Zanzibar Island Travel | Beach Holiday and Much More
Zanzibar, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean made up mainly of Unguja and Pemba Islands, and several Islets, is characterized by beautiful beaches and fringing coral reefs. Unguja, as the main island of Zanzibar is locally known, is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the coast of mainland Tanzania. The island stretches 60 miles long, 20 miles wide and occupies an area of approximately 650 square miles.
With an exception of April and May which bring with them the long rains and the light showers in November, all the other times of the year offers a guarantee of fantastic holiday in Zanzibar. The heat of summer which rises at times to 25-28 degrees centigrade, perfectly merging with the winds which blow over the sea cooling the temperatures.
Though you can get to Zanzibar both by air and water, taking a flight is the most convenient way, as it is fast and comfortable. There is a daily flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar operated by the Kenya airways. You are more likely to have great and breathtaking views if seated on the left side seat thus I highly recommend this. Once in the island, you should go for tours to stone Town, spice farms, and a number of beautiful unspoilt beaches like Jambiani.
Zanzibar is a great destination with different unique attractions like the Omani palaces and towers, nice aromas of the spices of old , and graceful dhows ” the classic Arabic sailboats that have been plying the harbor for centuries. Zanzibar music, cuisine and architecture are the true reflections of the influence of multiple cultures mostly Arabic, African, and Indian culture and lifestyles. Some classic examples of the unique Zanzibar architecture are the brass-studded and wooden door carvings.
The capital, Stone Town is quite charming, thanks to its maze of narrow-winding streets, bustling markets and friendly inhabitants. Most prominent in the town is the historical depth visible buildings such as the house of wonders, the palace museum, Dr Livingstones house and the Arab Fort amongst others. It is said to have been the only functioning town in East Africa centuries ago.
At the northern and eastern shores lies the multi-million dollar tourism industry with lively club scenes at the dazzling resorts owned mainly by Europeans. In the Southeast side, is the Jambiani Beach, well known for its low key approach and locally-owned businesses. Rightly so, it is the ideal choice for the reserved travelers that need all the privacy they can gather.
Ocean Paradise Resort is one of the great hotels in Zanzibar. The resort is situated on the east coast of Zanzibar, approximately 60 km away from Stone Town and the Airport. The resort will captivate you from the moment you enter the reception with it’s breathtaking views over the palm fringed beach and azure blue water of the Indian Ocean. Accommodation consists of 100 traditionally styled bungalows (84 Superior Rooms and 8 Junior Suites). Each room is fully air-conditioned with satellite television and radio, direct dial telephone, ceiling fan, en suite bathroom with shower, bidet and toilet, private terrace, mini bar and hair-dryer. In addition, the Junior Suites have a spacious living room equipped with a television, mini bar and telephone. Some rooms have interconnecting door for families. Ocean Paradise offers a selection of bars and restaurants with themed buffets and barbecues.
Breezes beach is located near the village of Bwejuu, and approximately one hour from the airport. It is situated along a pristine untouched beach stretching as far as the eye can see. With personalized service, attention to detail and warm hospitality, Breezes is a traveler’s home away from home with clean white sandy beaches. All the rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated in relaxed elegance, fully air-conditioned with en suite bathrooms, a refrigerator and personal safe box. The rooms are located in landscaped gardens with the Suites and the Deluxe rooms being located closer to the sea.
Shopping almost always comes up on Zanzibar holiday and for this you will enjoy time at the Zanzibar Cultural Centre in Stone Town where local women use the space to create and sell local crafts at low prices. When hungry, step into Livingtones on Forodhani Street for a leisurely gourmet meal on the beach. The monsoon Restaurant will suit your craving for Swahili cuisine, traditional dcor and the soothing taarab music on Wednesdays and Saturdays. At the forodhani Gardens, everything from grilled octopus, to Zanzibari Pizza is on sale. Zanzibar hotels offers some of the best accommodation along the East African region.
Finally, while in Stone Town, check out the late Queen lead singer Freddie Mercurys childhood home on Kenyatta Street. The home is today called the Gallery Zanzibar. It stocks everything from beaded boxes and local paintings, to carvings, exquisite brass-trimmed Zanzibar chests and other antiques.
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