The Exotic Spice Island
Zanzibar (known to the locals as Unguja) and its sister island, Pemba, grow 75% of the world’s cloves. A beautiful island, Zanzibar is only 22 miles (35 km) from the mainland, a short 25-minute scheduled or charter flight from Dar es Salaam. There are also several scheduled flights from Arusha that take about an hour. The roads in Zanzibar are good and it is approximately a 1 to 1.5 hour drive to reach most beach resorts from the Zanzibar Airport.
Stone Town: A Mystical History
The narrow streets and Arabic architecture of historical Zanzibar City are exceptionally mystical and beautiful on a moonlit night. Main attractions include the Zanzibar Museum, former British Consulate, Arab Old Fort, the Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the former slave market, the Sultan’s Palace, town market and Indian bazaar. Livingstone’s and Burton's houses are near the picturesque old Dhow Harbour, where traditional dhows are repaired and built. Antique shops stocked with Arab clocks, kettles, brass trays, Zanzibar beds, carved doors and frames have special atmospheres all their own.
Senses and Nature: Spice Tours & Jozani Forest
The Spice Tour travels north of Stone Town to gardens and farms where cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, ginger and black pepper, along with fruits such as tamarind, guava, rose-apple and several types of mango and bananas, may be seen, touched, smelled and purchased. For a taste of Zanzibar prior to the arrival of traders, a visit to Jozani Forest is recommended. This remaining forest of palm, pandanus and mahogany is home to the unique Zanzibar red colobus, one of Africa’s rarest primates. The rare Fischer’s turaco, paradise flycatcher, and banded wattle-eye may also be seen.
Marine Life and Dining
The coral reefs off Zanzibar offer superb diving or snorkeling with brightly colored reef fish, dolphins, green turtles and the harmless whale shark. For dining, Mercury’s, the Zanzibar Serena Inn, and The Archipelago (next to the Tembo Hotel) are excellent. Outside of town, Mtoni Marine is popular, and the Tower Top Restaurant at 236 Hurumzi serves a romantic dinner with panoramic views.
Stone Town Accommodations
Deluxe & First Class
Park Hyatt Zanzibar: Located on the beach front with 67 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, 11 suites, a fitness center, oceanfront infinity pool and treatments at the Anantara Spa.
236 Hurumzi (formerly Emerson & Green): Features 16 Individually decorated rooms reflecting Zanzibari tradition. Lower floors are air-conditioned; upper floors are fan-cooled. The Tower Top Restaurant offers 360-degree views.
Emerson Spice: A restored 19th-century Swahili sultan’s palace with 12 rooms, a bistro, rooftop restaurant, and swimming pool.
Zanzibar Serena Inn: A 51-room property overlooking the ocean. It features several restaurants, a swimming pool, and ferrys guests to a nearby private island for beach experiences.
Beachfront Accommodations
Deluxe Resorts
Baraza: 33 spacious 1- and 2-bedroom villas with private plunge pools, top-tier spa, and several restaurants on a fabulous beach.
Zawadi Hotel: A private retreat with 9 air-conditioned villas and large terraces overlooking the ocean. Activities include snorkeling directly from the beach, scuba diving, and mangrove visits.
The Residence Zanzibar: Set among 80 acres (32 hectares) with 66 luxurious air-conditioned villas featuring private pools, butler service, and complimentary bicycling, kayaking, and tennis.
Dream of Zanzibar: Located on Pwani Machanagni with 157 air-conditioned rooms, including 10 junior suites with ocean views and jacuzzi, and 3 royal suites with private pools.
Melia Zanzibar: A 40-acre estate with 124 modern rooms featuring tropical outdoor rain showers. Facilities include 2 pools, Gabi Beach Club, tennis, and Anantara Spa.
Matemwe Retreat: 4 exclusive 2-story suites with private plunge pools, reached via a scenic 15-minute drive through a coastal fishing village.
The Palms: 6 villas featuring a bedroom, living room, jacuzzi and private terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean.
First Class Beach Hotels
Matemwe Lodge: 12 bungalows with private verandahs and hammocks perched on cliffs. Matemwe Beach House is a private 3-bedroom villa with a dedicated butler and chef.
BlueBay Beach Resort: 25-acre property with 112 air-conditioned rooms in 2-story bungalows and a large swimming pool.
Karafuu Hotel: 89 air-conditioned rooms in bungalows, features 5 restaurants, 2 bars, a spa, and swimming pool.
Breezes Beach Club: 70 bedrooms in 2-story bungalows near Bwejuu village, features a flood-lit tennis court, disco, and scuba center.
Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel: Located on the northern tip with 32 rooms, PADI dive center, deep-sea fishing, and windsurfing.
Royal Zanzibar Hotel: Situated on the northern tip with 100 rooms and suites and a prime beach location.