Zanzibar safaris and holidays incredibly reward travelers with lots of fun-filled experiences. If there are a few romantic places on planet earth you should not miss to visit then it is Zanzibar Island. With our exceptional and affordable Zanzibar holidays tours, expect the best of your retreat!
About Zanzibar Island.
Best referred to as a Tanzanian Group of Islands (Archipelago), The Zanzibar Island is a splendid archipelago lying suitably in Tanzania just along the East African coast. The island is popular for its spectacularly beautiful coastal beaches and several islands worth visiting for a honeymoon or beach holiday in Africa. Zanzibar Archipelago features small island islands including Pemba Islands and Unguja Islands all set on the coastline of Indian Ocean in Tanzania, East Africa.
On Unguja Island, there exists the popular Stone Town – rich historical and cultural center on Zanzibar Archipelago. Zanzibar Island straddles the Equator crossing and generally experiences the most conducive weather and climatic conditions making it an all year-round travel destination.
So many years back, the Romans, Phoenicians and Mesopotamians traded on Zanzibar coast. Later, the Islamic Arabs and Persians arrived in the 8th century hence the rise of the Kiswahili language and culture. Zanzibar later became a capital of Stone and Omani Empire in the mid-19th century.
Location.
Zanzibar is considerably a semi-autonomous part of the Republic of Tanzania-East Africa. The archipelago is geographically positioned South of the Equator and features Unguja Island that stretches 85kms long and width of 39kms, covering 1464sq.kms. Pemba Island is Zanzibar’s second largest tropical island stretching 67kms long and 22kms across.
Zanzibar is generally a splendid tropical island worth exploring on Indian Ocean while you are on Tanzania safaris.
Best time to go for Zanzibar holiday safari.
Geographically, Zanzibar Island is strategically lying astride Equator and due to its location, the archipelago is generally an all year-round beach and honeymoon holiday destination. The archipelago lies on the southern side of the Equator crossing and it is noted for its conducive weather and tropical climatic conditions. Compared to South Africa, Zanzibar safaris can easily be organized at any time of the year.
Due to its strategic location, the Zanzibar Island experiences warm temperatures influenced by the Monsoon breezes from the Indian Ocean. The daytime average temperatures can rise from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius in the Zanzibar coastline and during the night, they drop on average 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
However, the temperatures tend to vary from on season to another though generally, they favorable for holidaymakers to relax for good hours on the stunning sand beaches of Zanzibar.
The Indian Ocean is also noted for its conducive temperatures favorable for holidaymakers who would like to go swimming, diving or snorkeling at the coastline. In general, Zanzibar Archipelago experiences short and long rainy seasons with long rains usually experienced from the start of March, April, May and short rainy months include November, December. Low/no rains are experienced during the drier months of the year.
Being an all year-round holiday destination, visitors can still consider taking Zanzibar holidays even during the wet or rainy months of the year. Rains are never experienced throughout the day-it can rain but for a while and activities on the island resume. Zanzibar safaris amazingly enjoyable by any enthusiastic traveler and beach holiday here is incredibly good for long holidaymakers or those who would like to enjoy the discounted offers especially during the rainy season which is also best referred to as the low season. Low number of travelers are recorded especially during the rainy months of the year and accommodations in Zanzibar can be available at a relatively affordable prices.
While planning for your Zanzibar holiday, it also essential to take note of the 2 dry seasons usually experienced on Zanzibar Island. The first phase of Zanzibar’s dry season starts from June, July, August, September, October and these cool dry months of the year. The humid hot dry months in Zanzibar Archipelago start from January, February. The cool dry months are characterized by moderate temperatures and these are the months when the island records an increase in visitor arrivals. These are months when most schools get holidays especially the Northern Europe and America.
The cool drier months are generally the best months of the year if you are interested in guided game drives in Tanzania National Parks or reserves like Ruaha National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve or Serengeti National Park a home to millions of wildebeest. These are the best months of the year when most families come to bond with each and usually, they combine Zanzibar holidays with Tanzania safaris in the national parks.
The second best season for travelers to enjoy Zanzibar safaris is during December. This is the start of the festive holiday in the North and extends till February. Most of the western holidaymakers travel to East Africa in general to enjoy the warm weather and climatic conditions since this is a period when they experience winter back in their home countries.
Zanzibar Island in general is a tropical island and both warm and hot temperatures are experienced. This is one reason that makes it the best beach holiday destination. Zanzibar is incredibly the most preferred destination to enjoy outdoor activities or experiences. The temperatures on Zanzibar keep fluctuating depending on the geographical location and altitudinal area holidaymaker can be. During the monsoon season which begins from March, April, May and November, the Zanzibar Islands can be sunny and hot yet also it can be rainy and windy.
