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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Zanzibar

6 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Updated September 27, 2022

Unusual Attractions in Zanzibar

Michamvi, Tanzania

The Rock

Sitting atop a rock on Michamvi Pingwe beach, this restaurant becomes its own island at high tide.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar's Night Market

After sunset the heart of Zanzibar's historic Stone Town neighborhood transforms into a culinary playground.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Mercury House

Freddie Mercury's childhood home is now a monument to the iconic Queen rockstar.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

The House of Wonders

In Zanzibar, a historic 19th-century palace is a reminder of the world's shortest war.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Slave Market Memorial

This monument is a stark reminder of the horrors of the Zanzibar slave trade.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Tippu Tip's House

This slowly crumbling mansion was home to one of East Africa's richest and most powerful slave traders.

Are we missing something unusual?

Unguja Ukuu, Tanzania

Unguja Ukuu

A remote island settlement off the coast of Tanzania is a storied archaeological site with an ancient past.

11 miles from Zanzibar

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Zanzibar

Michamvi, Tanzania

The Rock

Sitting atop a rock on Michamvi Pingwe beach, this restaurant becomes its own island at high tide.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar's Night Market

After sunset the heart of Zanzibar's historic Stone Town neighborhood transforms into a culinary playground.

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Guided Tours of Zanzibar

Explore Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar Leaderboard

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Recent Zanzibar Activity

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Gr8Jorno

wants to go to Slave Market Memorial
G

Gr8Jorno

wants to go to The House of Wonders
G

Gr8Jorno

wants to go to Mercury House
R

rozclarke

has been to Mercury House
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rozclarke

has been to Zanzibar's Night Market

Stories About Zanzibar

The Hidden History of Zanzibar's Stone Town

The settlement is centuries older than historians once believed.

by Line Sidonie Talla Mafotsing

September 27, 2022

The World's Shortest War Ended Less Than an Hour After It Started

But it’s not easy to say how long the Anglo-Zanzibar War actually was.

by Isaac Schultz

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