In 2022, we had chosen to leave at the beginning of July for Sri Lanka, but unfortunately the country’s political and economic situation forced us to change the destination. Having already booked our tickets, we looked for a new destination to fly to with the same airline.
We discovered Zanzibar in Tanzania, an island off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. A destination for relaxation with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, a little adventure and cultural discovery.
We went there with 2 adults and 3 children, including 2 infants.
- What to do in 10 days in Zanzibar
- As well as relaxing on the beach, there are a number of activities that are a must on the island of Zanzibar.
- Here’s what we didn’t do on this trip
- Safari in Tanzania
- How do you organize your activities?
- How to get around?
- When to visit Zanzibar
- Accommodation
- A few precautions to take
- Our opinion after this trip to Zanzibar
- Budget
What to do in 10 days in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a dream destination for lovers of white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. With its many beaches, it can be difficult to choose where to go.
Here’s an overview of the island’s most beautiful beaches:
Nungwi
One of Zanzibar’s most popular beaches, located in the north of the island, offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Popular also means crowded. The sunsets at Nungwi are breathtaking and well worth the detour.
Kendwa
Also in the north of the island, Kendwa is famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sand, as well as its many seaside bars and restaurants.
Paje
A quieter beach located on the east coast of the island. It’s ideal for getting away from the crowds and enjoying some peace and quiet. Paje’s shallow waters make it ideal for kitesurfing beginners, and the coral reefs are a great place to observe marine life.
Jambiani
Located on the island’s southeast coast, Jambiani is famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sand. As well as for its many seaside bars and restaurants, which since the covid crisis are not at all as plentiful.
As well as relaxing on the beach, there are a number of activities that are a must on the island of Zanzibar.
Here’s what we did and what we think.
Mnemba Island
Located off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is a true tropical paradise. It’s a private island (it’s Bill Gates’ island), so it’s forbidden to set foot on it, but that doesn’t stop us from contemplating it from the ocean and enjoying the richness of the surrounding seabed (as our son explained, there’s plenty of Dory). After a snorkeling session to enjoy the many fish, we set off to discover the dolphins. Not being keen on dolphin hunting, we were lucky enough to see a few, and that was enough; we also came across some flying fish.
Nakupenda bis sandbank
In the spirit of authenticity, we go against the grain of the other boats. As the official Nakupenda sandbank is invaded by tourists on a daily basis, they found another sandbank a little further away, much less frequented, and called it “Nakupenda bis”. This sandbank disappears completely at high tide. It’s a heavenly spot, surrounded by translucent water and an idyllic setting. A true paradise on earth. An “arbour” is set up to shade us, and as we’re sometimes very lucky for us, it serves above all to shelter us from a terrible downpour. Lunch was a BBQ of fresh fish, seafood and shellfish.
On the way back, the storm is still with us, so we won’t have the chance to enjoy the seabed and a snorkeling session. But it must be sublime in fine weather.
Beatch Mtende
Maalum natural pool
Maalum, one of the best experiences of our trip. You swim in a natural pool while supporting a community. A bathing suit and a towel are all you need to enjoy this experience. As soon as you enter, you’re plunged into another world, crossing a lush garden to reach the natural pool. With a mask and snorkel, you can discover a few freshwater fish. The natural pool is up to 10 metres deep. There’s a wooden raft, creepers and small rocks. The wooden pontoon allows you to enjoy the natural pool from an elevated vantage point.
“Tea Rock” and sunset at ‘Kae Funk Michamvi’.
The Rock Restaurant is a unique restaurant located on a rock in the middle of the Indian Ocean, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean while enjoying local dishes such as grilled fish and rice pilau. We chose not to eat there, as we felt it was too touristy, but it’s still a beautiful place.
Turtle aquarium in Nungwi
To the north of Zanzibar lies a natural lagoon home to numerous sea turtles. You can feed the turtles seaweed. Frankly, it’s not exactly fresh and hygienic, and it’s hard to find happiness and respect for the animals in this experience.
Here’s what we didn’t do on this trip
Stown Town
Guided tours of Stone Town are a must for those seeking to discover the history and culture of Zanzibar. This old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true architectural gem, with its narrow, winding streets, coral stone buildings and carved wooden doors. Visitors can explore local markets, historic mosques and must-see sights such as the Sultan’s Palace and the House of Wonders.
Prison Island
Located around 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town, Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is famous for its giant tortoises, which can be up to 200 years old. You can walk around the island and observe the turtles up close.
Joziani forest
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to endemic species such as the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, a rare and endangered species found only on the island.
Spice Farm
A veritable treasure trove of medicinal plants and spices such as Zanzibar cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, cardamom and other spices, as well as tropical fruits. This tour will seduce your senses with a blend of different smells, tastes and textures. Learn more about the virtues, origins and medicinal uses of these spices, as well as their use in dishes and drinks.
Cheetah’s rock
Safari in Tanzania
If you have a day to spare, discover Mikumi or Selous Park.
It’s also possible to fly from Zanzibar to Tanzania and visit Mikumi or Selous Park for a day, with great chances of seeing giraffes, elephants, zebras, wildebeest and lions.
If you have two days, set off on an adventure to Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
On the first day of your safari, you’ll visit Tarangire Park, with its unique landscapes punctuated by majestic baobabs. The river that runs through it serves as a watering place for herds of herbivores and predators. Above all, it’s a haven for elephants, which you’ll be able to admire up close. Their numbers are estimated at over 2,000.
On the second day of the safari, we head for the Ngorongoro Crater, also known as the “eighth wonder of the world”. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. In this setting, you may be lucky enough to see the famous Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and the rare black rhinoceros.
How do you organize your activities?
We chose to use a local French-speaking agency, Boss Dhow, but you should know that there are others. It was also with Boss Dhow that we organized our airport-hotel transfers.
How to get around?
There are several options for getting around the island of Zanzibar. Cabs are a convenient choice for travelers who want to get around quickly and comfortably. Daladalas are a cheaper option, but can be crowded and uncomfortable. If you plan to hire a car or scooter, make sure you have adequate insurance and respect local driving regulations, as the locals don’t appreciate you driving so fines are commonplace….
When to visit Zanzibar
The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October and from December to March, when the weather is dry and sunny. However, it’s important to note that these months are also the busiest for tourists, which can lead to higher prices and more crowds at tourist sites.
Accommodation
We have chosen Fun Beach.
Fun Beach
Our experience
On the plus side, there’s not much in the immediate vicinity (less than 3 km), especially from a restaurant point of view.
It’s hard to know who to talk to in the hotel, which has a trendy style but closes its bar very early. It’s a family-run hotel, but there’s nothing for children – for example, there’s no highchair.
And we were unlucky: it had technical problems with the water and air-conditioning, we never had hot water and the air-conditioning cut out several times a day.
A few precautions to take
It’s important to take precautions against malaria and mosquito bites when traveling to Zanzibar. Be sure to pack mosquito repellent and wear long, light clothing to protect yourself from bites. It’s also important to protect yourself against sunburn and dehydration by wearing a hat and drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Our opinion after this trip to Zanzibar
If you’re looking for a beach destination, warmth, turquoise and crystal-clear water and rather cheap compared to other islands like the Maldives, you’re on the right island with Zanzibar.
If you’re looking for culture, apart from Stown Town, there isn’t much of it, and the island isn’t very big.
Budget
The total cost in 2022 for 10 days: flights, accommodation, transport, excursions, pharmacy and our vaccinations. 7000€ for 2 adults, 1 teenager and 2 small children (including one over 2, who pays for his seat on the plane).
