Top Things to do in Zanzibar Archipelago
Top Hotels in Zanzibar Archipelago
Things to do in Zanzibar Archipelago, Zanzibar Archipelago: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
A group of islands and islets some 25 miles off the Tanzanian coast, the Zanzibar Archipelago is headlined by Unguja (often referred to simply as Zanzibar) and Pemba. Once a separate nation, Zanzibar has a long history of trade with the Arab world, dating back to at least the 11th century. The capital, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has many interesting historic attractions. Zanzibar's bright white beaches and nearby coral reefs make it very popular with the sun and sea set.
Restaurants in Zanzibar Archipelago
1. Cheetah's Rock
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,511 reviews
Get closer! The once in a wild-lifetime experience. Conservation Rescue Awareness. Cheetah's Rock is a unique, very special place where people and animals interact directly - face to face, eye to eye, fur to skin. We are a legal, ZIPA accredited and CITES recognized rescue and conservation centre. Prepare yourself for a magical, memorable and remarkable experience. We believe in introducing wildlife in a really different, much closer, interactive and more personal way. The welfare of our animals on Cheetah's Rock is paramount! Return transport from close by (Stone Town, Nungwi, Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani, Kendwa etc) included! No entry without a booking. Bookings can be done online only!
Reviewed By _U2974DR - New York City, United States
Cheetah’s rock in my opinion is one of the best things you can do in Zanzibar. The conservation center with amazing ethic of doing the best they can to take care of and save the animals allows you to take a look at their work, learn unique story of each animal and become a part of their lives by feeding them or playing with. The animals you will get to see are : Lemurs, Bengal Tigers, Pumas, Otters, big Turtles, a Zebra named Chaka , Lions , Bush Babies and different Monkeys! You will be able to go and sit next to a Cheetah and take photos, play with a zebra , pet a peacock, feed lemurs , turtles, monkeys abs bush babies as well as pet a Bengal tiger (all the activities are safe!) The important info: the center offers two experiences : Otter swimming for 160 USD and a walking safari for 160 USD. It is totally worth it! ( your money goes to feeding and supporting these animals). Me and my sister have only gone to a safari and it was wonderful! VERY IMPORTANT: when you go pls wear comfortable clothes , no skirts or dresses as you might fight is hard to sit on floor etc. Also, do not wear any type of big jewelry because Mona keys are rly good at spotting it and taking some straight from you neck or hair ????. ( one of the women was wearing a floor on her hair and well, monkeys were trying hard in pulling her hair and taking the flower????...). Well, after your booking you will get all the details and PLEASE read them through , it will contain a lot of useful information and it’s not long. Moreover, all the guides in your tour speak good English , which was smth I worried about because in Zanzibar people spoke English with an accent I could not understand or didn’t speak English at all apart from two-three words. P.S. I have included some pictures of what you can definitely expect at Cheetah’s rock!
2. Chumbe Island Coral Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Award-winning private island, fully managed nature reserve and marine park. Day guests ($90 US) receive an inclusive package with: all boat transfers to & from Chumbe, lunch, all drinks (excluding alcohol), guided snorkeling tour through a protected coral reef, forest and mangrove nature walks, historic lighthouse and visitors' centre tours, and a visit to our zero-footprint eco-bungalows with photovoltaic energy, rainwater harvesting, solar water heating & composting toilets. Lunch is a delectable mix of Zanzibarian, Arabic, Indian and African cuisine featuring fresh, local seafood, meat, vegetables, and fruits. Revenue from guest visits support free environmental education programs for local schools and Zanzibar communities. Winner of the 2019 "Best of Africa" for Sustainable Destinations from ITB Berlin. Chumbe Island strives for the highest standards in sustainability through the balance of conservation and commerce, whilst fostering community development and cultural stewardship.
Reviewed By travelgal3333 - Moshi, Tanzania
I had the pleasure to visit Chumbe Island for the day, while touring around Zanzibar on a FAM trip. My only regret is that we didn’t have time to spend the night. Our next trip to the island I will definitely book for the overnight. I love the fact that the maximum occupancy on the island is 14! As a travel agent who specializes in travel to East Africa I have booked clients to this amazing coral reef sanctuary and they have all loved it. The eco-bungalows are not for everyone but if you’re a “get back to nature” or “nature lover” type of traveller then this is likely a place you’ll fall in love with. I have so much respect for the design of the bungalows and love how eco-friendly and “open-air” they are. The snorkelling was amazing and how could it not be?!? The entire project is centred around the protection of the marine life on the west coast of the island ???? ???????????????????????? The lunch served as part of the day trip was so tasty and the friendly staff really added to our experience. I really enjoyed the nature walk where we learned about the coconut crabs and we got to climb to the top of the lighthouse for an amazing bird’s eye view of this special island. I highly recommend for you to book at least two nights on this private island, to really enjoy the peace and quiet that is Chumbe. Day trips are only available for last minute bookings as space is limited for their overnight guests. Asante sana to the entire staff, we will definitely be back and I will continue to promote your island to my clients ????
3. Jozani Sea Turtle Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Trail438829
Great guide with a lot of passion for the great work being done at the sanctuary. The place has turtles but also some reptiles.
4. Misali island
5. Zanzibar Land Animal Park (ZALA)
6. Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By Bidule005 - France, null
We visited the Zanzibar butterfly centre, which located very closely to Jozani national park in January 2018. It is a local centre, built with local associations. This very interesting visit began in the centre, where a geode explains everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the life of butterflies. After, we went into a garden to see various species of colourful and beautiful butterflies It was a very interesting visit, and also to recommend to families with children!!!
7. Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 769 reviews
Reviewed By aureliolorusso
I think that is is a must to go to Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation, as to begin because with the money of your ticket you will help the conservation center,then because you will be able to see something unic.It is anatural pool of sea water where you will be able to see so many marine turtles.I think that it is a so sweet experience.I m 57 years old but I loved to feed the turtles and to play with them, I was able to swim in this natural pool with the turtles
8. Nungwi Natural Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 491 reviews
Reviewed By Bidule005 - France, null
We visited the Baraka natural aquarium, which located very closely to Nungwi, in January 2018. It is a sanctuary for rescued green sea turtles in a small lagoon, before they will able to leave teh sanctuary. During this very interesting visit, we gave lettuce to the turtles, and we were allowed to swim close to them in the lagoon. It was a fantastic and unique experience!!! Moreover, visits of the centre help to support the endangered sea turtles conservation.
9. Ngezi Forest Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Taaah - Paris, France
It’s an excellent place to explore a huge tropical rain forest ! Even with 45 minutes route, you can see a lot trees and animals, a must do in Pemba island with Misali island :))
10. Menai Bay
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 5 reviews
A protected bay has coral reefs, marine life and mangrove forests. It is also famous as a sea-turtle breeding area.
Reviewed By HeleneL784
We recently spent a few wonderful days at Menai Beach Bungalows. The setting is beautiful looking out across Menai Bay, with mangrove swamps on one side and villages on the other - a chance to watch everyday life. We went on a day trip on a local dhow to a beautiful island in the bay, where the white sand surrounding the island becomes exposed as the tide goes out. We enjoyed swimming and snorkling here. We were then treated to a feast of fresh seafood for lunch - the best we had tasted on Zanzibar ! But most of all we would like to compliment the wonderful staff working at Menai Bay - they were friendly and attentive, made us feel very welcome and helped with any queries we had - thank you !. Our only reservation was that the food was a bit pricey.
