Reasons To Visit Zanzibar Archipelago
Zanzibar, an island located just off Dar es Salaam, is blessed with a coastline of picture perfect beaches. There are miles of white sand leading into shallow turquoise water lined with offshore reefs and dotted with small fishing villages sheltering under coconut palms.
At high tide all the dhows sail in to the various beaches and harbours on Zanzibar and lively bartering for the day’s catch ensues. Cruising around the islands on a traditional dhow boat is one of the best ways to experience Zanzibar.
Mafia is the site of Tanzania’s first marine national park, covering 800 square kilometres and with over 460 species of fish and fantastic corals. There are a wide variety of dive and snorkel spots in the Archipelago with something to offer for all abilities.
There are some very busy beaches, backed by large resorts which we don’t use. We have driven all round the island and found quiet beaches with small boutique hotels and simple lodges. We’ll drive you across the island to these and you can relax in peace.
Flanked by the sea, Stone Town is exotic and steeped in Swahili history. Laden dhows sail in to the port, crumbling buildings cast shadows over labyrinthine streets and the smell of spices fills the air. Much of Stone Town was built in the 19th Century and remains unchanged to this day.
The most commonly found turtle in Zanzibar is the green turtle, followed by the hawksbill. Both nest in Zanzibar and Pemba is one of the best places to see them. There are several projects being run to help protect these endangered animals and their nesting sites.
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Africa and The Indian Ocean
The largest of all the islands in the archipelago, Zanzibar Island is home to turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and the old and facinating capital, Stone Town.
Echo Beach Hotel sits amongst five acres of gardens on Bwejuu, one of the prettiest beaches on Zanzibar. The lodge is owned and run by Sue and Andrew Page, an English couple who...
Mchanga Beach Lodge sits near a little fishing village, on the idyllic north eastern coast of the island, facing out towards the Indian Ocean.
Pongwe is a small hotel on the North-East coast of Zanzibar, on an isolated and idyllic beach. White-washed bungalows are set amongst the coconut palms, with verandas facing onto...
Shooting Star Lodge is owned and run by Elly Mlanga, a warm friendly man from Arusha. It originally started as a small beach restaurant but as it became more and more popular Elly built a...
The Swahili House is an authentically restored 19th century old merchant's house in the heart of Stone Town. In its 125 years The Swahili House was home to many a Sultan family. Now...
North of Bwejuu Village, Breezes is a large hotel with 70 rooms and yet because of its low key and friendly atmosphere manages to feel like a place half its size. It is not part of...
Fumba Beach Lodge is situated on a remote peninsula south of Zanzibar's Stone Town. It is set in a beautiful area that has been designated a Conservation Area.
Matemwe is a small friendly hotel, built on a low coral cliff overlooking the ocean. The beach has dazzling snow white sand and is very picturesque with its small fishing village.
The Zanzibar Serena Inn has a superb location in the Shangani area of Stone Town. The main building was originally the External Communications headquarters, built in the early 20th century...
The Seyyida is an elegant 17-room boutique hotel located in the heart of the World Heritage Site of Stone Town.
Unguja Lodge is a breath of fresh air with it's unique room design and excellent hosts. Add to this the great food on offer, we feel that that Unguja is an ideal option in the south of Zanzibar and we warmly recommend it.
Tucked away in the Kiponda area of Stone Town, Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a boutique hotel in a beautifully restored Zanzibari house.
Baraza lies on the south eastern coast of the island of Zanzibar, along the award winning Bwejuu Beach. The Resort is situated on a 240 metre stretch of fine sand beach, about ten...
Located on the North-West coast of Zanzibar, Kilindi aims to take accommodation options to another level of luxury previously unfound on the island.
The Residence Zanzibar is a new five star hotel due to open in April 2011, situated on the south-west of Zanzibar near Kizimkazi village.
Situated in tropical gardens at the back of a long white sandy beach, The Palms provides some of the most luxurious accommodation on Zanzibar. It is a very small and personal hotel with just...
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Further reading:Zanzibar ArchipelagoWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout Zanzibar Archipelago
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