• About Me
  • Affiliates
  • Basket
  • Blogs
  • Blondie Abroad
  • Checkout
  • Homepage
  • My account
  • Shop
Follow Me
Follow Me
Follow Me
fb-share-icon
Blondie Abroad

Follow Me Around The World

  • Africa
    • Egypt
    • Mauritius
    • Zanzibar
  • Europe
    • France
    • Iceland
    • Italy
    • Portugal
    • Spain
    • UK
  • India
    • Goa
  • South America
    • Costa Rica
    • Mexico
    • Venezuela
  • South East Asia
    • Cambodia
    • Laos
    • Malaysia
    • Sri Lanka
    • Thailand
    • Vietnam
  • Shop
  • Basket
Africa, Zanzibar  /  04/05/2022

Hidden gems on The Paradise Island of Zanzibar

by BlondieAbroad
zanzibar dhow

Be under no illusion, if you are travelling from the UK it requires some patience to reach the island. I believe we were travelling for about 26 hours door to door. (Very much dependant on where you door is at home I know, I just thought I would put this out there). However there are hidden gems on the paradise island of Zanzibar which will make it completely worth it. Drenched in history, good and very bad, this island has something for everyone.

A Little Note:

Remember this is a poor country, very visible in the locals housing and also the really really terrible roads. Apart from Siem Reap, I have never encountered such enormous pot holes! I will also mention here that the island is not the cheapest for tourists, whether its the hotel or activities so just be prepared. It may be poor but everything is in credibly expensive.I do believe that it should be on everyones bucket list for the following reasons:

Get a Gem of a Hotel Right on the Beach

With so many hotels on offer, take your time and choose carefully to see what each one has to offer. Many hotels on the beach front have their own private beach areas for you to enjoy as well as a pool. Who wouldn’t want to be right next to the most amazing aquamarine coloured sea if it was on offer? The private part may not be completely down to the sea however as most of the beaches are public. Walking along the front all day are the locals selling you all kinds of things. See what bargains you can pick up whilst paddling in the gorgeous warm waters. We stayed at Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est which I chose mostly for the amazing sunset bar on stilts over the ocean. Check it out here.

Take a Snorkelling Trip

Amongst many others, one island off the coast of Zanzibar is owned by none other than Bill Gates. We were fortunate enough to have some local lads take us snorkelling in their boat off of these shores. The water was warm, clear and an abundance of fish swam around me….right on Bill Gates doorstep! When we had finished they had even got us fresh fruit to freshen our salty mouths with. A fantastic experience I shall never forget, mostly due to the stop off on the way back for star fish. Have you ever seen a red starfish? I certainly hadn’t, completely amazing especially as the guy free dived right to the bottom and came up with a handful! (All returned in good time back to the sea, have no concern). This was certainly at the top of my list of hidden gems on the paradise island of Zanzibar.

Go Dolphin Spotting

Zanzibar

The seas are teeming with life, and whilst we had made the effort to travel alllllll that way we were going to be seeing as much as we could of this beautiful island. Back with the locals on their boat off we ventured, seemingly straight out to sea. Luck was with us as we pretty quickly saw two pods of dolphins and we were offered to jump in to swim with them. However, as we had gone straight out to sea, the waves were chopping, the current looked really strong so we decided to just watch them swim around our boat. What an experience!

Stone Town Streets

View from rooftop cocktail bar of the Old Anglican Cathedral

The capital of Zanzibar is a must see, although ladies, you will need to cover up, this is a strict Muslim country and if you don’t you may not enjoy yourself. You WILL need a guide if you are going here, not only to stay safe and get in to the attractions, but because it is literally a maze. Or even like a rabbit warren, as there are streets off of streets in to streets. One wrong turn and your bearings could go.

Map Anyone?

However there are far worse places in which to be lost as the architecture is simply stunning. Due to the influences of the many conquering countries over the decades, the buildings will amaze you. The contrast between the rich and the poor is quite stark here. One building may be immaculately maintained, signs etched in gold, situated right next to one which doesn’t even have all four walls intact.

Spot a Traditional Dhow Boat

zanzibar dhow

If you are staying in a similar hotel to ours you will spot these all day long, however they look at their best with a sunset backdrop. Traditional fishing boats with a very distinctive sail zigzag across the sea performing any number of roles. From fishing all the way to tourist trips.

Freddie Mercury’s House

The incredibly famous Freddie Mercury is actually from Zanzibar, and this is said to have been his house. Let your guide guide you there as it is amongst the maze of passageways in Stone Town. Photo cabinets are placed either side of the main door depicting the famous singer. I am unsure if you can actually go inside, you definitely could not when we visited, so a quick pic of the door was all was got.

