TRAVEL| 10 Fun or Not Facts About Zanzibar, Tanzania

In November 2024, I travelled to Zanzibar, Tanzania. At the beginning of the year, I had no idea I would visit this country, but my other travel plans were cancelled. As a result, I decided to join a group trip to Zanzibar and Doha. The experience turned out to be enjoyable, and although the trip was stressful due to the limited number of days and a jam-packed schedule of activities, we still had a great time.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Zanzibar Island and seen pictures and videos of its beauty, and I can assure you that it lives up to the hype. The island is stunning, the beaches are gorgeous, and the people are incredibly welcoming. We stayed at the Nungwi Dreams by Mantis Resort, a lovely hotel featuring two pools, a gym, and an oceanfront view.

I had a wonderful time in Zanzibar and learned many things about the island. Below are 10 fun (or not so fun) facts about Zanzibar.

Zanzibar Has Its Own Government

Although it was once an independent state, Zanzibar is now a part of Tanzania, but it enjoys autonomy and has its government. The Zanzibar Revolution of 1964 led to the demise of the Sultan of Zanzibar and his Arab government and the merging of the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba with the then-British colony of Tanganyika into the nation of Tanzania.

Zanzibar is not Just One Island

Many people believe Zanzibar is a single island, but it is a Tanzanian archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The archipelago consists of several smaller islands and two main islands: Unguja, commonly referred to as Zanzibar, and Pemba Island. The total population of Zanzibar is approximately 1.3 million people.

There are 52 Mosques and Only 2 Churches in Zanzibar

During our Stone Town tour, our guide explained this striking difference, pointing out that the majority of the island’s population practices Islam. The mosques, each with unique architecture, serve as vital centers for worship and community life.

The Official Language in Zanzibar is Swahili

Zanzibar’s official language is Swahili, which reflects its East African heritage. In addition to Swahili, some residents speak French due to historical trade connections, while others speak Arabic, reflecting the island’s significant Arab influence. This blend of languages contributes to the rich cultural tapestry that characterises Zanzibar, making it a unique destination for visitors interested in its diverse heritage.

The Weather is Mostly Hot in Zanzibar, So it’s a Year-round Destination

Zanzibar generally experiences hot weather with clear blue skies. However, the island has two rainy seasons: from mid March to late May and again in November. During our three-day stay, it rained on two days, but the rain was light, and the sun came out shortly after. I learned that the ideal time to visit Zanzibar is between June and October, which is when the weather is cool and dry.

Prison Island is a Popular Tourist Attraction in Zanzibar

Your Zanzibar holiday wouldn’t be complete without exploring some popular tourist activities, such as the Prison Island Tour. I was initially curious about this tour because I thought it was an island for prisoners in the past. However, I learned that it served as a quarantine spot for malaria and yellow fever. The structures on the island are pretty old, but there’s a museum, a restaurant and bar, a gift shop, and a tortoise sanctuary that houses both large tortoises and baby tortoises.

posing beside one of the giant tortoises we weren’t allowed to touch

Zanzibar Ranks High as a Tourist Destination in Africa

Zanzibar Island has won several awards as the leading beach destination in Africa. In 2024, Zanzibar was crowned Africa’s leading festival and event destination at the World Travel Awards. They make a note to let you know how much of a big shot they are at the airport with signs and posters of their achievements.

Zanzibar is Popular for its Spices

Spice farming plays a significant role in Zanzibar’s economy, and we visited the spice market during our tour of Stone Town. Zanzibar is known as “The Spice Island” due to its rich variety of cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves.

The Locals Pimp Their Cars

In Zanzibar, cars have steering wheels on the right side, much like in the UK. During our visit, we observed that many of the vehicles we used for commuting were customized with external screens and various media outlets. Additionally, they featured colourful joysticks for gears. One bus even had a small refrigerator installed inside! Some taxis also provided passengers free Wi-Fi, complimentary water, and sweets.

Exhibit A – There was a longer one we saw that I forgot to document

Zanzibar Has A lot of Beautiful Beaches

Zanzibar is an island with many beautiful beaches. In addition to the beach at my hotel, we visited Kendwa Beach for some water activities. We also took a boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island, both of which have stunning beaches.