Zanzibar
Welcome to the Exotic Paradise of the Spice Island
White palm-fringed beaches and turquoise coves, dreamy dhows with billowing white sails, and ancient Islamic ruins combined by Arabic alleyways and historic monuments with coral reefs of the archipelago of Spice Islands
Previously the court of the Sultan of Oman, Zanzibar’s rich and intricate history is in evidence. Walk around Zanzibar Islands Stone Town for an hour or three and you’ll see two millennia of history unfold before your very eyes. Architecturally the mix is incredible with buildings displaying Arabic, Indian, European and African characteristics. Of particular note are the city’s 500 or so doors, with their intricate carvings, brass spikes and even verses quoted from the Koran.
Zanzibar also offers music, beaches, historical trips to clove and spice plantations, the Jozini forest with the rare Colobus monkeys and much more. The beaches are paradise, unchanged over the years and interspersed with picturesque fishing villages, peaceful and remote where the sun shines on luminescent clear waters in a range of striking turquoise blues, and the sand is clean and bright and fine. The Zanzibar archipelago is surrounded by rich coral reef, which protects the shoreline and also results in wide flat shallows that are invariably subject to tidal extremes.
Ranging from the simple pleasure of Chumbe Island, and eco resort southwest of Stone Town to the luxury of Mnemba Island there are various overnight opportunities. Pemba, Zanzibar's sister island has beautiful beaches, natural forests and outstanding diving. Misali island, off Pemba's east coast, is idyllic and excellent for diving. Mafia, another island in the sun and no relative of the mob, is actually governed by mainland Tanzania but is not far from the Zanzibar archipelago
Sample Itineraries:
Key Facts
Geography
Zanzibar forms part of the East African nation of Tanzania. It consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, sometimes informally referred to as "Zanzibar"), and Pemba. Zanzibar is a beautiful, evergreen island, covering an area of 1 464 sq. kilometers, situated 36 kilometers away from the Tanzania coast in the Indian Ocean and is 76 kms from Dar es Salaam. It is known for its spectacular architecture, meandering lanes, luscious tropical fruits, aromatic spices and charming friendly people. The breathtaking beauty of its coastline and the magnificence of the historical Stone Town makes Zanzibar one of the world's famous touring destination
Electricity
​Power system is 220-240 volts ac, plugs 13amp usually square pin.
Entry Requirments
All visitors require a passport, valid for the duration of their stay. US Citizens require a Visa before arrival at Zanzibar International Airport. Nationals of some countries do not require visas, so it is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate prior to visiting. All visitors arriving from any country in which yellow fever is endemic will need to show proof of vaccination on arrival.
Health
Zanzibar is a malaria area and you should take advice from your doctor at home regarding what malaria tablets to take. It is also a good idea to bring a mosquito repellent for use in the evenings.
Climate & Best Time to Travel
The climate of Zanzibar is determined by the Monsoon winds which blow from the North East from November to February and from the South West from April to September. The beginning of each new season brings rains. The heavy rains run from late April to early June and this is not a good time to visit Zanzibar, the light rains are in November but usually are brief outbursts between large stretches of sunshine. The hottest season is January and February but there is usually a refreshing sea breeze and Zanzibar is rarely overpoweringly hot. Daytime temperatures usually vary between 26 and 28 degrees centigrade. December to March and July to October are the best times to travel to Zanzibar.
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh)