Since its launch 10 years ago, Jambojet has redefined local travel in Kenya accounting for more than 50% of domestic travel. Its entry into the market introduced reliable and affordable air travel across Kenya to Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Lamu, Malindi, and Diani. This move has opened up these towns for local tourism, as Kenyans adopt these budget getaway options. In a move to open up travel across East Africa, Jambojet is set to launch direct flights to the Tanzanian Island of Zanzibar, in July 2024.

The launch will coincide with its 10th anniversary and mark its 8th destination regionally. The direct flights will depart from Mombasa’s Moi International Airport to Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA). The roaring success has seen its expansion within the region with direct flights to Goma, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Mombasa-Zanzibar route will operate 4 times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, making it efficient not only for tourists but also for entrepreneurs and business travellers. A return ticket will cost traveller Ksh28, 420 or $218. Once launched, the route will offer transit for 78-82 passengers per flight offering connections to Nairobi, Dubai and Milan, among other destinations.

Whether you are a leisure traveller or business traveller, this route might have a lot of surprises in store for you.

So, how about I help you to start building your itinerary as you await the launch with 10 things to do, where to visit, and where to stay in Zanzibar?

Where to Stay

1. Stay at Nungwi Dreams

Nungwi Dreams is a boutique hotel on the Northern part of the Island. The hotel is a traveller’s favourite, earning 5 stars for exceptional accommodation service and value. This hotel is part of the Mantis Hotels Group, known for its conservation -focused and luxury hotels. Despite being steps away from the beach, the hotel is all-inclusive, offering the best experience for all guest types. It has a restaurant which offers and À la carte Style menu, gym, 360° view sky-bar and spa catering to all dynamic guests.

Its proximity to the beach offers uninterrupted views of the pristine turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye can see. The infinity pool is one of the best places to take a dip and enjoy ambience. Better yet, enjoy a relaxing, healing earth spa rooted in Zanzibar customs to reinvigorate your body.

2. Stay at Blue Bay Hotels

The Blue-Bay Beach Resort is another accommodation resort that comes highly recommended. The resort is located on the eastern part of the island. It boasts a 582 metres of uninterrupted coastline. This advantage makes it prime for water sports, including canoeing and windsurfing and activities like beach volleyball.

The 5 start beachfront resort has numerous facilities: including a spa, gym and floodlit tennis court for guest into fitness. In an expansive 30 acres of tropical gardens offers award-winning accommodation services. It has 6 accommodation options for guests including a Deluxe Garden View Rooms, Deluxe Ocean View Rooms, Junior Suites and Sultan Suites. The rooms are large and airy, masterfully decorated with hand-carved furniture paying homage to Swahili Style.

Where to Visit In Zanzibar

3. Explore Stone Town

Stone Town is a popular tourist destination in Zanzibar. The town is the trading hub of the island, hosting the metropolis of natives and tourists.The town has been a UNESCO cultural heritage site since 2000, preserving the culture of the island. It is an architectural muse with a mix of influences, including African, Arab, Indian, and European. The intricate designs from the walls to the doors are a sight to behold. You cannot resist the urge to stop and take in the beautiful masterpieces. They are also perfect backdrops for the photogenic walking through the winding alleys.

If you are looking for the million dollar shot while on your vacation, a stroll in old town is what you need.

4. See Colobus Monkeys in Jozani Forest

Zanzibar doesn’t only have pristine beaches to offer. It is also home to a rich marine life and a thriving rainforest. Jozani forest is a nature enthusiast destination. It is teeming with up to 50 species of butterflies and birds that bring it alive. However, the forest draws a lot of interest because it is home to the Red Colobus Monkey. You definitely want to save off some time to watch the primate in its natural habitat with its striking red fur. Also, did you know, unlike most primates, these monkeys have no thumb? You have to see it to believe it! Have a tour guide arrange this experience for you since the area is protected.

What to do in Zanzibar

5. Watch Dolphins at Kizimkazi

For marine activities, Zanzibar has you covered. On my last visit, I enjoyed swimming with turtles at Nungwi. But you can do more! At the Kizimkazi fishing village, you can swim with dolphins. This fishing village is a charming dolphin lovers’ paradise. Take a journey to the south of the island to enjoy a boat trip, watch these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat and create unforgettable memories.

6. Snorkelling & Diving

If that doesn’t seem good enough for you, perhaps you should try snorkeling. Zanzibar is regarded among the best places in the world to snorkel. This is partly because of its crystal clear water and great coral reefs. It is one of the best ways to learn about marine life up close. You can enjoy this activity in Nungwi and Mnemba Islands. Take a dive and catch a rare sighting of the humpback, turtles and up to 600 coral reef fish. Now that sounds like a plan!

7. Enjoy a Spice Tour

You cannot be in the spice island and fail to take in the richness. Zanzibar is an island esteemed for its diversity gotten from its cultural influences. A spice tour on the island is one of the best ways to interact with the natives and get inspired. Its spice fame is not self-proclaimed. The island is one of the world’s leading spice exporter since the 19th century. While in Zanzibar, get your feet active in a tour through the spice farms that usually finish with an authentic lunch.

8. Sky Dive in Zanzibar

Can’t sky dive? Don’t skip this yet! Skydive Zanzibar can help bring out your inner adrenaline junkie. In just 30 minutes, they will have trained you and have you ready to jump from the skies. Why not take thrills to the next level on your vacation? Let go of your fears and freefall from the skies with an experienced instructor.It is a beautiful way to experience Zanzibar from the skies. Imagine the blue waters below you fading towards the white sandy beaches as you fall from 10,000 ft. This experience opens your eyes to the diversity and beauty of the island as it starts off with a scenic 20 minutes flight. Curious? See what to expect on the SkyDive Zanzibar website.

9. Take a Boat Trip on Safari Blue

Ever dreamt of a yacht charter on some faraway island? Well, your dreams just came closer. The Safari Blue is a popular activity for tourists in Zanzibar who watch such an island adventure. It is a full-day excursion that combines different activities, including a tour of Menai Conservation Area. The sailing tour is taken on a wooden dhow, allowing you to fully immerse in the island experience and take in the scenery. Guests can also choose to snorkel or watch dolphins before enjoying authentic Swahili seafood barbecue and tropical fruits.

The excursion is an exotic sensory experience you should have on your itinerary. Not only do you go sailing but you can as well go swimming in a lagoon, laze on a sandy shore or enjoy cocktails on a picturesque sandbar.

10. Take a Dhow Cruise

A Zanzibar sunset is one of the most magical experiences. It is a beautiful way to wind down the day and watch as the sun dips in the horizon, bathing the island in its warm colours. The Dhow cruises can be arranged by hotels and depart from various points along Zanzibar’s coast, including Stone Town and Nungwi. To best enjoy dhow cruises, bring a friend and add to the fun. Pack your sunglasses, a hat, your sunscreen and get your camera ready to click.