Unguja is also simply referred to as “Zanzibar”. It’s the largest and most populated island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Unguja is the best place to wind down following safaris and climbing, it is famous for its historical Stone Town, beautiful beaches, nature, and spice plantations. Stone Town is one of the oldest living Swahili towns in East Africa.
Have you ever searched on the internet for the top honeymoon destinations in the world? I’m almost sure that Zanzibar was on the list. Here are the most check-out tourist attractions in Unguja. The top exciting things that no tourist can wish to miss out here include:
1. Wildlife Tour at Cheetah’s Rock
2. Nakupenda Beach
3. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
4. Paje Beach
5. Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral
6. Dr. Bulugu Gallery
7. Jambiani Beach
8. Forodhani Park
9. Darajani Market
10. Kendwa Beach
For the remaining part of this article, I am going to provide information about the above-mentioned things in detail. But first, I’m going to share useful information about Unguja. To find out more, keep reading.
Unguja is home to Stone Town, one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. The town is the main port, commercial center, and center for festivals in the Archipelago.
Its unique winding, narrow streets are adorned with beautiful buildings. The town is the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Unguja can easily be reached as it is close to the Airport where most of the international flights are destined. You will also find local flights from nearby cities like Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and Kilimanjaro.
Most travelers from Dar es Salaam use a passenger boat. It takes about one hour’s drive from Dar Es Salaam port to Zanzibar.
There are famous boats which are very good, called Kilimanjaro. My family and I took the Kilimanjaro luxury boat in 2019 when we visited Zanzibar. The boat is very reliable, and they offer luxury services. I would recommend using them when you visit Zanzibar or Unguja.
Do you have a week or less in Unguja? Let us find out what to do on the spice island based on my experience and travelers’ preferences.
1. Wildlife Tour at Cheetah’s Rock
Cheetah’s Rock is a must-visit place while you are in Unguja. If you have free time to do one thing in Unguja besides beach activities, please visit this place. You will have the chance at a unique closeness with big cats, monkeys, and other wild animals. Animals are well-taken care of to ensure they are healthy and happy.
Cheetah’s rock is not a zoo, it’s a shelter home to endangered wild animals. Animals include Lemurs, Bengal Tigers, Pumas, Otters, Big Turtles, Zebras, and Lions. Also, Bush Babies, Monkeys can be found here.
This tour will change your general perception of wild animals. You will learn a lot about many wild animals and feel like you have understood a lot about them. You will be able to come closer to animals, play with them, and even feed them. It’s all safe!
Zoologists at the Rock act as tour guides. They know everything about wild animals and are very engaging. They will provide you with information about each animal entrusted to them. During the tour, you are supposed to show respect and love for all the wild animals.
The fee you pay here goes to benefit the wild animals of Cheetah’s Rock. It is interesting that by visiting the place you contribute to animal welfare and conservation.
Among other things, you can also enjoy taking photos with animals up close. My family and I went there in July 2019 after a safari. We were given proper instructions before interacting with animals.
We interacted with a lot of bush babies, big cats, and monkeys. I enjoyed playing with the lion and exploring his behavior. My kids were excited to feed the monkey, This tour provided us with unique memories.
If you are in Unguja, do not miss out on this great hands-on experience with the wild animals. Just remember to book in advance for the staff to arrange your pick-up.
Just a piece of advice, wear the proper dress and no big jewelry as little monkey hands are attracted to ornaments.
2. Nakupenda Beach
Nakupenda beach is a nice place to chill on the white sands gazing upon the Indian Ocean. The name “Nakupenda” means “I love you” in the Swahili language. If you want an unforgettable experience then take time to visit this beach. It is the most spectacular beach located a short about 30 minutes boat trip from Stone Town.
It’s also one of the best sandbank islands in Zanzibar and a very popular beach to go to for tourists. The beach is really beautiful and clean just surrounded by a lovely blue Indian ocean. If you go there in the afternoon you may find its half is covered by water due to the tide.
For beach lovers, if you are in Zanzibar, you can’t miss out on Nakupenda beach!
