Zanzibar for The Solo Traveller: a Friday-to-Monday weekend
Cloves, coral, and a town of carved doors.
The weekend that is entirely yours. Counters instead of tables, a morning hike before anyone is up, a gallery at opening, and the freedom to change the plan at noon.
Friday: Finding your feet
- Forodhani Gardens
A walk along the seafront among families, joggers and fishermen; safe, bright and a good first look at the town.
- Old Fort
The Old Fort's courtyard, free to wander and full of little craft stalls; the stallholders are friendly and rarely pushy.
- Forodhani Gardens Night Food Market
Eat standing at the night market stalls, where everyone shares a table and an octopus skewer costs a couple of euros.
Saturday: Museums at opening
- Peace Memorial Museum
One of the first doors to open: a clear and sober story of the sultanate and the revolution, quiet in the morning.
- Anglican Cathedral and Old Slave Market
The cathedral and slave market chambers; the guided tour runs in small groups, an easy way to meet other travellers.
- Lukmaan Restaurant
A counter-style local supper where one person eating alone is the norm; plates are big and cheap.
Sunday: Island and reef
- Prison Island (Changuu)
A shared boat trip to Changuu with tortoises and snorkelling; solo travellers are easily absorbed into a group.
- Nakupenda sandbank
The sandbank lunch with a mixed group; swim, eat grilled fish and swap travel tips with the crew.
- Cape Town Fish Market
A bar-stool seat on the seafront and a fish grill; the staff are friendly to those eating alone.
Monday: Coffee and goodbye
- Zanzibar Coffee House
A table with a book in a courtyard house, with eggs, juice and strong coffee at an unhurried pace.
- Freddie Mercury Museum
A small, personal museum that takes an hour; the staff are glad to chat about the singer's family.
- Jaws Corner
A last coffee at the old stand, standing among locals before the airport.