BEST TIME TO VISIT Avoid heavy rains that occur between the end
of March until the middle of June.
RELIGION Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so dress
appropriately when in the town and local villages, as people tend
to take offense easily to revealing clothing.
STONETOWN HOTELS SERENA ZANZIBAR (www.serenahotels.com) is a
timeless oasis in the city that offers the best view of the Indian
Ocean, accompanied by warm Swahili hospitality. Don’t miss the
apéritifs at sunset with live taarab music, and a seafood dinner
under the stars. During your stay at EMERSON
(www.emersonspice.com), get lost in their secret garden while
enjoying a coffee at EMERSON ON HURUMZI (www.emersononhurumzi.com).
Don’t miss the authentic Swahili dinner at the Emerson Tea House
held on the impressive rooftop terrace, which offers a breathtaking
360-degree view. The PARK HYATT, (www.hyatt.com) meanwhile, is the
ultimate modern and chic hotel, and boasts a prime location right
on the ocean. If you prefer an intimate teatime then look no
further than the patio of JAFFERJI HOUSE (www.jafferjihouse.net),
located in the heart of Stonetown.
COFFEE TIMEJAW’S CORNER, a very popular, yet very simple spot at
the intersection of Soko Muhogo, Cathedral and Baghani streets, is
a laid back, charming place where
you can order a coffee prepared over an outdoor fire and play a
round of dominos with a local. Another lovely place to try is
ZANZIBAR COFFEE HOUSE (www.zanzibarcoffeehouse.com) on Mkunazini,
or the charmingly kitsch beach terrace at TEMBO HOTEL
(www.tembohotel.com).
RESTAURANTS & BARSImagine your bare feet in the sand, some
grilled fish, cocktails, excellent live music, all with the sunset
in the background, every Friday and Saturday, and you have the
LIVINGSTONE CAFÉ in Shangani. If you’re going on a trip to the
market, however, consider stopping by LUKMAAN, a popular Swahili
lunch spot that offers fresh exotic juices. STONETOWN CAFÉ
(www.stonetowncafe.com), on the other hand, is great for healthy
breakfasts, lunches and dinners. As for TAPERIA, patrons come for
the tapas and wine, and stay for the live music and dancing every
Friday just above the Shangani Post Office. From there, you can
head to the top-floor terrace at 6 DEGREE (www.6degreessouth.co.tz)
on Fridays and Saturdays; but don’t forget to stop by the FORODHANI
GARDEN for an impressive night market offering local foods,
sugarcane juices and coconut waters. If a scenic sunset is what you
seek, try having a drink on the unforgettable rooftop of THE
SEYYIDA HOTEL (www.theseyyida-zanzibar.com); or for something with
a Rasta vibe, head to the floating bar at DREAMER’S ISLAND.
CULTUREExploring the famed CATHEDRAL and its SLAVE TRADE MUSEUM
offers the
unique opportunity to learn about the history of Zanzibar
firsthand, while the PALACE MUSEUM, the former residence of Sultan
Jamshid bin Abdullah, serves as a glimpse into the archipelago’s
past leaders, where one can view what remains of the royal’s
familial possessions following the revolution of 1964. Also
available is the BEIT AL-AJAIB—“THE HOUSE OF WONDERS”—and the
PRINCESS SALME MUSEUM; or you can take in a live music concert at
the DHOW COUNTRIES MUSIC ACADEMY at the Old Customs House, a
fabulous school of music that teaches, preserves, develops and
promotes the musical heritage of Zanzibar and other Indian Ocean
communities. The academy has long supported contemporary young
artists in the area, and continues to do so. Private concerts can
be scheduled at any time—and donations are always appreciated!
What’s more, an unobstructed view of the seaport can be seen from
the building’s balcony and terrace (www.zanzibarmusic.org). For an
immersive experience involving vintage photos, visit the CAPITAL
ART STUDIO run by the renowned Rohit Oza on Shangani Street; for
more recent photographs, head to 155 Gizenga Street to see stills
shot by ROBIN BATISTA, or one of the JAVED JAFFERJI galleries. The
new FREDDIE MERCURY MUSEUM (www.freddiemercurymuseum.com) is also
quickly becoming a must-visit. For guided tours or help creating a
Swahili event, contact FARIDI HIMID (+255 777 484734). For further
tourism assistance, contact MARIELLE NADIA SOLONIRINA (+255 686
921000). For a private driver, contact CHAKULL (+255 777
414163).
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ZANZIBAR DREAM DIRECTORY
DHOW ESCAPESIf you are looking to snorkel and relax in the
natural sandbanks while snacking on an exotic picnic, book a
private sailing dhow with THE SAFARI BLUE (www.safariblue.net).
Meanwhile, with NAKUPENDA ISLES SAFARI & SUNSET DHOW CRUISE (+
255 777 745766, [email protected]), one can travel along the
coastline of Stonetown or out to sandbanks while enjoying live
music and cocktails (perfect for a romantic date or for a night out
with friends) or take a trip with the young sailing expert RAHIM
SAGGAF (www.vanorazanzibar.com).
