The spice island, pristine beaches, Arabian dhows, colorful bazaars, a mystifying network of narrow alleyways-Zanzibar evokes images of mystery and romance. The picturesque paradise is a holiday destination travelers from across the globe. The narrow streets of Stone Town were for many early explorers a first sight of Africa as they stopped at Tanzania’s offshore island to provision expeditions, hire porters and plan their journeys.
Even now the island of Zanzibar is of Africa but not in it, a superb choice for a beach element of a longer safari but also a good destination for a sun and sand holiday in its own right.
Stone Town is the only significant city, an atmospheric meandering capital busy with markets and traders that echoes, five times a day, with the calls to prayer from countless muezzins. The city beaches are more used for informal games of football than for lounging in the sun, so after a day or two sun lovers should head out of town, to a selection of resorts set around the coast, or to the other islands, Pemba, Mafia, Mnemba and Chumbe. The emphasis here is on relaxed barefoot luxury, and most of these resorts and islands offer superb snorkelling and scuba diving.
Regular flights link Zanzibar with the mainland, though there are also a handful of resorts on Tanzania’s coast that can be reached overland.
Zanzibar Holidays - Travel Tips
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- The climate on Zanzibar follows that of the mainland with some rain in April, May and November, but warm temperatures throughout the year.
- There are a wide variety of hotels on Zanzibar and the surrounding islands; from larger 'resort style' hotels with their own dive schools and water sports through to much smaller lodges with thatched cottages along a coral cliff top.
- A beach holiday on Zanzibar combines well with a safari in Tanzania or neighbouring Kenya.
Stone Town for a Sensory Experience
Stone Town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys complete with palaces, mosques, and tiny shops. Enclosed on two sides by the sea, this ancient spice trading port is exotic, vibrant and steeped in history. Visit the noisy early morning markets as the smell of spices fills the air; browse the busy bazaars; explore the maze of alleyways to admire intricately carved wooden doors and, as the sun sets, watch laden dhows sail in and out of port from one of Stone Town's magical roof-top restaurants.
Castaway Conservation - Chumbe Island
Live in luxury on this private island without damaging the environment. The award winning accommodation is constructed ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style from local materials and comes with many eco friendly features. A 30 second stroll takes you from your bed to the warm tropical ocean which is teeming with countless species of fish and resident turtles. The island boasts a protected, pristine coral reef described as offering ‘the best snorkelling in the world’. Alternatively, explore the island’s forest reserve to look for the rare giant coconut crab. These extraordinary arthropods roam around at night, climbing palm trees and breaking into coconuts to eat their contents. |
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