Zanzibar 1st May to 6th May | Tanzania - Lonely Planet Forum - Thorn Tree

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Hey, I'm going to Zanzibar beginning of May, and it's my first time there. Simply I'm spending there 5 whole days, and I'm not sure what to do there. So…

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Sun, 15 Mar 2015 22:31:27 +0000

Hey,
I'm going to Zanzibar beginning of May, and it's my first time there. Simply I'm spending there 5 whole days, and I'm not sure what to do there.

So can anyone recommend must see and must do things? I'm not so into diving, swimming ect. but interested to see different places like Prison Island and Jozani Forest. Travel guides do always give same places to go and things to do and I'd love to hear if someone knows something else. I'm more than interested about hearing what not-so-basic trips to do!

Second, because I'm traveling alone, I would be happy if someone would be at Zanzibar same time as me and would like to hang out and do something. I'll stay near Stone Town and I'm pretty flexible to do almost anything if not too expensive. So if anyone will be there those days please pm me :)

1

ONLINE

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 06:33:35 +0000

Well if it was not slap bang in the middle of the long rains you would be in for a great week. Still hopefully it will not rain all day, every day. So - what to do? First day or two spend getting to know Stone Town - its a great place and usually very safe (just don't get too drunk - public alcohol consumption (drinking in the street) is frowned upon). there are some good, cheap (by Western standards) places to eat and some great bars (especially Livingston). The boat trip to Prison Is and snorkeling is recommended as is the Jozani Forest and the half day spice tour. Hope you do have a really great time!!

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2

ONLINE

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:22:40 +0000

orion_mike, thanks alot! I will probably go check that Livingston bar

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Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:36:59 +0000

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4

ONLINE

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 08:09:52 +0000

Hi, one of my 6th formers is out there on a gab year. She has a job in Stone town and I could ask her to show you around. Just need to check when she is coming back home for Uni.
Let me know if you want me to contact her.
All the places suggested above are great but they are the normal tourist things to do however I loved them all !

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5

ONLINE

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 16:41:36 +0000

In response to #4

Is your 6th former still out there? I will be in Zanzibar for a few days in July. I am doing an organized trip in Africa. I think I may opt out of the trip's excursion to Zanzibar and do it on my own instead.

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6

ONLINE

Mon, 04 May 2015 09:03:16 +0000

Hi paf63,

sorry for the late reply.
My 6th former heads back home in June I'm afraid but don't let that put you off going on your own. Zanzibar is very easy for tourists to find their way around. All the hotels can arrange anything for you, I stay at Zenji in Stone town as the owners and staff are like old friends now but it has got more expensive over the years that I have been going there. Chris at reception is very helpful. For the beach I like Uroa village as the beach is great for swimming all day but no night life, that is more to the north. The spice tour is great as is Prison Island (just ask the guys on the beach in Stone town, cheaper than doing it through your hotel). The forest is good to see the monkeys although I did this 7 years ago and there were lots of monkeys that you could get very close to but I don't think it is like that now. Last year I went down south to go out and swim with the dolphins. Yes I did see them and swim with them along with about 10 other boats and many people, I found the whole thing very uncomfortable and it felt very much like harassment, we didn't stay there very long and asked to leave.
I have been to Chumbe Island where the snorkeling is wonderful, very expensive to stay but Zengi arranged a day trip for us.
Hope this helps

Alcotteer

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Thu, 05 May 2016 01:00:25 +0000

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