We enjoyed the seafood and other things there. The seafood was the best and delicious. We had a lovely day out! to avoid human crowds, we decided to have some quiet time before the crowds had arrived. We had an opportunity to taste local cuisine and it was truly amazing.
People in Zanzibar know how to prepare local and international cuisines! Nakupenda beach is always my top priority when planning to have beach time in Tanzania.
One of the best things to do when you visit this beach is to do beach diving. You will enjoy the multi-colored marine life and see a variety of coral reefs.
It is a nice beach where you can peacefully relax in one of the beach bars and enjoy watching the sun going down to end the day.
While chilling before your trip back to Stone Town begins, you can watch others enjoying diving with dolphins or others are snorkeling.
It is special! Anyway, remember to take a parasol with you. There will be sandbanks. Don’t forget to taste some seasonal fruits and enjoy delectable seafood. It is delicious!
3. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
The Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park in the Zanzibar Archipelago. The Park is located nearby Chwaka bay. Generally, the park is very simple but good for friends or families.
The picnic in this park is something tourists enjoy most among other things. Just get a guide from here to tour this place and enjoy its beauty.
It’s a nice park with a beautiful lush forest and endangered species. The species include red colobus monkeys that are only found in Zanzibar. It’s amazing that the babies’ monkeys are born grey and don’t show any sign of red until they’re about 3 months old.
Also, visiting this park gives you the chance to see blue and black monkeys, bush pigs, lizards, and colorful crabs. The monkeys are relaxed and free to watch as they are not bothered at all, you can take a nice picture with them but be watchful as taking photos of the monkeys is forbidden. Just a piece of advice, do not touch the monkeys here!
You may need to have binoculars as sometimes monkeys are high in these rainforest trees. Sometimes, you may be surprised to see one of the monkeys jumping on your head. Just be warned to be careful. and If you love birds, this is a place for you as more than 40 bird species call this park their home.
You can see a lot of different bird species and butterflies. By walking through the mangrove area, you can easily spot birds and monkeys. Just be watchful of the tree roots and stones as the paths are natural.
The Park is only open during the day. It is believed that Zanzibar leopards are around here during the night.
You can combine other activities including the beaches like Paje and Kwendwa with the park. I’d recommend you to visit this park while in Unguja. Two to three hours is enough to visit around here.
4. Paje Beach
Paje beach is located about an hour away from the east coast of Zanzibar. It is one of the best beaches for travelers who are looking for a peaceful gateway.
This beach is known for its iconic pure white sand beach. The beach is essentially a huge, long strip of white sand. It’s bordered by a small village on one side. On the other side, Paje is bordered by a collection of beachfront accommodation services, eateries, and transparent turquoise waters.
To reach the beach from Zanzibar, get a private taxi or catch a local bus.
The Paje beach also has a lot of palm trees that provide shade away from the blistering sun. If you are looking for where to dive in Zanzibar, Paje beach is truly the perfect place for you to be.
The waters are clean and warm! You can see turtles, moray eels, starfish, octopus, and trumpet fish. This could be an unforgettable moment.
The water level is usually low when the tide is low. One of the very common things you will find at this beach is the collection of seaweed for soap. Paje beach is one of the best spots for kite-surfers to spend across the warm waters when the right winds hit.
You will never forget how it feels when the moon pulls on the water as it shimmers in the moonlight at night. That beach is truly one of the best beaches in Zanzibar. Here you’ll find nice restaurants and bars including New Teddy’s Place.
If you’re in Unguja and have time to explore what it offers, don’t miss out on Paje in your list.
5. Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral
You cannot talk about Unguja without remembering the slave trade in East Africa. Stone Town was the host to one of the world’s last open slave markets. The market was presided over by Arab traders.
Slaves were shipped to Unguja in dhows from the mainland, crammed so tightly. Other slaves could fell ill and even die or be thrown overboard. The market was closed by the orders of the British in 1873. In 1879, the Christ Church, an Anglican Cathedral, was built at the site.
The former whipping tree is now marked at the altar by a white marble circle. The circle is surrounded by red to symbolize the blood of the slaves. These are among the things you will see here to recall that the slave market is the Slave Memorial.
