Backpacking Zanzibar: Things You Need to know. It’s an attitude, not about
cost / money.

When it comes to travel, everyone has his/her own way to do it. For some, it’s all about the camaraderie with friends, travel in large groups and the whole nine yards. For others, it’s the place and endless exploration, with not too much emphasis on the accommodation and other things. The backpacker is a category of traveller who wants both- no fuss accommodation, exploration and often, friendship.Zanzibar offers many options for the intrepid backpacker. You can choose to walk through the country or hire a daladala, a kind of miniature lorry that seats about 18 people. It is not expensive and can help you traverse the longer distances on the trip. There’s a freedom in the backpacker way of travel- you set the deadlines and the pace and you decide how much you want to see each day.Most visitors to Zanzibar come to explore the World Heritage Site of Stone Town. This Arabian town dates back to the seventeenth century. It has labyrinths and baths and offers a lot of opportunities to spend time. As the sun slowly sets, you can make your way to the famous night market of Zanzibar, and indulge in the local cuisine of the place. The market is set up every night and it’s a good way to get your fill without burning a hole in your pocket. It takes place at the Forodhani Gardens so head there for all the action and food- from sweet sugarcane juice to delicious kebabs and seafood, you’ll find many things to indulge in there.

Zanzibar is known for its splendid display of nature. When you’re looking for Zanzibar backpackers accommodation look for something that’s on the beach or at close proximity to it. For example, the award winning Drifters Backpackers is on Paje Beach, a very popular spot for young people. You can swim, scuba dive or kite surf, depending on what you like. If you’re looking for relaxation, you can take a dip in the sea-facing swimming pool in a secure and safe environment. Drifters is also close to many restaurants, bars and shops. Travel in taxi is expensive though, so it might be a good idea to car pool with other backpackers. In
Stone Town, check out Ten to Ten, a highly recommended hostel, with great facilities and amenities. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Nungwi, close to Mnemba Island offers some snorkelling that’s unparalleled. If you like fishing, there’s spear fishing too. You can also learn about the efforts being made to protect sea turtles through conservation efforts. For fun, head to Kendwa Rocks close to Nungwi where a party takes place every full moon night! If you’re in the mood for some indulgence, why not find the perfect place for that adventurous backpacker attitude and check out the accommodation at Kichanga Lodge? If you can team up with friends, then this could be the perfect end of a lovely backpacking holiday in Zanzibar, a lovely extravagance before you join the rest of the world.