Discover Zanzibar with Jambojet

Have you been dreaming of a tropical getaway but the idea seems like a farfetched dream? Well, things just got better. Jambojet continues to make travel easier. It recently launched flights to Zanzibar scheduled 4 times weekly and looking to introduce daily flights in September. What this means is that your tropical getaway awaits closer home in Tanzania.

The flights depart from Mombasa’s Moi International Airport and land in Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in about 35 minutes. Yeah, you read that right. In just a few hours, you could be settled away in a room, sipping a cocktail while watching the sun dipping away in a kaleidoscope of colors over the Indian Ocean.

Zanzibar is Africa’s idyllic tropical island, bursting with colours as vibrant as its history. Now you can discover its beauty with ease since Jambojet launched flights to Zanzibar, marking its 10th anniversary. I was part of the inaugural flight marked with pomp and colour and an unforgettable water salute. In this blog I will share with you where to stay and what to do on your visit.

Top Attractions in Zanzibar

Stay at EssqueZalu Zanzibar

You know there is nothing like a dreamy accommodation to seal a tropical vacation. It is just one of those things that lets you unplug from the world and kick back your shoes. The EssqueZalu is the icing on the cake to paradise that is Zanzibar. This 5-star hotel checks all the boxes. From above, the coastal resort juxtaposes between the turquoise waters and lush greenery. On one side, a long pier extends to the ocean, while on the other side beachfront cabanas invite you to your new home. This resort fits in perfectly with the island’s unadulterated beauty.

The three imposing triangular Makuti roofs reach high up, distinguishing the property on the coastline as an architectural feature. This ingenious mark spreads throughout the resort from the landscaping to the furnishing in its 40 suites. Everywhere you look awaits a snapshot moment or a thoughtful nook.

A sultry walk on the pier to the ocean is the ultimate get away moment. Revel in the beauty of Zanzibar as the breeze whooshes past your skin or dig your toes into the white sands below. You can also lounge lazily under the poolside palms.

Tickle your Taste Buds at Forodhani

The diverse influences of this coastal island are best felt through Zanzibari food. From the smells to the taste, your tastebuds are in for an adventure.The best place to enjoy this culinary delight is the Forodhani food market. As the evening sets in, the food market comes alive as locals and tourists converge to enjoy street food. The market presents diverse cuisines influenced by the different cultures.

Forodhani evenings are a unique twist on social life. Visitors from all over the world meet to mingle and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. I had a blast enjoying the array of grilled meats, fresh seafood, sweet breads, snacks and fruit juices while dancing the evening away. So, go ahead and add that to your itenerary. You are in for a good time with a skewer in hand, sizzling in the background and the laughter all round.

Get Charmed by Stone Town

Zanzibar has cemented itself as a tourist destination, earning the UNESCO listing for its historical Stone Town. Stone Town is a where Zanzibar comes alive with bustling entrepreneurs lining the streets. For visiting guests, a visit to Old Town is the best way to engage with the culture of the natives. It is an eclectic mix of African, Indian, Arabian, and European influences. The town is replete with colourful vibrant hues inspired by the to-die-for sunsets. The oranges, yellows, and blues are a sensory experience in itself.

Something is bound to catch your eye as you walk through the narrow winding streets. It could be the food and spice markets or the mesmerizing crafts. Better yet, lose yourself in the maze of interconnected buildings, take a picture in one of the courtyards and think of the good old days.

Visit Prison Island

Only 30 minutes away from Stone Town by boat, Prison Island should be your next stop when in Zanzibar. Also known as Changuu Island, it is a popular destination for anyone looking to uncover the past of the Island. The Island has a fascinating history. Uninhabited until 1860s, it was gifted to Arab Slave owners as a confinement for rebels. It was later developed for as a prison block. However, despite construction work being completed, the island never hosted any prisoners and instead became a yellow fever quarantine station. Most of these buildings now stand aged and peeling, while others have been repurposed for accommodation. As the island strives to redeem itself, endangered giant Aldabra tortoises have become a tourist attraction.

Zanzibar Mini-SubMarine Experience

Another noteworthy experience that I truly enjoyed on this visit was the Zanzibar Mini-Submarine. It includes an informative, immersive adventure to the coral reef in a mini- submarine. The experience lasts up to 40 minutes and starts off with an on-water tour. This cruise starts as the guide shares information about Zanzibar’s history, Stone Town and its nearby islands.

Once you get to the reef, you can get up close. Here you can watch the marine life through large unbreakable windows, charted explanations and a guide on board. This experience costs $69 promising an exciting time whether you stay above or below deck.

Mnarani Turtle Aquarium

Would you swim with and feed turtles? I know that is a bucket list experience for most people and Zanzibar has got you. Mnarani Turtle Aquarium is one of the best places to learn more about these creatures. The Aquarium is a conservation project located in the village of Mnarani near Nungwi. It nurses captured and injured turtles and rehabilitates them back to the ocean. Here you can learn more about marine life and feed the turtles. For only 10 -15 dollars, you can finally tick off this on your bucket list but not before you face your fears.

Visitors get to swim with turtles in a controlled and safe environment and learn more about the conservation efforts. Swimming with the turtles is not always as picturesque as the gram makes it look. Don’t get me wrong, the experience is as magical as the colours, only if you can brave it. Head over to my gram to see how well I handled it and see more about my Zanzibar visit.

Why not book your flight today? Your tropical getaway awaits here!