It is an artwork showing Lifesize statues of slaves bearing original chains. It is located outside the cathedral, sunken in the ground where the dozens of slaves were held in underground cellars. The chambers had limited air with no food or toilets. They were imprisoned in the cellars for a while before being sold in the nearby slave market.
They were tied to a tree and whipped with a stinging branch to test their mettle. Those who didn’t cry, or faint fetched a higher price at the market. The chain you will see here are real historical artifacts.
Here, you’ll learn a lot of history behind the slave market. Some wood from the tree under which Dr. David Livingstone’s heart was buried is fashioned into a cross that you’ll see hanging in the cathedral.
The experience and feelings you’ll acquire from here will remain in your mind forever. From here, you can head to the Palace Museum to learn all about the Oman sultans of Zanzibar.
6. Dr. Bulugu Gallery
Dr. Bulugu Gallery is an art gallery with a collection of different paintings and artifacts in Unguja. The shop is in Nungwi. I visited this place after Nungwi beach and yes, it is a place to see unique art. I realized that Dr. Bulugu has his unique style of displaying life in Africa.
Here, you can buy an item of your choice as souvenirs or even only see, learn, and enjoy. The items are all handmade by local talented artists and are of different beautiful colors.
When I look at the wall in my sitting room and see the canvas I bought from here, it takes out whatever stress I had.
I will recommend you buy any of the items from here to remember Unguja when you are at home. Don’t worry about the price, the items are affordable and of reasonable quality. And yes, you can negotiate the price here. It is more interesting that they even accept cards.
Every canvas portrays a unique meaning. So, you will need to get a guide so that you don’t miss out on explanations.
7 Jambiani Beach
One day my colleague told me about the beauty I could experience if I was to visit Jambiani beach. That story grew my interest to go and witness what she experienced when she visited that beach.
Therefore, my family and I decided to put Jambian beach on our list and visit. My family and I hired a taxi from Stone Town, Other travelers could also opt to reach there via daladala as it’s still easy to reach.
It was a chill and peaceful beach for anyone who wants to find peace and chill. My family and I enjoyed it most as our visit took us beyond our expectations. It was perfect to sit back, relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
Due to sea urchins, she reminded us to wear appropriate footwear to see lots of sea life when the tide was out. So, we were prepared.
This beach is a beautiful place where you can spend some days and still, you don’t wish to leave. That is the reason this beach is still my favorite place to stay in Zanzibar!
You will find some nice restaurants and lodges here to accommodate your stay when you’ll be here. To make life more beautiful, you will find some great live music at different lodges.
I cannot wait to be there soon again this time with my nieces! If you’re a beach lover, Jambiani is awesome. Do you love seafood? Here, you will find some delicious seafood dishes. More interesting is that the beach is cool as the village itself is small with very few hotels.
It is a nice day trip destination for cultural tours, biking tours, and local cooking classes. Also, you can go big game fishing, kite surfing, and scuba diving. You will never forget once you have visited this place.
It is always nice to witness local ladies making rope from coconuts using the sea and stones that appear when the tide is out. We took one of the local guides to show us around the coal.
Other travelers from here enjoy heading to Jozani Forest. There you’ll get the opportunity to catch a glimpse of monkeys playing amidst the trees.
8. Forodhani Park
Forodhani Park is a small park in the historical city of Stone Town in Unguja. The park is located just in front of the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. This Park is a waterfront social hub for tourists and locals in Unguja.
While you’re here, you’ll enjoy seeing the Indian Ocean in the park’s background. This place is nice for you to stroll along with the garden, taking in the cool breeze with your family.
It was originally laid out in 1936 to commemorate the Jubilee of Sultan Khalifa. That is the reason the park is also known as “Jubilee Gardens”.
When you visit the park, you can still see the domed podium where a brass band would play. Also, you can see the marooned arch at the waters’ edge that was built to welcome Britain’s Princess Margaret on a state visit in 1956.
You will find nice food stalls at restaurants and cafes as well as a safe children’s play park. The park gets busy, especially in the evening. A lot of caterers display their food items for sale in the park and the park turns into the night food market.
