TANZANIA COASTAL CIRCUIT

Zanzibar has ideal holiday weather for most of the year. April and May are the “long rain” months and hotels offer discounted rates during this period. The recommended time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October during the cool, dry months of spring. This is also the best time to go scuba diving as visibility will be at its peak. Another popular time to visit this tropical island is from December to February when it's hot and dry.

• Mbweni ruins: The remains of St. Mary's School for Freed Slave Girls that was built between 1871 and 1874. The site had dormitory living quarters, schoolrooms, a chapel and later an industrial area.
• Maruhubi ruins: The remains of a palace constructed by Sultan Barghash in 1880 to house his harem which reputedly consisted of one wife and 99 concubines. It was one of the most impressive residences on the island. Overhead aqueduct and lily-covered cisterns (or 'pleasure ponds') can also be seen on the site and are evidence of the extensive Persian baths. The palace was destroyed in a fire in 1899.
• Kadichi baths: Kidichi is a village in the heart of the spice plantations and it is home to the bath ruins, built in 1850 by Sultan Said for his Persian wife. The baths are one of a kind on the island and the detailed Persian markings on the inner walls are still visible. The Kidichi bath ruins are exceptional as they exhibit interesting and obvious portrayals of birds and flowers in the bas-relief detailing of the inner walls.
• Chunguu island (prison): The island is approximately half a mile long and one-eighth of a mile wide. It was formerly owned by an Arab and used as a private place of detention for recalcitrant slaves. The prison, which still stands, was built in 1893. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling and has a lovely white beach for sunbathing. The island is home to a family of giant tortoises.
• Chumbe island coral park: Do not miss out on this island! This coral rag island is a forest reserve and was the first declared Marine National Park in Tanzania. It has a lighthouse that was erected in 1990 which was later slated and converted into an observation tower. The old Indian styled mosque is unique to Tanzania and definitely worth a visit. The surrounding coral reef is said to be one of the best in the world and is truly an excellent snorkelling spot. The island is home to the rare giant coconut crab found on the red list of IUCN. They are the largest land crabs on earth and are able to climb palm trees and eat young coconuts.
• Nungwi village: This part of Zanzibar has some fantastic beaches and the nearby coral reefs are ideal for diving and snorkelling. This village is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar and you will be able to see the traditional methods of dhow construction in action. The local villagers have built a turtle sanctuary where injured turtles and other marine animals are nursed back to health before being released back into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The neighbouring village called Kidoti, is known for its spice soap factory and here you can also see a traditional blacksmith in action.
• Spice farms: The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices, which brought the Sultans of Oman and marks the beginning of the infamous slave trade. Visiting the spice farms is an educational experience where you will gain information about the different uses of spices when cooking and how to use it for cosmetic purposes.
• Jozani forest: This forest is protected and is the only remaining natural forest in Zanzibar. It is home to the rare red colobus monkey, which is endemic to Zanzibar. Jozani is home to other wildlife species as well, including syke's monkeys, small buck and bush pigs. Nature walks through the forest is a great way to see the wildlife on the island.
• Zala (Zanzibar Land Animals) park: A small zoo that is privately run by a local man, known in the area as “Mwalimo Nyoka” or “teacher of snake”. The zoo specializes in reptiles and endemic species and is well worth a visit.
• Kizimkazi: Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimbazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins that can often be sighted during a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be even be able to swim quite close to the dolphins, which can be a very rewarding experience.

• Arab fort: Built in 1780 by the Omanis, this large stone structure was used to protect people from at least one attack from the mainland. It was later utilised as a prison and a barracks. Within its walls are leftover structures from a Portuguese church and a previous fortification built by the Omanis in the beginning of the same century.
• Anglican church and slave market: The church was built in 1873 and it is said that the altar stands on the exact location of the whipping post from the island's largest slave market. There is a small museum just before the church where tourists can crawl into a space that was allegedly used to hold slaves before they were sold.
• St. Joseph's Catholic Cathedral: Built between 1893 and 1897 by French missionaries, St. Joseph's Cathedral was designed by the same architect who designed the cathedral, Notre Dame de la Garde, Marseilles, France.
• Palace Museum (Sultans Palace): It was built in the late 1890's for members of the Sultan's family. The Palace Museum has a room dedicated to the life of Princess Salme of Zanzibar, daughter of Sultan Said. It contains family photographs and excerpts from her book titled, "Memoirs of an Arabian Princess," as well as a sample of her typical wardrobe.
• House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib): Built in 1883 as a ceremonial palace for Sultan Barghash and was the first building in Zanzibar to have electric lights and the first in East Africa to have an elevator. When it was built, the local people called it Beit el Aiaib, meaning the House of Wonders. It is easily found because it's the largest building on the island.
• Darajani bazaar: Zanzibar's 'mall' is across Creek road near the main market on Darajani road. Also known as Darajani bazaar, this shopping strip is a fun walk and a must to avoid the 'in-town' prices across the street. However, goods sold at the Darajani bazaar are mostly products of the modern world.
• The Forodhani gardens: Every night these gardens turn into a picnic venue when locals and tourists can buy local food ranging from crab claws, calamari steaks to plain old chips prepared in big woks. This is the place to be if you want to taste the local Zanzibar pizza. The curio market is right next to the food market.
• The market: What a great place to visit even if you don't want to buy anything! It is a vibrant market where everything under the sun is bought and sold. Fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, poultry and a variety of other products from all over the island is sold here. from all over the island are sold in great profusion as well as fish, meat and poultry. One of the special highlights is the regular fish auctions. 
• Africa house: It has a detailed carved door and was formerly used as an English club by the English residents of Zanzibar. It is an excellent choice for sundowners with the rooftop offering phenomenal sunset views! 

