13 Days | Zanzibar & Selous Game Reserve

What to do on Zanzibar.

We find that question very easy to answer: “A lot!” Zanzibar is a super versatile island where you can spend days getting lost in culture, nature and tropical relaxation. Think snorkeling in clear blue water, walking through ancient cities or spotting monkeys in the rainforest, it’s all possible here. In this blog we give you tips for the most beautiful sights and activities on Zanzibar and tell you how Paradise & Wilderness helps you get the most out of your safari.

Zanzibar in facts & figures

• Population: About 1.3 million people live on Zanzibar.
• Language: The official language on Zanzibar is Swahili, but English is also widely spoken.
• Climate: The weather on Zanzibar is wonderful. There is a tropical climate with an average temperature between 25°C and 33°C. The sun shines here all year with the exception of the rainy season from March to early May.
• Coastline: Zanzibar has more than 25 beaches, with powder-white sand and turquoise waters. The east and north are especially popular with travelers.
• UNESCO World Heritage: Stone Town, the old town of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its unique blend of Arab, African and European influences.
• Spices: Zanzibar is also called the “Spice Island” because of its production of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper, among others.
• Wildlife: Zanzibar is home to the rare red colobus monkey (Red Colobus monkey), an endemic species.
• Distance from Tanzania (mainland): Only 25 to 50 km from the coast, reached by ferry (about 2 hours) or domestic flight (about 30 minutes to an hour and a half).
• Safety: Zanzibar is a safe destination for tourists.

Is Zanzibar really that beautiful?

Absolutely. Think swaying palms, powder-soft sand and an Indian Ocean full of shades of turquoise, plus a mix of sultan history and Swahili culture you won’t find anywhere else. No wonder Zanzibar pops up as a must-see so often on travel bucket lists. This blog will help you choose from the huge range of Zanzibar activities and show you which getaways Paradise & Wilderness can arrange for you.

The days at the beach at the Reef and Beach hotel were paradise! – Esther P. via Tripadvisor

What must you have seen on Zanzibar?

• Stone Town: Wander the labyrinthine alleys and discover doors full of carvings, ancient slave markets and the House of Wonders. Our guides will bring the stories of this ancient city to life.
• Prison Island: Sail in twenty minutes to an island with giant Aldabra tortoises and ruins of a prison that was never used.
• Jozani Forest: Spot the rare Red Colobus monkey in the lush mangrove forest, one of the most interesting sights on Zanzibar.

This already gets you the headline “Must see Zanzibar,” but there is more.

What can you do on Zanzibar?

Zanzibar has a rich history and culture combined with beautiful beaches and an azure blue sea. So it is the perfect destination for the adventurous traveler and the laid-back vacationer. Some of our most popular excursions include:

• Spice Tour: Smell, taste and pick cloves, cinnamon and exotic fruits at a local spice farm; perfect for food lovers.
• Blue Safari: Board a traditional dhow, snorkel above coral gardens around a sandbar and finish with a fresh lobster lunch.
• Mnemba snorkeling trip: Crystal clear waters and high chances of seeing dolphins around this private islet make it the topper among all Zanzibar activities.
• Stone Town tour: Explore the spice markets, seafood and fish market, fresh breads in wicker baskets and the neat piles of fruits and vegetables sold by locals from their mini stalls.

These activities should also not be missing from your schedule

• Lovely horseback riding on the beach
• Visit to the Kuza Cave and the Seaweed Farm
• Meeting giant tortoises at Prison Island
• Sunset underwater adventure
• Relaxing on a lovely sandbar
• Cooking class traditional Swahili cuisine
• Mangapwani Historical Cave

With this list, you’ll tick off various Zanzibar sights as well as adventurous Zanzibar activities.

What is the best month to go to Zanzibar?

For sun, sea and beach lovers, June to February are ideal: little rain, pleasant 28-30 °C and excellent underwater visibility. The wettest months are March, April and early May; November has short, mild showers.

If our travel consultant Anouk were allowed to fill in her ideal day on Zanzibar, it would look like this:

09.00 Relaxed start to the day at Paradise Beach Resort
13.00 Stone Town Tour with our friendly guide
18.00 Sunset boat ride
8 p.m. Delicious dinner at Paradise Beach Resort
22.00 Afterglow about the great experiences of the day over a cocktail on the beach

Thus Anouk effortlessly combines culture, nature and relaxation, exactly the paradise-and-wilderness feeling we stand for. Would you like to experience this too? Book your excursions and tick off your own “Zanzibar must see” list!

Why Paradise & Wilderness is the expert:

At Paradise & Wilderness you experience Zanzibar as it really is. Our colleagues live and work on the island, so they know not only the hotspots, but also the hidden gems. Your trip is planned from the Netherlands so you have quick and clear contact, all our guides are local, our accommodations are in the most beautiful places and all excursions are sustainable and personally arranged. Because we own everything from domestic flights and transfers, to accommodations and excursions, you not only get a competitive price, but also the best quality and service. Moreover, we are Travellife-certified and CO2-neutral during game drives. So you travel responsibly and unforgettably.

