Tips & Tricks
Prison Island – located just 30 minutes (via boat trip) from Zanzibar, Prison Island (a.k.a. Changuu Island) provides a fascinating glimpse into the island’s dark past – this land was once used as a place where slaves were detained. When slavery was abolished, the British converted it into a camp where people with infectious diseases […]
Zanzibar Cultural Festival – this event takes place towards the end of July each year, shortly after the international ZIFF Festival of the Dhow Countries. Drawing cultural troupes from different countries and many from Zanzibar, the festival is marked with strong traditional customs and a rich heritage of culture. It is decorated with “taarab” music, […]
Pemba (island) – this is Zanzibar’s other main island (located 80 km north of Zanzibar island). Unlike Zanzibar (which has an active tourist sector), Pemba is still considered virgin territory to international travelers. Because of this, Pemba is ideal for both eco-tourists, as well as divers in search of unspoiled waters. Much of the island’s […]
Jozani National Forest Reserve – this forest reserve is located in the central east region of Zanzibar Island, and is the home of the rare Red Colobus Monkey (which is only endemic to Zanzibar). A red colobus monkey, unlike their more widespread and adapted cousins, the Black and White Colobus, are a rain forest species […]
Kidike Root Site (Pemba) – located just a few kilometers from Chake Chake (in Pemba’s central region) is this natural habitat. Here’s visitors may encounter the endangered Pemba Flying Fox (which is endemic to the island). Other animals are found here, too, such as Vervet Monkeys, Mozambique Cobras, Tortoises, Bush Crabs, Red eyed Doves, Mangrove […]
Nungwi (beach) – located on the northern tip of Zanzibar island is this town, which is best-known as its dhow building center (35 km. north of Zanzibar city). In recent years, tourism has grown significantly here, with CNN listing it as one of “100 best beaches of the world” in 2014. In addition, there are […]



