Zanzibar is certainly famous for its beaches. From the wide open expanses of the south east, the bushy fishing villages in the west to the rocky headlands and coral cliffs of the northern peninsula, there is always a place to sit back, relax and enjoy the views over the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar Island promises miles of tropical beaches, a rich mixture of history and culture with plenty of Sun, Sea and Sand.
The spectacular wildlife of the mainland’s national parks is replaced on Zanzibar by the wonders of the deep. The coral reefs and tidal shelves surrounding the island harbor a great variety of marine life which can be viewed from boats, by snorkeling or scuba diving. Dolphins are common in the shallow waters, turtles and whales are seen regularly, and serious underwater enthusiasts can seek out star attractions such as whale sharks and manta rays at certain times of the year. Big game fishing is another way to enjoy the ocean with many of the big catches present – marlin, Dorado, sailfish and yellow-fin tuna among many others.
Stone Town: The narrow alleys, arabesque houses and frequent muezzin calls to prayer mean that stone town constantly resonates with its Islamic cultural roots, but such a simplistic assessment misses the essence of the ancient settlement as a distinctive center of Swahili culture, along with other east Coast towns. A distillation of Persian Arabic, Indian, Black African and European cultural influences, Zanzibar remains a timeless cultural attraction.
Spice Plantations: The backbone of the economy for centuries, the spice trade is now sustained by small scale farmers for local and tourist market. The plantations that gave the rise to the name “The Spice Island” of Zanzibar are still a must see for most visitors. The Zanzibar Spice Trade is a window on the wider history of the Indian Ocean cultures and peoples.
Spend your honeymoon in Zanzibar – Endless stretches of pure white champagne –powder sand complete with obliging palms peacefully tucked away from the crowd.