The Coast & Zanzibar
Northwest of Selous is Tanzania’s low and lush coastal strip and Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, which is the embarkation point for the exotic islands of Zanzibar. Roughly 25 miles off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets.
With the historic Stone Town, white sandy beaches, exotic coral reeds and the only place in the world where you can find the Kirk's Red Colobus monkey, Zanzibar is a true paradise – the perfect place to relax and unwind – especially at the end of an adventurous safari. |
 |
 Don’t miss… |
Visit Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), Dr Livingstone's House and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You can also visit the bustling markets and stalls, the many mosques and Stone Town’s 2 cathedrals to get a real insight into this cultural melting pot.
The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey which is endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve's perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkeys, small buck and bushpigs.
Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins, which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to the dolphins, which is an awe-inspiring experience, the memory of which will stay with you forever.
A trip to the Spice Plantations just outside Zanzibar town is an excellent way to understand more about the islands and how they came to become so diverse. Tours around the plantations are informative and interactive, with visitors able to experience the sights and smells of the many spices grown and the many uses they have had over the years. Here is also a great place to buy any spices or oils you want and is relatively inexpensive. |
Suggested Accommodation
|
236 Hurumzi
In the heart of Stone Town, 236 Hurumzi (ex Emerson and Green Hotel) rises above standard accommodation by providing elegant, traditionally furnished, airy rooms and a Tower Top Restaurant with amazing views. The sixteen guest rooms are beautiful and romantic, each representing Zanzibari traditions in a distinct way. The Tower Top Restaurant lies high among the minarets, temple towers, and church spires. It is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary eating venues in the world.
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island Lodge is situated on an exclusive island just 4.5 km off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar in the azure Indian Ocean. Hand-woven from traditional Zanzibarian palm-matting, each of the 10 secluded bandas on this Indian Ocean Island has a spacious veranda and is hidden in the shade of a tropical beach forest. A palm-covered walkway leads to an en suite bathroom with shower and basin. A protection zone surrounds the island, conserving magnificent coral reefs where giant turtles, ghost crabs and spectacular tropical fish drift through the lagoons.
Breezes Beach Club & Spa
Family owned and run, Breezes offers guests the ultimate in island paradise. All rooms are tastefully decorated in ivory tones, with cotton throws, teak wood finishes and Zanzibar carvings. All have air-conditioning and wonderful en suite bathrooms. There are four sumptuous restaurants in which to dine offering a wide variety of cuisine. The Spa is an excellent place to relax and be pampered, and the scuba diving centre offers all diving services from beginners to advanced diving.
Pole Pole Lodge
Situated in the Utende area of Mafia Island, Pole Pole Mafia Island Lodge is set in a shady, breezy spot facing a sea of the deepest blue and looking over at the islands of Chole, Juani and Jibondo. The lodge has ten spacious bungalows with wide verandas looking onto the sea and are built entirely out of wood, raised on stilts to ensure maximum comfort for guests. Excursions to Chole Bay can be taken where spectacular snorkeling and swimming opportunities abound. Guests are treated to 3 gourmet meals a day to top off this already remarkable sanctuary. |
| Getting there |
Most international visitors fly into Dar es Salaam and then take a scheduled flight from there into Zanzibar. Some airlines do fly direct – please ask for the latest information on this. From within Africa, many airlines operate regular flights into Zanzibar, or again, you can take a domestic flight to Dar es Salaam and travel onward from there. Several ferry companies also sail between Dar and Zanzibar if you fancy a change of scenery. |
| When to visit |
Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year. The heat of summer is seasonally often cooled by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coasts. Being near to the equator, the islands are warm all year round, but officially, summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Short rains can occur in November but are characterised by short showers that don’t last long. |
|
|
|
|
