Zanzibar Island Hopping Guide: 7 Hidden Gems for Adventure, Culture & Pure Relaxation
✨ Discover Tanzania Differently. If you’re looking for a tropical vacation filled with raw beauty, real culture, and a refreshing absence of tourist crowds, this is it. My partner and I—fit, well-traveled, and fluent in four languages (with a sprinkle of Swahili)—set out on a two-week trip through Tanzania, splitting our time between wildlife adventures and remote island escapes.
This blog post shares our exact route, hard-earned travel tips, and the 7 unforgettable spots you won’t want to miss while island hopping through Zanzibar and beyond.
🐾 Week 1: Safari Soul in Ruaha National Park
We kicked off our journey in southern Tanzania, aiming for a deeper, less-commercial safari experience than the Serengeti.
🚍 The Journey to Ruaha
Getting there wasn’t fast, but it was worth it. A two-day bus ride from Dar es Salaam to Iringa gave us time to settle into local rhythms. Expect bumpy roads, scenic landscapes, and some entertaining roadside pit stops.
🏕️ Where We Stayed
Iringa offers a few NGO guesthouses that are affordable, community-driven, and cozy. Skip booking platforms (like Booking.com) and call ahead directly—trust us, you’ll avoid inflated prices and possible scams.
🐘 Why Ruaha Is a Must
Remote and underexplored = no crowds
Massive elephant herds, lions, giraffes, and birdlife
Peaceful, immersive nature experience
🍽️ Where to Eat in Iringa
Neema Crafts Café – socially conscious dining with flair
Mama Iringa – authentic Tanzanian plates with warm service
Mount Royal Hotel – reliable and hearty meals
🌴 Week 2: The Zanzibar Islands – Offbeat & Unspoiled
After our safari fix, we flew into Zanzibar to unwind. But we were determined to avoid the usual over-touristed hot spots. Instead, we uncovered the quiet corners of Zanzibar and explored the lesser-known Pemba Island.
🐚 7 Unmissable Island Spots in Zanzibar & Pemba
1. Stone Town – Culture in Every Alley
Wander the winding alleys of this UNESCO gem. The blend of Swahili, Arab, and colonial architecture will transport you. We loved the waterfront night market—grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, fresh sugarcane juice, and the hum of local life.
⏰ Best visited early morning or just before sunset.
2. Pemba Island – Where Time Slows
Far quieter than the main island, Pemba is lush, untamed, and deeply soulful. We snorkeled among colorful reef fish, kayaked in still lagoons, and watched fishermen cast nets at sunrise.
🚤 Fly from Zanzibar or book a small ferry (if you have sea legs).
3. Paje Beach – Sand, Surf & Soul
This southeast beach town felt like the perfect hideaway. It’s popular with kite surfers but not overrun. We met a friendly local named Omar who helped us with day trips, honest advice, and island stories.
🧉 Sip coconut water, walk barefoot, and let go of time.
4. Nungwi – Beachside Buzz
Yes, it’s more built-up—but for a night or two, Nungwi delivers stunning sunsets and fun beach bars. Just double-check your accommodation—our Airbnb canceled on us after we arrived.
❗ Always confirm with your host, and have a backup plan.
5. Michamvi Peninsula – Mangrove Magic
One of the island’s quieter corners, Michamvi is perfect for kayaking, lazy hammock hours, and watching the sky catch fire at sunset.
🚲 Rent a bike for a slower, more intimate way to explore.
6. Jozani Forest – A Jungle Pause
Home to the rare red colobus monkeys, this forest is a cool, shaded break from the beaches. It’s a quick visit, but it gave us a peek into Zanzibar’s endangered ecosystems.
🐒 Best in the early morning when animals are most active.
7. Chumbe Island – Eco Paradise
Our most serene stop. No plastic, no crowds—just marine life, silence, and a reef sanctuary. The snorkeling was top-tier, and the sustainability focus made it feel special.
🏝️ Book early—limited guests allowed daily.
🍽️ What to Eat: Flavors of Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s food is a spicy mix of African, Indian, and Arab influences. A few favorites:
Mandazi – fried dough bliss with chai
Zanzibar Pizza – pan-fried, stuffed flatbreads (try banana + chocolate!)
Octopus Curry – creamy, coconut-spiced delight
Urojo Soup – a street-food stew bursting with flavor
Sugar Cane Juice – sweet, fresh, energizing
🥘 Pro tip: Avoid ice and stick to bottled water if your stomach is sensitive.
💬 Local Insight: What We Learned
Transport is pricey – taxis cost $40–70 round trip
AC is unreliable unless your hotel has a generator
Vendors can be persistent – smile, learn a few Swahili phrases, and stand firm
Booking.com often doubles prices – call accommodations directly
Public transport is chaotic, but fun – if you’re up for it!
🧠 Travel Mindset: Go With Grace
Zanzibar is a developing region. Electricity might cut out. Wi-Fi is spotty. Not everyone speaks your language. And that’s exactly the beauty of it.
Come with humility, flexibility, and respect for a deeply religious culture. Learn a few words of Kiswahili. Ask questions. Laugh with strangers. This isn’t luxury travel—it’s real travel.
