Zanzibar Island | Incomparable Beach Holiday

Characterized by beautiful beaches and coral reefs, Zanzibar, an archipelago in the Indian ocean, is made up of Pemba and Ugunja islands, and several smaller islets. Unguja covers an area of 650 square miles stretching 60 miles long and 20 miles wide. It is located approximately 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast and 40 kilometers from the mainland.

As if God meant it to be the ultimate holiday destination, the weather is filled with summer heat of 25-28 degrees centigrade for most of the year often cooled by the pleasant pangs of the sea breeze. April and May are exceptions with bringing with them the long rains and November bringing the short showers.

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.

Stone town, the capital of Zanzibar, glares with the narrow winding streets, very busy markets and hospitable and friendly inhabitants. Centuries ago, stone town was the only functioning city in East Africa. Present in the town are various prominent historical buildings such as the house of wonders, the palace museum, Dr Livingstones house and the Arab Fort amongst others.

Many players in the Zanzibar tourism industry are Europeans, who are most dominant at the northern and Eastern shores of the Island. This side has several dazzling resorts and lively clubs. Most locally owned businesses are located at the Southeast side especially along the Jambiani beach. This offers variety to those visitors to Zanzibar who need privacy.

With its classy hotels and lodges, Zanzibar is for sure a small paradise for tourists seeking an exhilarating holiday experience. One such hotel in Zanzibar is the Ocean Paradise Resort Zanzibar. The resort is situated on Zanzibars picturesque North East coast, overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean. As its name suggests, it is a little piece of paradise. Mature coconut palms swinging in the breeze, white sandy beach, beautiful landscaped gardens, traditional style round chalets with pitched makuti roof, a stunning waterfall feature and the largest swimming pool in Zanzibar are just some of the sights that await you at the resort. A big smile and the greeting of “Jambo” will be the first words you hear, as you begin to feel the warmth that the people of Zanzibar are famed for.

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.

A holiday in Zanzibar is not complete without a shopping spree. Women at Stone town sell a wide range of cultural artifacts and crafts at very affordable prices. For Swahili cuisine,you will easily get them at various traditionally decorated restaurants along Livingstones Forodhani street. There are beautiful gardens which offer sea foods and Zanzibari pizza along this street as well.

During your holiday in Zanzibar, make sure to visit Kenyatta street in Stone Town. This is the childhood home of the late Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the rock band Queen. Today, this house is known as Gallery Zanzibar, and stocks great antiques, local paintings, African carvings, and Zanzibar chest among other artifacts.

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