Retreating to a tropical island after your safari is a very sensible thing to do, and choosing the Spice Islands of Zanzibar shows particularly good judgement. The blend of beach and history and perfect climate with seven to eight hours sunshine per day, makes Zanzibar a sizzling post-safari choice.
Just saying the word Zanzibar spreads the mouth into a smile and conjures up exotic images of tall coconut palms swaying above soft sandy beaches. The underwater world is also appealing with colourful corals, turtles and a myriad of fish.
Over the centuries different cultures have blended together to create the Zanzibar of today. Here, Africa meets Persia, Arabia, India and China with some Portuguese, Dutch and English thrown in just to confuse the outcome. The Shirazi Persians and the Omani Arabs settled and ruled the Sultanate which explains the Arab dominated influences which endure today.
Indian influence can be seen from ornamental fretwork balconies and coloured glasswork and Gujerati traders selling anything from coriander to curios. The English left some solid imperial buildings that stand 'aloof' in the more select parts of town, and some ex-pats that couldn't bear to leave.
Renowned features of The Stone Town are heavily carved and studded Zanzibar doors, which relieve the plain exteriors of many houses, many of which are dilapidating slowly.
Beach Destination in Africa
Zanzibar has become one of the most popular beach destinations in Africa. If you are specifically looking for a beach holiday, we recommend that you stay somewhere along the South-east or south coast and possibly only spend one to two nights in Stone Town in order to do the various tours that are available.
As a general rule once guests are settled at their coastal hotel they are reluctant to do the journey into town, however, the various tours are offered from the hotels and are available should guests want to do them.
We have sometimes found that guests have a very romantic view of Zanzibar and don't expect to come across beggars and dirty streets. It may be a suggestion to brief guests subtly on what to expect to avoid disappointment when they arrive. Zanzibar is a living island and has a great deal of charm but it is not immune to littering and poverty.
Climate of Zanzibar
The average temperature in Zanzibar is around 30°C and humid. The hot season is December to March with temperatures reaching 35°C. June to November is the best season to travel with the average temperature between 26°-28°C. Most of Zanzibar closes down for the annual monsoon season, which occurs in April and May.
What to Wear in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is primarily an Islamic country and modest clothing for women is recommended when in public. It is considered offensive for females to expose too much skin. Clothing such as tank tops, bikinis and mini-skirts may be viewed as provocative and it is wise that women in particular dress with care when going out in public. It is important to remember that this is a mainly Muslim society whose customs should be honoured, so keep the skimpy bathing suits for the beach.
Lightweight, natural fabrics in neutral colours are the most comfortable and practical for the Zanzibar climate. Sun block, hats and sunglasses help provide protection from the harsh sun.
Day Tours
Historical Stone Town Tour - 3 Hours
Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, this tour starts at the main city market, which was opened in 1904 and is still used by the local people to sell tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and fresh fish.
From here guests are taken to visit the slave chambers, the Anglican Church of Christ built in 1873, the Sultan's Palace Museum (House of Wonders), the old Fort built in 1700, Africa House - formerly an English Club and finally a walk through the narrow, winding streets of Stone Town to experience the exotic bazaars, curio shops, Arabic architecture and the beautiful Zanzibari carved doors.
Spice Tour - 3 Hours
Zanzibar is known as the 'Spice Island' for good reason. Spices such as vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric and nutmeg grow profusely alongside coconuts, pineapples, bananas, litchis and many other exotic fruits. A Spice Tour involves visiting a local spice farm where guests are given the opportunity to smell, touch and taste a wide variety of different spices and tropical fruits.
Prison Island (3-7 Hours)
This entails a 30minute boat ride from Zanzibar across to Prison Island. The ruins are from the prison that was built in 1893 and are how the island got its name. Guests can spend either the morning or the whole day exploring the ruins, swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. One of the most fascinating sights is of the Giant tortoises that live on the island, some of which are over 100 years old.
Chumbe Island (3-7 Hours)
Chumbe Island is the first Marine and Coral Reserve in Tanzania. The main reason for visiting Chumbe is to snorkel around the spectacular Coral gardens and appreciate the unique vegetation that grows on the island.
Jozani Forest (2-4 Hours)
Jozani Forest is home to the rare and very beautiful Red Colobus Monkey. The monkeys have become accustomed to tourists and appear to actually like posing for the cameras. When visiting Jozani Forest guests are taken for a walk along the boardwalk that runs through the ancient Mangrove Forest. A large variety or butterflies and birds also occur in the area.
Dolphin Cruises (4-8 Hours)
This boat trip out to sea provides guests with an opportunity to get up close with the schools of dolphins that occur off the Zanzibar coast. The dolphins appear to be very comfortable with the tourist boats and as a result guests usually have great sightings of this wonderful creature.
Zanzibar Hotels and Beach Lodges - Known as the legendary Spice Island, the Zanzibar coast of Tanzania epitomizes all that stands for Africa...