Zanzibar is a tropical paradise rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
From fragrant spice farms to vibrant Stone Town streets, the island offers endless photo opportunities. Here’s your guide to capturing the best of Zanzibar.
Iconic Landmarks & Historic Sites
Stone Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town is a maze of narrow alleys, colorful doors, and carved wooden balconies.
Pro tip: Look for textures, shadows, and daily life - locals, market stalls, and bicycles make lively subjects.
Prison Island
Famous for its giant tortoises and historic ruins, Prison Island offers both wildlife and architectural photography.
Pro tip: Capture close-ups of the tortoises, or wide shots of the island’s stone buildings with the turquoise sea in the background.
Jozani Forest & Red Colobus Monkey Sanctuary
A lush forest home to Zanzibar’s endemic red colobus monkeys.
Pro tip: Use a zoom lens for monkey photography without disturbing them. Early morning or late afternoon provides soft, filtered light through the canopy. Include forest trails and streams to add depth and context.
Turtle Sanctuary
A smaller, conservation-focused area where you can photograph turtles up close.
Pro tip: Focus on details - shells, texture, and gentle movements. Combine with surrounding greenery for natural framing.
Spice Farm
Zanzibar’s spice farms are full of color and scent, with cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more.
Pro tip: Capture textures and vibrant hues up close, or include farmers harvesting for storytelling. Try wide shots to show rows of spice trees and lush greenery.
Quick Tips for Great Photos
- Golden hours are perfect - Early morning or late afternoon light highlights textures and colors.
- Include people - Locals, farmers, and market vendors add scale and context.
- Look for details & patterns - Carved doors, spice piles, or forest leaves add visual interest.
- Play with reflections - Tidal pools, streams, or sea water can make creative compositions.
- Capture motion - Monkeys leaping, fishermen casting nets, or spices being harvested bring life to your shots.
- Experiment with angles - Low shots, framing through trees, or side perspectives add depth.
- Respect wildlife & culture - Keep distance from animals and follow local customs.
- Use layers - Foreground leaves, middle-ground people, and background architecture or forest make photos dynamic.
- Be patient - Wildlife and street scenes often require waiting for the perfect moment.