Nestled in the clear, sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, the exotic island of Zanzibar is the jewel in the crown of Eastern Africa. Famed for its white-sand beaches dotted with palm trees, it’s a popular barefoot destination for post-safari relaxation. A short, 20-minute flight from the mainland, Zanzibar has become relatively commercialised over time. However, the island retains a friendly, laid-back feel, and a deep sense of its rich spice-trade history. There are in excess of 200 places to stay ranging from humble beach lodges, boutique accommodations, to large ‘all-inclusive’ hotels and exclusive villas. From the meandering fishing villages and dhow-lined shores of the East Coast to the exclusive Mnemba Island and untouched Pemba, each area of Zanzibar and its outlying Islands has its own pros and cons.
We usually recommend between 3 nights and a week's stay on Zanzibar at the end of a safari. Zanzibar is easy to reach by scheduled flights from Northern Tanzania (for the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Highlands), Southern Tanzania (Selous and Ruahu) and Kenya (Masai Mara and Laikipia). The island’s main activities inevitably centre on the beach. Snorkelling on the coral reef, diving, and boat cruises are offered island-wide, along with the chance to see giant sea turtles and swim with dolphins. We also strongly recommend a visit to the wonderfully atmospheric Stone Town to soak up the sights and sounds.
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Characterised by the significant tidal range across the island, Zanzibar’s coastal areas vary in feel. The meandering fishing villages and dhow-lined shores of the East Coast and the South Eastern Michamvi Peninsulas are particularly peaceful havens on this otherwise busy island. Swimming off the Eastern Coast is often restricted by far-retreating tides, but high quality lodges compensate for this with lovely swimming pools, and relatively low visitor numbers make for enticing tranquillity. The Fumba Peninsula, tucked away on the South-West coast, may not be quite as beautiful, but the beaches are less prone to tidal change. On offer here are delightful, low-key activities including swimming with dolphins, trips to the beautiful coral island of Chumbe and the ancient Jozani forest, home to the rare Colobus monkey.
Less susceptible to the tides, Northern Zanzibar offers a dynamic contrast. The area around Nungwi has become a bustling tourist hub with many hotels, myriad restaurants and an abundance of water sports. Although Nungwi’s increasing development means it may lack the untouched charm of neighbouring areas, the setting is nevertheless idyllic and excursions from the fully equipped diving centre, and to Nungwi turtle sanctuary, are among the island’s genuine highlights.
For a high-end, exclusive experience, Mnemba island is located just off Zanzibar’s north-eastern tip. With simple but luxurious accommodation at Mnemba Lodge, and arguably the best beaches in Africa, this is an unpretentious but top notch retreat, albeit with a price tag to match. Some 50km further north sits the untouched island of Pemba with its handful of visitors, small number of lodges, and distinctly traditional feel. In contrast to Zanzibar’s bustling tourist trade, Pemba’s economy still relies largely on fishing and agriculture. Mangoes, cloves and seaweed are farmed here, and traditional fishing dhows are a common sight. Though diving off Pemba may be best suited to those with experience, it is second to none, with coral reefs and abundant marine life to explore. Boat trips to offshore islands are also possible.