Introducing ZANZIBAR
Where Arabia meets Africa
Zanzibar I
BY JO AUSTIN
ts very name conjures up visions of exotic spices, wooden dhows, palm-fringed beaches and Arabic
mystique. Zanzibar’s appeal to the British extends back to colonial days but visitors now head to the island in search of sun, sea, diving and culture. Snuggled close to the
Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar serves up the ideal sequel to an African safari, with easy access from Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. As a standalone destination, the island attracts divers, families, couples and honeymooners. Research goes a long way when booking a holiday in Zanzibar as the island is very different from one side to the other. To get away from it all, the north-east part of the island offers peace and quiet, but the ocean here is very tidal, which can make for a very long walk to the sea! A coral reef runs down the entire east coast, protecting the island’s sandy beaches, which feature the majority of hotels. Nungwi and Kendwa on the north tip are where all the action takes place and the south-east features the island’s only national park. Stone Town is on the west coast.
Clockwise from left: the beach at Gold; Manapwani beach and dhow; Street sellers in Stone Town; one of Zanzibar’s many carved wooden doors
Action plans While sun, sea and sand are more
than enough for most, there is a plethora of excursions and
actitvities to enjoy. Watersports and dive centres make up most of the hotel offering and dive centres operate from several resorts as well as Pemba Island to the north-east. A sunset dhow cruise is the perfect way to end the day and a spice tour will reveal all there is to know about nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
Arabic fusion While most visitors rush straight
to their hotel from the airport, a holiday in Zanzibar would not be complete without a visit to the capital, Stone Town. While the town is a bit run down and dusty, this is the cultural heart of Zanzibar, full of colour and history and where Africa meets Arabia. While the slave market has long been consigned to history, the site of the whipping post and auction plinth are still visible, as are the cells where slaves were held while awaiting sale. On a more colourful note, Darajini Market is the place to buy spices, baskets, fabrics and paintings and enjoy a stroll through the fruit and fi sh stalls. Recommend a guided walk through the narrow streets to see the giant wooden carved doors and Arab houses. Note: Dressing ‘modestly’ is a given when holidaying in a
www.sellinglonghaul.com
“The name ‘Zanzibar’ conjures up visions of exotic spices, wooden dhows, palm-fringed beaches and Arabic mystique”
Muslim destination and the recent acid attack on two UK tourists in Zanzibar illustrate some of the challenges for tourism to the island. Recommend your clients do not visit during Ramadan.
What’s selling Says Chris Fortescue of Africa
Collection: “We are mostly selling the north and north-east of Zanzibar combined with a two- night stay in Stone Town. New properties selling well for us are the Essque Zalu (
essquehotels.com) and The Residence (theresidence. com/zanzibar) Gold is a newish hotel located in Kendwa on the north-west coast (the only region not affected by tides). Said Clare Farley of 2by2 Holidays: “We recommend this 67-room property to families as it features interconnecting rooms and villas.”
goldzanzibar.com
My hotel The Bluebay Beach Hotel is set
into the hillside in thatched units of four rooms, all with balconies. The pool has a poolside bar and the restaurant has an Italian fl avour. Not to be missed is the Zanzibarian buffet on Thursdays. The ambience is very relaxed, attracting guests from all over Europe (
bluebayzanzibar.com).
GENERAL INFO Capital: Stone Town
Languages: English, Swahili Time Zone: GMT Visas: Can be bought on arrival at the airport (US$50) Currency: USD $ (£1 = $1.60) Climate: Equatorial with long rains April-June; cooler season June to October and hottest between December and March
BOOK IT African Collection
A seven-night package, fl ying with Kenyan Airways to Dar Es Salaam via Nairobi, with two nights at Selous Riverside Camp and fi ve nights at Pongwe Beach Lodge in Zanzibar is priced from £1998pp, Add on two nights in Stone Town for £128.00pp.
africacollection.com 2by2 Holidays A three-night Masai Mara Safari with seven nights in Zanzibar from £2,295pp, including Kenya Airways fl ights from Heathrow, via Nairobi.
2by2holidays.co.uk
GETTING THERE Via Nairobi –
kenya-airways.com; via Dar es Salaam with light aircraft link -
emirates.com and
KLM.com
September 2013 47
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