Exotic Zanzibar Holidays

Flawless white sandy beaches, captivating blue seas and hardly a person in sight. If you are looking for a dreamy destination without the crowds then Zanzibar is a serious contender. It is  jaw dropping  exotic place that is sure to help you create some truly unforgettable moments.  

Sitting off the coast of East Africa, 20 miles into the Indian Ocean from Tanzania,  many people believe Zanzibar to be just one island but t is actually an archipelago of more than 40. Most tourists stay on the Unguja the island but it is possible to stay on other islands or to island hop.

Whilst the coastline has some of the words most stunning beaches, inland you will find lush vegetation, farming villages and beautifully authentic local life.  Seeing the pictures would have you believe you should stay on its beaches but there is so much more to this spectacular destination than its coast.   

The capital of the island is Zanzibar City and an area of that is called Stone Town; it is a protected UNESCO world heritage site. A Swahili trading town with architecture dating back to the 19^th century. Over the years many different cultures and nationalities have settled in Zanzibar making it a cultural melting pot evident in its religions, beliefs, cultures, customs and food.

Expect a very laid back feel wherever you are in Zanzibar. Local life has a slow pace – or pole pole in Swahili. In restaurants do not expect food to be served quickly; it allows you more time to enjoy the extra special views and enjoy the atmosphere and rehydrate.

Options for accommodation whilst staying in Zanzibar are plentiful;  from rustic retreats to beautiful villas, town centre hotels set in a sultans palace or secluded hideaways. If you are looking for luxury there are some outstanding hotels on the island, choose from a range of 5 star resorts which offer their guests first class facilities, mouth watering cuisine and idyllic settings.

Zanzibar makes a great destination for couples of all ages and is perfect for honeymoons and celebrating special occasions. Groups of friends who would like to explore the island and enjoy its rich culture, and enjoy the wide variety of activities on offer would also be suited to holidays here. Nightlife starts quite early as the sun sets and is fairly low key but you can expect live music and a great atmosphere. Families particularly those with smaller children may find a lack of suitable activities and facilities to meet their needs on a holiday here.

What to do on holiday in Zanzibar

• Spend a night or 2 in Stone Town and stay in a traditional Swahili Hotel. There are a number of these to choose from and this gives you the opportunity to wander through maze of local streets taking in the sights, sounds and scents.
• Enjoy dinner in Stone Town at one of the roof top restaurants, arrive just before sunset for a panoramic view over the terracotta roofs of the town. The evening call to prayer adds to the magic and mystery.
• Set your senses alight with a spice tour; known as the Spice Island Zanzibar produces nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, vanilla, chillies, saffron and much more. See how these are grown in the gardens of the rural farms around Stone Town.
• Take a trip to Jozani Forest; here you will find the red columbos moneys jumping through the trees. There is also nearby tropical gardens which are home to a Butterfly Centre.
• Experience the market by day at the Daranjani Bazaar and see the local produce on sale. At night head to the  Forodhani Gardens which becomes a night market with a huge range of street food. Try the Zanzibari pizza; its recommended by many bloggers as the must try.
• Set sail on an ocean safari on a traditional Dhow boat, see the amazing marine life when snorkelling and spot the dolphins playing happily in the warm Indian Ocean.
• Pamper yourself with a trip to the spa; you will find a choice of spas in Stone Town or enjoy the spa at your hotel. End the day relaxing and watching a beautiful sunset with an ice cold cocktail.

Ready to start planning your Zanzibar holiday? Get in touch now…

We are on hand to help you plan your holiday to Zanzibar. We are Indian Ocean Experts and can help you plan an amazing holiday to this incredible destination.

We are here to help you make every aspect of your holiday perfect, we will take time to find out what you want to do and the things you enjoy before making recommendations based on your preferences with your holiday built to your exacting needs.

Zanzibar really does offer something for all types of adult travellers, and holidays can be as active or relaxed as you wish. Its an exotic place and makes the perfect honeymoon or special occasion destination.

Twin Centre Escape

Zanzibar is a diverse country with a lot to see and do. For those wanting to enjoy the contrast of this beautiful place we would suggest spending time in Stone Town and at a beach resort. You may want to Combine a stay on Unguja with a stay on one of the other islands such as Pemba.

Another great choice would be to enjoy time in Zanzibar following a safari in Tanzania. It is a really short flight of around 20 minutes from Dar Es Salem in Tanzania to Unguja, and it is also possible to fly directly to Pemba. There are some great choices of safaris in Tanzania with small group and private safaris a possibility. Most safaris are in 4x4’s which allow more ground to be covered and therefore more to be seen, but it can be quite rough terrain. Another option is to safari by air on light aircraft. This enables the sight of wildlife from the outset and you are also able to cover ground that would otherwise be unreachable as too remote.

We can talk to you about all of your options and answer your questions and of course help you with your choices. We provide a bespoke service and  will put together a holiday that is perfect for you.

Get in touch with us today. We are looking forward to planning your dream holiday.