Tanzania: Zanzibar

Overview

ZanzibarJust 25 miles off the Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar is a small island (640 square miles) with distinct character and history. The Portuguese first arrived at the end of the 15th Century looking for a trade route to India. By the mid 1800's, Zanzibar had become an important slave center and an Arab state. From 1890 to 1963, the island was a British protectorate and in 1964 the government was overthrown in a revolution establishing the United Republic of Tanzania. Although Zanzibar is a separate state within the Republic, its president is also the vice-president of Tanzania.


Swahili is the language of Zanzibar although English is widely spoken as well, particularly in towns and tourist areas. While there are a few churches and temples in Zanzibar town for the Christians and Hindus, mosques are found in every village as the majority of Zanzibari are Islamic.


Old Stone Town is a great place to wander through a maze of narrow, winding streets. Moorish and Islamic architecture are evident in the many mosques, white-washed dwellings and carved gates, doors and windows throughout the town. The Beit-el-Ajaib (House of Wonders) which was Sultan Barghash's former palace, the United Mission to Central Africa Cathedral that stands on the site of the Old Slave Market, and the Hamamni Persion Baths wonderfully reflect Zanzibar's fascinating history. If you are looking for the uncrowded, pristine beaches on the Indian Ocean, you'll have to go to the island's north tip or eastern coast. You can find those beaches to just relax on them or enjoy the diving and snorkeling available from the shores.

Camps

Description

Price Range
($/person/night)

Dhow Palace

This small yet luxurious hotel is situated in the heart of Zanzibar’s Stone Town. The hotel lounge has an impressive selection of antique ornaments and furniture, and adds to the relaxed ambience. It’s ten self-contained, en-suite spacious rooms are furnished with traditional Sultan-sized beds, and are tastefully appointed with Zanzibari artifacts. All rooms have large balconies overlooking an attractive central courtyard. This creates a tranquil atmosphere making the Dhow Palace a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town. The Palace features a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the entire area, including the Indian Ocean

 

 

Tembo

This hotel is strategically situated on the seafront of Stone Town, an ideal location for relaxing after a day’s sightseeing. All rooms are spacious, and beautifully decorated with Oriental and traditional Zanzibari ornaments, antiques and furniture. First class facilities include air conditioning, telephone, minibar, multi-channel television and an en-suite bathroom. There is a swimming pool, souvenier shop, sea front veranda, and restaurant featuring local and international cuisine. The friendly staff can easily arrange marine sports and private picnics at your request.

 

Mnemba

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Mnemba Island Lodge is a blissfully private tropical island paradise. Set in the warm shadows of tropical palms, ten secluded cottages are nestled within verdant tropical vegetation. Tastefully built in local materials of Palm matting, timber and thatch, the cottages have en-suite bathrooms and a private verandah overlooking the lagoon. Sea breezes drift through the central bar-lounge and the spacious open-plan dining area, where meals of fresh seafood and tropical fruit are served satisfying the most discerning palate. Relaxation is the hallmark at Mnemba, but boating and fishing, as well as snorkeling and diving off the coral reefs, are irresistible diversions in this idyllic retreat.

 

Mbweni Ruins

Mbweni property extends over thirty acres of land called Mbweni Point Shamba, which is south of Stone Town. Mbweni Ruins Hotel is built in the spacious grounds of the ruins. The Hotel accommodates twenty four guests in thirteen luxurious suites, each furnished in Zanzibari traditional style, with draped and canopied mosquito nets. The Hotel provides an opportunity to explore the Gardens of Mbweni, with over one thousand endemic and exotic trees and resident bird life. The Hotel has a sandy beach for snorkelling and swimming and also provides trips to visit the island. Attractions include Stone Town with its Persian baths, Slave Markets cathedral, the old fort and palaces from the Sultanate; spice plantations; Jozani Forest, home to the red colobus monkey; the Kizimkazi ancient mosque, Mangapwani slave caves and boat trips to surrounding islands for diving and snorkeling.

 

 
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