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Honeymoon in Zanzibar: All You Need to Know About the Spice Island

Just picture this! You walking hand in hand with your spouse as the sun kisses its reflection where the sky meets the Indian ocean waters. Enjoy the golden sun rays and the pristine white sandy beaches massages your bare feet. This is as you discuss the future ahead or just taking some rest from hectic wedding organization as you enjoy your honeymoon.

Karibu Zanzibar, that is just our way of saying welcome to Zanzibar. Karibu to our article about honeymooning in Zanzibar.

Where is Zanzibar

Zanzibar is found in East Africa and located on the Swahili Coast, in Indian Ocean adjacent to Tanganyika. Together with Tanganyika the two form Tanzania.

Zanzibar an archipelago of historic Indian Ocean islands. It is between 25 to 50 kilometers (About 6–31 miles) off the coast of the mainland.

The Island consists of many small islands with two large ones. They are Unguja which is the main island. This is the one that is informally referred to as Zanzibar. The other one to the north of Unguja is Pemba Island.

Zanzibar sailboat honeymoon sunset cruise

The capital Zanzibar City is located on the island of Unguja. The famous section of the capital is its historic center is Stone Town. This is a World Heritage Site and the birth place of Swahili.

Zanzibar is awash with great atmosphere, intrigue, and idyllic beach experiences. The Island is renowned for its spice plantations, hence the name the ‘Spice Islands’.

Why Go for Honeymoon in Zanzibar?

The name Zanzibar reminds us of spice markets, palm-fringed beaches and white-sailed dhows on a turquoise sea. The Spice Island has long been the star attraction of the Indian Ocean experience and a holiday here is a sensory experience par excellence.

Zanzibar Island is where every romantic couple will be spoilt for choice with its allure of magic, mystery, and blissful beauty.

A honeymoon in Zanzibar is a dream when you have your partner by your side as you admire the pristine crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters. Do not forget the pearl-white sand and swaying palm trees of the island. Zanzibar is the place dreams are made of.

Climate

Zanzibar is located near the Equator and as a result, enjoys a tropical climate. The island is hot all year round, with two rainy seasons. There are the long rains from March to May and the short rains between mid-October and December.

Average monthly sunhours in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Being a tropical climate, Zanzibar has ideal holiday weather all year round. The Island receives an average of about 7-hour sunshine daily. If you are looking for a super suntan skin, Zanzibar weather is just perfect and you will love it.

The Rich History

Zanzibar is a historical ‘monument’ in itself. The historical journey of the island dates back to the 11th century with the establishment of Islam as a religion. The Portuguese influence in the 16th century and the slave trade of the 17th century have defined the history of Zanzibar. The British came in in the 17 and 18th century and Zanzibar has never been the same.

This was the major slave market for the Arabs. It is where the first storied building was done in East Africa and home to the first lift.

The churches will remind you of the colonial exploration on the island. The mosques and Omani palaces including the old fort and cannons signifies the Sultan’s statehood presence.

The Swahili essence is represented by the intricately curved doors while the aromatic spicy tastes and smell takes us back to the Spice trade routes.

The ancient metropolis of Stone Town has preserved traces of most historical events that occurred in Zanzibar.

Unique Culture Mix

Zanzibar is an amazing cultural pot. The island has a mix of people that emerged from eras of trade relations with different countries. In Zanzibar has Africans, Arab, Indian, Persian and European influences that have taken root in copious chapters her history.

The cultural mixes can be seen on the Swahili Curved Doors, the architectural design of houses within and without the city. The eating habits and food cultures of the people and the music both traditional and modern.

Pristine White Sandy Beaches

Surely, Zanzibar is an Island of Pristine White Sandy Beaches. There are only few places in the world can rival her. Zanzibar combines white powdered sandy with pristine turquoise waters to offer one of the best beaches in the world.

beach with clear blue water in Zanzibar

The beaches are made more beautiful by the tropical palm-trees that line them. You just need a day bed or a hammock strung between two palm trees facing the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Just lie down and let the warm tropical sun peek down at you from gaps in the palm tree leaves. Enjoy the soft Indian Ocean breezes scented with the unique fragrance of the spices grown on the island.

