Zanzibar

Famous not only for its spices but also for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and temperate equatorial climate, the Zanzibar archipelago is also steeped in history.  Today predominantly Muslim, Zanzibar is a subtle blend of African, Arabic, Indian and Persian cultures.

The main island of the archipelago is Unguja, also known as Zanzibar.

A large part of the island is surrounded by a coral reef, lined with beaches of fine white sand, and lagoons…. it feels like paradise !

 

The Indian Ocean and its tides

Water is always pleasantly warm in Zanzibar, whatever the season !

Tanzania is subject to important tides and Zanzibar more particularly so. In Nungwi, in the North of the island, the seabed is abrupt, therefore the tides effect is minimal.

In contrast, on the East Cost, the beaches decline more slowly, making the tides much more visible.

During low tide hours, you will have to walk on the seabed to swim… wearing appropriate beach shoes as the seabed is filled with starfish, small crabs, urchins, coral, tropical fish that patiently wait for the returning high tide in puddles.

When the ocean recedes, the landscape is constantly changing, the colours of the ocean are then… indescribable !

 

Welcome

In the hotels and lodges that we have selected for your with great care (from the simple and comfortable B&B to the more luxurious hotels, through the “boutique establishments, the staff will ensure that you have a dream holiday.

The hotels and lodges can organise various visits for you directly.

 

Activities

Should you want to leave your sunbed, there are numerous activities inZanzibarr, namely :

• snorkelling
• kite-surf
• Scuba diving
• Fishing
• SUP
• visit of spice farms, turtle island….

amongst others.

 

Visit of Stone Town

Do not miss to visit Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar.

You will undoubtedly be charmed by the maze of the old city streets, its famous doors, its liveliness.

The old town is divided into small neighbourhoods : spices, fish, vegetables and meat at the typical African market (watch out though, you’re not at the “Riponne” !), shoes in one street, jewellers in another, fabrics in the next…

Several infamous places also attract visitors, such as the old slaves square….

Pass by Freddy Mercury’s house (born in Zanzibar in 1946 !) and above all, spend a late afternoon in the gardens of Forodhani, where a large food market takes place every evening. Taste fish, shell fish, meat skewers, Zanzibar pizzas, drink fresh juices  (my favourite being by far sugar cane juice with lime and ginger !), in an unusual atmosphere.

If you had not guessed by now, I am a great fan of Zanzibar, for its beauty, its climate, for its people, its anachronisms, its colours.

I am a fan and I cannot wait to go back!