The Sands Beach Resort lies in the beach village of Dongwe, located approximately 60 km from Zanzibar's capital "Stone Town".
The Island offers a unique combination of outstanding places to visit such as the cultural delights of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its rich Omani historical architecture and fortresses, the various spice farms and Jozani Forest National park (25km away) where you can see the endemic endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey.
This forest is one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the world of the red colubus monkey. The forest is 2,512 hectares (6,207 acres) in size and was declared a nature reserve in the 1960's.
Wonderful photo opportunities and sightings of these rare creatures living in the forest reserves are possible on the pathways. Our guides are also naturalists and nature lovers will have a wonderful time in the nature reserve.
The most popular dolphin spotting location in Zanzibar is in Kizimkazi village located on the Southern coast of Zanzibar Island where you can see both bottle-nose and humpback dolphins.
The shallow coastal waters around Kizimkazi are a favorite hangout for dolphins that come here for the reliable food supply, to nurse their calves, rest and socialize.
The island of Changuu, also known as Prison Island, is about 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town. With a short boat ride, reach the island and spend the day snorkeling, hiking and relaxing in the sun.
You will get the opportunity to visit the tortoise sanctuary, which contains a large colony of giant tortoises imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century.
You can also snorkel in the crystal clear water and search for colorful tropical fish and attractive corals around the island.
Visit the small island in front of the stone city and see the ruins of the ancient prison originally used for rebel slaves by Arab owners and later as a quarantine center for British territory in East Africa.
The Safari Blue experience is an unmissable day tour of the protected waters around the islands of Zanzibar.
Sailing in traditional Dhows, beautifully constructed from African mahogany by Zanzibari craftsmen, you'll have the opportunity to see and feel the magic of the African Spice Islands up close and personal.
The tour is packed with activities for all tastes; so whether you want to unwind and watch nature or snorkel with tropical fish or feast on local delicacies, we have you covered!
At 60 km from the resort you can visit Stone Town, also known as Mji Mkongwe (Swahili for "old town"), is the old part of Zanzibar City, the main city of Zanzibar.
The heart of Stone Town mostly consists of a maze of narrow alleys lined by houses, shops, bazaars and mosques.
Since most streets are too narrow for cars, the town is crowded with bicycles and motorbikes. Zanzibar's main markets are well worth a visit - best undertaken in the morning, when things are still fresh.
You'll find everything here - from colourful piles of spices, slabs of meat, fresh fish and huge baskets full of live chickens to sandals and mobile phones - all set out in a series of covered halls and twisting alleys.
The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which are essential ingredients in a Zanzibari's everyday life, it is the island's connection to spices and herbs.
Zanzibar and Spice is a romantic entanglement that dates back to the 16th century.
They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, this is also a fantastic opportunity to see the countryside and rural areas of Zanzibar and also connect with local people.