There’s more to Zanzibar than picturesque beaches – go beyond the advice of the guidebooks and try out these hidden highlights and cool things to do in Zanzibar.
1. Hop on a dala-dala
These renegade minibus taxis stop anywhere along their routes to pick up and drop off passengers, and they’re far cheaper than air-conditioned taxis or hiring a car (a taxi ride from the east of the island to Stone Town will cost up to US$45, while going by dala-dala will cost only US$1,50). Just remember, dala-dalas never say no to an extra passenger, so you might find yourself sharing a seat or sitting on a lap.
2. Go to the Forodhani Night Food Market
Visit Stone Town’s waterfront. Arrive before sunset to watch stalls being set up and dhows coming in from a day spent at sea. It’s the stuff of picture postcards.
Also read: top 10 street foods in Zanzibar
3. Visit Swahili House in Stone Town
Here you’ll find one of the best panoramic views of the island. The climb up 12 flights of steps to the roof of the hotel is worth it. At the top, you can order a local Kilimanjaro beer, lean on the balcony and catch your breath as you admire a view of church and mosque spires, people milling about in alleyways, and bicycles and Brahman cow-driven carts jostling in the streets.
4. Get a henna tattoo
The intricate designs are a favourite among children and adults, but you don’t want to pay too much. Roadside stalls in Stone Town charge about US$5, while a lone peddler on the beach will ask about US$3 for the same thing, and they’re happy to bargain.
5. Use a local remedy
Instead of layering aftersun on your sunburn, try clove soap. Locals will tell you it soothes the skin and calms redness. It’s also much cheaper than a bottle of chemical-smelling lotion. Tourist shops and stalls throughout Stone Town are sure to stock bars of clove soap for about US$1 each.
6. Try a Swahili-themed dinner at one of the beach resorts
If you aren’t staying at a resort, you need only pay an average of US$14 to feast on spice-infused tea, coconut ugali (a type of porridge), chapatti, tomato and coconut-milk soup, fragrant curries and sweet banana with coconut milk.
Words by Lauren Voges, photo from iStockphoto.com.
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