Visit a Local Market

Hidden gems on The Paradise Island of Zanzibar

Everywhere we go in the world we really enjoy going to the local markets to delve further in to local culture. Wow was I about to be immersed as we entered a very large one in the centre of Stone Town. The sights and smells smack you in the face as you walk amongst the spice stalls, but the real sights are in another section. The fish market. Wow, it was buzzing, not with flies, but with people bartering and haggling for todays catch. Grab yourself a snack if you are brave enough to try something local.

The Old Anglican Cathedral

Hidden gems on The Paradise Island of Zanzibar

This cathedral is built literally on top of the old slave market cellars. It was really quite shocking to see something so huge and opulent having been built on something so horrendous. The slave chambers below are open to visitors now who wish to experience just how horrendous the conditions were. I’m only 5 foot 4 and I had to bend down to enter these tiny stone caverns. Inside these ‘chambers’ were stone slabs for the slaves to sit on, a channel in the floor for the sewage to run through and a tiny slit of a window. I’ll leave it there.

Inside the cathedral is pleasant enough, much like any other Anglican place of worship. However as I sat on a pew my thoughts just kept turning to the slave quarters below.

Slave Market Memorial

Hidden gems on The Paradise Island of Zanzibar

The Worlds last slave market was closed in 1873, here in Stone Town, rumoured to have been amongst the most brutal. Slaves were kept in the slave cellars beneath the cathedral prior to being brought up to the market. A memorial statue was created in 1993 and was placed where the slave market used to be. Read more about the slave trade in Zanzibar in this article by the Guardian.

Take an Old Style Boat trip

Hidden gems on The Paradise Island of Zanzibar

So you have been on a luxury snorkelling trip and watched pods of dolphins in comfort, now it is time for something a little different. Whilst in Stone Town make your way to the harbour and try out the local form of travel. Cheap and somewhat cheerful in a bumpy wooden kind of way, this transport will get you to my next tourist suggestion. Our roof seemed to be made of an old tarpaulin advertising sign which I thought was genius.

‘Prison Island’

Hidden gems on The Paradise Island of Zanzibar

Known locally as Prison Island, is actually called Changuu Island and is located 5km off the coast of Stone Town. Once used as a prison for rebellious slaves, a quarantine, and it has also been used as a hotel in more recent years. A disused swimming pool a sign this did not quite work and no one was thought it was a good enough idea to take over it seems. Nice to look around for a short while, there is another reason (below) why people flock to this island. It has unique inhabitants!

Massive Tortoises

Hidden gems on The Paradise Island of Zanzibar

And this my readers, is the reason people will go in a rickety boat to ‘Prison Island’. Giant tortoises; some being the oldest in the world and are just huge! You obviously pay to enter, and you are allowed to collect a bag of whatever their food is that day. Pick your favourite tortoise and get feeding.

Dine in Style

Hidden gems on The Paradise Island of Zanzibar

Here is the reason why I chose this hotel, it had the most amazing bar and restaurant on wooden stilts over the sea. Sipping a cocktail at sunset whilst watching the dhows sailing past was very relaxing. We eat at the fish restaurant here too which served excellent food. Mr C tried the crab curry….which came with a whole crab literally in the curry he had to deal with. Needless to say he got a bit messy, but said it tasted amazing.

Experience a tropical storm

Hidden gems on The Paradise Island of Zanzibar

It’s going to happen, you are in a tropical paradise which requires rain to look so amazingly green and lush. So just find some shelter for half an hour and be entertained. What could be better than watching a storm pass by across the sea? Oh, the storm leaving fantastic sunshine for you to carry on relaxing in of course!

Top 3 Luxury Hotels on Zanzibar Island

    Post navigation

    Mind Blowing Lunch at ‘Hooked On The Rocks’
    Exciting Places to Visit in Venezuela

    Hi I'm Mel, a travel blogger from the UK. My Mission is to show you the lesser known attractions to make your holidays even more exciting. Happy Travels!

    Contact Me
    Bye bucket list
    300*252

    Recent Posts

    • Khao Lak’s River Restaurant
    • Krabis Tiger Temple Viewpoint
    • Koh Lantas Best Restaurant
    • Chinese New Year In Phuket Old Town
    • Blondie Abroad Prints
    Start saving your ideas
    200*200

    Affiliates Information

    Popular Posts

    • Krabis Tiger Temple Viewpoint
    • Koh Lantas Best Restaurant
    • Chinese New Year In Phuket Old Town
    • Top Beautiful Thailand Islands
    • Thrilling Cave Kayaking in Phuket

