10 Best Photographic Safaris in Zanzibar

The Zanzibar Archipelago, about 37 km (23 miles) off the coast of Tanzania, is a dream destination for photographers and history boffins alike. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, ancient ruins, richly historical Stone Town, and spectacular scenery all combine into an irresistible whole with its unique blend of African, Arab, and European influences.

In Zanzibar, you can experience a photographic safari tour filled with cultural influences, vintage architecture, and spectacular marine life. Whether you’re an amateur photographer seeking inspiration, or a professional shutterbug looking to add to your portfolio, Zanzibar offers the perfect canvas.

This guide highlights what we regard as the top 10 photographic spots in Zanzibar, where the natural beauty and cultural richness come together to create stunning visual narratives for you to explore.

1. Stone Town

With its labyrinthine alleys, historical buildings, and bustling markets, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Walking through its narrow, winding streets, you’ll be transported back in time. Stone Town is renowned for its history and architectural marvels, richly blending Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European elements.

Photographers find endless inspiration in the town’s historic charm. From the intricate details of brass-studded doors to the vibrant hues of local markets, every turn offers you a captivating shot.

Best for: Street photography, architecture, and local life. Don’t miss bustling Forodhani Gardens, where you simply must try the famous fish kebabs and urojo, a delicious mango and tamarind soup served with finger-licking side dishes!

Photographic Highlight: Capturing the intricately carved wooden doorways and doors that are so famously characteristic of Zanzibar’s architecture.

2. Nungwi Beach

With its classic white sands, azure waters, and traditional dhow boats, this is definitely one of the 10 best photography spots in Zanzibar. Located at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island, Nungwi Beach is the very picture of a serene tropical paradise.

However, at dawn and dusk, it’s also a hub of activity as local fishermen set out in their dhows to fish. Sunset is the perfect time to capture the evocative silhouettes of the dhows against the vibrantly-coloured sky.

Best for: Beach scenes, sunsets, and traditional fishing activities. Nungwi is also still a focal point for Zanzibar dhow-building, and unique opportunities to see skilled shipwrights use traditional tools and methods to build these ocean-going crafts.

Photographic Highlight: Capturing timeless scenes of local fishermen pulling in their nets with their daily catches.

3. Prison Island

History-dense buildings, limpid turquoise waters, and a unique turtle sanctuary – what more can you ask for? Also known as Changuu Island, this historically significant island is renowned for its lush, tropical setting that contrasts strongly with the ruins of the prison that was intended for rebellious slaves. Though never utilised as such, it was later used as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases.

Today, the island’s most famous inhabitants are the giant Aldabra tortoises. The island’s crystal-clear waters and colourful, teeming coral reefs are also perfect for underwater photography and snorkelling.

Best for: Studies of endangered giant Aldabra tortoises and evocative prison ruins.

Photographic Highlight: Evocative close-ups of the centenarian tortoises.

4. Jozani Forest Reserve

With its dense tropical forest and sprawling mangroves, Jozani Forest Reserve is a tailor-made habitat for Zanzibar’s charismatic, critically endangered and striking endemic red colobus monkeys. You might also have a rare chance of photographing the miniscule Zanzibar suni antelope. The mangrove forests’ intricate play of light and shadow also ensure superb photographs.

Best for: The endemic red colobus monkeys and lush forest landscapes.

Photographic Highlight: Red colobus monkeys in their natural habitat and the fascinating aerial root habitats of the mangroves.

5. Paje Beach

With its crystal-clear shallow waters, silky white sand, seaweed farms, and many water sport opportunities, Paje Beach is a choice destination for photographers. The colourful sails of kite-surfers silhouetted against the blue sea and sky make for amazing pictures.

Paje is also an outstanding spot for snorkelling and the area’s intertidal seaweed farms offer another visually appealing subject for photographers. Aerial shots of Paje Beach are particularly stunning.

Best for: Watersports like kitesurfing and snorkelling as well as beach activities and photography.

