Jambo guys! so Zanzibar’s been my home since 2019, and trust me, it’s the spot. This little island off Tanzania’s coast has those turquoise waves, air that smells like spices, and vibes that make me lose track of days. As you know, I’ve been soaking it all in for years now, and it’s also kinda famous for skincare stuf—natural soaps and oils that leave you glowing like you just hit a spa. Oh, and fun fact: “Stone Town” isn’t just a cool name—it’s called that ‘cause of all the coral stone buildings built way back by Arab traders and locals. It’s the old heart of Zanzibar City, packed with history and soul. Here’s my chill list of places I’m dying to show you, straight from my island life.
Stone Town: Where the Magic Starts
First of all, Stone Town—it’s the place where time stands still and where everything kicks off. Those narrow streets, carved wooden doors, and this wild mix of Arab, Indian, and African vibes? That’s the Swahili culture I’ve been living in. It’s got a heavy past, though—back in the 19th century, this was a huge hub for the slave trade. Thousands were brought here from East Africa, crammed into dhows, and sold at brutal markets. The Anglican Cathedral sits where the whipping post used to be—a reminder of that dark time, but also the end of it when the British shut it down in 1873. I’ve walked by the slave chambers under St. Monica’s—tiny, suffocating spots where they’d pack people in. It hits hard every time.
On a lighter note, I love popping into the Freddie Mercury Museum—super small but packed with pics from his early days (he’s Zanzibar-born!). Darajani Market’s my go-to for chaos and goodies—fish, spices, you name it, I’ve haggled there. At night, I’m all about Forodhani Gardens—grilled seafood and Zanzibari pizzas by the water? Heaven. Sometimes I snag a handmade soap from a vendor for that Beauty Day vibe. And if you’re into bling, hit up the Tanzanite shops. That gem’s only found in Tanzania, and I’ve seen folks lose their minds over the blue-violet sparkle. Oh, and coffee at Zanzibar Coffee House? My daily must.
Enough of Stone Town for the moment, though—did you know Zanzibar’s famous for its beaches? If you’re a beach lover, this is your place, hands down. Let me take you to some of my faves.
Zanzibar’s Beaches: Paradise Everywhere
So, the beaches here? Unreal. There are so many gorgeous ones all over the island, each with its own vibe. Take Nungwi or Kendwa up north—it’s my go-to for sunsets. I flop there, watch the sun melt into the ocean with a coconut in hand, and it’s pure magic every time. The water’s clear as glass, the sand’s like sugar, and I’ll swim or kayak l if I’m up for it.
Nighttime’s got a chill bar scene too, and I still can’t get over a dhow boat ride at dusk. Then there’s Kiwengwa, where I live, famous for its Italian community. It’s got this laid-back feel with soft white sand and calm waves—perfect for chilling or strolling. I love it here; it’s home, and the Italian influence means you might catch some killer pasta spots too. Trust me, wherever you go—north, east, you name it—Zanzibar’s beaches are next-level.
Prison Island: Turtles and Chill
Prison Island—or Changuu—is a quick boat from Stone Town, and I’ve been tons. Those giant tortoises? Some are over 100 years old. It’s got a slavery tie too—used to quarantine folks back in the day. The old station’s there to explore, and the snorkeling’s insane—coral and fish everywhere.
Jozani Forest: Monkey Hangout
When I need a nature fix, Jozani Forest is my spot. It’s all green and jungly, and those red colobus monkeys? Little legends with wild hair, only found here. The trails are chill, and I’ve done that mangrove boardwalk more times than I can count—still love it.
Kizimkazi:
Kizimkazi, is this little gem in the South of the island, very wild area. It’s a fishing village down on the southern coast of Unguja, the main island. Honestly, it feels like a step back from the usual tourist buzz you get elsewhere on the island. The perfect quiet spot if you are looking privacy.
So the dolphin trips? They’re a total vibe. You grab a boat- maybe one of those cool dhows if you’re lucky – and head out to this spot where the dolphins love to swim. It’s not some big fancy bay thing, just a chill stretch of water they seem to dig. When I pictured it, they were flipping around, popping up near the boat like, “Hey check us out!” You can swim with them too ! Just make sure you are safe. Whales are part of the Kizimkazi scene too. They’re migrating through, so they don’t stick around as much as the dolphins, but when they show up, it’s epic. They don’t let you swim with the whales (way too big and wild for that), but watching them from the boat is plenty thrilling.
Tip: Go early in the morning. You can see the dolphins around almost all month. My favorite month to go is between September and October, you can catch up some whales too!
Spice Farms: Where I Smell (and Glow)
Zanzibar’s the Spice Island, so I’ve lost count of how many spice farms are. Sniffing cloves, vanilla, and cinnamon straight from the plants never gets old—I grab some to take home too. Handmade soaps made from coffee and other flavors, organic tea, and natural perfumes too. The guides are locals who know it all, and those spices? They’re in the skincare stuff I swear by—natural scrubs and oils. It’s my Beauty Day ritual: soak it in, glow up.
So, that’s my Zanzibar lineup from living here since 2019! Beaches, history—like that slave trade shadow—culture that’s a total mash-up, and a little wildness, day or night. Okay guys, in another article I’ll talk about more interesting and cool places to visit—there’s so much more to see! Karibuni!
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