar’s culture and architecture.
The scent of native cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom has earned the island the name "The Spice Island." Alongside deserted, pearl-white sandy beaches, you will find a fantastic, untouched underwater world on Mafia Island that will make your Zanzibar holiday unforgettable.
In addition to a relaxing beach holiday, these fascinating excursions await to make your Zanzibar trip truly unforgettable:
A visit to a spice plantation is one of the absolute highlights of a Zanzibar vacation. Zanzibar’s spice plantations are a feast for the senses: from spicy pepper and earthy turmeric to fresh herbs like basil and coriander – a world of aromas awaits discovery. From your hotel, you can take daily guided tours to the tropical plantations, where you will learn about over 100 different spices and fresh, locally grown fruits.
A special highlight is the chance to enjoy a fresh coconut, spectacularly picked for you by a local from a towering 30-meter-high palm tree. You will also have the opportunity to purchase exotic spices on-site and even take home plants as living souvenirs. This way, a piece of Zanzibar stays with you – with all its colors, scents, and flavors.
Discover the untouched jungle of Jozani Forest on your Zanzibar journey, a place that fascinates with its unique biodiversity. This half-day guided excursion takes you deep into the green heart of the island, where you will encounter endangered species such as the rare Red Colobus Monkey – a sight that makes Zanzibar truly special.
But Jozani Forest has much more to offer: On the impressive Mangrove Boardwalk, you will experience the fascinating interplay of water and nature up close. As you explore the winding nature trails, you may spot colorful butterflies, exotic bird species, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive Aders' Duiker. This excursion is a must for nature lovers and offers a deep insight into Zanzibar's rich flora and fauna – an experience that will stay with you for a long time.
Discover the fascinating Prison Island on your Zanzibar journey, also known as Changuu Island. Located just a few kilometers off the coast of Stone Town, this island is home to over 100 impressive giant tortoises that have found a protected refuge here.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Changuu Island was originally planned as a prison. However, due to increasing immigration, it was repurposed as a quarantine station in 1923. Despite its name, the island was never actually used as a prison and was never a site of the slave trade. Today, the last remaining buildings from that time house a government-run beach lodge that you can visit during your Zanzibar vacation.
Discover the vibrant heart of Zanzibar: the capital, Stone Town. This historic city on the island’s west coast is one of the highlights of any Zanzibar trip. A guided walk through the winding alleys of the oriental-influenced old town is the perfect start or end to your beach holiday.
The magic of bygone times, when Zanzibar was the capital of Oman and the seat of the Sultan, can still be felt in every corner. Follow in the footsteps of the sultans and explore the former palace, the famous "House of Wonders." At the same time, learn more about the darker chapters of the city’s history when Stone Town was a center of the Arab slave trade.
In addition to its impressive architecture, Stone Town offers a lively market scene: colorful market halls, the aromatic spice bazaar, and countless small shops await you. For centuries, artisans have been selling jewelry, intricately carved woodwork with an Arabic touch, and traditional clothing. Let yourself be enchanted by the atmosphere of this unique city!
For an unforgettable experience, we recommend spending a night above the rooftops of Stone Town in a typical Zanzibari house – allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the city.
Just 100 kilometers north of Zanzibar lies Pemba Island, an untouched gem that stands in stark contrast to its larger sister island. While Zanzibar is known for adventure and exciting excursions, Pemba offers a serene, almost meditative atmosphere. Even today, only a few tourists make their way to this island, making it an ideal place for relaxation and tranquility.
A large part of the coastline is characterized by dense mangrove forests and lagoons, alternating with stunning beaches and idyllic, uninhabited islands. The pristine coral reefs, the steep walls of the Pemba Channel, and the impressive variety of marine life make the island a paradise for divers – here, you will find some of the best diving spots in East Africa.
Unlike the flat and sandy inland of Zanzibar, Pemba is shaped by gentle hills covered in lush greenery, exotic fruits, and spice plants. No wonder that Arab sailors once named the island Jazirat al Khuthera – the Green Island.
For those seeking peace, untouched nature, and a hint of adventure, Pemba Island is a unique retreat that adds a new dimension to your Zanzibar journey.
On the southern side of the Zanzibar Archipelago lies a true gem for underwater enthusiasts: Mafia Island. This protected diving paradise is one of the highlights of your Zanzibar trip. Thanks to the Mafia Marine National Park, the island receives only a limited number of visitors, preserving its untouched nature and pristine coral reefs. With more than 50 different coral species and countless reef inhabitants, every dive here becomes an unforgettable experience.
But Mafia Island offers even more: Between October and March, the true giants of the ocean, majestic whale sharks, migrate through the island’s waters. Just a few hundred meters off the coast, a rich food supply attracts these magnificent creatures, making the island one of the best diving spots in East Africa.
With its untouched waters and diverse marine life, Mafia Island is an absolute must for divers and nature lovers alike. A visit to this unique island will enhance your Zanzibar trip with an experience you won’t soon forget.
From hundreds of accommodations in the Zanzibar Archipelago, we have carefully selected a unique collection focusing on comfort, value for money, and proximity to the beach.
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