INTRODUCTION TO ZANZIBAR
Known to the locals as Unguja and its sister island Pemba, grow 75% of the world’s gloves (Spice Island). The beautiful island of Zanzibar on Africa’s east coast is bursting with culture and history, seemingly at odds with its idyllic geography of white-sand beaches with palms swaying lazily in the sea breeze. Together this makes Zanzibar a fabulous place to explore as well as a dream to relax and unwind
A beautiful island, Zanzibar is only 22 miles (35km) from the mainland – a 20 minutes scheduled or charter flight from Dar es Salaam or a 90 minutes’ hydrofoil ride. There are also several scheduled or charter from all national park to Zanzibar, however, flight from Arusha taking about 60 minutes.
The narrow streets and Arabic architecture of historical and culture of Zanzibar city are exceptional mystical and beautiful on a moonlit night. Main attractions included the Zanzibar Museum, former British consulate, Arab old fort, The Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the former slave market, Sultan’s palace, Town market and Indian Bazaar. Livingstone’s and burton’s houses are near the picturesque old Dhow Harbour, where traditional dhows are repaired and built. Antique shop stocked with Arab clocks, kettles, brass trays, Zanzibar beds, carved doors and frames have special atmosphere all their own.
The Spice tour travels north of stone town and includes a visit to one or more spice gardens and farms. Various spices and plants, including cinnamon, cloves, touched, smelled and purchased The Dolphin experience offered from the southern end of the island is also worth considering. Good restaurants include Mercury’s, The Zanzibar Serena Inn, and the Archipelago located next to the Tembo Hotel in stone town. Just outside of town, Mtoni Marine also has good restaurant. At 236 Hurumzi (Formerly) Emerson & Green) the tower top restaurant serves a limited seating of dinner each night and is quite popular.
The more pristine coral reefs off Zanzibar offer a superb diving or snorkeling experience. In addition to a mind boggling diversity of brightly colored reef fish, dolphins, green turtles and the largest of all fishes. The harm-less whale shark are fairly numerous in the waters around Zanzibar. For a taste of what Zanzibar was like prior to the arrival of the traders, Sultans and farmers, a visit to Jozani Forest is highly recommended. This small patch of remaining forest most palm, pandanus and mahogany trees – is home to the unique Zanzibar red colobus, one of Africa’s rarest and most endangered primates. Among birds, the equally rare Fisher’s turaco may also be seen at Jozani, along with paradise flycatcher, banded wattle-eye and numerous other species. The roads in Zanzibar are good and it is approximately a 1 to 1.5-hour drive to reach your beach resort form the Zanzibar Airport
Zanzibar Hotels – Where to stay in Zanzibar
The island of Zanzibar has a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets and interests. We have categorized these to Zanzibar beach Hotels, and Zanzibar Stone Town Hotels. You could spend days and days trawling through the internet finding the best options. There are a lot! As a taster though, here are a few of our personally vetted favourites.
Budget Hotels in Zanzibar
Pongwe Beach hotel – This funky hotel is perfect for those looking for a bit of luxury without blowing the budget. Private plunge pools at $180 per night on one of the best beaches on the island means you really can’t go wrong here.
Sunshine Hotel – Slightly more intimate than Pongwe, this is a fantastic option for those who want their little bit of privacy and personalized service for an unbeatable price.
Breezes – Family friendly and full of fun, Breezes has a fantastic atmosphere. As a larger hotel you would think it may not, but it offers a surprising communal experience with so much on offer activity wise. An ideal choice for a family holiday hotel, importantly, without breaking the bank!
Mid-range Hotels on Zanzibar
Palms – Romantic, private and in true Zanzibar style, Palms is a great option for those who are after a memorable and intimate honeymoon. With private beach huts, great rooms, fantastic service and a nice beach at a very reasonable price, what’s not to like?
Zuri – The exciting new member of our Zanzibar hotel family; Zuri seems to have it all. Set on the most beautiful beach on the island and with 54 fantastically equipped rooms, it offers you real luxury for an incredible price. Did we mention how amazing the beach is? It is incredible and by far the best on the island.
Matemwe – Asilia’s beach property is a well ran little lodge and a great option for families with the Matemwe Retreat. It offers you a nice and private retreat (as the name suggests) with all the benefits of Zanzibar’s fantastic activities to be enjoyed by all ages.
Luxury hotels in Zanzibar
Xanadu – Wow. Luxury villas with private pools all set within luscious gardens and on a great beach. Could it get any better than this? Oh yes, yes it can, because the chef is ex Michelin star. The ultimate Zanzibar honeymoon choice.
Kilindi – Similar ideas to Xanadu and set just 5 minutes from the best beaches on the island. Zawadi – Sleek and stylish.
Zawadi is real luxury. The food is excellent, the rooms pristine and the views from your room completely idyllic.
Baraza – A true Zanzibar style beach resort. A fantastic romantic spa and a kids club makes it a fabulous choice for both honeymoons and families alike. A bigger hotel, but with everything you could need for a luxurious stay on the island.
White Sands – Located on the south east coast, White Sands is perfect for families who want a bit of luxury and their own space. You get a whole villa to yourself if you have 4 people and your own pool and living room area.
Why go on a Family Holiday to Zanzibar?
With so many fantastic hotels, kids club galore and activity central, Zanzibar is a top choice for young families and older teens. Combined with a safari in Tanzania National Park and you have a family holiday of a lifetime. Why go on a Zanzibar Honeymoon? The name of the island alone evokes the exotic, mysterious and romantic. We get lots of requests for honeymoons involving Zanzibar and for good reason – very few other parts of the world can lay claim to such beautiful beaches with such a vast array of accommodation all within a couple of hours of world-class safari areas.