Zanzibar

Zanzibar Attractions

House of Wonders

Located in the mesmerising Stone Town of Zanzibar guests will find the amazing House of Wonders, also known as the Palace of Wonders, which is the largest and tallest of all the amazing buildings that form the character of Stone Town. This palace was once the most extravagant and modern building found in East Africa, built with styles that were influenced by European culture and Zanzibari tradition. The House of Wonders is an important landmark and an iconic fixture that should definitely be at the top of the list for any visiting tourists.

Built in 1883, the House of Wonders stands four stories high and was once one of six palaces that Sultan Barghash constructed throughout Zanzibar. This beautifully constructed palace was damaged during an attack by the British in 1896 and the House of Wonders was then rebuilt and occupied by the new British Nominee, Sultan Hamoud, who lived on its upper floor until his death in 1911. The entrance into the House of Wonders is through its magnificent large and heavy carved doors – legend tells that Sultan Barghash once kept many animals chained at the entrance and wanted the doors to be large enough to allow an elephant through. Two bronze cannons showcasing ancient Portuguese inscriptions guard the entrance. The House of Wonders is truly an amazing sight and is now a famous museum that displays many aspects of Swahili and Zanzibari culture, as well as a number of artefacts from the past.

Hamamni Persian Baths

Another very interesting and insightful historical building in Zanzibar is that of the Hamamni Persian Baths found in Stone Town, within the neighbourhood of Hamamni.

The Hamamni Persian Baths are a huge tourist attraction for those visiting Zanzibar; although the baths technically do not function anymore the experience is educational and fascinating. A friendly and well versed guide will walk you through this building, which is made up of intricate and complex structures with many rooms where visitors can easily imagine these 18th century traditions. There are a large number of rooms including hot and cold baths, toilet facilities, shaving areas and also a restaurant to explore during your visit.

The baths are well preserved and the architecture is captivating, while the tour isn't too long so you can still stop at a nearby cafe or restaurants for lunch or drinks afterwards.

Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Area

A visit to the fascinating Jozani Bay Conservation area is always a treat for tourists who love animals and nature, this area is the largest conservation area in Zanzibar as well as being the islands only remaining natural mangrove forest. Mangrove forests are usually found in subtropical tidal areas, where a productive coexistence of groups of trees and shrubs, different species of birds and fish as well as other organisms can be found. Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Area is located about 37 KM's south of Stone Town.

One of the highlights when visiting this conservation area is coming across the entertaining Red Colobus Monkeys that are endemic to Zanzibar. The unique Red Colubus Monkeys are very social animals who love playing and grooming – these monkeys are highly endangered, there are only about 1,500 left and they can only be found in the Zanzibar Archipelago.

The total area of this National Park is about 50 KM and it was established in 2004, home to a number of other interesting animal species and also home to over 40 various bird species, which can be spotted as you explore the area's lush coastal flora and stunning landscape.

Zanzibar Butterfly Centre

Experiencing the amazing Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is a truly wonderful activity which can be enjoyed by anyone, at any age. This centre is one of the largest interactive and educational butterfly enclosures in East Africa and showcases a netted tropical garden with hundreds of colourful butterflies which are all native species to Zanzibar.

You will find this lovely butterfly centre located near the Jozani-Chawka Bay National Park on the island of Unguja, though it is outside of the parks boundaries. During their visit guests can observe the butterflies feeding and flying close up, as well as also witness the complete life cycle of many species. These rare butterflies are farmed by local villagers in the areas nearby. With friendly tour guides who have a wealth of knowledge to their names, guests can learn all about the lifecycle and ecology of these butterflies, the tours are normally between 30-40 minutes and are very insightful, where you can understand the background to the project of the centre.

All the revenue generated by tourist admission fees go toward local projects that are aimed at conservation and also alleviating poverty in Zanzibar, so you know that your money will be well spent.

Prison Island Tour

Fringed with beautiful coral reef and surrounded by a lovely white beach, Prison Island is an exciting option for an outing while enjoying Zanzibar on holiday. There are tours to the island from Zanzibar, a trip which takes about 30 minutes by bout.

The Islands 'Prison Island' name lends itself to its history as a quarantine island which was used by an Arab slave trader to contain slaves before they were shipped to Arabian purchasers or for auctioning in the Zanzibar slave trade market, the island is also known as Changuu Island. This historic prison, which was built in 1893 by Lloyd Mathews, never actually held prisoners even though that was the original intent, but ended up being a quarantine centre for yellow fever endemics which once fiercely struck the region. Visitors to the island can explore the old prison building and the cells, which are still standing today.

Another one of Prison Island's main attractions is the giant land tortoises that were imported here from the Seychelles in the late 19th Century. Some of the tortoises are over a century old and while on the island, guests are allowed to pet and feed these tortoises. Guests can also explore the forest like island and may discover an array of birds, peacocks, bats and some spectacular butterflies. These half day boat tours also offer snorkelling to guests and equipment to do so, as an option that is part of the cost.