Geographical Location
Zanzibar and Pemba lie between 40 52' and 6 0 31' south of the
equator, and about 40 and 50 km respectively from the coast of
Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. The Archipelago covers about 2640
sq. km in total, (Zanzibar covers 1660 sq. km and Pemba covers
about 980 sq. km). The Archipelago is surrounded by the coral
reefs, beautiful sandy beaches, natural and unexploited lagoons
and mangrove swamps, which are rich in marine life. The island
is accessible by air and water bodies.
Zanzibar Holiday
Zanzibar and Pemba are widely flat and low-lying islands. Pemba
is which is hillier and more fertile, is situated about 50 km
north of the Zanzibar (Unguja) Island, and 50km east of the mainland
Tanzania, than Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful
islands in the Indian Ocean, if not the world. It is one of the
best-kept travel secrets and remains unspoilt by mass tourism.
Zanzibar archipelago is approximately 35km off shore from the
Tanzania mainland and only six degrees south of the Equator.
It is comprised of two main Islands, Unguja (also
called Zanzibar Island), and Pemba, along with many smaller islands
and atolls. These provide miles and miles of palm lined beaches
and colourful coral reefs perfect for diving or just soaking in
the laid back atmosphere. Zanzibar has been popular throughout
history with artists, musicians and poets and still captivates
people to this day. The very name conjures wondrous images and
evokes intrigue.
The Island has some of the best beaches anywhere
in Africa and arguably the world, the best of which are to be
found along the east coast on the northern part of the island.
The beaches in this region are protected by off shore coral reefs
and have fine white coral sand.
Nungwi
This is a large village on the northernmost tip of the island.
It is a lively fusion of traditional and modern styles and is
a destination in itself. The beach again boasts beautiful white
sands and idyllic setting, whilst only a few steps back you will
find a host of guesthouses, bars and restaurants. Nungwi definitely
has the party atmosphere and is considered by some as the only
place to be, however others may choose to give it a wide berth
in favour of more tranquil parts of the Island.
Best Places To Stay: The Z Hotel
Matemwe
This is a long idyllic stretch of coast, offering fine sand and
a great base from which to go snorkelling or diving. Guests to
this part of the Zanzibari coast will also witness the traditional
ways of the local village. Each morning the women harvest seaweed,
whilst the fishermen string up their catch to be dried in the
sun.
Best Places To Stay: Matemwe Beach Village
| Matemwe Bungalows
Kendwa
Kendwa is about 3km southwest of Nungwi and has a distinct atmosphere.
It's mostly quiet and laid-back, unless there is a full moon,
then the party goes all night. By day this is a long wide stretch
of coast offering lots of activities and accommodation choices,
slightly more spread out than Nungwi.
Best Places To Stay: La Gemma dell Est
Pongwe
Pongwe beach is about as close to the quintessential tropical
island paradise as you can get. It is set in a small cove along
the palm lined coast which protects it from debris and seaweed
being washed up on the shore. This is a good spot on the East
coast, not too far from any of the islands other attractions although
probably best suited for couples and romantics.
Best Places To Stay: Pongwe Beach Hotel
Stone Town
Stone Town is located along the west coast of Zanzibar
Island and is considered to be one of the most traditional of
remaining old Swahili trading settlements that would have been
prevalent along East Africa. It resembles the labyrinth style
medina's of north Africa and Morocco with all the narrow streets,
twists and turns. Influences have come from the Portuguese who
developed Stone Town as a trading port in 1503 and the Omani Arabs
who expelled the Portuguese and built a fort, which stands largely
unaltered, completed in 1701.
The Omani quickly established themselves with
the riches brought from the slave trade and soon the mud huts
turned into stone. The first stone buildings were constructed
during the reign of the Omani sultan, Seyyid Said, who in 1832
shifted his capital from Muscat to Stone Town. This building boom
lasted approximately 60 years and accounts for most of what we
see today.
When the British Protectorate over Zanzibar was
enforced in 1890 Stone Town was more or less complete, and remains
largely unchanged except for a few buildings along the waterfront
which the British bombarded in 1896 during, what's called the
'Shortest War in History'. This 'War' lasted for around 45 minutes
and was undertaken to ensure their choice of Sultan took power.