The beaches are full of alluring freshness with sounds of the gentle waves twirling on the unbelievably white sands. You are here to enjoy the serene harmony that is Zanzibar.

Romantic Hotels and Resorts

Zanzibar is a romantic destination with equally world-class romantic beach hotels and resorts.  This is an amazing place with everything to do everything. From private beach cottages, exclusive all-inclusive resorts to small hotels lining the beaches perfect for a honeymoon.

honeymoon resort on the beach in Zanzibar

What will determine where you will spend your night while on honeymoon in Zanzibar is your budget.

What to Do While on Honeymoon in Zanzibar

Here are top activities you can do while on honeymoon in Zanzibar

Prison Island Tour or Changuu Island

This is a historical journey and who is better placed to walk this journey with if not your partner? The Island was once a save for keeping slaves before they are shipped abroad.

It was later turned into a prison by the British first minister for Zanzibar in 1893. Lloyd Mathews built a prison complex despite it not receiving any prisoner. It was used as a quarantine station for yellow fever victims.

two giant tortoises

Currently it is a mesmerizing island that gives you an opportunity to escape into a magical world of peace and beauty.

The island is home to giant tortoises imported from Seychelles in 19th century, some of the tortoises are 100 years old. You can take a 30-minute long romantic and scenic boat ride from Zanzibar and spend the whole day exploring the ruins, sunbathing, and swimming etc.

Stone Town Tour

Looking at something that combines history, culture and gourmet experience? Your guess is as good as mine… Stone Town tour it is.

If you are looking for an exotic culture and food that is worthy of the awe-inspiring location Zanzibar island lives up to that billing through Stone Town.

Ancient culture is expressed within the streets of an atmospheric Stone Town. Here traders erect quaint stalls in the narrow streets and enthusiastic tailors hang outside the doorway of colorful fabric stores.

Art galleries, souvenirs and shining jewelry stores are around every corner. You will enjoy century old facades that evoke vivid images of Persian sailors marching through the streets.

A Stone Town tour is worthwhile as it gives you insight into the local culture. You get to enjoy local cuisines on the streets especially in the evening when local food vendors line up the streets. It is a sight and a taste to behold.

Nungwi Beach Tour

There is no perfect place for honeymoon in Zanzibar as the Nungwi Beach. The rustic beach is located in the quaint village of Nungwi and surrounded by palm trees.

It is an ideal place for trying scuba diving and snorkeling, as it hosts one of the best atolls in the world, Mnemba Atoll.

The marine park here is home to some of Indian Oceans well-kept secrets, the beautiful coral reefs. You may tour the locals just a short distance at the Nungwi village.

Kazi Mkazi – Swimming with the Dolphins

Why not add color to your honeymoon by diving deep into the ocean to swim with the dolphins? The

Kazimkazi area is known for diving with friendly and cute dolphins. The shallow coastal waters around the area attract dolphins and they usually come here for food, to rest, and yeah, socialize.

Dolphin tours on the island are popular amongst couples and dolphin lovers. This activity is best experienced early in the morning between 5:30 am to 6:00 am when the waters are cool.

Spice Farm Tour

The best way to spice up your honeymoon in Zanzibar is to visit the spice farms. It is because of spices that Zanzibar is often referred to as the ‘Spice Island’ so why not venture out to see, smell and taste.

Some of the spices here include cinnamon, chilies, nutmeg, black pepper, ginger, cloves, bulls’ heart, turmeric, lemon grass and many more.

Zanzibar spice market

On the tour you get to learn about the spices, their use including medicinal values and the requirements.

There are many more things to do in Zanzibar when on honeymoon. Above is just but a few.

