Top 5 Places To Visit in Zanzibar

Jambiani is an old fishing village on the southeast shoreline of Zanzibar. This is still genuinely traditional, with small lodges in addition to guesthouses. Jambiani has a laid-back feel where both locals, foreign residents, and tourists all enjoy. The main source of income comes mainly from tourism as well as from fishing and seaweed gardening. This is a great location to get to experience the regional lifestyle and way of living.

1. Uzi Island

Uzi Island is an exclusive beach paradise, The island’s scenery is beautiful and lush with mangroves, banana plantations, baobab trees, and huge mango trees. The island is part of a conservation area and is an ecosystem with seaweed, corals, and a wide variety of plants.  

The Island is located in the south of Zanzibar and it can only be accessed via a causeway that is accessible during low tide. When the water comes up, the road disappears, where you can then travel by traditional Dhow.

2. Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest is the only national park on Zanzibar Island. While small it is a beautiful place to visit. The forest is also famous for the Red Colobus Monkeys as well as the Zanzibar Sykes’ monkey, a very rare monkey species unique to Zanzibar. Other interesting animals to see include bush babies, 50 different species of butterflies, and about 40 species of birds. The forest is one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the world of the Red Colobus Monkeys. The forest is 6,200 acres in size and has been a protected nature reserve since the 1960s.

The forest and its fauna are packed with amazing natural remedies. Many of the plants or trees can be used as medicine to heal many ailments. The fauna and its glorious tall trees and palms make Jozani Forest a must-see. In the right season, you might even see the elusive Zanzibar Leopard.

3. Kuza Cave

Situated in Jambiani, Kuza Cave offers a unique experience for people interested in the Swahili Culture.  The cave is a 50-meter round sinkhole in the middle of a small jungle in Jambiani. You will cross a small bridge and walk down a few stairs to enter an underground oasis.

The circular shape of the cave is a result of over 250,000 years of rainwater eroding the limestone. A large natural rock sculpture in the shape of an elephant is used by locals as an altar to make offerings to the spirits who live in the cave and request their support.

This is certainly a hidden wonder, tucked away in the tropical jungle.  Once you are at the base of the cave there is a crystal-clear pool made from the underground water table and subterranean rivers.  Take a dip in the water which is cold but refreshing!

4. Stone Town and Prison island

Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City, the main city of Zanzibar Island. A flourishing centre of the spice trade as well as the slave trade in the 19th century, it retained its importance as the main city of Zanzibar during the period of the British protectorate. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania however Zanzibar has remained semi-autonomous, with Stone Town as its local government seat.

Stone Town is a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa. Its architecture, mostly dating back to the 19th century, reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture, giving a unique mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. For this reason, the town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

After visiting the Town, you can take a short boat trip to Prison Island. Once arriving at the old rustic bridge of Changuu Island, Prison Island, you can start to explore. On one side of the island is a refuge for giant sea tortoises, originally a gift from Seychelles. A 5-minute walk across the island leads to the former prison ruins. Though in their successful days it was a torturous place to be, nowadays the ocean cliffs, the overgrowth of the plants on the stone walls, and the view of the turquoise ocean is gorgeous!

5. Mnemba Island

Mnemba Atoll is a new protected oceanic location off the north eastern coast of Zanzibar, near Matemwe, together with excellent visibility and absolute depths starting from ten to thirty meters. This includes the tiny triangular in shape island of Mnemba and a saltwater area comprising of several miles. This exceptional marine ecosystem is known for sightings of green frogs and dolphins, all of which may swim by as you snorkel or dive.  There is also seasonal migrating of whale sharks as well as humpback whales where you can see the occasional spout of water. If you intend to dive, we promise you will not be disappointed.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

VillaBluu is located in Jambiani, a few steps from Jambiani Beach, Villa Bluu provides 2 deluxe rooms and 2 king rooms, with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and three shared lounges.  All rooms have a pool view, and guests can enjoy direct access to the beach. The accommodations features room service, a concierge service, and currency exchange for guests.

Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk. The rooms include a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a beautiful view over the Indian ocean.

The hotel offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu in the restaurant or in room.

Villa Bluu offers a roof terrace and outdoor pool area. You can play billiards at the accommodation, and the area is popular for kitesurfing and diving.

The nearest airport is Abeid Amani Karume International, 50 minutes from Villa Bluu, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.