July 13, 2026

Fumba Times | Mambo – What´s on?

Event Highlights:

Our team of passionate explorers has ventured out far and wide to bring you the hidden gems, buzzing hotspots, and must-attend events that locals love and the world hasn‘t found yet. If not mentioned otherwise, regular events take place every month.

Not yet listed? Mail us your events for the upcoming Sept-Nov 2026 edition until 1 August. Mail to: events@fumbatimes.com

Club of the month

Never too early to party

Zanzibar’s iconic electro beach club since 2017, B4 on Paje beach, opens earlier this season, turning lazy beach days into music-filled after-kite events. Afro house, deep electro & funk with Zanzibar’s first female DJ Zainooba and international DJs. Balearic tunes on Sundays.

Where: B4, Paje, Tuesdays 3 pm, Sundays from 12pm Info: b4beachclub

Best restaurant

Dumpling lovers unite!

Kim Nguyen, a Vietnamese in Zanzibar, has blended history, dumplings and Pho soup into an irresistible mix. Her latest of five outstanding dining spots, inspired by Hanoi street food and Vietnamese coffee specials, is hidden in a romantic garden near Jaws Corner. A must-try!

Where: Hanoi House Café, Stone Town Info: IG @kim_dining_concept

Beach Surprise

Sunset on the East Coast?

Only in westward-facing Michamvi Bay! Several hotels and restaurats are tucked away there at the northern tip of the South East Coast, a 20-minute drive from Paje. Kae Funk beats drift over the water. Jaz Elite Aurora features a jetty bar; a Floating Bar is coming in Jun

Where: Kae Funk Beach Bar, Michamvi Info: IG @kaefunkbeachbar; Sundays: DJ KCM & band

Spotlight on…

From Fiji to Zanzibar

The 120-year-old teak staircase may be creaking, but events are strictly contemporary. Open mics, clothing swaps, movie nights: Lucy and Gillead Mziray, Londoners with Fijian roots, have spiked up a former Omani royal mansion with Swahili health food and a culture garden.

Where: Habari House, Stone Town Info: habarihouse.com, boutique hotel & event hub

Smiling woman in a light suit and pearl necklace, representing Fumba Town in Zanzibar's business endeavors.

July 7, 2026

THE WOMAN who got into Forbes

Successful against the odds – that’s how you could describe Miranda Naiman. The 43-year old founder of consulting firm Empower in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar has a lot to say about common business traps, Zanzibar and women careers in Africa. We want to photograph her at her desk but she laughingly declines: “I don’t

Luxury living room with ocean view, featuring modern furniture and lush greenery, inspired by Fumba Town, Zanzibar.

June 30, 2026

“Zanzibar is a unique brand”

New generation reshaping the island – Transparency builds trust Zanzibar is a brand, no longer an undiscovered paradise. But is the island heading in the right direction? Two leading experts from tourism and real estate discuss. Zanzibar is transforming at extraordinary speed. Luxury residences rise where palm groves once stood. Tourist arrivals are nearing one

Woman with eyes closed, resting peacefully on a massage table at Fumba Town, Zanzibar.

June 23, 2026

Home of wellness opening in Fumba

Home of wellness opening in Fumba What do you expect from a good spa? State-of-the art professional treatments, an inspiring atmosphere, innovation. If this was somewhat hard to come by in Zanzibar, things might be about to change. Sebule, Swahili for living room, is a new beauty and wellness establishment set to open on 27

A tour guide explains local history to a group of visitors in Fumba Town, Zanzibar.

June 15, 2026

How do you want to live?

What affordable housing really means in Zanzibar Affordability is one of Zanzibar’s key challenges in urban development. Rent-to-own could be the golden strategy. And it could start in Fumba. According to official statistics, 10,000 new homes per year are needed on the island. What should these houses look like and how can they be financed,

Man kitesurfing and giving a thumbs up on a sunny day in Fumba Town, Zanzibar.

June 15, 2026

The East Coast Surf is On

Warm water, wild wind and total freedom – Kiters’ heaven in Paje At first glance, Paje looks too beautiful to be sporty. The beach is absurdly white. The Indian Ocean glows in fifty shades of turquoise. Masai sell rubber sandals. But then the wind arrives. Suddenly the horizon explodes with colour: red kites, blue kites,

Comparison of Mercator projection map vs. real-world map showing Africa's true size, a project by Fumba Town Zanzibar.

May 26, 2026

How Big is Africa

How big is Africa? Greenland as big as Africa? This widespread misconception goes back to a world map from 1569 — one that has shaped how millions picture the planet. A newer map shows how it could be done better. No land or sea map can truly portray the Earth as it is. The

Elderly man pouring tea from a metal kettle into a cup at a street stall in Fumba Town, Zanzibar.

May 19, 2026

Serving tea for 33 years

A fixture at the Forodhani night market for more than three decades, Babu Chai never runs out of tea and coffee. The menu, printed out and laminated, contains only three items: spice tea, ginger tea, and coffee. They do come in two different sizes though – in large mugs or in small paper cups. Babu

A collection of hand-poured soy wax scented candles from Fumba Town, Zanzibar, featuring scents like Clove, Cinnamon, and Vanilla.

May 19, 2026

Lighten up your Life!

Candles & new Utulivu Spa The iced matcha got us – a candle with the scent of the trend tea of the season. We had to find out who is behind such wonderful creations. Quality scented candles are now available in Zanzibar. Mercy Odhiambo, a talented Kenyan who moved here three years ago, is producing

Fumba Town Zanzibar's retail space featuring shelves stocked with colorful insulated water bottles and various artisanal crafts.

May 11, 2026

The A to Z of Shopping

S Shoes Unless you fancy high heels made of plastic, trustfully turn to Zanzibar’s last remaining shoemakers Sirtu $ Sons. You’ll find pure leather creations, from standard brown men and women sandals to new golden glitter designs in Hermes shape at their work- and retailshop on Gizenga Street Souvenirs Let’s rename it “meaningful souvenirs”, if