Zanzibar by boat: Mnemba, dhows and sandbanks

You’re going to love Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an island in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania, where white sand, turquoise water and coconut palms meet a rich history of Swahili, Arab and Portuguese influence. The air smells of spices, the dhows still sail with their triangular sails and the pace of life is slow and warm.

The north of the island, around Nungwi and Kendwa, has some of the best beaches in East Africa, with water that stays swimmable at all tides, and a sea that is a spectacular blue. From there, the best way to understand Zanzibar is on a traditional boat: you can swim with dolphins, snorkel on the reef and watch the sun sink into the ocean.

The 5 best reasons to visit Zanzibar

1. 1

   Postcard beachesWhite sand and clear, turquoise water at Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, where swimming is possible at all tides.

2. 2

   Stone Town, a World Heritage SiteA labyrinth of narrow streets, carved wooden doors, markets and historic buildings, listed by UNESCO.

3. 3

   Spices and Swahili cookingClove, cinnamon and vanilla plantations, fresh seafood and the night food market at Forodhani Gardens.

4. 4

   Reefs, dolphins and turtlesSnorkelling and diving at Mnemba Atoll, and the chance to see dolphins and turtles in the open sea.

5. 5

   Dhow sunsetsTraditional wooden dhows sail at sunset along the coast, one of the most iconic images of the island.

What to do in Zanzibar

• Wander through Stone TownIts old streets, the Old Fort, the House of Wonders and the Forodhani Gardens night market.
• Visit a spice farmA tour of the plantations to see, smell and taste cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
• See the red colobus monkeys at Jozani ForestA national park with the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, about 30 minutes from Stone Town.
• Go to Prison IslandA short boat ride from Stone Town to see giant tortoises and snorkel in clear water.
• Watch dolphins at KizimkaziA fishing village in the south where boat trips go out in search of dolphins and snorkelling.