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Zanzibar is a pair of islands (and a number of tiny islands) off the east coast of Tanzania. It offers old world charm, stunning turquoise beaches, beautiful hotels and rustic adventure. Zanzibar consists of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba. Unjunga is famous for the bustle and culture of the capital, Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site. Here you will find night clubs, restaurants, luxury hotels, and some of the most popular beaches.
Accommodation in Zanzibar
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The Residence Zanzibar is situated on a mile of pristine white beach, with coconut palms standing watch and the warm, sultry waters of the Indian Ocean lapping softly at the powdery sand.
From: USD 731
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Pemba, the other island, is full of adventure and wildlife. Far less urbanized, it has a number of jungle safari trips on offer, some of the best fishing in East Africa, and beautiful natural scenery. It’s well worth your while to organize a tour or activities, however, as wandering around on your own in the forests is dangerous, and you’ll likely not stumble on some of the islands most prized treasures.
Top Things to Do in Zanzibar
Aside from lounging on the beach, Zanzibar is a historical and cultural safari destination, so be prepared to soak up some interesting sites and spend a few days travelling around using whatever means are available.
1) Stone Town
The capital, and Zanzibar’s largest city, Stone Town is a bustle of activity, and is a great place to start your journey – if only because the relative seclusion of more remote parts of the islands will stand out in greater contrast. There are a number of busy night clubs and restaurants, but most of the fun is to be had visiting markets and sites of historical interest.
2) Scuba Diving on the East Coast
Zanzibar’s tropical waters are excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling, and there are many spots where you can see dolphins up close, or explore the shallows around a coral atoll. If you don’t know how to scuba dive, there are a number of PADI accredited courses available that will get you in the water in only a day.
3) Fishing Trips
There are a number of excellent fishing tours available on both islands, and the tropical and game fishing is some of the best in Africa. If you plan on doing some fishing, we can arrange for a reliable and knowledgeable local fishing expert to guide you to the best spots, and help you get a good deal on gear if you need to hire it.
4) Beit el-Ajaib (House of Wonders)
The largest building in Zanzibar, and one of the earliest, is also the home of the Zanzibar National Museum of History & Culture. It was once used as a residence for the sultans, and later as the headquarters of the country’s ruling party. Inside you will find exhibits on dhow culture, the Swahili nation, and a number of temporary special exhibits.
When to Go to Zanzibar
While Zanzibar is a tropical paradise for most of the year, its weather tends to be similar to that of Zanzibar, only more humid. This means it is subject to monsoon weather, which is called “the long rains” on the islands. For the months of March to May the islands are typically very wet and windy, and travel is not advised.
During the height of summer – November and December – there is another rainy period (the “short rains”). For the rest of the year, the weather is usually warm or hot, with clear blue skies and light breezes.
Getting There
By air – Ethiopian Airlines and Kenyan Airlines offer scheduled international flights to Zanzibar’s main airport, and most of these will go from Dubai or Dar es Salaam. Most large carriers fly to Dar es Salaam.
By sea – There is a short but beautiful ferry trip from Dar es Salaam (itself a fascinating city). These are run by several major operators, so shop around for a good deal. It’s well worth booking even a few nights in Zanzibar if you’re going to be in a position to get to Dar es Salaam.
