Great things to do during your island holiday
Prison Island
Prison Island, also known as Changu Island is just off the coast of Stone Town, Zanzibar. Now a tourist attraction, Prison Island was once a place where slaves were detained and even used as a place of quarantine. Once you reach Prison Island after a 20-30 minute boat ride from Stone Town, you are welcomed by a rustic wooden bridge that hovers a few meters above the water, jetting out into the sea. Besides being a refuge for giant sea tortoises which you’ll enjoy discovering, you will embark in a hotspot of tranquility, where the ocean cliffs, the overgrowth of the plants on the stone walls, as well as the view of the turquoise ocean simply stand out.
Jozani Forest
Situated 38 km southeast from Stone Town, Jozani Forest comprises a range of habitats, such as swamp forest, evergreen thickets, mangroves, and a variety of wildlife, including Sykes and red colobus monkeys, bush pigs, Ader’s duiker and suni antelopes, elephant shrews, chameleons, birdlife as well as medicinal plants. Get ready for this unique walking tour in this biodiversity hotspot to discover may different life forms that lives in the forest.
Nakupenda Beach
Locate just off Stone Town, Nakupenda (known as ‘I Love You’) in Swahili, is the perfect sandbank for you to relax and discover the marine life around surrounded by pure white sand, crystalline water and birdlife. The waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and you can even spot dolphins in the morning. Before sailing back to Stone Town, make sure you enjoy sand bathing, seasonal fruits, and the fresh sea food cooked by chefs on the beach.
Paje Beach
Located on the east coast of Zanzibar, Paje is a huge, long strip of white sand bordered by a small village on one side and a range of beachfront accommodation services and eateries, as well as turquoise and crystal clear waters on the other. Reckoned as a haven for tranquility coupled with a huge tidal range and a good breeze, Paje Beach is famous for watersports especially kitesurfing.
Cheetah's Rock
If you’re looking for a place to unwind, Cheetah’s Rock offers one of the greatest wildlife experiences. Cheetah’s rock is an animal conservation centre of endangered species, a “unique place where people and animals interact directly – face to face, eye to eye, fur to skin.” You will have the opportunity to interact closely with various species – from feeding a zebra, interact with turtles, to cuddle with lemurs and feeding a white lion through the fence. Gear up to also come eye-to-eye to a white lioness. Don’t forget to bring along your camera before you embark on this wildlife save haven.
More info on: http://cheetahsrock.org/
Stone Town
With access to a myriad of winding streets and alleyways, the Stone Town of Zanzibar was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000 for its particular architecture and culture, bringing together the cultures of Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe over more than a millennium. Known as an ideal place to shop, seize also the opportunity to visit the Old Arab Fort, House of Wonders, the Zanzibar Doors, Forodhani Garden, as well as the Africa House Hotel.
Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach is at the northwestern part of Zanzibar, beginning just over a 1-hour drive north of Stone Town. Known for its stretch of white sand and blue sea, enjoy the sun, sand and warm ocean, and even sunset views. You can walk toward the lighthouse at the north end of the beach to visit the Mnarani Natural Aquarium; see fishermen at work on their nets and sailboats; and watch or participate in building a dhow or simply ride in one for a snorkeling or sunset cruise. Make sure you also taste freshly caught fish at one of the oceanfront restaurants.