Tourist Attractions & Monuments Zanzibar Archipelago

Timetable

There are very few museums, all in Stone Town, and they are generally open from 8am to 6pm every day. On the other hand, we do offer tours outside the city. The Dolphin Tour usually takes place very early in the morning, while the Prison Island Tour, the Spice Tour and the Jozani Forest Tour can be done during the day. Sea excursions depend on the tides, which shift every day by 30 to 45 minutes, so it's best to find out the exact time the day before.

To be booked

The highlight on the north coast of Unguja (the boat trip to Mnemba Atoll for snorkeling) must be booked with local agencies or fishermen. Cheetah's Rock is also always heavily booked, so make sure you book well in advance.

Budget & Tips

Museums don't cost much, but sea trips are quite expensive. Try to form a group to negotiate a price for the whole boat with the fishermen directly.

Day safari charters from Zanzibar to the mainland (charters exist for Saadani, Mikumi, Ruaha, Serengeti and Selous national parks) can be booked locally. Last-minute promotions are always available. It's best to arrange this at the start of your trip, so you have some leeway on dates and can negotiate prices.

Main events

Stone Town organizes a number of first-rate cultural festivals, which in themselves make a trip to the island worthwhile for their very special atmosphere. These include the Sati Za Busara festival, a four-day dance, music and theater festival in February, and ZIFF, Festival of Dhow Countries, during which a whole host of cultural events take place over a two-week period.

Guided tours

A guide is highly recommended when visiting Stone Town, as the old stones don't speak for themselves and real museums are limited. And even when you do visit them, there are very few explanations inside. A guide can also help you find your way through the maze of alleyways and explain the history of the buildings, ward off the numerous and tiring touts, and negotiate souvenirs for you at a reasonable price. It's also a great way to talk to a local and ask questions about their daily life. Souleymane (+255 777 839 371), a French-speaking guide, will show you around Stone Town and organize your excursions and safaris at reasonable prices.

Smokers

Smokers are tolerated everywhere, and can smoke outside. There is no special legislation except when driving, when smoking is prohibited.

Tourist traps

Beach boys - or "touts" - are always on the beach trying to sell you tours. Prices range from the fanciful to the reasonable, but the quality of the services varies according to the equipment (snorkeling in particular), the length of the excursion, the size of the boats, etc. It's best to go direct with a local agency to ensure you get the best service, or make sure you negotiate the price and key points of the tour before making a deal.