Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Island is ranked among the best and most popular beach destination in the world and it was named the most popular beach destination in Africa in 2022 by the World Travel Awards.

Zanzibar Island is a perfect destination for a tropical gateway to relax, swim or soak up in the sun and enjoy amazing scenery of the Indian Ocean, the island is known for its pristine beaches with crystal white sands which make it a fabulous place to relax and explore waters.

Zanzibar Island also known as the Spice Island is a beautiful bursting place with many cultures and historical sites

 Zanzibar is a semi – autonomous part of Tanzania and is composed of the Zanzibar archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the island is located about 25 to 50 kilometers off the coast of Tanzania and it consists of many small islands and 2 large islands that is Unguja Island (informally referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba Island.

In the early years of 16^th century, the Portuguese invaded and took control of the Swahili Coast, the invasions and control ended the golden age of the archipelago. Today, the history of Zanzibar Island can be witnessed in the Old Town which features old houses and winding streets of Stone town which remain unchanged and visitors can take a tour through the sultan’s palace, the House of Wonders, the Portuguese Fort and gardens, the merchant’s houses and the Turkish baths of the old city.

In Zanzibar Island, day tours take visitors to spice plantations where you can observe the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and other species.

The coast line of Zanzibar Island has some of the best beaches in the world with white sand and surfs depending on the side of the island you visit, Zanzibar beaches are a true African paradise with a number of fishing villages with people living a simple way of life since the old times.

Zanzibar Island has over 25 beaches which are very peace and are in a remote seating which makes them a perfect place for a gateway from the city’s noise. The waves on the eastern cost break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore with the low tides revealing several marine creature such as starfish, small minnows and anemones. The northern side of the island – swimming less susceptible to tides with smooth beaches and white sand for dazzling days in the sun.

ZANZIBAR WHITE SANDS & ISLETS

At the northern tip of the island is Nungwi Beach which is approached by a road line by banana palms, mangrove and coconut trees. Nungwi is a dhow building capital of Zanzibar Island which makes them a good place to see traditional craftsmen at work.

On the west cost of Zanzibar, there is Mangapwani Beach and to the east are the beaches of Matemwe, Pwani, Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Uroa, Bwejuu and Jambani. All of these beaches stretches with beautiful white sands.

 Pemba Island is the sister island of Zanzibar despite its many years of isolation from the outside world, Pemba is receives small numbers of visitors which is growing slowly. The island also has less infrastructures than the Unguja Island, the island is a perfect destination for visitors who prefer a less crowded destination.  In addition to beautiful beaches, the island has natural forests and outstanding diving sites among others. Off of the Pemba Island’s east coast, there is Misali Island which is an idyllic and excellent spot for diving.

Mafia Island is not situated far from the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Zanzibar Island also boasts small offshore islands which are ideal for a day trip, these islands include Prison (Changu) Island which is the most popular destination with tourists as it is a short trip from the Stone Town. Originally, the prison island was used by Arabs to obtain recalcitrant slaves then a jail was built on the island by the British, it was never used. Visitors to the island will notice a large population of ancient Aldabra tortoise.

Other islets of Zanzibar Island include Chapwani, Chumbe and Bawe which are near the Stone Town.

STONE TOWN

The Stone Town is the old city and a cultural heart of Zanzibar, little has changed in the last 200 years as it features winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. The one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass- studded, carved, wooden doors (there are more than 500 different examples of the magnificent handiwork).  During your Zanzibar Holiday, you spend hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of the narrow streets and alleyways.

Most of the houses in the Stone Town that are seen were built in the 19^th century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centers in the Indian Ocean region. The coralline rock of Zanzibar was good building material but it is also easily eroded which is evident by the large number of houses that are in a bad state of repair.

Several buildings in the Stone Town have already been renovated and the Stone Town Conservation Authority that has been established to co-ordinate the restoration of the town to its original magnificence. As result of the sensible policy, nearly all of the major hotels in the Stone Town are housed in renovated buildings.

 Stone Town is very much a real community with real people living and working in its perimeters, as a visitor wishing to learn more about the stone town. There are various ways to do it, you can wander through the narrow streets by yourself with a map or have a tour with one of the local tour operators.

Zanzibar is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan destinations, it is blessed with a rich history of music, religious practice and culture that has evolved over centuries to provide us and the world with a unique and varied selection of musical and cultural diversity.

Where to stay in Zanzibar

In Zanzibar there is a wide range of accommodation options to choose from ranging from budget, midrange to luxury. These accommodations are found on different beaches of Zanzibar Island and they include

Accommodations in Pongwe Beach

• Pongwe Bay Resort
• Pongwe Beach Hotel
• Queen of Sheba Beach Lodge
• Seasons Lodge Zanzibar
• Tikitam Palms Boutique Hotel
• Azao Resort & Spa
• The Island – Pongwe Lodge

Accommodations in Jambiani Beach

• The Loop Beach Resort
• Blue Oyster Hotel
• Ifa Beach Resort
• Mbuyini Beach Village
• Blue Moon Resort
• Kupaga Villa Boutique Hotel
• Sharazad Boutique Hotel

Accommodations in Paje

• Mahil Zanzibar
• Hahawa Waterfront suites
• Jaribu Beach Hotel
• White Sands
• Paje Beach Apartments and Hotel
• B4 Beach Club
• Summer Beach Paje

Accommodations in Bweju

• Mustapha’s Place
• The African Paradise Beach Hotel
• Indigo Beach Zanzibar
• Sahari Zaznibar
• The Sands Beach Resort
• Breezes Beach Club and Spa

Accommodations in Stone Town

• Sharazad Wonder Boutique
• Maisara Deluxe Zanzibar
• Sunset view Homes
• Vuga Kilimanjaro Apartments

Accommodations in Kiwengwa

• Melia Zanzibar
• Marafik Bungalows
• Zan View Hotel among others.