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Zanzibar
Jewel of the Indian Ocean
Zanzibar, known for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and spice trade history, is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean. This archipelago comprises several islands, with Stone Town on Zanzibar Island recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors are drawn to Zanzibar for its vibrant markets, historic architecture, and the alluring blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences that shape its unique identity. The islands offer a picturesque setting for exploring history, enjoying water activities, and savoring the exotic flavors of Zanzibari cuisine.
About the
zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago with it’s 3 main islands of Unguja, Pemba, and Mafia. The principle and biggest island is Unguja but is more often than not referred to as Zanzibar. Zanzibar Town, with its heritage UNESCO recognised Stone Town, is the captial of Unguja. The world over calls Unguja by its colloquial name – Zanzibar.
With its white, sandy, palm fringed beaches, warm and crystal clear turquoise waters, very few island destinations can match this paradise. Zanzibar offers a range of accommodation options and activities to suit any taste or budget. Luxury to beach comber. A destination for the active with adrenalin filled water sports, or the less arduous including forest walks, wildlife spotting, spice tours, and of course world class diving and snorkelling.
Zanzibar is small, it takes about 2 hours to drive from one end to the other, and that’s only due to the slow speed of the vehicles and the state of the roads. This makes day and half day tours a must – visit historic Stone Town, the forests, the spice farms, the marine park.
What is noticable is how different the island is from north to south, and from east to west. Vegetation, beaches, reefs and rocky cliffs.
A word of caution: the geology of the island: at birth resulted in molten magma cooling quickly. This typically leaves rocks which are very sharp and jagged, so reef / wet shoes are strongly advisable. Many hotels provide these – but your own are always best.
To not visit Zanzibar will feel like a mistake when you speak to those who have.
- Unwind, relax, explore and indulge.
- Submerge yourself in the underwater world at the leading dive destination in the world (World Travel Award)
- Relax on its stunning white beaches fringed with turquoise blue warm waters
- Explore the mystical ancient Stone Town and its narrow, winding alleys
- Find out where the spices you use come from on an informative Spice Tour
- Spoil your taste buds with the excellent food experiences
- Look for the cute Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey on a guided tour in the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
There are a number of international airlines flying directly into Zanzibar International airport.
From Kenya (Nairobi) and Tanzania (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro International) there are a number of airlines right here on Tripindigo who will fly you in.
By ferry from Dar es Salaam – a 2 hour trip from the downtown ferry terminal.
Zanzibar has a tropical climate and can be visited year-round. But for a sunny experience, it is best to avoid the rainy seasons from mid-March to the end of May and during the month of Novemeber.
If you visit Zanzibar specifically for diving, it is good to know the diving on the north coast is excellent from June to October, and the south coast is best between November and March
