Go diving, visit Swahili-fishing villages, and snorkel while on a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Also known as the ‘Spice Island’, Zanzibar is a tropical ecstasy of palm-dotted beaches plus blue clear waters as well as a gorgeous blue sky. It is located 25 miles off the mainland of Tanzania.
Planning a safari or a holiday to the Island of Zanzibar you need to plan well and in advance. Some parts of Zanzibar are however commercialized and have to some extent lost the allure they once possessed. It is quite easy to trace the silent beaches if you save time and plan where to visit before setting out to the spiced archipelago.
The main island frequently called Zanzibar Island is steamy and lies east of the Tanzania mainland covering 60 miles in length and 20 miles in width. Zanzibar is famous and loved because of its gorgeous beaches, palm trees, as well as its seafood, coral reefs, and the magical remarkable Stone Town, which was in recent times acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The northeast section of this island is a region that is very pristine and is referred to as the Matemwe. This area of the island is well-known for its very natural beauty as well as proximity to the best diving sites with beautiful sights of the complementary colors of the large Indian Ocean, the pristine white-sand beaches, the overwhelming attractiveness of the coral reef on the Mnemba Atoll as well as the wild bush verdant vegetation. In addition, there is a small fishermen’s village from which these fishermen set out every morning sailing in their traditional dhows into the large ocean.
Beach at Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar has an international airport that has direct links to Europe as well as to regional destinations including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Nairobi in Kenya, and others. It is also possible to travel by water using the customary ferry services that operate between Zanzibar plus Dar Es Salaam. Furthermore, arrangements can be made to transfer you to or from the seaport, Stone Town, or the airport.
The specialty on this island is Seafood, which is acquired every day from the area’s local market. The cuisines prepared offer a scrumptious blend of African plus European flavors. Don’t miss out on the breathtaking views of the early sunrise while you sip your tea/coffee served right on your veranda. Furthermore, enjoy the moon rising from the horizon of the sea in the evening, such a magnificent romantic sight that you will surely remember for a lifetime. During the moonless nights stare into the well star-lit sky.
The locally available snorkeling plus diving sites are perfect for all stages of experience and can accommodate beginner to experienced divers. The reefs offer a Variety, especially around Matemwe. Hard plus soft corals, sponges in addition to anemones are plentiful, and you will certainly be astonished by the diverse species of fish to be found in the waters. If fortunate, you may come across dolphins in the water or even see a whale moving past the reef. There are higher chances of seeing whales from August to October.
Explore the adjacent village to experience the local Zanzibar culture as well as the impressive village life.
The history of Zanzibar runs way back to the times of the very first dhows that originated from India plus Arabia when they discovered this African natural harbor. The island was used as a stopover spot for caravans that traveled further to the interior of the African continent, and with time permanent settlements were built and this resulted in the creation of Stone Town.
On arrival into Stone Town by sea, visitors are greeted by the House of Wonders – a magnificent building that was previously used for administrative duties by the long-ago sultan. The sultan’s town palace is just next to it, and the walkways that joined the two buildings today stand decrepit. In close proximity, is the Portuguese Fort which brings to mind the short occupation of these people on the island! Not far away is the Anglican Cathedral that was constructed over the place of the ancient slave market to calm the wounds of a saddening past. In the present day, Stone Town stands as a major attraction as Zanzibar’s beaches, for the various visitors, are internationally renowned for their peaceful seascapes as well as island charm. There is quite a diversity of beaches popular for their tranquil crystal clear waters and the tropical climate from which Guests can make their choice
