How To Reach

BY PLANE:
International flights direct to Zanzibar are offered by FlyDubai, Mango Airlines, Ethiopian Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Jetair. Other international airlines fly to Dar es Salaam. Several local airlines offer flights from Dar to Zanzibar (15 minutes): Auric Air, Precision Air, ZanAir, Coastal Aviation, Tropical Air, Flightlink Air Charters, Fly540.

Anglican Cathedral

Constructed in the 1870s by the Universities’ Mission to Central Africa (UMCA), this was the first Anglican cathedral in East Africa. It was built on the site of the old slave market , the altar reputedly marking the spot of the whipping tree where slaves were lashed with a stinging branch. It’s a moving sight, remembered by a white marble circle surrounded by red to symbolize the blood of the slaves.

Beit el Sahel

Occupying several blocks along the waterfront, the imposing Palace Museum is a reconstruction of the Sultan Seyyid Said’s 19th-century palace home, which was destroyed by the British bombardment of 1896. It was renamed the People’s Palace in 1964 when the last sultan, Jamshid, was overthrown. Remarkably. much of the royal paraphernalia – banqueting tables, portraits, thrones and water closets – have survived and now provide the human interest story in this museum dedicated to the Sultanate from 1828 to 1896.

House of Wonders

Built for ceremonial chutzpah by Sultan Barghash in 1883, the 'House of Wonders' rises in impressive tiers of slender steel pillars and balconies overlooking the Forodhani Gardens. It is the grandest structure in Zanzibar and in its heyday it sported fine marble floors, panelled walls and never-before-seen running water and electricity. Now it houses the National Museum of History & Culture with exhibits on the dhow culture of the Indian Ocean and Swahili civilisation.

Mtoni Palace

Built for Sultan Seyyid Said in 1828, Mtoni is the oldest palace on Zanzibar. It was home to sultan’s only legitimate wife, many secondary wives and hundreds of children. Located overlooking the sea, the palace was a beautiful building with a balconied exterior, a large garden courtyard complete with peacocks and gazelles, an observation turret and a mosque.

Moto Handicrafts

This island-wide handicraft co-operative aims to support the island's rural economy by providing a platform for the sale of handcrafted ukili bags, sun hats, baskets, mats and other woven products. The cooperative itself is based in Pete, where it also has a small shop selling bright batik wraps in vegetable dyes.

Zanzibar Gallery

This long-standing gallery has a fine collection of souvenirs, textiles, woodcarvings, antiques and more.

The Rock Zanzibar

The Rock is probably one of the most scenic restaurants in Africa. Literally located on a rock in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, this restaurant is one of the most renowned in Zanzibar and a high-end stop for those who wish to enjoy fresh seafood recipes in exotic settings. Formerly a fishermans’ post, the restaurant has only 12 tables that are filled fast, so consider making reservations to be sure you get the best seats in the house. The menu is based on the abundant seafood available, serving delicacies such as octopus salad, seafood spaghetti, squid and queen prawns alongside vegetarian dishes and special children’s menus.

Emerson Spice Cafe

Located in a former 19th-century Swahili sultan’s palace, which is today a trendy hostel also popular with the occasional celebrity, Emerson Spice Cafe has a reputation for being one of the best restaurants in Zanzibar. Serving dinner on its rooftop Tea House is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the warm colors of the sunset, but consider making timely reservations as this small restaurant gets booked up very fast. The menu includes lobster on green papaya salad, Tambi prawns with grilled mango or coconut chili king fish baked in banana leafs.

Upendo

Upendo gives you everything you’d want from an island experience: white sands, coconut trees and stunningly dramatic views. Part of a luxurious resort located on a beach in the Michamvi Peninsula from southeast Zanzibar, this restaurant is a true piece of tropical paradise and a definite stop for all those who wish to try crab, prawns, lobster and fish recipes while enjoying one of the most beautiful views of this African island.