A semi-autonomous region within the country of Tanzania, Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands off the coast of East Africa. This is a place filled with natural and cultural wonders, both of which are informed by the marine environment that surrounds the islands. It is one of the most incredible places on Earth to go snorkeling or diving.
Yet, only about 640,000 tourist head to Zanzibar each year, most of whom are from Europe. The rest of the world doesn't seem to be paying much attention to these islands. And depending on your point of view, that might be a good thing since more tourists comes with as many negatives as it does positives. This might be a spot to plan a trip to before everyone else figures it out.
A paradise for snorkelers and divers
The weather is perfect. The sand is perfect. The water is perfect. Zanzibar has the optimal conditions to put your passion for snorkeling and scuba diving to the test. There are dozens upon dozens of brilliant reefs to explore, loaded with thousands of fish species as well as whales, octopus, and so much more. Chumbe Marine Park, which only allows snorkeling, should be high on your list.
A wide range of experiences
It's easy to get into a mindset that any island vacation fits into a specific category, That's not always the case, particularly in Zanzibar. This is an archipelago of islands both big and small offering a huge number of vacation opportunities. You can go over the top luxurious or focus on an ecotourism vibe. If you want a bespoke stay on a private islet, that can be done, too. Dream big!
The majesty of Stone Town
If you need one and only one reason to travel to Zanzibar, it's Stone Town, the birthplace of rock legend Freddie Mercury. It's the old part of Zanizbar City, the biggest city in the islands at over 200,000 people. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its importance as a former Indian Ocean trading hub. Now, it's home to an incredible variety of shops and restaurants that demonstrate the range of cultural influences in the region. The architecture alone is worth traveling for.
Deep sea fishing in the Indian Ocean
Not everyone digs fishing. It's a whole thing. At the same time, there's nothing quite like deep sea fishing and Zanzibar offers some incomparable opportunities. Being on the Indian Ocean means a wide range of potential targets for your expedition. That includes large numbers of wahoo, black marlins, blue marlins, barracudas, trevally, sailfish, and striped marlins. Once you get your photo with the catch of the day, you can release the fish right back into the sea.
Wandering the Jozani Forest Reserve
Zanibar isn't exactly a massive place, and much of the culture is focused on the Indian Ocean as well as the spice trade. As such, there is only actually one national park on land in the islands. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to numerous animal species, including an impressive number of butterfly species. Within the park is the Jozani Forest Reserve which was specifically dedicated to the protection of the Kirk’s Red Colobus Monkeys, which are clawing their way back from extinction.