Zanzibar often dazzles on social media as an exotic paradise. This Tanzanian archipelago is mostly celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, culture and colonial history. However, our two-week experience this August revealed a more complex reality. The paradise beaches and marine life, UNESCO-listed Stone Town, and its spice heritage are undeniably memorable. However, to my mind, sustainability and local community impacts deserve more attention from both leaders and tourists alike.

Stunning beaches: not everywhere for everyone
Zanzibar’s beaches—especially Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje—attract countless travellers, who search sun-soaked relaxation. We spent two weeks exploring these spots. Although they are beautiful, they also show a striking contrast between the partly luxurious tourism and the surrounding poverty.




Paje (pictures above) buzzes with kitesurfing and nightlife, while Kendwa (on the right) offers a resort-centric experience that feels disconnected from local life. Nungwi (below), though picturesque, felt like a bubble where tourism coexists with visible neglect. One day, we decided to visit Royal Beach in Nungwi, hoping to enjoy a relaxing coffee during sunset. To our surprise, the Royal Beach Resort denied access to external customers. Instead, we had to walk back through alleys filled with vendors and litter before finally finding a bar that served hot drinks. My distaste for all-inclusive resorts deepened during this experience; it feels wrong when access to such beautiful seaside locations is restricted to a select few. If the joys of the coast are limited to privileged guests, we must question the sustainability and inclusivity of this tourism model.



Stone Town: overrated UNESCO-site
Stone Town is often hailed as a must-see. You find lots of tour inspiration on GetYourGuide* or directly through local operaters. During our 2-night-stay there, we visited its colourful markets, narrow streets, the Freddy Mercury Museum, the nearby Prison Island and Nakupenga sandbank. Unfortunately, we found it to be less essential than advertised. While Stone Town’s colonial architecture is fascinating, we didn’t feel fully safe at night due to its dark alleys. And our daytrip to Prison Island and Nakupenda sandbank were overly touristy with crowds of tourists. I encourage tourists to explore mainly other parts of the island, beyond Stone Town.



*Disclaimer: Links marked with * are platforms I use to get inspired for my trips. If you book after clicking one of the affiliate links, I’ll earn some coffee money. I promise to drink all coffees while experiencing more adventures worth recommending for your next trip! You won’t pay a higher price.
Spice heritage: a call for sustainable practices
The spice industry is integral to Zanzibar’s identity. Yet, we observed concerning trends regarding foreign investment. When we drove from the southern Paje to the northern Nungwi, we noticed many foreign-owned farms, particularly by Chinese investors. The government’s push for large-scale agriculture could potentially displace local farmers and disrupt traditional methods that have defined the island’s culture for centuries. This development was honestly a deterrent for us to visit any spice farm.


If you are interested in Zanzibar’s spice heritage, seek out local farms and support businesses that prioritize community engagement and local livelihood over corporate interests.
Marine life: limited access for paying visitors
Zanzibar’s marine life is a paradise for snorkeling and diving fans. Our trip to Mnemba Island for example was a feast for the eye. However, it also underscored the concerning trend of privatization driven by foreign investment again. When booking a day trip to Mnemba, you won’t actually set foot on the island. Instead, you’ll navigate around it from a distance, as the island is privately owned by Bill Gates. The billionnaire has established a luxury resort there. Only paying guests are allowed to access the island, which limits public enjoyment of its natural beauty.

This rise in private resorts restricts access to many beaches and marine areas. It really raised questions in me about inclusivity and sustainability. I already saw many of such private islands on the Philippines (read all my Filipino post here); but they were more hidden and a sufficient amount of other public options were available for the “normal” people there.
Final thoughts: Is Zanzibar now really a paradise destination?
Zanzibar is often marketed as a dream destination, with exceptional natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. Indeed, you can find scenic white beaches with palm trees, local spice farms and other activities. However, our two weeks there revealed a more nuanced picture and left kind of a bitter taste—one where tourism can sometimes overshadow local needs and sustainability efforts.
For culturally interested tourists looking for sustainable travel experiences, seek out locally-run accomodation and activities that uplift rather than exploit local cultures. In the end, travellers can contribute to preserving Zanzibar’s heritage for generations to come.

Nevertheless, I consider the government as responsible and main driver of sustainable development. Therefore, I urge politics and leaders to wisely choose their investments, prioritize sustainable tourism practices that empower local communities, protect the islands’ heritage, and improve safety measures, especially in Stone Town, to ensure that visitors feels secure while exploring Zanzibar.
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