    _blondieabroad

    _blondieabroad
    This inconspicuous restaurant must be seen to be b This inconspicuous restaurant must be seen to be believed. The food is amazing and the setting is even better. Every nook & cranny is crammed with something weird & wonderful or a plant! Just on the outskirts of the Old Town you will find the Natural Restaurant 💚

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #phuketoldtown #naturalrestaurant #phuketoldtown🏫
    Happy #chinesenewyear2023 from Phuket🧧 #_blond Happy #chinesenewyear2023 from Phuket🧧

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #chinesenewyear #phuketthailand
    In Krabi? Stay at Ban Sainai resort for something In Krabi? Stay at Ban Sainai resort for something a little different. An infinity pool with dramatic cliff backdrop is just one amazing feature. We had a ‘pond’ villa (more like a lake) where you can watch huge monitor lizards swimming around. Fantastic oasis of tranquility in a crazy town 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #krabi #krabithailand #bansainairesort
    💛 The past few days I’ve been lucky enough to 💛 The past few days I’ve been lucky enough to beach hop around Koh Lanta! Stunning!

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #kohlanta #kohlantaisland #kohlantabeach
    The Lions den & Nanjizal Bay #thecornishway #_bl The Lions den & Nanjizal Bay #thecornishway 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #landsendcornwall #southwestcoastalpath
    The pretty village of Finchingfield in Essex 🦆 The pretty village of Finchingfield in Essex 🦆

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration
    Raiding my dads allotment by Danbury church 🍓 ☺️ Such a pretty building

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #danbury #allotmentuk #allotment
    Hitchin Lavender Fields is so pretty, even on a cl Hitchin Lavender Fields is so pretty, even on a cloudy day. Latest blog link in bio

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #hitchinlavender #hitchin #hitchintown
    Helford, another beautiful Cornish village I enjoy Helford, another beautiful Cornish village I enjoyed exploring & eating fish ‘n chips 🐟 🍟 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #helfordpassage #shipwrightsarms
    For all you #harrypotterfan ‘s out there take a For all you #harrypotterfan ‘s out there take a walk around Edinburgh & see Tom Riddles grave & many more Potter themed locations. See where to find them in my latest blog (link in bio) 🧙🏻‍♀️ 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #harrypotteredinburgh #harrypotterlocations
    Stunning ceiling in The Thistle Capel in St Giles Stunning ceiling in The Thistle Capel in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh 🤩

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #edinburgh #thistlechapel
    Dean village, Edinburgh 💗 Gorgeous little villa Dean village, Edinburgh 💗 Gorgeous little village to walk around 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration
    Flyover for the Jubilee 🇬🇧🇬🇧 Tight ove Flyover for the Jubilee 🇬🇧🇬🇧 Tight over our heads! ✈️ 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #jubilee #jubileeflyover2022
    Waking up at Luangsay Lodge on the Mekong is reall Waking up at Luangsay Lodge on the Mekong is really quite special #luangsaylodge 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #laostravel  #mekongriver
    Jubilee Bunting Time 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧#love Jubilee Bunting Time 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧#lovelondon 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #queensjubilee2022 #queensjubilee
    If Thailand can’t come to you… get yourself to If Thailand can’t come to you… get yourself to a Goggling Squid 🦑 😋

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #gigglingsquid #thailandfood
    I’m in there somewhere! Quad biking in the Egypt I’m in there somewhere! Quad biking in the Egyptian desert was a tad dusty!! 🤣

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #egyptsafari #egyptdesert
    Hells Mouth! Mr C wouldn’t go near the edge 🤣 Hells Mouth! Mr C wouldn’t go near the edge 🤣 He needed a cream tea after to get over it 🤦🏼‍♀️

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #hellsmouth #hellsmouthbeach #cornwallcoastpath
    Hmmm 🤔 Unsure what this will taste like. Anyone Hmmm 🤔 Unsure what this will taste like. Anyone tried Mangosteen wine?

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #thaidrink #mangosteen #thailandfood
    Lush lunch in West Mersea at The Dukes Seafood 🦞 🦀 🐟 #westmersea 

#_blondieabroad #travelbloggers #welivetoexplore #passportready #globetrotter #lonelyplanettraveller #passionpassport #suitcasetravels #bloggerlife #girlswhotravel #girlslovetravel #traveldiary #dreamingoftravel #uktraveller #travelgirls #travelphotography #wearetravelgirls #instatravel #goeverywhere #photooftheday #traveladdict #roamtheplanets 
#thailandlovers #traveladdict #traveltheworld #travelguide #travelmore #travelinspiration #westmerseaoysterbar
    Load More Follow on Instagram
    • Elara by LyraThemes
    • Content & Design by LadyCornish Web Design
    Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial
    Manage Cookie Consent
    To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}
     

    Loading Comments...