People come here for street food as Swahili and Zanzibar dishes are amazing. If you like to experience local food, this place was made for you. The foods include samosas, cassava, urojo soup, or sweet potatoes while you are here.
The seafood includes octopus, barracuda, squid, crabs, shrimps, lobsters, or prawns.
Other foods you can find here are chicken shawarma, chapati, kebab, biryani, pilau, pizza, and mishkaki, You may have cane juice here. It is nice as they add ginger and lime to it also you can have fresh coconut water. But be careful with the price and ask as they tend to overcharge the tourists, especially the BBQ.
The sellers may tend to force you to buy at their stands, just say NO and move on to find a place you want.
I would recommend you buy food from stalls that seem to have a high turnover. Remember not to take or expect alcohol here as it is prohibited.
If you want to escape the mob, I’d recommend that you visit this park before evening. Then, you can head to Zanzibar spices and heritage center.
It’s a nice place to learn about spices; how they’re grown, harvested, and even consumed. The place is highly recommended!
9. Darajani Market
Darajani market or Bazaar is the main bazaar in Stone Town. The bazaar is also known as “Estella Market” and informally as “Marikiti Kuu”. It is a lively local market full of color and characters, It is a sort of Zanzibarian shopping mall as almost all products are all in one area.
The market is situated on Darajani road, in the vicinity of the slave market. The building of the market was built in 1904 by Bomanjee Maneckjee for Sultan Ali bin Hamud.
Visiting this place is one of the best ways to explore the culture and life of Unguja. In this place, you mingle with people from different places coming to sell and buy items.
Here you will find mainly fresh seafood, meat, fruits, grains, and spices. Others come here just to socialize, meet friends, and eat. Other products you will find here include plastic toys, electronics, hats, shoes, and clothes.
Why not pick some khangas from here? The khanga is a piece of beautiful and colorful cloth for ladies common in Zanzibar. This market has its unique flavor and many vendors are charming.
On the outside streets surrounding the market, is often where some of the best actions take place. It is interesting that you shop like locals. The prices are more reasonable than on the tourist streets but just bargain hard. be aware most locals like to overprice foreigners.
You will also find the fish market auction area here. If you are having your kitchen at your hotel, just sample some fresh fish to prepare later. If you love octopuses, they are widely available here.
The best time to buy fish is in the morning hours. So, I’d recommend that you come here in the early morning. During this time, you have a high chance to find sailfish or sharks.
Also, you can sample some spices to take home. They are at a reasonable price. So, while you are in Unguja I recommend you visit this market. It is a very interesting traditional bazaar. But I’d recommend a guided tour so that you don’t miss out on anything.
10. Kendwa Beach
Any beach lover will agree that Kendwa beach is one of the wonderful beaches in the world. The beach is located on the north-western coastline of Stone Town. For anyone who would want some quality and comical nightlife, Kendwa beach is perfect. It is one of the best and most touristic parts of east African beach destinations.
Tourists among other things enjoy monthly full moon parties which are organized by Kendwa rocks. There is lots of fun as you party on the beach until the early hours of the morning.
So, if you love parties and having fun, don’t forget to visit that beach. I had been there two times with my friends on holiday. If you enjoy snorkeling and/ or scuba diving like me, that beach is most incredible. The beach is the home of beautiful coral reefs and lovely marine life that will surprise you the most.
Its adventure is nice! Eating dinner in one of the restaurants or hotels while watching the sunset over the ocean is an unforgettable experience. Here you’ll find a lot of bars, restaurants, and hotels catering to fit your budget.
The entertainment at Kendwa beach is an unspeakable experience! So, are you ready to spend your most beautiful time on beaches and you love fun? If the answer is yes, don’t forget to include Kendwa beach on your top priority list.
Conclusion
Generally, Unguja is a special place for many tourists. This island is parked with a lot of amazing things you will not want to miss out on while you are here. That is the reason I have brought you together the most favorite activities to do in Unguja.
There are other things I haven’t shared here but they are still exciting. So, while you’re in Unguja, I’d recommend that you spare enough time to explore its magic. However, you’ll not be able to do it all at once. So just choose activities that favor your interests and trips.