WHY GO FOR ZANZIBAR HOLIDAY SAFARIS?
Africa is a magical continent with the best places worth spending a holiday and most importantly, Zanzibar Island should be a must-visit. Lying suitably on the Indian Ocean coastline, Tanzania, Zanzibar Island is the best place to experience not only the best of Africa’s beach holiday or honeymoon holiday but also for you to have the thrilling cultural, historical and eco-tourism experience.
Zanzibar Island is one incredible where holidaymakers can fine nearly all that they want to see on African safari. You get to explore the island’s unique history of the Persians, Arabs, Indians, Chinese and Europeans. Each of these left behind beautiful landmarks, distinct architectural styles and unique cultures.
Another significant historical events not to be missed on Zanzibar Island safaris is the rise and fall of the many empires leaving behind ruins and several remnants.
Today, Zanzibar has had a remarkable transformation and on Zanzibar holiday, expect to enjoy the best cuisines, spices, fruits or explore the unique handcraft products, fabrics, jewelries to mention but a few. Zanzibar stands out as a magical island with untouched white sand beaches, tropical vegetation cover, tropical islands and a lot more.
ACTIVITIES TO DO ON A ZANZIBAR HOLIDAY TOUR, TANZANIA.
Stone Town tour experience.
Stone Town is unmissable place while on Zanzibar safari. This is Zanzibar’s capital and incredibly, it is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Indian Ocean coast. There is a lot to enjoy, experience on Stone Town tour ranging from walking tours along the town’s narrow labyrinth alleyways perfectly explored during the Swahili cultural tours.
Tour the Anglican and Catholic churches which offer an insight into the colonial advents. The essential sites to explore on religious tour on Zanzibar safaris include Omani Places, the Mosques, cannons, Old fort and others.
You can as well pay a visit to the intricate carved doors or latticed windows to have insight into Swahili essence of the Island or get to enjoy the fresh spices from the spice island, visit the house of wonders just set at the seafront of Stone Town in Farodhani Gardens. The house of wonders features as the tallest of the buildings in Stone Town, giving holidaymakers an insight into Swahili and Zanzibar unique cultures.
Stone Town still stands out as the one of the few most kept places where you can visit to explore incredible wonders. In Stone Town, you can also go shopping-buy some of the best jewelries, artifacts, organic fruits freshly harvested from the farm, buy the traditional clothing like Kitenge or Swahili dresses.
Beach vacations.
When you talk about Zanzibar Island, a beach holiday is what usually runs at the back of many holidaymakers’ mind. It is true, Zanzibar is credited for its exceptionally memorable beach holiday experiences. Beach lovers get to enjoy relaxed moments with their dear ones while being blown by the cool breeze, cool yourself in the Indian Ocean’s waters.
Zanzibar Island has endless opportunities for you. Visitors are never left without experiencing the amazing fragrance of the island’s spices, mixed with the aroma from the organic coconuts, fruits and many species of flora on your surrounding environment.
Visit Zanzibar and get the best of its alluring freshness while you enjoy the sounds of the gentle waves twirling along the white sands. On beachfront holiday in Zanzibar, it is more than enjoying the fresh air and coastal water but also you will be enjoying the amazing melodies from birds.
Early morning, enjoy the stunning sun rays from the Indian Ocean. Or alternatively cool off in the Indian Ocean waters or just go sun bathe, walk along the pools while keeping an eye on incredible number of marine life. The best beaches worth visiting or discovering on Zanzibar safaris include Bwejuu beach, Michamvi Beach, Nungwi beach, Kizimkazi, Matemwe beach, Pongwe, Paje and others.
Spice farm tours.
Zanzibar Island is noted for its best spices making an exceptional spice island in East Africa. Variety of spices originate from Zanzibar including cinnamon, lemon grass, bulls heart, ginger, black pepper, cloves, turmeric etc. On Spice farm tour, you can have a taste of these different spices, purchase some or fruits or learn how they are grown till they processed for consumption.
Primate walks.
Zanzibar Island is a complete tropical island destination, offering not only the best beach or honeymoon holidays but also exceptional primate encounters to enthusiastic primate lovers. The island features the beautiful Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park/Forest Reserve and this covers 50sq.kms of piece of land.
