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| Tamba Africa
specialises in tours to Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, including accommodation
on Zanzibar in Stone Town or on the coast. Let us arrange your entire
Zanzibar tour, with flights, hotels, scuba diving and more.
Book your Zanzibar island
trip with us. |
Zanzibar Archipelago
The islands of the Zanzibar archipelago,
off the Tanzanian coast, are sun, sea and spice destinations - surrounded
by pristine coral reefs, beautiful white beaches, intense blue-green
waters and endless palm trees. While most visitors only visit Unguja,
commonly known as Zanzibar Island, fewer take advantage of the fact
that this is an archipelago, with several other islands and numerous
islets.
Photos courtesy: Zanzibar.net |
To mention the name Zanzibar is to conjure up an air of mystery - sultans,
ivory, slaves, spices, navigators and explorers. These small islands
have in centuries past held sway over large parts of mainland Africa
and the islands of the Indian Ocean, controlling trade routes from
the interior to the markets of the east. Many empires have taken control
of this territory and valued it as a 'jewel in the crown', both for
its strategic position off the east coast of Africa, and because of
its fresh water, fertile soils and temperate climate.
Stone Town, the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, is a designated
UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling
bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with
each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. Here you can spend
many idle hours and days wandering through the fascinating labyrinth
of narrow streets and alleyways.
Zanzibar's brilliant white beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters
of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to relax and soak up
the sun. These pristine beaches are interspersed with picturesque fishing
villages, where the people live a simple way of life, unchanged over
the years.
At the northern tip of the island is Nungwi, approached by a road lined
by banana palms, mangroves and coconut trees. This is the dhow building
capital of Zanzibar Island, so it is a good place to see traditional
craftsmen at work. On the west coast of Zanzibar, Mangapwani beach
is worth a visit, and to the east are the beaches of Matemwe, Pwani
Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Uroa, Bwejuu and Jambiani, all with stretches
of beautiful and uncrowded sands.
Despite its endless stream of visitors, the island of Zanzibar remains
authentic and full of local colour. Life remains simple here and even
the east coast beaches, which run for mile upon mile, are not lined
with hotels, bars and restaurants - just family run guesthouses and
coconut villages. Similarly, as evening draws on at the guesthouse
or lodge, the locals produce their bao and draughts boards and the
night passes gently with a drink and a laugh. There seems no need for
any greater entertainment.
Zanzibar also boasts several small offshore islands, which are ideal
for day trips. Prison Island, originally used by Arabs to detain recalcitrant
slaves, is home to the Giant Tortoise originally from Seychelles and
Giant Coconut Land crabs. Chumbe Island has a beautiful marine sanctuary;
Mnemba Island is where the rich and famous congregate; and Pemba Island
offers extensive diving sites with its abundance of unspoilt reefs.
Zanzibar is not very big and is easy to get around, whether on a public
bus, by bicycle, hired car or minibus. All journeys are easily navigated
and negotiated with the assistance of a good map. On the other hand,
there is so much atmosphere and culture to absorb, that you could take
months.
Tamba Africa recommends
Snorkelling/scuba diving: for those who wish to learn to dive the calm,
clear waters of Zanzibar are an ideal learning ground. One Ocean, Zanzibar’s
first five star dive IDC centre, offers good, well maintained equipment
and reliable boats, and all safety procedures are adhered to.
Photos courtesy: One Ocean Dive Centre |
Sunset cruise: take a romantic sunset cruise from Stone Town hosted by the Zanzibar dive centre, One Ocean.
Stone Town tour: with visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace
Museum, Dr Livingstone’s House and the Arab Fort amongst others,
this tour provides a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar.
Spice tour: spices can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and a good tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices, and their uses in cooking and cosmetics.
Spices and Red Colobus Monkey – Photos courtesy: Zanzibar.net |
Dolphin excursions: 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 can be a very rewarding experience.
Deep sea fishing: offering professional big game fishing in the waters between Zanzibar and Pemba. Fully equipped deep sea fishing boat available for exclusive charter.
Jozani forest visit: see the rare red colobus monkey, which is endemic to Zanzibar. The elusive Zanzibar leopard (last sited several years ago) is said to feed here at night.
Accommodation:
There is some excellent accommodation in a few small pockets on Zanzibar, but it can take some finding in among a fair amount of mediocrity. Booking in advance is essential for the best places, which are usually full all year round.
Dhow Palace hotel
This small yet luxurious hotel is situated in the heart of Zanzibar's historic
Stone Town. Its 16 self-contained and spacious rooms are furnished with traditional
Sultan size four-poster beds. All rooms are tastefully appointed with Zanzibar
artefacts, and all rooms have large balconies overlooking an attractive and cool
central courtyard. This creates a tranquil atmosphere, making the Dhow Palace
a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and one of the most
popular hotels in Zanzibar.
Tembo House hotel
This unique hotel has an array of antique furniture and ornaments
from all over the world. Sleep on a unique Swahili beds and enjoy
the wood carved furniture, which is rarely seen in many countries.
Most of the rooms have balconies overlooking the beach or the swimming
pool courtyard. Each bedroom is self contained, air conditioned, and
equipped with fridge, telephone and satellite television.
Tembo House Hotel |
Kitete guest house
This delightful former beach residence is situated in Paje, a little village
on the southeast coast of Zanzibar, 50km from Zanzibar Town. This guesthouse
offers you clean and cosy rooms in a friendly and familiar environment, at very
reasonable prices. There are three houses with 2, 3 and 6 rooms. All rooms are
double rooms, self-contained with new fresh tiles on the floor and bathrooms
walls. There are four rooms with double beds, the rest are twin beds.
Kitete Guest House |
Bluebay beach resort
Located on the east coast in an area known as Kiwengwa, the hotel offers 80 superior
rooms, six deluxe rooms and two sultan rooms, all of which enjoy magnificent
views of the Indian Ocean. Each consists of a spacious bedroom, separate dressing
room, en-suite bathroom and balcony. All rooms are tastefully decorated using
traditional Zanzibari furniture, including large four-poster beds with mosquito
nets, a writing bureau, coffee table and easy chairs. Split-level air conditioners,
ceiling fans, satellite TVs, mini-bars, hair dryers and telephones add a touch
of luxury to each room.
Bluebay Beach Resort |
Matemwe beach village
A secluded paradise for swimmers, snorkellers and divers, located on a long,
pristine beach. Just south of the village of Matemwe, the hotel is in an ideal
location to rest, relax, and enjoy the best diving and beaches on offer in Zanzibar,
at an affordable price. Each large, self-contained room is furnished in a comfortable
Zanzibari style with your own veranda overlooking the sea.
Matemwe Beach Village |
The Palms
These six luxurious private villas include bedroom, living room, full en-suite
bathroom, walk-in closet, extra room with en-suite bathroom and large furnished
terrace with views over the Indian Ocean. Extra features include private outdoor
Jacuzzi, mini bar, satellite TV, CD player and safe.
Book a Zanzibar island holiday through us.
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