Zanzibar: An Island Guide

September 26, 2022

SO, SHOULD I GO ON A PACKAGE HOLIDAY TO ZANZIBAR?
The short answer? Yeah… Why not? All-you-can-eat buffets, pool hangs and a dip-in-dip-out approach to holidaying, there’s nothing all that horrible sounding about it. The one thing we’d suggest, however, is that you veer off the beaten track, just a little bit, during your island stay in Zanzibar. Even if it means missing two of your all-inclusive resort nights, hop, skip and jump your way on over to Stone Town. Steeped in history, aromas and good times, this cultural spectacle of East-African enchantment is something we dream of.

We’ve put together a list of things to do during your stay on the island (that is, if lounging about in your bikini and a permanent cocktail in your hand isn’t quite cutting it for you… But if it is, this is your paradise, live it as only you can).

STONE TOWN
Take a walking tour around Stone Tour, guided or unguided, the choice is yours. From our personal point of view, unguided is always best, but sometimes it's nice to just let someone else do the talk to your walk. There are hidden cafes and street vendors preparing aromatic takeaway eats, so make sure to grab something delicious from one of them!

SPICE TOUR
A spice tour on an island that’s lovingly referred to as “the spice island”?! Shocking, we know. Obvious notions aside, there is something spectacular about walking through one of the island’s vast and plentiful spice farms. Some of the world’s most beloved spices come from this place - vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. A gorgeous, sweet, and spicy array of aromatics that you’ve got the privilege of being guided through. The smells alone will have you inspired to get cooking once you’re back on your home turf. You might even be interested in a package that offers a traditional cooking lesson after the tour, but that’s your call. Again, this is your paradise!

BOAT TOURS & BEACH STROLLS
If you’re something of an island junkie, like we are, island hopping is your jam. Hop on a boat and sail (not so far) away to Changuu island, and enjoy lunch on the white sand, as set up by the team. Sitting under the shade of the palms and overlooking the bluest of blue waters, with an Amarula over ice… Life definitely doesn’t suck.

If boats aren’t quite your thing, fret not. Ask your concierge when low tide is and take a slow (and careful) stroll out “to sea.” If you’ve never been to this magical and mystifying place, the tide’s pulled-back appearance may even startle you, as it pulls all the way beyond your eye’s farthest reach. They may be unattractive, but investing (although they really are quite cheap, if you know where to shop) in a pair of aqua shoes is a game changer here, as the beautiful but painful (if stepped on) sea urchins cover the sea floor, creating a pattern of black splotches across your path. Please don’t hold the star fish or poke at the anemones (or step on the urchins or any other critters) ... We love these islands. Let’s keep them alive. <3