Zanzibar Beach Tours
When it’s time to rinse off the dust of the plains, there is really no better place to be than the tropical Swahili Coast and Zanzibar Island, infused with natural beauty and a heady mix of African, Arabian, Persian, and Indian cultural influences.
The shimmering coastline of palm-fringed white beaches and reefs is indented with creeks and mangroves while the warm aquamarine waters are beaded with tropical islands. Baobab, cashew, and mango trees and fragments of ancient coastal forest color the narrow strip between coast and uplands green. When palms and casuarinas frame your view of sand, sea, and lateen-rigged dhows, it is time to breathe out and relax, soothed by the balmy onshore breeze.
Zanzibar Beach Holidays
Situated in the Indian Ocean, 36 km off the coastline of mainland Tanzania lies Zanzibar. Zanzibar Island officially refers to the archipelago that includes Unguja and Pemba, surrounded by about 50 smaller ones. Covering an area of 1464 sq km, Zanzibar is a mainly low lying island, with its highest point at 120 meters.
Zanzibar is an island state within the United Republic of Tanzania, and has its own semi-autonomous government made up of a Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives. Once the trading centre of the whole of East Africa is Zanzibar. It attracted Sumerians, Assyrians, Phoenicians, Arabs, Chinese and Malays to spent their Holidays In Zanzibar.
The great explorers, Burton, Speke, Livingstone and Krapf continued their journeys from these shores. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, warm clear blue waters, idyllic islands, excellent reefs for snorkelling and diving, fantastic deep sea fishing and water sports activities. The historic Stone Town with its narrow winding streets, vivid markets and colourful bazaars makes for an interesting Cultural Tour In Tanzania. Commonly known as the “Spice Island”; famous for spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, peper and others). Spice tours are a popular excursion. Are you interested to relax on beautiful sandy beaches and make your Zanzibar Holidays memorable one, then contact us @ firstchoicesafaris.
Swahili Culture
The monsoon winds of the Indian Ocean have shaped the history and culture of this sparkling coastline, carrying traders and seafarers from Arabia, Persia, India, and even China to and from Africa on their seasonal routes.
Swahili language and culture blend African and Eastern influences in a fusion that is both exotic and easy on the senses. The Kilwa Sultanate that once ruled the coast from Kenya to Mozambique fragmented into several city-states that flourished with the trade winds. The breezes of the fabled island of Zanzibar still carry the heady scents of spices; while Swahili culture infuses Stone Town’s winding alleys with taarab music, magnificent carved doors, and hospitable people. Echoes of a sadder history linger in the ruins and caves once used by slavers all down the coast.
- Over 50 – Numbers of islands and islets making up the Zanzibar archipelago
- 28.4°C / 83.1°F- Average sea temperatures off Zanzibar
- 12 hours-The length of each day and night here on the equator
Weather in Zanzibar
December- March is generally hot and dry April- Mid June is wet because of long rains July-August is dry and breezy with little rainfall October-November is when the short rains appear.
Access to Zanzibar
There are several ways to reach Zanzibar. One can fly into Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with KLM Royal Dutch, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airline, South African Airways, Swiss Air or Kenya Airways then connect with a domestic flight to Zanzibar can also be very conveniently reached from Dar es Salaam with daily sea ferry schedules taking only two hours traveling time. Alternatively, Airlines such as precision Air, ZanAir, Auric Air, Reginal Air, and Coastal Air have daily scheduled flights to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam taking only 20 minutes of flying time
Prison Island and giant sea tortoise.
It is probably the only prison where it would be a pleasure to get arrested by looking at the friendly animals living there. Island was meant to be a home for prisoners however it never became one. In 1820 giant tortoises were brought to the Island from Seychelles and live there since then. The oldest species are 150 years old. However tortoises are not the only ‘residents’ of Prison Island. They are surrounded by beautiful peacocks, bats and butterflies. After seeing all of these unique animals, it is worth to swim and snorkel around the Island to see marine life.!
Zanzibar beaches – Top 5 most beautiful ones.
Nungwi beach in north Zanzibar.
It is considered as one of the best beaches in north Zanzibar. Nungwi is a small fishing village famous for energetic shoreline with a huge variety of bars, hotels and water sport centers. Thousands of tourists make the most of that beach and ocean each year. There is also a lighthouse located on Nungwi beach which is a great place to watch how fisherman work by the sea. Consider Visiting Turtle Aquarium being there.
Paje beach on east coast of Zanzibar.
This beach is located 5 km away from Bwejuu, small village famous for its friendliness. There are high tides therefore swimming in that area is not possible for the entire day. On the other hand, it is an ideal place for kitesurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling. Paje is also sort of isolated beach which makes it a great place to relax far away from the crowd.
Jambiani Beach on east coast of Zanzibar.
Located on the east coast – Jambiani beach is more of a hidden gem. The reason to it is that Jiambiani belongs to small fishing village. You will be able to see locals harvesting seaweed or catching fish. It is a nice spot for snorkeling and diving as well as kitesurfing and windsurfing. There is definitely many interesting activities comparing to a typical beach..
Nakupenda Beach – 20 min away from Stone Town, located between Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Have you ever been to a beach which disappear during the night? This place is definitely magical and unique. You can only visit Nakupenda during the day due to low tides as when it gets dark – it hides under the water. Translation of Nakupenda , in Swahili means „I love you” and its beauty attracts a lot of tourists. It’s a fun place for snorkeling and sunbathing.
Kendwa beach on the north coast.
White, sandy beach, crystal clear water with colorful coral reef. Stunning marine life attracts those who like to dive and snorkel as well ad those who just want to relax.You can spot a starfish close to the shore if you look carefully. Kendwa Beach is the most famous for Full Moon Party which is usually held on first on Saturday after the Full Moon.