• Stone town tour: Visitors can explore the heritage and history of the famous Stone town, now designated a World Heritage Site. This tour is a thrilling experience as you will get a chance to pass on to narrow streets and see historical places and markets and smell and taste the wonderful spices and fruits cultivated on the island. Stone town has some excellent gift shops, small exotic bazaars and local curio shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from. 
• Spice plantations and farms: A visit to the spice plantations will dazzle your senses with fresh spices such as root crops, spices, perfumes, medicinal plants and tropical fruits. While wandering around the plantations you will learn about the local uses of the different spices and plants. Local kids weave baskets from palm leaves in which you can collect specimens like local essential oils, spices and remedies that the local people have used for eons. 
• Dolphin tours: Kizimkazi is a fishing hamlet on the south coast of Zanzibar and home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins and Humpback dolphins, which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. After a transfer to Kizimkazi, visitors can board a local dhow and head off in search of the dolphins. Snorkelling at these sites is also possible. The return trip can include a visit to the Kizimkazi mosque. 
• Prison island tour: Earning its name as a former prison for slaves and as a quarantine station for Zanzibar and the mainland, nowadays the island gives you the chance to escape for some peace and quiet. The island lies just off the old Stone town and is home to giant tortoises. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling and has a lovely white beach for sunbathing. The island is perfect for a day trip and has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish.
• Jozani forest tour: The only remaining natural forest on Unguja Island is a heaven for nature lovers! It is the home of the red colobus monkey, one of the most endangered monkey species in the World and about a 1,000 strong. It is also home to other species including Sykes monkeys, small buck, chameleon and bush pigs. Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative. Another very beautiful area is the Mangrove forest. This salt-water forest has wooden boardwalks that take you deep into the mangrove swamp while exploring this little gem. 
• Jambiani village tour: A fishermen village on the East coast of Zanzibar that offers a cultural village tour to see villagers working in different professions. You will hear the history of the village, visit a traditional herbalist who will introduce you to local medicines, herbs and their uses. This is followed by a visit to a local organic coral stone plantation where locals farm under difficult circumstances and seaweed farms are run by women. 
• Uzi island tour: Despite its inaccessibility, the remote island of Uzi has a population of 6000 people. The island can only be reached during low tide by boat of by following a path through mangroves. Once you reach it, you will be amazed! This very special part of Zanzibar offers untouched nature and original African life. Your trip to Uzi island is an adventure filled with primary forest, monkeys, lonely beaches and curious locals. It is really off the beaten track! 
• Nungwi tour: Nungwi (the North coast of Zanzibar) has one of the finest beaches on the island. You can visit the traditional dhow boat manufacturers and see an interesting coral pool where local people run a sea turtle conservation program. Enjoy the natural coralline coast or explore one of the seafront bars. 

• Snorkelling:  There are many excellent sites around the island where you can snorkel.
• Diving: Zanzibar is reputed to have some of the best diving opportunities in the world and the coral reef structures that surround Zanzibar ensure that the marine life is abundant. Good visibility (20 - 60 metres) and a pleasant year-round average water temperature ensure that you enjoy your Zanzibar diving experience.
• Deep sea fishing: Forget fishing in a modern fishing vessel with the latest in reels and rods and a fighting chair. Zanzibar offers you the unique opportunity to sail out to sea with a local fisherman that will show you what 'fishing for a living' is really all about. Setting sail from one of East Africa's oldest wafts, the horizon is usually dotted with ngalawas, local fisher boats with outriggers, heading out to sea with full mast in search of Barracuda, Tuna Fish and Kingfish. If you are really lucky you may even catch a Sailfish or Marlin. Prepare yourself for a real adventure!
• Kite surfing: Zanzibar has the perfect conditions for beginner and experienced boarders - shallow waters, sandy bottoms and constant winds. The reef forms a harbour that creates amazing waves that are wonderful for surfing complemented by the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen. Paje has the best kite conditions in Zanzibar. The reef is around 1,5 km out with perfect breaks. What more do you need?