The must-sees of Zanzibar

Imagine yourself near a beach of white sand under a sun of the sweetest and most pleasant. The turbulence of the turquoise water makes a pleasant background noise while the coconut palms shudder with a slight breeze. That's it, you're in Zanzibar, one of the world's best-preserved terrestrial paradises. In a lush nature with an endangered flora and fauna, these paradise archipelagos tell a story with multiple influences and spicy flavors. Featuring generous palaces reserved for the Sultans, Zanzibar is also the symbol of simplicity as shown by its many populations remaining humble and attached to their traditions. More than just a lazy trip, Zanzibar is a dream that has been in the minds of many poets, whose dreamy Rimbaud said, "Maybe I'll go to Zanzibar one day ...".

Fishing boat in the turquoise waters of Zanzibar. © Ppart - iStockphoto

Old Stone Town

Stone Town. © affini4 - Shutterstock.com

The old quarter of Stone Town deserves not one but several detours! With its Arab past, the city built in coral stones does not lack charm. Thus, this unique place in the world is recognized world heritage of humanity by Unesco. And we understand why ! With its imposing sculpted doors, colorful walls and original architecture, the old Stone Town is a labyrinth where it is pleasant to get lost. This real maze of small streets allows to cross any car. Only cyclists and pedestrians have the right of way! In this atmosphere of another time, your nostrils will be shimmering with many spices including cloves! Zanzibar was for a time the world's largest producer of cloves.

Beit-al-Ajaib, House of Wonders

Beit-el-Ajaib, the house of wonders © JannHuizenga - iStockphoto

This iconic Zanzibar building is the tallest in Stone Town. Built on the ruins of the palace of Afro-Persian queen Fatuma in 1883, it was the first edifice of the island to have lighting and electric lift, hence its nickname "House of Wonders". But again, Beit-al-Ajaib was in its time the largest home in East Africa where the sultan of the time lived. The carved doors engraved with several verses of the Koran and the marble floors give a very majestic air to the whole. Inside, you can admire objects and old photos depicting life in Zanzibar over the centuries. The centerpiece of this museum is certainly the dhow, a traditional Arab sailboat, located in the center of the building. Do not be fooled by the clock of the bell tower, it indicates the Swahili time!

Old fort arabic

The old fort of Zanzibar © Magdalena Paluchowska - Shutterstock.com

Also called Ngome Kongwe, it is the oldest building in Zanzibar. Built between 1710 and 1715 on a chapel, its goal was to protect the island from another Portuguese attack after the recapture of the island by the first Sultan Said. Over the years, it becomes a prison and a place of entertainment where punishments and executions were public. Continuing to change its function, its most atypical use remains the one that the English attributed to it: Tennis Club for ladies of high society. Today fallen into disuse, one can make some purchases or rest in its amphitheater where groups of dance and music come to repeat. This is where the Sauti Za Busara, a festival of African and Arab traditional songs and dances, and the Festival of the Dhow Countries, which showcases international cinema, are held.

Beit El-Sahel

© Gimas - Shutterstock.com

This museum is built on the ruins of an ancient palace, named Beit-El-Sahel, in the nineteenth century. Inhabited by Sultan Said until 1964, year of the revolution, it is in the 1990s that it will become a place retracing the economy of the island and the lives of sultans. Thus, all the genealogy is evoked thanks to multiple objects and to documents of epochs like canvases of paintings. It is also an opportunity to discover the interior of a palace and its furniture, imported from many countries. Finally, know that the tombs of all the sultans are visible in the garden of this building.

Slave Market and Anglican Church

Stone Town Memorial © Yakov Oskanov - Shutterstock.com

A place of memory full of stories. We discover the frightening conditions reserved for slaves before their sales. They waited until their spells were played closed in a few meters without air or light. Heaped together in so little space and in deplorable conditions, it was necessary to wait for the tide so that the excrement to the soil could be washed. It was not unusual for many of these human beings to die of suffocation or exhaustion. Outside, a memorial was created by the artist Clara Sörnäs: statues surrounded by real irons having chained the slaves. The church has the particularity of being architecturally influenced by Gothic and Arabic art. A legend says that the sultan of the time proposed to offer a clock during the construction of the church provided that the bell tower is not higher than his palace.

Changuu Island

Prison Island © Ivan Pavlov - Shutterstock.com

Belonging in the past to a wealthy Arab merchant who stocked his slaves there, Changuu literally means prison. Moreover, a prison was also built by the Sultan in 1893, but was never used. The biggest attraction of this island is its population of giant turtles imported from Seychelles and its peacocks in complete freedom. You can feed the turtles and even touch them, an unforgettable moment for young and old alike! The oldest of this place is still more than 160 years old! Another plus point, the white sand beaches are great and allow for an incredible snorkeling trip. Indeed, it is near this island where one can find one of the most beautiful reefs of Zanzibar. Get ready to contemplate an impressive population of starfish!

Matemwe

Matemwe beach on the east coast of Zanzibar © Luisa Puccini - Shutterstock.com

Matemwe is an isolated and typical village. A visit with a local guide is more than recommended! This is the best way to experience rural life in Zanzibar. Thus, you can visit traditional houses made of dried mud where to contemplate the wells bringing the water to the inhabitants. But the most local event that will be given to you to see and certainly the fish market. Every day at 5 pm, attend auctions where the fish is given to the highest bidder. In this meliology of villagers, you will be in the heart of a daily scene where every citizen vogue his habits. It is also near this place that you can discover in snorkeling one of the densest coral reefs of the island.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Colombus Monkeys, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park © SanderMeertinsPhotography - Shutterstock.com

This protected area of ​​5,000 hectares is managed by the 9 villages of the area where the guides are from. Composed of colossal mahogany, including one of more than 200 years, the flora is remarkably rich. The mangrove, for its part, is well preserved and contributes to the proper functioning of the local ecosystem. Dolphins like to hunt in these protected waters that contain a real water buffet! Another peculiarity of this place, its fauna composed of Red Colobus, a disappearing monkey. This local star is easily observable, she is used to the human presence. Another species to contemplate: galagos, hyrax trees, fifty species of butterflies and countless numbers of birds.

Pajé

Paje Beach © LUCARELLI TEMISTOCLE - Shutterstock.com

Pajé is a relatively hospitable place, there is enough to provide for its needs while relaxing on a praised beach. It is also one of the most affordable places in Zanzibar where there are many backpackers. For a human adventure, go to the local cooperative which is one of the only fair projects on the island. It develops the aquaculture of red algae which is here an economic engine implemented by women. Thus, you will be able to see and help these young women who work in difficult conditions where you have to bend down and carry heavy bags under a bright sun. A great opportunity to share a simple moment with sincerity.