Click here and plan your unforgettable day trips, snorkeling trips and cultural getaways, directly with our Zanzibar experts.

FAQ:

What are the most beautiful sights in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar’s top attractions are Stone Town, Prison Island, the Jozani Forest with red colobus monkeys, and the spice farms. These places combine culture, nature and history.

What can you do on Zanzibar?
Zanzibar offers a mix of relaxation and adventure: snorkeling at Mnemba Island, taking a Spice Tour, boating on the Blue Safari or wandering the alleys of Stone Town. There are also unique animals to spot in the rainforest.

How many days do you need for Zanzibar?
For a good combination of relaxation and experience, 5 to 10 days are ideal. This gives you time for culture, nature, beach and excursions. But shorter or longer is of course always possible, together we make a suitable schedule for your travel duration.

Is Zanzibar suitable for families?
Yes, Zanzibar is safe and child-friendly. Excursions such as snorkeling, turtles on Prison Island and the Jozani Forest are also fun and educational for children.

Why book your trip to Zanzibar with Paradise & Wilderness?
Because with us, you don’t just book, you experience. We arrange everything ourselves, are sustainably certified and provide authentic experiences, with guides who know the real Zanzibar.

Is Zanzibar suitable in combination with a safari in Tanzania?
Sure! We offer several trips that combine safari and relaxation, but we are also happy to consider your personal preferences. The north of Tanzania is about a 1.5-hour flight from Zanzibar and the south is about a 30-minute flight.

The pristine wildlife paradise on a 30-minute flight from Zanzibar

Selous Game Reserve / Nyerere National Park is one of the largest remaining wilderness areas in Africa. The reserve is crossed by Tanzania’s longest river, the Rufiji River, creating a very dynamic ecosystem. From
Zanzibar you will fly here in about 30 minutes and land safely on the airstrip at Selous G.R. / Nyerere National Park, where a safari jeep with driver will be waiting for you.

Selous G.R. / Nyerere National Park is home to more than 350 species of birds and reptiles, the plant species account for some 2,000 species and there is a wide variety of wildlife, including the African forest elephant, lions, hippos, Cape buffalo, Masai giraffes, zebras and crocodiles and everything in between. It is also one of the most important reserves in Africa for the endangered African wild dog.

Wildlife you can spot:

Lions | Leopards | Elephants | Buffaloes | Hippos | Crocodiles | Giraffes | Zebras | Wildebeests | Impalas | Waterbucks | Hartebeests | Elk | Kudu | Hyenas | Meerkats | Mongooses | Warthogs | Various species of monkeys and baboons | Various species of birds

The African wild dogs in Selous

The vast Selous Game Reserve provides the perfect habitat for the rare and energetic African wild dog. The largest population in the world lives here. Wild dogs are democratic and social, gathering in packs of 10 individuals and sometimes more. They are opportunistic predators that hunt medium-sized ruminants, such as gazelles. No two wild dogs have the same mark, making it easy to locate individuals. Their remarkably large ears serve not only to hear well, but also to cool the photogenic animal, much like the elephant.

Wandering around the maze-like alleys

Stone Town is the capital of Zanzibar and is also called Zanzibar Town. This town is very lively and should definitely not be missed if you spend a few days on Zanzibar. Stroll through the small narrow alleys of the historic town. Many colorful stores invite you to buy souvenirs or spices. Walking past one of the many palace ruins and Persian baths, it is impossible not to be captivated by the Arab influence and romance of the island. This town has many fine restaurants and your visit to Stone Town is complete if you have experienced the night market on Forodhani. Dozens of food and drink stalls with a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is a fascinating melting pot of Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences. You can enjoy the local cuisine in the street stalls, wander the maze-like alleys, explore the markets for spices and crafts, and admire historical sites such as the Sultan’s Palace and the impressive wooden doors. Stone Town is a place where the past and present come together harmoniously, and it remains one of the most intriguing destinations on Africa’s east coast.

Also called the Herbs Island

Stone Town, has a rich history dating back to the time of Arab sultans, Portuguese explorers and the British protectorate. It was once an important trading hub for spices, gold and slaves, which contributed to the diverse cultural influences you can still see and feel here today.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Stone Town is the rich world of spices that surround it. Zanzibar is known as “Spice Island,” and fragrant spices such as cloves, cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg are abundant here. Local farms and spice plantations offer tours where you can see how these spices are grown and harvested. Exploring the fragrant herb and spice gardens is a sensory experience not to be missed during your visit to Stone Town. It adds to your experience of this historic city and makes it a unique destination full of flavor and fragrance.