Zanzibar is a spectacular island full of color from the surrounding water and its unspoiled reefs to the buildings in the main city of Stone Town. The island has a mixture of Arabic and Indian influences combined with Swahili culture, making it very unique. Scattered along the coastline you will find wooden fishing boats, called dhows. In my opinion, the best views of the island are from these boats. Most of Zanzibar’s eastern beaches contain seaweed farms located in shallow water planted by the local women during low tide. The seaweed grows on long wooden structures lined up and attached by ropes, which are later harvested, dried, and exported to Europe and used in the manufacture of medicines, toothpaste, and cosmetics. It’s not uncommon to see children helping out and occasionally wandering off for photo opportunities…they love the attention.
Aside from its beaches, Zanzibar also contains forests with wildlife. Jozani forest (the only protected national park on the island) is the home of the rare Red Colobus monkeys. They are wild animals and will attack, so don’t be fooled by their approachability.
Last but not least is Stone Town, the historic center and main city on the island. You can easily spend a whole day wandering through the narrow alleyways and busy markets. The walls and doors of the buildings have intricate Arabic designs and are painted in various colors, creating a more inviting atmosphere.