SHOPPINGBEST ADVICE—GET LOST, and find your own treasures: Take
a seat with the local mamas who will paint your hands with henna;
pick up some fruits or grilled corn, baobab super food powder,
chili “pili pili,” nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, clove oil
or ginger coffee at the DARAJANI MARKET; and then ask where to see
the fish auctions. You are on the island of spices, so enjoy! For
African fashions, look no further than THE WONDERS BOUTIQUE run by
Francesca Scalfari (www.frasiafrica.com), where the sparkling
Scalfari curates a great selection of East African designers and
stocks T-shirts made by her husband, and also visit her new,
intimate coffeeshop on Gizenga Street N351. You also won’t want to
miss the bright fashion designer DOREEN MASHIKA ZANZIBAR
(www.doreenmashika.com), the divine concept store at 82 Shangani
Street; the beautiful extravagance of FAROUQUE ABDELA (+255 713
418269, [email protected]) at the EMERSON on Hurumzi; the
lovely MAGO shop at 165 Gizenga Street; the unique WAIZ FASHION
(www.waizempire.com); or SASIK—also on Gizenga Street—which sells
divine patchwork cushions blending Arabic and Swahili designs
handcrafted by a cooperative of local women working to provide a
better life for their families. For antique shops, start at
AL-TAMIMI
CURIO SHOP, an extravagant bazaar run by three Zanzibari
sisters. Next should be the famous CURIO SHOP, the location of
which you must seek out for yourself. Then, end with LGR SUNGLASSES
(www.lgrworld.com), featuring wares inspired by Africa, and LUCIA
ODESCALCHI JEWELS (www.luciaodescalchi.com).
RESORTS AROUND UNGUJA ISLAND &BEYOND MNEMBA ISLAND,
(www.andbeyond.com) a private island that makes us believe in the
existence of paradise, is also working tirelessly to reverse
extinctions locally. The resort boasts several sea turtle
conservation projects as well as a re-introduction and breeding
program for Aders’s duiker and suni antelopes, while also offering
activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, yoga, fishing and
relaxing—with amazing cuisine to match. The philanthropic retreat
also supports the AFRICA FOUNDATION (www.africafoundation.org),
which empowers communities through education, health care and small
business development; promotes conservation; and protects the local
environment and wildlife; as well as OCEAN WITHOUT BORDERS, which
focuses specifically on ocean life. On the east coast, in Jambiani,
book the private villa CASADAMARE (www.casadamarezanzibar.com),
where a dedicated dream staff will ensure that your stay is nothing
short of perfect. It is an exquisite piece of heaven owned by a
delightful Italian couple, and run by the incomparable Sara and
Andrea. SHARAZAD (www.sharazadboutiquehotel.com), meanwhile, is a
lovely hideaway serving delicious cuisine. There is the amazing
WHITE SAND LUXURY VILLAS & SPA RESORT (www.whitesandvillas.com)
in Paje, as well as kiteboarding with ZANZIBAR KITE PARADISE
(www.zanzibarkiteparadise.com). Afterwards, swing by SHANTI CAFÉ
for a fresh juice and a healthy meal, where at dawn you can
participate in a yoga class. MR. KAHAWA (www.mrkahawa.com),
meanwhile, offers everything anyone could possibly need, from
casual lofts, to a fusion of soul food. If you find yourself near
Bwejuu, stay at the idyllic XANADU VILLAS & RETREAT—an
impressive collection of six luxurious beachside villas—may be in
order; and for a fully inclusive and enchanting luxury resort, try
the BARAZA RESORT & SPA (www.thezanzibarcollection.com).
Meanwhile, in Michamvi, UPENDO (www.upendozanzibar.com), lovely
villas and a fashion concept store that offers Sunday brunches as
well as live music, serves as a stylish oasis with delicious food.
Conveniently located in front of the famous THE ROCK RESTAURANT
(www.therockrestaurantzanzibar.com), it’s a perfect hangout for
anyone visiting the archipelago; with that said, though, the villas
at QAMBANI (www.qambani.com) serve as the perfect intimate
hideaways. For unique insight into the lives of the women of
Zanzibar, who combine traditional and modern techniques to produce
magical, organic skin care products by natural means, don’t forget
to visit the seaweed plantations at MWANI BEACH, founded by the
magnificent Klaartje Schade. If a sunset accompanied by Rasta music
and a bonfire is more your style, head to the beach at KAE FUNK
SUNSET BEACH BAR (www.kaefunk.com). On the north coast, in Kendwa,
ZURI & MAUA WELLNESS, HOLISTIC SPA (www.zurizanzibar.com), a
marvelous ecological hot spot with sublime villas overlooking a
sprawling white-sand beach, may be the way to go. If you’re seeking
something a bit more specialized, how about a boutique hotel
designed for a big-time celebrity? KILINDI
(www.elewanacollection.com/kilindi-zanzibar/at-a-glance) was
originally designed for Benny Andersson of ABBA fame, and sits on
fifty acres of tropical gardens dotted with white-domed pavilion
guest rooms. KENDWA ROCKS (www.kendwarocks.com), on the other hand,
is a beach hotel, famous for its parties.
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