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Kasa Trekking & Safaris

Zanzibar Beach & Cultural Paradise

Tanzania is a united republic, the result of a union of Tanganyika (mainland Tanzania) and Zanzibar (an archipelago). Although Zanzibar consists of several islands, the two main islands are Unguja and Pemba, with Unguja being by far the largest and most common tourist destination. In fact, Ugunja is most commonly just referred to as Zanzibar. The largest city on Unguja is actually named Zanzibar though. The oldest portion of the city is the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Stone Town. Unguja is approximately 85 km long (53 miles) and 30 km wide (20 miles). It is located 35 km (22 miles) off mainland Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Pemba Island is northeast of Ugunja - 50 km/31 miles separating them, is more rural and far less developed.

Zanzibar has a long history as an international trading center - largely spices, textiles, and slaves. These influences result in the culture being a mix of Persian, Arabic, Indian, African, and European (predominately Portuguese) influences. This is the birthplace of the Swahili language and its exotic culture.

Zanzibar is known to have some of the finest beaches on earth, excellent SCUBA and snorkeling locations, and great deep-sea fishing. Certain locations have a great number of dolphins and offer the experience to swim with them in the ocean. There are no dangerous sharks in this area of the Indian Ocean. Besides the white-sand beaches lined with palm trees, the island has Jozani Rainforest, and is famous for its spice plantations. The abundance of spices with the blend of cultures has made each meal in Zanzibar a culinary delight.

Weather

The temperatures do not vary much through the year but there are two periods of precipitation. March, April, and early May can be quite wet. Some resorts close down for the month of April. To a lesser extent, November and early December also experience periods of rain.

Getting There

We suggest allowing at least 4 days here to be able to enjoy this destination with no upper limit in number days to spend here. There is an international airport located on the southwest portion of Unguja - Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ airport code). Flights to ZNZ flights can be found from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Dar es Salaam (DAR) Arusha Airport (ARK), and Seronera (central Serengeti) Airstrip (SEU). There is also ferry service from Dar es Salaam to Ugunja (Zanzibar). To get to Pemba there is a small airport in the town of Chake-Chake (PMA airport code -- be careful if booking a flight, there is also an airport in Mozambique named Pemba Airport). You can get a flight on a small plane from ZNZ or DAR. There is also a ferry from Ugunja to Pemba.

Cultural Considerations

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim and outside of the beach resorts, it would be respectful to dress conservatively - no bare shoulders, bare midriffs, any skirts or shorts should not be shorter than knee length. This advice pertains to both men and women. At the beach resorts more liberal attire is accepted although female topless sun bathing is not permitted.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a month long holiday which requires Muslims to not consume any food or drink, including water, from sunrise to sunset. Beach resorts will still offer food and beverages and in Stone Town some restaurants will be open for the sake of tourists. It would be polite as a guest to be considerate of those who are fasting by not eating or drinking out on the street. Carry water with you in a closed bag and drink it in areas where there are not many people, or inside if you can. After sunset the restaurants become popular for the Iftar (breaking of fast) meal. It is a great time to experience the local cuisine. During Ramadan, working in the tropical heat without food or water is not easy. A bit of tolerance and understanding is appreciated if services are even slower than already slow service. The month of Ramadan ends with a huge celebration. This is a great time to go into Stone Town with your best dress for a feast. Especially recommended is Forodhani Gardens.

The dates for Ramadan for the upcoming years are:

Activities in Zanzibar

Who says that you need to do anything? After a Kilimanjaro trek or being on dusty roads during a safari, doing nothing for a few days is an excellent idea. The perfect white sand beaches lined with palm trees are very relaxing. But for those wanting activity there is plenty to do. Recommended are the following:

All activities can be easily booked through your hotel once you arrive. The exception being Cheetah's Rock Animal Rescue Center visit which required advance booking. For details visit cheetahsrock.org

Destinations in Zanzibar

Stone Town

The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town, was constructed during the 19th century: a labyrinth of narrow alleys complete with palaces, mosques, and tiny shops. It's noisy, busy and not very clean – but it has a vibrant, exotic atmosphere that can be enticing! Being not far from the airport, it is convenient to stay here just after arriving or just prior to your departure. A night or two is usually sufficient at this location. There are some beautiful merchant's houses converted into small hotels. There are no shortage of wonderful restaurants to dine here.

Northern Zanzibar

Two or three hours drive from Stone Town, the villages of Nungwi and Kendwa marks the northern-most tip of Zanzibar. The turquoise-blue ocean surrounds it on three sides; Nungwi has long been a magnet for visitors seeking paradise. Come for some good diving and beaches, and proximity to a lively village where there's always a lot going on. Very little tide variation here is a big plus. The full moon party at Kendwa Rocks Hotel draws huge crowds.

East Coast Zanzibar

The northern part of east coast Zanzibar is lined with long, powder-white beaches. Offshore is the location of the magical Mnemba Island – the ultimate island lodge for those who can afford its ultra-luxury price tag.

Michamvi Peninsula and Southeast Zanzibar

South along the east coast of Zanzibar and the beach remains stunning: powder-white sand with a barrier reef, lots of palm trees and a significant tidal range. The villages become a little sleepier and more relaxed as you head south, and Jambiani, in particular, is very relaxed indeed. For an authentic visit to a friendly village, you can't beat it.

Southwest Zanzibar

Fumba Peninsula is south of Stone Town. Like the south-east of Zanzibar, this is a very relaxed and friendly corner of the island which has seen few visitors. Kizimkazi is known for its swimming with dolphins tours. Very large tidal variation in this portion of the island, you can experience no beach to 100m of beach during the same day. Offshore is the award-winning eco-resort on Chumbe Island.

Pemba Island

Pemba is a 30-minute flight northeast of Zanzibar. Though comparable in size, its economy is largely rural and agricultural. It's almost exclusively Muslim, with a people who are more traditional in their occupations, and more conservative in their approach. The shoreline has more mangrove forests, but the beaches it does have are wonderful. If you are in search of solitude this is a great fit. There are good snorkel/SCUBA opportunities here also.

We are ready for your questions, your booking requests, or to talk to us about creating a bespoke itinerary. Do not feel that you need to have all details in place (exact dates, final number of participants, etc.) before you start communicating with us. We can be contacted via:
email: info@kasatrekkingandsafaris.com
phone: +255 764 022 044 be aware that local time is GMT +3