Top Places to Stay When Honeymooning in Zanzibar

Zanzibar has a stunning choice of accommodation and the friendly people. These together with the climate and beaches are reasons enough for couples and honeymooners to visit Zanzibar!

It is mostly where to stay that drives people to choose a destination. And for that Spice Island has got what it takes to host you on your honeymoon vacation.

Here we have a list of best hotels and resorts in Zanzibar for your honeymoon.

Baraza Resort & Spa

Baraza Resort is located along the Bwejuu – Paje beach. The beach was named as one of the top 30 in the world by the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Barraza is Zanzibar’s most exclusive boutique resort.

Baraza Resort rooms honeymoon suite

This is 5-star all-inclusive hotel voted as one of the 60 best new hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler.  Baraza Resort has just 30 villas. This is stunning fully inclusive resort that evokes the heritage of Zanzibar dating back to the era of the Sultans.

The resort comes with a fusion of Arabic, Swahili and Indian design, with Swahili arches and intricate hand carved cement décor. The rooms have beautiful antiques, handmade furniture, and intricate brass lanterns; Baraza offers unparalleled standards of luxury on the Island of Zanzibar.

Breezes Beach Club and Spa

Breezes Beach Club Zanzibar is an ideal choice for those in search of a romantic getaway. The hotel is famous for its attention to detail, intimate and private dining. The rooms enjoy beautiful Zanzibari decor with stunning carving, glistening brass, and rich fabrics.

Breezes Beach Club wedding on beach setup

Breezes feature the award-winning Frangipani Spa. Breezes lie along a pristine and untouched beach on the South East coast of Zanzibar island. This is the quietest and untouched part of the Island. It is one of the top 30 beaches in the world.

Dream of Zanzibar, Mahonda

Dream of Zanzibar is located on the North East coast of Zanzibar. This 5-star all-inclusive Resort has been created for your perfect romantic beach holiday. The resort is set on Kiwengwa’s white sandy shores, the seas are clear blue and shallow, the breeze is gentle and sunshine is plentiful.

The beautiful beach Resort has a superb choice of inclusive activities, dining, and entertainment. This allows each guest to create their perfect Zanzibar dream. The architecture is inspired by the Arabic history of the island and its African heart, a blend of Moorish arches and charming thatched roofs, while interiors are beautifully spacious, well-lit and comfortable.

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a luxury boutique hotel located on the pristine sands of Paje beach. This is on the East coast of Zanzibar. The resort is a sanctuary of peace and harmony without compromises with luxury standards

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas promises an unforgettable barefoot luxury experience. They boast of spacious luxury villas (from 500 sqm), with their pool and recreational area. This ensures the utmost privacy in a natural setting, while the amenities deliver the highest standard of service.

The Z Hotel

Z hotel is the original boutique hotel on Zanzibar. The resort opened its doors in 2010 and brings casual relaxation. This is blended with contemporary London–inspired design to the beaches of Zanzibar. This provides the 21st-century traveler with a fresh and original beach-holiday experience. 

Z hotel is set in a tropical garden with steps to white powder of Nungwi’s award-winning beach and temperate Indian ocean. The hotel provides you with everything you need for a unique away-from-it-all holiday. It combines this with all the advantages of modern living, including LCD tv, cable tv, wifi and docking stations in all rooms.

Remember that you can combine your honeymoon vacation to Zanzibar with an Africa wildlife safari to Kenya or Tanzania. You may also challenge yourself with a Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expedition before enjoying a relaxed honeymoon in Zanzibar.

The ultimate choice of how you enjoy your honeymoon is yours. So why wait, its time to honeymooning…

About the Author

Martin Omondi is just another happy go lucky kind a boy, an environmental enthusiast and wildlife lover. I am an African safari specialist who sleeps, eats, drinks and breaths African Adventure. Looking for me? Find me at African Safari Tour Holiday (ASTHO) Vacations, for that is where home is…