Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania, is a quintessential destination that offers unsurpassed cultural, historical, and exploratory experiences in East Africa. This unique Indian Ocean island seems to have everything that a sightseer might be looking for, and hence a Zanzibar Holiday is a must if you’re planning to take a short break. The rise and fall of many empires has left a trace of many cultures and architectural styles, which can still be seen in the traditions of a local Zanzibari. The beaches with their unspoiled and pristine white sands, glittering, turquoise waters, and tropical vegetation create a charm of serene beauty. Check out this list of top 5 places to see in this east African archipelago.
Palace Museum
Occupying buildings along the waterfront, this was the palace of Sultan Seyyid Said from 1828. Although it was bombarded by the British in 1896, it was then rebuilt. Most of the royal belongings survived, which now serve as the relics of the past sultanate families in this museum dedicated to the sultanate in the 19th century. Without visiting this museum, your Zanzibar holiday would be incomplete as you won’t get a taste of the rich history that the archipelago provides.
House of Wonders
A historic icon of Stone Town, House of Wonders is a hugely important and visually stunning, with impressive rows of pillars and balconies which overlook the waterfront. Get the best of your Zanzibar holiday here as the House of Wonders offers highly interesting exhibitions which are a brilliant insight to the Swahili and Zanzibari culture.
Forodhani Gardens
A social hub for locals as well as tourists, Forodhani Gardens is a great way to ease into the Zanzibari life. There’s a large restaurant which juts into the sea, a couple of small cafes with seating available outside, benches under large, shady trees, a play area inside the garden for children, and multiple food stalls all around the garden.
Prison Island
Your Zanzibar holiday would be incomplete if you leave without visiting this island. Although the name might not make it sound like the most appealing place, Prison Island might as well be a tropical paradise and a perfect place to escape the crowds of Zanzibar. This patch of natural beauty holds all kinds of delights, and it can take you about 30 minutes to reach by boat from Zanzibar. Once you’ve made the most of the shoreline, head to the interior of the island and explore beauty of the island and the ruins of what was once the prison building.
Butterfly Center
The butterflies at the center are not just there to be admired, but are also an essential part of the organization’s property elimination mission. So, by paying the entrance fee to the Butterfly Center, you are directly contributing to the local community. Observe the colorful, fluttering butterflies or take a guided tour through the gardens to see the butterfly farmers at work.
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