Start Planning your Dream Zanzibar Holiday
Zanzibar is an archipelago of historic Indian Ocean islands, awash with atmosphere, intrigue and idyllic beach experiences. It has a wide range of accommodation choices and plenty to see, do and discover. The island is the perfect place to relax after an exciting safari or after conquering Kilimanjaro. It is also perfect for a romantic holiday getaway, making it a great stop as part of a Tanzania Honeymoon Safari. As the site of Sultans’ palaces and renowned for its spice plantations, the little island republic of Zanzibar is a must-see for any visitor to Tanzania.
Zanzibar is an archipelago located 23-miles from mainland Tanzania. When you arrive there, you might as well be in a different country because while it is officially part of Tanzania, in almost every way — politics, religion, culture, food — life there is different.
Tropical beaches
The white sandy beaches and azure waters, flanked with barrier reefs, offer tropical island living at its best. Zanzibar has about 25 beautiful beaches. The best beaches are on the north and east coast of the island, such as Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach. Therefore perfect places to relax and enjoy laid-back beach life.
Watersport activities
Explore the range of watersport activities. From snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing to kite- and windsurfing. Go for a swim among the wonderful reef fish and marine creatures. You can see turtles, rays, barracudas, octopus, zebrafish, Moorish idols, and lions fish, just to name a few. Another great activity is to go sailing on a traditional boat while you spot dolphins or see humpback whales migrate through the ocean.
Historical Stone Town
Stone Town is a lively town and the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar. It is a fascinating maze of narrow streets that are a joy to explore. Discover restaurants, churches, markets, and gardens. There are also plenty of interesting places to visit, as the House of Wonders, the Darajani market place, and the Sultan’s Palace. The mix of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences makes Stone Town unique.
Activities
You can go snorkeling, diving, sailing, or fishing. There are also plenty of cultural and historical activities. Visit a spice farm, Stone Town, Prison Island Palace Museum, or Christ Church Cathedral. Enjoy the flora and fauna in Jozani National Park or Cheetah’s Rock or go island hopping.
Contact us how you can incorporate Zanzibar Park into your itinerary.
Stone Town
Visitors to Zanzibar tend to arrive and leave via Stone Town, a historic hub for commerce and culture within Zanzibar City. This ancient center was the seat of the Sultans, whose crumbling palaces, bath houses and mosques are a legacy of this opulent and vibrant time at the heart of the gold trade. Stone Town remains a wonderful place to spend a night or two, getting lost among the ancient buildings, labyrinthine streets and its ancient spice markets. Eat fresh fish on the sea front, and breathe in the sights, sounds and smells of a true Swahili center.
Stone Town was declared a UNESCO cultural heritage site in 2000. It’s charming, but it can sometimes be a challenge to navigate. There are street names, more or less, but no one really uses them. However, on the bright side, Stone Town is small and safe, and not knowing where you’re going is part of the adventure and experience. The locals are helpful, so feel free to ask for directions as many times as you want, but sometimes it’s better to just go with it and let yourself get lost.