Photographic Highlight: Kite surfers in dynamic action against the breathtaking backdrop of the endless ocean and sky.

6. Mnemba Island

With stunning coral atolls and crystal-clear waters, the small private island of Mnemba is an exclusive and secluded paradise. It’s a dream destination for scuba divers, snorkelling enthusiasts, and underwater photographers, with a mesmerising underwater world offering a fabulous kaleidoscope of colours. The waters hold a variety of marine species, from playful clownfish and majestic manta rays to relaxed sea turtles.

Best for: Underwater photography of corals and diverse tropical fish, snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, and just relaxing!

Photographic Highlight: Snorkelling or diving shots amid coral reefs.

7. Kizimkazi Dimbani and Kizimkazi Mkunguni Villages

The Kizimkazi villages, located on the southern coast of Zanzibar, are traditional fishing villages. With their rustic charm and unspoilt surroundings, they provide great photographic opportunities. Kizimkazi Mkunguni is also renowned for its dolphin watching.

The early morning dolphin tours are particularly rewarding, when the dolphins are most lively, interactive, and playful. The sight of these powerful creatures leaping clear of the water offers truly spectacular images for photographers. So does daily village life, which offers a diverse range of subjects for photographers. You can watch as people are preparing their boats, mending their nets, and returning with their catch.

Best for: Dolphin tours, cultural interactions, village life, and fishing activities.

Photographic Highlight: Dolphins leaping above the waves during early morning tours.

8. Spice Farms

Zanzibar is famously and rightly known as the “Spice Islands”. But its lush plantations of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices offer more than just visual beauty – they provide an unmatched sensory experience.

Photographers can capture the essence of Zanzibar’s rich spice heritage and showcase the island’s traditional methods still used in spice cultivation. Visitors can also enjoy guided spice tours as well as cooking classes to learn about the island’s delicious cuisine.

Best for: Stunning macro shots of spice cultivation and harvesting, with soft, natural light filtering through the leaves of spice plantations.

Photographic Highlight: Hands holding freshly picked spices revealing fascinating textures, colours, and details.

9. Chumbe Island Coral Park

Chumbe Island Coral Park is an award-winning private nature reserve located on a small coral island off the coast of Zanzibar. This protected area, established in 1991, includes a pristine marine sanctuary and a coral rag forest. It’s an absolute paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

The highlight of Chumbe Island is undoubtedly its coral gardens. Here, the clarity of the water offers perfect photographic conditions. Chumbe Island is also known for its eco-architecture and sustainable tourism practices. It stands as a shining testament to successful marine conservation.

Best for: Experiencing ecotourism, marine conservation, sustainable eco-architecture, and pristine beaches.

Photographic Highlight: Breathtaking coral gardens and marine life thriving in the crystal-clear, shallow waters.

10. The Rock Restaurant

Renowned internationally for its superb menu, the stunning setting of The Rock Restaurant in Zanzibar is definitely something you won’t find anywhere else. Sitting on top of a rock just off the shore of the Michanvi Peninsula and Pingwe beach, this enchanting restaurant provides photographers with some excellent panoramic views.

The contrast between the simple, rustic structure of the restaurant and the vastness of the Indian Ocean completely surrounding it at high tide is enthralling. So are the surrounding seascapes, with sunsets and sunrises being particularly beautiful. The Rock Restaurant is testament to Zanzibar’s fusion of natural beauty, human creativity, superb food, and ingenious architecture.

Best for: Unrivalled architectural studies, seascapes, and panoramic views.

Photographic Highlight: When the restaurant is entirely surrounded by water during high tide.

At Discover Africa, we’ve long been under the spell of Zanzibar’s powerful allure. It combines a wealth of history, a rich cultural life, and  excellent diving and snorkelling in East Africa with outstanding landscapes, marine life, activities, accommodation, and cuisine.

Remember: as a photographer, it’s vital to respect local traditions and always ask permission before photographing people, their homes, and their property.