Aside from this the British impact to the architecture of the
city was nominal. Instead they concentrated their efforts on cleaning
up the city which during the 19th century had been synonymous
with filth, squalor and slavery.
Zanzibar Activities
Get married
Getting married on Zanzibar is becoming more and more popular.
Maybe it’s because of the warm azure water and the white
powder beaches, or maybe it’s because of the guaranteed
sunshine and the famous Zanzibari hospitality, or maybe it’s
because you can hire your own private island for you and your
party or take exclusive use of an entire resort; with so many
good reasons to get married on Zanzibar it’s hard to pick
one. Whatever you’re looking for talk to us and we can make
it happen.
Explore Stone Town
Stone Town is a World Heritage site and is the most atmospheric
and vibrant of all the remaining traditional Swahili settlements.
Architecturally it’s a fusion of African and Arab influences
not dissimilar to the medinas of Morocco with its narrow streets,
twists and turns. Culturally modern Stone Town is a lively melting
pot that embraces visitors and manages to offer a selection of
fine dining and curious attractions without compromising its old
world charm. Consider one or two nights depending on your preferences.
We would recommend the Zanzibar Palace or The Swahili House.
Jozani Forest
The Jozani Forest Reserve is located about 35 kilometers southeast
of Stone Town. Like most of western part of Tanzania mainland,
Zanzibar is the home of primates no wild cats. With its variety
of vegetation the forest accommodates the rare Red colobus monkey,
which is endemic to the Island, bush babies, bush pigs and small
buck. Majority of these primates are social and can be sight at
a close range.
The Palace Museum is a large white building that
was formerly the official residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar.
The first Sultan to rule the Island was from Oman (Said Sayyed)
within the house is old unrefined Sultans' furniture and other
possessions that survived the renovation. The National Museum
(Beit el Amani) is a small building with a lovely garden. It includes
sections on slavery, palaces, mosques, cloves oil, production,
traditional crafts and household items.
Dive the Mnemba Atoll
Mnemba Island is an atoll set just off the northeast coast near
Matemwe. Diving at Mnemba is stunning, on the inside it’s
like being in a giant aquarium and the outside offers excellent
wall and drift dives. The island itself is a breeding ground for
turtles and they are often seen gliding by along with dolphins,
huge schools of fish, whale sharks and humpbacks when in season.
Spice Tour
For those interested in culture and history, no trip to Zanzibar
would be complete without a tour of a traditional spice farm.
Over the years Zanzibar has been one of the largest exporters
of cloves and other spices and has been used as a welcome stop
over for the many merchants exploiting the trade winds on route
to India.
The Anglican Cathedral
It's the first Cathedral in East Africa been built in 1870s by
the Universities Mission to Central Africa. To date the service
are still held on each Sunday. Along the same place one can visit
the slave chambers where the slaves were kept before shipped to
the Arab and Europe.
Swim with Wild Dolphins
Zanzibar offers a unique opportunity to track and swim with one
of the oceans most captivating creatures. This is a truly magical
experience that will stay with you forever. Each morning the local
pod of dolphins wake from their overnight spot in Menai Bay and
prepare themselves for the day ahead, playing with the tourists
is just part of their morning routine.
Snorkeling
The safari blue excursion offers full day sailing around mangroves
and snorkeling along some of the best coral reefs Zanzibar has
to offer followed by the best seafood barbeque you will ever have
and an exotic fruit tasting session. This trip can be done from
anywhere although it departs from Fumba in the south west. If
you would prefer a less structured day then head to Matemwe. The
snorkelling around the world famous Mnemba Island is amazing.
Prison Island
It is wood boat trip to one of Zanzibar shore islet. It's a most
popular Island where visitors often go for relaxing. The island
has a large number of giant tortoises and was imported from Seychelles
in 19th century. The prison ruins, coral rag forest trail and
also beautiful peacocks. It has also beautiful coral reef ideal
for snorkelling and lovely white sand for sun bathing. |