Jozani Forest Reserve offers the best primate walks/tours to holidaymakers on Zanzibar safaris. The forest reserve became a designated protected area in the 1960s and it is part of the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. The reserve and park protects unique and endangered primate species especially the Kirk’s red colobus monkeys. Besides, there also exist a significant number of floral species, and a total of 2500 species of mammals, most of these can be explored on Jozani Forest walk or primate tour. Besides Kirk’s red colobus monkeys, the protected area also inhabits frogs, duikers, Sykes monkeys, bush babies, birds, chameleon to mention but a few. A primate walk in Jozani Forest is such unforgettable experience!
RELAX IN THE BEST BOUTIQUE BEACH ACCOMMODATIONS.
Zanzibar is a complete destination, boasting of its world-class accommodation which is why it is considerably the best honeymoon holiday destination in East Africa. The island features the best luxury boutique lodges or hotels worth spending a night as honeymooners for instance the Mnemba Island Lodge, Baraza Resort & Spa, Kilindi Residence, Palms Resides etc.
Island trips.
Zanzibar is generally a spectacular archipelago with group of other beautiful islands including Pemba and Unguja. The Zanzibar Island Tour exposes you to a number of exciting and thrilling experiences including touring the spice farms, visiting the Stone Town, water skiing, biking, jet skiing, wake boarding and yachting etc.
Snorkeling or scuba diving experiences.
Zanzibar is one of the best places to consider a must-visit for scuba diving or snorkeling. The island lies on the coastline and the coast comes with incredible coral reef creations, vegetation and unique creatures. Snorkeling or scuba diving adventure offers a great chance for you to interact with marine species along the Indian Ocean coastline.
There are sites worth visiting for snorkeling/scuba diving in Zanzibar including the Mnemba Atoll, one of the most sought for diving sites on the North-eastern Zanzibar Island. This diving site lies just close to Matemwe and for enthusiastic snorkelers, the best sites to consider a must-visit include Chumbe Marine Park which is endowed with diversity of marine life such as lion fish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, sweet lips, trigger fish, green turtles, octopus etc.
Private Island vacations.
You can also be part of the exhilarating private island excursions while on Zanzibar Island safaris. There are incredible beautiful islets worth visiting for exceptional experiences including Chumbe islet, Mnemba and Chapwani. If you are interested in the more seclusive places then look no further than Zanzibar.
Mnemba Island is geographically set in the east and it takes about 20 people and Chumbe forms part of the coral reserve in the western side. Like Chumbe islet, Chapwani islet offers the best sights of coastal marine species.
Zanzibar’s best beaches.
Go Zanzibar safari and discover the finest beaches in East Africa. The island’s magical beaches come feature palm fringed trees and you get to enjoy the stunning sunsets, explore the coral reefs. Zanzibar’s best beaches worth visiting include Bwejuu beach on the south-eastern coastline, accessible within 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive from Stone Town.
Bwejuu beach comes with the best romantic accommodation options for your overnight stays including the Baraza Resort and Spa. Kendwa beach perfect for diving, swimming, snorkeling and other activities; Michamvi beach featuring the beautiful coral lagoon and this is set in the Central-eastern coast of Zanzibar.
The lodging option at Michamvi beach include Kichanga Lodge. The other beautiful beaches worth exploring on Zanzibar safaris include Matemwe beach on the northeast, Paje, Nungwi beach, Kiwengwa beach, Pongwe etc.
Safety of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is a safe destination any holidaymakers can travel to enjoy their holiday and return home peacefully. The island is safe and welcomes not only group holidaymakers, but also solo travelers whether female or male.
The Zanzibar Island belongs to Tanzania, one of the safest and stable countries in Africa. However, it is essential to respect the people/residents and their cultures while on Zanzibar safaris. Also, when it is dark, avoid walking alone.
While at religious institutions, be cautious. Don’t be part of the crowds or religious demonstrations while in Stone Town. Before traveling to Zanzibar for a holiday, ensure you have some anti-malaria drugs prescribed by your doctor back in your home country. Carry bottled mineral water and avoid tap water or eating street food to avoid issues to do with stomach upset.
Budget Vs Luxury Zanzibar Holidays.
Holidaymakers on Zanzibar safaris come for budget or luxury tours. Your exploration as a visitor on Zanzibar holiday isn’t limited, you can go on budget or luxury tour. Budget Zanzibar tours are the best alternative for the backpackers or budget travelers.
Budget safaris are usually organized within visitor wallet size and even the means of traveling-the tour operator considers budget means, budget lodging/accommodation etc.
Luxury safaris in Zanzibar are distinct from budget tours. On a luxury Zanzibar holiday, you receive completely VIP services, traveling in a luxury 4WD vehicle, and accommodation in a luxury hotel or ocean-view resort.
