Things to do in Zanzibar after climbing Kilimanjaro
Visit Stone Town
This journey takes you into the legendary Stone Town, where time seems to have stopped. It is a wonderful tour at the core of Zanzibar that features excursions to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People’s Palace), Dr. Livingstone’s House, and the Arab Fort, among others. Zanzibar’s bustling market, meandering alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals, and several mosques will all be visible! A visit to Sultan Barghash’s harem at Marahubi should also be included, as it completes an overview of Zanzibar’s rich history and culture. Stone Town features a number of outstanding gift shops with a wide selection of souvenirs and handicrafts.
Spice Farm Tour
Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, and a variety of other spices were transported to Zanzibar by the Sultans of Oman, resulting in the start of the infamous slave trade. They may be found at the plantations just outside of Zanzibar town, and a good trip will include the opportunity to sample fresh spices. A variety of spices are described in-depth, along with their usage in cooking and cosmetics. The sheer number of spices produced, as well as their amazing value for a variety of maladies, will captivate visitors. This is also the most cost-effective place to get spices and spice oils.
Visit the Jozani Forest
The rare Red Colobus Monkey (shown opposite) is found in the Jozani Natural Forest Reserve, which is located in the central-eastern section of Zanzibar island. These monkeys have a lot of personalities and are allowed to roam freely. They are also quite photogenic and can be seen at close quarters just outside the reserve’s border. Other species found in Jozani include Syke’s monkeys, small deer, and bushpigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard is supposed to eat here at night (last seen several years ago) – perhaps this is why the reserve is only available during the day?! The nature path in Jozani is great, and the guides are well-trained and informative.
Tour the North Coast of Zanzibar
Ras Nungwi, a quiet fishing town on Zanzibar Island’s northern point, is often a stop on tours to the unspoiled north shore. You’ll be able to observe traditional dhow construction processes in action because it’s Zanzibar’s dhow building capital. This part of Zanzibar boasts several beautiful beaches and adjacent coral reefs that are perfect for diving and snorkeling. Local people have constructed a turtle sanctuary where wounded turtles and other marine creatures are rehabilitated before being released back into the Indian Ocean’s warm waters.
Swim with the Dolphins and Visit the Old Kizimkazi Mosque
Kizimkazi fishing town, located on the island’s southern tip, is home to numerous schools of bottle-nosed dolphins, which may often be seen after a short boat ride from the settlement. If you’re lucky, you might be able to swim with the dolphins up close, which can be a thrilling experience. Kizimkazi is also home to a 12th-century mosque, which is the earliest trace of Islam in East Africa and is thus worth visiting for both natural and cultural reasons.
Visit the Historical Prison Island in Zanzibar
The island, which was formerly a prison for unruly slaves, is located close to the old stone town. It features a wonderful white beach for sunbathing and is surrounded by a magnificent coral reef for snorkeling.
It also has a family of giant tortoises that were brought in from Seychelles in the late 1800s. This island is perfect for a day excursion because refreshments are provided all day. There is also a small restaurant on the premises where you may eat freshly caught fish.
You can also combine your Kilimanjaro Trek with a beach holiday to Pemba or mafia island
Zanzibar’s sister island is Pemba. Pemba is getting a modest but rising number of international tourists after many years of seclusion from the outside world. The infrastructure is far less developed than in Unguja, and there are far fewer visitors, yet many people consider this to be positive! Beautiful beaches, lush woods, and world-class diving are just a few of the attractions available. Misali Island, off the east coast of Pemba, is beautiful and ideal for diving in crystal clear water.
Mafia, a sun-drenched island that is not related to the mafia, is administered by mainland Tanzania but is close to the Zanzibar archipelago.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to travel from Mount Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar?
It takes about 1 and a half hours for a non-stop, direct flight between Kilimanjaro International Airport near Mount Kilimanjaro and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar.
What is the flight distance between Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar?
The flight distance between Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar is approximately 391 km or 243 miles.
What airlines offer nonstop (direct) flights between Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar?
A number of domestic carriers operate flights between Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Among the domestic airlines that offer direct flights between Zanzibar and Mount Kilimanjaro include Air Excel, Air Tanzania, Precision Air, and Coastal Air.
What are the most popular routes to and from Mount Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro International Airport receives significant traffic from airlines flying in from as far as Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Cape Town, Melbourne, Johannesburg, Mombasa, Port Elizabeth, Windhoek, Brussels, Mwanza, Dublin, New Delhi, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dubai, Gold Coast, Bujumbura, Mafia Island, Durban, Vadodara, London, Blantyre, Kigoma, Reykjavik, Gaborone, Doha, Amsterdam, New York.
What airports are near Zanzibar?
The main airport that serves Zanzibar Island is called the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Is it possible to combine flights, buses, and trains in one itinerary when traveling between Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar?
Yes, it’s possible to combine other modes of transport other than flying between Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. You can book trains and buses between Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, it may take longer
driving from Moshi, Kilimanjaro to Dar es Salaam, then taking a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar but it is worth the adventure.
When’s the best time to travel between Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar?
The best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro is between the dry and warm months of January through early March and June through October while the best time to visit Zanzibar is during Islands’ dry season, from July to September, which is a very popular time to travel.