Anastasia Smith
Off the coast of beautiful East Africa, the stunning Tanzanian archipelago is home to a host of tropical island wonders, still under the radar, yet to be discovered. Get off the beaten and set your inner explorer free to discover what the hidden gems of Zanzibar have in store for a blissful getaway.
The essence of centuries-old Zanzibar thrives within the charming Stone Town situated on the western coast of Unguja, the main island. This historic quarter, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is adorned with ancient buildings, vibrant markets, and labyrinthine alleyways. The cultural fabric of the East African nation, woven from Arab, Indian, and African influences, has remained unchanged over the years. Visitors can immerse themselves in the captivating Palace Museum, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade, and browse through the bustling Darajani Market to buy authentic souvenirs at attractive prices.
Your Zanzibar experience wouldn’t be complete without its string of picture-postcard beaches ringing the islands. Head up north to Nungwi Beach to savour a dose of sun, sand and fine sea while wallowing in the serenity of rather undiscovered territory. Powdery white sand, crystal clear waters and exhilarating water sports galore — tropical island getaways as good as they get indeed. Laze in the paradisiacal seaside ambience or hit the thrilling waters for a slice of adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Fascinating Zanzibar attractions to visit on your island getaway may be plentiful, but treating yourself to an exciting dolphin watching tour makes for an experience just as delightful. As the sun goes down and the azure blue skies take a profusion of yellowish oranges, make your way to the traditional fishing village of Kizimkazi to spend a lovely day at the sea, getting up close and personal with the frisky creatures that inhabit the turquoise waters. After a day of revelling in island bliss, retreat to one of the archipelago’s finest hotels or resorts the likes of The Residence Zanzibar.
About a rather short 5-kilometre boat ride away from the aforementioned Stone Town lies another stunning island calling the Zanzibar archipelago home. The minuscule island amidst the wide-open blue is the host to a multitude of idyllic island wonders — the sanctuary for remarkably large tortoises being what the island is most popular for. Share delightful moments with the brown-toned shelly creatures of the sea and make beautiful memories on your tropical island getaway.
Year-round sunshine, crystal clear wonders, striking coral reefs and schools of tropical fishes — all join forces to make Zanzibar’s Mnemba Atoll an excellent diving destination. The single small island is set about 3 kilometres northeast of the aforementioned Unguja Island and has white sandy beaches ringing a thicket of tropical green forest. Mask up and hit the alluring waters to descend deep into the blue, where a host of fascinating oceanic wonders await your discovery.
