Like a jewel in coral waters, the island of Zanzibar is just a 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam. The island was visited in ancient times by traders from the Near East and Asia.
It was from here that European explorers such as Livingstone, Krapf, Rebmann and others started their exploration treks into East Africa. The different people who settled on the island over the centuries have shaped the culture and architecture of Zanzibar. The old sultan's palace, the Arab fortress and the narrow streets in the old town are evidence of a living past.
A special feature is the scent of cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and cardamom growing here, which is in the air over the island and gave Zanzibar the name "Spice Island". Zanzibar has beautiful deserted sandy beaches and a fantastic, untouched underwater world.
In addition to classic beach holidays, we recommend the following excursions...
You can take daily guided visits to spice farms from your hotel. The interesting tours are an absolute must during a stay in Zanzibar. On the plantations you will discover over 100 different spices and lots of fresh fruit. You will learn all about spices and discover why Zanzibar is known as the "Spice Island". You can take the different spice plants you got to know with you as a souvenir or you can buy a supply of spices to take home after your tour through the tropical forests of the plantations. The highlight of the guided hike through the farm is enjoying a fresh coconut that a local has picked for you from a palm tree over 30 meters high in front of you.
This half-day guided excursion takes you inland to the forest of Jozani. The forest is home to many rare species of monkeys such as the red colobus monkey. Besides the monkeys, the highlights of the Jozani Forest include the mangrove boardwalk, nature trails, hundreds of species of butterflies and birds, and the small antelope Ader's Duiker.
Changuu Island, also known as "Prison Island", is just a few kilometers off the coast of Stone Town and is home to over 100 giant tortoises. At the beginning of the 20th century, the island was built as a prison, but was used as a quarantine base in 1923 due to the influx of immigrants. Contrary to what the name might suggest, Prison Island was never used as a prison, nor was it ever home to slave traders. The last surviving buildings are now used as a government run beach lodge.
From our point of view, a visit to the capital of Zanzibar is an absolute must. A guided walk through the oriental alleys of Stone Town is ideal before or after your stay at Zanzibar's dream beaches. The magic of days long past, when Zanzibar was the capital of Oman and thus also the seat of the Sultan, can still be felt today.
Marvel at the Sultan's Palace, also known as the "House of Wonders" and get a glimpse of how slaves fared when they were sold to Arab traders in Stone Town. Experience the products offered in the legendary market hall or immerse yourself in the world of the spice bazaar and its enchanting aromas. Interesting shops and craftsmen who have been selling Arabic-inspired carvings, jewelery and clothing for hundreds of years await you in the winding street of houses.
For an even more immersive Stone Town experience, we recommend staying the night above the city in a typical Zanzibar town hotel.
Pemba is only 100 kilometers north of Zanzibar, but can hardly be compared to its big sister island. While the tourism infrastructure is relatively well developed on Zanzibar, you will find Pemba underdeveloped and authentic. This is apparent by the few number of hotels, compared to the hundreds of hotels on Zanzibar main island.
A large part of the coast is covered with mangrove forests and lagoons, but there are also stretches of beautiful beaches and idyllic uninhabited islets. The intact coral reefs, the sheer walls of the Pemba Channel and a colourful scope of marine life set the stage for the best diving in East Africa. Unlike the flat sandy island of Zanzibar, Pemba's landscape is quite hilly, overgrown with wild plants, fruits and spices. During the times of the Arabian seafarers, the island was appropriately named Jazirat al Khuthera, the Green Island.
Very few tourists still find their way to Pemba, making this island an unspoilt and tranquil retreat for relaxation and recreation. You can get to Pemba daily by a domestic flight from mainland Tanzania with a stopover in Zanzibar.
Mafia is located South of Zanzibar about 160 kilometers from the great spice island and less than 20 kilometers away from mainland Tanzania. In terms of tourism, it is as untouched as Pemba Island and offers only four recommended accommodations, which are mainly visited because of the breathtaking underwater world.
Mafia is considered the best diving area off the East African coast, thanks to the stunning coral reefs at Mafia Island Marine Park. A daily 30-minute domestic flight from Dar es Salaam takes you to the diving paradise.
We have also chosen a small selection of hotels out of the hundreds of beach resorts on Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Island. Our emphasis is on location on the beach, comfort and value for money.
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