Zanzibar Beach Holidays
Zanzibar Beach Holidays
Unguja & Pemba Islands
You may be surprised to know that ‘Zanzibar’ is a collection of islands off the east coast of Tanzania rather than one holiday destination. More often than not, Unguja Island is often referred to as Zanzibar Island – even by the locals. The Zanzibar Archipelago is made up of several free standing islands, the main two tourist destinations are Unguja & Pemba; both are spectacular locations for a Zanzibar Beach Holiday.
The islands of Zanzibar are known world wide for its beautiful crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and coral reefs; Zanzibar is nothing short of idyllic.
Unguja Island
Known as the ‘spice island’ for its abundance of spices and its strategic importance in the spice trade, Unguja Island became the jewel in the crown of many colonial powers; changing hands from the Arabs, to the Germans and British among others. The footprint of these empires are still visible today in the colonial offices, luxury colonial hotels and the haunting remains of a once eminent slave trade. Unguja Islasnd is the main constituent of Zanzibar which was key to the creation of Tanzania; Zanzibar Joined with Tanganyika (the mainland) in 1964 after a bloody, and very short, revolution. The islands cultural, material and geographical importance has given the island, and its people, a rich identity and culture that makes Zanzibar as popular and welcoming as it is today.
The Capital city and cultural hub is Zanzibar City but Stonetown is the most well known part of Unguja Island and is famous for its architecture, culture & Street Food; the rest of the island is largely rural and the beautiful coast is lined with high end hotels, luxury accommodation and private beaches. These postcard perfect locations are what you are most likely to see when you google the island- after all, Zanzibar is the of the premier Tanzanian Beach Holiday destinations. However, there is plenty to do on the island beyond the hotel walls, and there is certainly plenty to see- including the famous Zanzibar Spice Tour .
- Voted among the top 25 Hotels in the World, the 4th best in Africa and no.1 luxury hotel in Tanzania. A truly magnificent hotel.
- Private Villas that combine the intrinsically Zanzibari Arabic, Indian & Swahili Styles.
- Part of The Zanzibar Collection Zanzibar
- Nights From: $1118.35
- Beyond stunning- The Palms is a perfect getway for newly weds & couples looking for the no1 romantic hotel in Tanzania.
- 6 Private Villas dedicated to creating an unforgettable intimate holiday that dreams are made of.
- Part of The Zanzibar Collection Zanzibar
- Nights From: $510.36
- Breezes is perfectly situated a beach that has been considered as among the top 30 beaches in the world.
- 4th best hotel in Zanzibar, and 6th best in Tanzania – experience the untouched magic that Zanibar holds
- Part of The Zanzibar Collection Zanzibar
- Nights From: $110.83
- Beyond Stunning – The Zawadi Hotel is among the most luxurious hotes on the Islands of Zanzibar
- Private villas with a stunning sea view along with stunning white sandy beach and snorkeling in the sunkissed Indian Ocean.
- Part of the Zanzibar Collection Zanzibar
- Nights from: $746.64
- Stunning Domed Pavilion Rooms with Ocean views from a private plunge pool and rainfall shower.
- Situated in the North of Zanzibar which is famed for its white sandy beaches
- Part of The Elewana Collection.
- Ideal for the perfect intimate Zanzibar Beach Holiday.
- Nights From: $650/ £494.13 (Per Person- Sharing)
Hotels in Stone Town
- A hotel that reflects the culture and history of Stone Town like no other; a genuinely presented spectacle of Zanzibari luxuary.
- 10 Beautifully themed rooms with views over Stone Town.
- Jafferji House has its very own Spa for ultimate relaxation.
- A stones throw from all of the main tourist attractions.
- Nights From: $140/ £106.28
Hotels on Pemba Island
Pemba Island
Pemba island is the second of the largest Islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago and is one of the most spectacular locations for a Zanzibar Beach Holiday; Pemba Island is a firm favorite with local holiday makers and veteran visitors to Tanzania. The booming tourist industry on Pemba’s neighboring island, Unguja, has lead to the more adventurous tourits heading to Pemba to enjoy quieter, untouched beaches and coral reefs. Pemba is an Island for those who are looking for a truly peaceful Zanzibar beach holiday that allows you to fully experience Swahili Island culture and feel at one with nature.
The one bit of advice that we would give any traveler is who are coming for the idlyic Zanzibar Beach Holiday, is to leave the hotel compound. In all honestly, the ride from the Airport or Ferry is no doubt not what you’re expecting (like all places in Tanzania, poverty is a serious issue) but it certainly pays off to be brave and go for an adventure.
What to do in Zanzibar
Unless you are happy with bathing in the sun-kissed Indian Ocean and laying like a land lizard in the warm African Sun, there is plenty to be seen and done. Zanzibar Beach Holiday is not complete without heading out to the coral reefs on a traditional Swahili Dhow. Depending on the holiday resort, there will be private vendors selling tours on the Ocean but it is always best to book with the resort; they often choose the local vendors who are reliable and safe.
A trip to the Island’s capital Stone Town is highly recommended. You can either prebook a tour guide, get a tour guide in the city itself or go it alone. The city is scattered with interesting cultural artifacts, Buildings, Museums and the famous Zanzibari Doors. It is a truly spectacular experience.
Other things you can be doing: Whale Shark Watching, Swim with Dolphins, Snorkeling, Paragliding, Spice Tours, Stonetown, Much, Much More….