Zanzibar
With even the name, "Zanzibar", bringing up images of mystical lagoons, mangrove swamps, sandy beaches, rustic farms, this little archipelago is gifted with a tropical climate, a sunny disposition and the palm trees to match. Often used as a relaxing getaway to wash the dust of a Tanzanian safari away, Zanzibar delivers culturally, scenically and is unbeaten in the simple task of providing private beaches, plenty of sun and bountiful R&R.
Zanzibar is made up of two large islands, Unguja (Zanzibar Island) and Pemba (disregarding smaller islands, of which there are several). It is considered a separate state to the mainland of Tanzania ("Tanganyika", the two constituent territories of the United Republic of Tanzania after it was formed in 1964), and is primarily occupied by farmers and fishers. Cloves are the major export, with Pemba producing the larger portion of the spice, and Zanzibar Town is the capital.
Most visitors find the old Stone Town a highlight of Zanzibar, a spectacular look into traditional Swahili life. The ruins and old buildings are both architecturally and culturally intriguing, and provide fantastic photographic opportunities. In a similar vein, the sea and coral reefs (diving, snorkelling and game fishing) are some of the best in this world, and are renowned by divers world-wide - chances are that if this is your interest, you already know about Zanzibar.
Typically tropical, Zanzibar is hot all year round and often very humid - its island nature means that it receives more rainfall and more wind than mainland Tanzania.
Access is relatively simple nowadays, with several airlines providing competition for the increasing numbers of tourists recognising Zanzibar's allure. Regular flights between Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport allow Zanzibar to be connected with the major safari routes. Boats are also run between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar - but be wary of hustlers and con artists...it's safer to allow us to organise the logistics and for you to just hop on the appropriate boat!
Our Recommended Tours
Zanzibar Beach Break
$ 1025
Zanzibar beach break - 7 days/6 nights
Location location location ... Voted as one of the top 30 beaches in the world by Conde Naste Traveller this is a fantastic affordable option using an owner run resort with an excellent track record on the south east coast of the island of Zanzibar. Great for families and honeymooners alike and there is no better way to end a challenging summit of Mt Kilimanjaro!
Early Bird discount: 10% discount on bookings made 6 months in advance. Offers: Stay 4 nights pay for 3 in a deluxe room. Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 in all room types. Specials valid from 1 Dec 2011 for stays between 8 January to 19 Dec 2012 excluding Easter, July and August. Offers may not be combined.
Other Options
Tanzania Safari Spots
Tanzania Overview | Dar & the Coast | Katavi National Park | Lake Manyara | Mafia Islands |Mahale Mountains |Mikumi National Park | Mt Kilimanjaro | Ngorongoro Crater | Pemba | Ruaha National Park | Selous Game Reserve | Serengeti National Park | Tarangire National Park | Udzungwa | Zanzibar
Indian Ocean Islands
Madagascar| Mauritius| Mozambique | Reunion |Seychelles | Zanzibar
Safari Types
Traditional Safaris | Walking Safaris | Canoe Safaris | Family Safaris | Mobile Safaris | Honeymoon Safaris | Special Interest Safaris | Primate Safaris | Bush and Beach Safaris | Off Beat Explorations | Active Safaris | Migration Safaris | Riding Safaris
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