Zanzibar!

Stone Town

Tanzania is not only known as one of the best African destinations for wildlife and safaris. It also has fascinating, exotic islands, beaches, and resort hotels ideal for a relaxing vacation. Zanzibar s brilliant white beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and take a break from some busy sightseeing. The beaches in Zanzibar are a paradise, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages, where the people live a simple way of life, unchanged over the years. There are more than 25 fantastic beaches in Zanzibar, and some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean.

Zanzibar is a semi autonomous region of Tanzania in East Africa. Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast. Zanzibar Island is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town, said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.

Hotel Accommodations

Zanzibar has excellent hotels, modern and traditional, both in Stone Town and on the beaches. We always recommend that visitors combine a short stay in Stone Town to explore the history and architecture of the isles cultural heart, with a stay on one of the beautiful Indian Ocean beaches. The east coast of Zanzibar Island features several establishments on the beach, ranging from small and intimate properties to larger resort outfits. Further afield, great lodges can be found on Pemba and Mafia, and smaller islands such as Chumbe and Mnemba.

What to do in Zanzibar?

Stone Town: This tour takes you through fabled 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 will see Zanzibar is bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques. A trip to the site of Sultan Barghash s harem at Marahubi should also be included and rounds off an insight into Zanzibar is huge history and vibrant culture.


Spice Plantations: The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. They 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.


Jozani Forest: The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is located in the central east region of Zanzibar island and 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 monkey's, small buck and bush pigs.


North Coast: Tours to the unspoiled north coast always end up at Ras Nungwi, a sleepy fishing village on the northern tip of Zanzibar island. It is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar, so you will be able to see the traditional methods of dhow construction in action. This area of Zanzibar has some fantastic beaches and nearby coral reefs which are ideal for diving and snorkelling. The local villagers have built a turtle sanctuary where injured turtles and other marine animals are nursed back to health before being released back into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.


Kizimkazi Mosque & Dolphin Tour: 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. Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both natural and cultural reasons.


Prison Island: Once the site of a gaol for misbehaving slaves, the island lies just off the old stone town. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling, and has a lovely white beach for sun-bathing. It is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. This island is ideal for a day-trip with refreshments available throughout the day. It also has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish.


Safari Blue Dhow cruise: Safari Blue is like but more than a day out adventure and the classic Dolphin Tour. This excursion ideally permits the clients to explore the natural environment of explicitly Menai Bay. The mangrove, Baobab tree, white sand banks. The clients enjoy the tranquility of cruising by sailing in one of Safari Blue's traditional hand built wooden dhows.  This is peaceful way to end your memorable day. Your will have your sea food served at Kwale island.


Diving Zanzibar: Zanzibar is reputed to have some of the best diving in the world, and the coral reef structures that surround Unguja and Pemba ensure that the marine life is abundant. Good visibility 20-60 metres and a year-round average water temperature of 27 c ensure that you enjoy your Zanzibar diving experience, and also present an ideal opportunity for learning to dive or upgrading your diving qualification. There are several dive centres on the island and most run courses using the international PADI system of diver education. This way, the certification you gain in Zanzibar can be used anywhere in the world.

Diving in Zanzibar is not restricted to beginners. Experienced scuba divers can enjoy exciting wall dives, night dives and drift dives. In deeper waters, lush coral gardens often stretch as far as the eye can see, and large gamefish (barracuda, kingfish, tuna and wahoo) hunt together with large Napoleonic wrasse, graceful manta rays and sharks. Shallower waters are the playground of tropical fish, including a huge variety of Indo-Pacific marine fauna.

For more information about these theme activities, please contact Mr. Gadi Mbuya at contact tanzania@euromic.com