Zanzibar is a place of strong contrasts – and that is what this project is about.
Here you’ll find images from the narrow streets and busy markets of Stone Town, with reminders of the island’s dark history of slave trade, side by side with calm scenes from exotic beach resorts like Tulia Unique Beach Resort and LUX Marijani.
I hope this collection gives you both reflection and inspiration to explore Zanzibar yourself.
Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort – palm-shaded gardens, hammocks and a quiet stretch of sugar-white beach on the Chwaka Bay coastline.
Street scene in Stone Town, Zanzibar – mix of Arabic, African and European influences in the historic centre.
LUX Marijani, Zanzibar
Rooftop terrace at Upendo House in Stone Town, Zanzibar – cosy seating, lanterns and rooftop views across the old town towards the tropical Indian Ocean.
Main meat market in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Memorial to the victims of the East African slave trade beside the Anglican Cathedral in Stone Town, Zanzibar – life-size stone figures in a sunken pit inviting quiet reflection.
Former slave holding cell beneath the Anglican Cathedral in Stone Town, Zanzibar – cramped stone chamber with low ceiling and dim light evoking the island’s dark history.
Historic streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar – traditional Swahili architecture with carved wooden doors and faded façades in warm tropical light.
Busy main fish market in Stone Town, Zanzibar – close-packed stalls, colourful produce and crowds of locals creating a lively, authentically East African atmosphere.
Crowded indoor market scene in Stone Town, Zanzibar – narrow aisles, hanging goods and vendors surrounded by spices, vegetables and household items.
Hammock at Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort – gently swinging between palm trees above white sand, with turquoise Chwaka Bay in the background.
Street scene in Stone Town, Zanzibar
Seaweed farms on the Zanzibar shoreline – rows of stakes and ropes exposed at low tide in the shallow turquoise lagoon, part of the island’s traditional coastal livelihood.
Harbour in Stone Town, Zanzibar – traditional wooden dhows and ferries lying in the turquoise Indian Ocean with the city waterfront as a backdrop.
LUX Marijani Beach Resort, Zanzibar – palm-fringed shoreline, white sand and a shallow turquoise lagoon on the east coast of the island.
Traditional wooden dhow sailing off the coast of Zanzibar – triangular lateen sail catching the Indian Ocean breeze against a deep blue horizon.
Our room at LUX Marijani, Zanzibar – airy beachfront bedroom with contemporary Swahili-inspired décor, opening towards palm trees and the sea.
Tropical gardens at LUX Marijani, Zanzibar – winding paths, palm trees and thatched roofs leading down towards the white-sand beach and lagoon.
Relaxing on a Zanzibar beach – powder-soft white sand, leaning palm trees and calm turquoise water under a bright tropical sky.
Evening at Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort – warm lights, silhouettes of palm trees and gentle waves creating a calm Indian Ocean sunset mood.
Swimming pool at LUX Marijani, Zanzibar – clear blue water, palm trees and sunbeds creating a relaxed tropical resort atmosphere beside the beach
Pathway through palm trees at LUX Marijani, Zanzibar – manicured lawns and tropical planting leading towards villas and the beach.
Sunlit beachfront at LUX Marijani, Zanzibar – sun loungers and palm shade along a quiet stretch of white-sand shore.
Outdoor restaurant at LUX Marijani, Zanzibar – open-air dining beneath wooden beams and palm fronds, overlooking the pool and Indian Ocean.
Our bungalow at Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort – private villa with thatched roof, shaded terrace and tropical garden just steps from the beach. Click the image for a short room tour.
Tropical lagoon at Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort – reef-protected shallows, swaying palms and colourful loungers set for a laid-back beach day.
Chwaka Bay, Zanzibar – wide turquoise lagoon at low tide, sandbanks and a distant palm-lined shore under a big tropical sky.
Beachfront at Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort – curved shoreline, reef-protected lagoon and palm trees reaching towards the Indian Ocean.
Gardens and beachfront at Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort – lush greenery, winding paths and glimpses of the bright Indian Ocean beyond.
Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort, Zanzibar
All photographs on this page were taken by Norwegian travel and landscape photographer Svein-Magne Tunli.