Zanzibar and its Islands

For many early explorers, the narrow streets of Stone Town provided a first taste of Africa as they stopped to hire porters and plan journeys on Tanzania's offshore island.  This exotic Island is an excellent place to stay as part of a safari, but is also a wonderful destination in its own right.

The only major city is Stone Town, a bustling capital, with markets and traders and the calls to prayer from the many muezzins. The city beaches are used for leisurely soccer games rather than for relaxing in the sun, so sun worshippers should head to one of the many resorts set around the coast or the other islands of Pemba, Mnemba, Chumbe and Mafia. Laid back, barefoot luxury is the emphasis and many of the resorts provide wonderful opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.

There are a few resorts on Tanzania's coast that can be reached by land, however, there are regular flights linking Zanzibar with the mainland.

Zanzibar Vacations - Ideas You Might Not Have Thought About

		Castaway Conservation - Chumbe Island Live in luxury on this private island without damaging the environment. The award winning accommodations are constructed ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style from local materials and come with many eco friendly features. A 30 second stroll takes you from your bed to the warm tropical ocean which is teeming with countless species of fish and resident turtles. The island boasts a protected, pristine coral reef described as offering ‘the best snorkeling in the world.’ Alternatively, explore the island’s forest reserve to look for the rare giant coconut crab. These extraordinary arthropods roam around at night, climbing palm trees and breaking into coconuts to eat their contents.
		Stone Town for a Sensory Experience Stone Town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys complete with palaces, mosques, and tiny shops. Enclosed on two sides by the sea, this ancient spice trading port is exotic, vibrant and steeped in history. Visit the noisy early morning markets as the smell of spices fills the air; browse the busy bazaars; explore the maze of alleyways to admire intricately carved wooden doors and, as the sun sets, watch laden dhows sail in and out of port from one of Stone Town's magical roof-top restaurants.
		Diving from Mafia Island Mafia Island has long been famous among game fishermen for its record catches; the diving is equally impressive. Pole Pole and Kinasi lodges provide the opportunity for divers to encounter the wonders of the coral reefs that surround the island from their specially adapted diving dhow. With more than 50 genera of coral and over 400 species of fish, the island is a favorite destination for experienced divers while the pristine shallow reefs are perfect for snorkeling or learning to dive.