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Zanzibar, a part of the United Republic of Tanzania, is a series of many islands, the main ones being Unguja and Pemba.
Unguja is in the Indian Ocean about 40 km east of Tanzanian mainland. The slightly hilly island itself is about 85 km long and between 20 – 30 km wide. The eastern part of the island is arid and covered by rock made of coral(coral rag) forming attractive beaches and the reefs on the eastern coasts make them ideal for fishing villages, tourist guesthouses, and resorts
Pemba, located about 50 Kms north of Unguja, Known also by its Arabic name, Al Khundra meaning Green Island, Pemba is covered in steep hills full of palms and cloves. |
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A a small presious island located in the southern waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar has a long and fascinating history.The island has a history of hosting foreigners from Egypt, Greece, Persia, Arabia, India, China and Europe. The first recorded visit to Zanzibar is from about 60 AD and appears in a work titled "The Periplus of the Erythaean Sea", written by a Greek merchant who was living in Alexandria. |
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Ras Nungwi is possibly the best swimming spot on the island because of the depth of its transparent water just off the West Point. Many beaches on the East Coast lose so much water during low tide that swimmers must walk over 1 km to the reef in order to swim in water that's above the knees yet below the 38 degree mark on the thermometer. Just around Nungwi village there are several guesthouses and at least one large resort.
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Is another excellent choice for offshore dives within a few minutes of Stone Town. The coral formations include quite a bit of brain, staghorn, and other distinct shapes. There are also plenty of sea cucumbers, giant clams, and anemones. There are many fish, the current isn't strong and the depths are good for novice level divers. In 1870 the island was used to anchor the first telegraph cables to Zanzibar linking it with Aden, South Africa and the Seychelles. |
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Matemwe village is located on the North East Coast of Zanzibar, Matemwe is a small fishing village and is home to two guesthouse establishments, Matemwe Bungalows and H Beach Bungalows. Matemwe Bungalows is a favorite among tourists because of its remote location and excellent positioning of the bungalows.
Matemwe is ideally located for snorkelers and divers because of its proximity to Mnemba Island atoll and Nungwi. Some of the best diving off Zanzibar is reported to be around Mnemba Island and for experienced divers, there are some challenging dives off Mnemba and Nungwi.
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Oral tradition says that this underground cavern was discovered by a goat that fell in and then bleated until his shepherd who, following his cry, found him meters below the Earth. The shepherd found a natural fresh water spring in the cave . The government has placed a stairway allowing for easy descent into the cave where visitors can look at strange insects, listen to water drip, stare at the coral rock ceiling and feel theisland. |
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Bluebay Beach resort is one of the newest and largest beach resorts on Zanzibar, able to accommodate more than 170 guests. Appropriately named, it's set along a beautiful stretch of idyllic palm-fringed white beach with deep-blue sea in the Kiwengwa area on the northeast coast.The makuti-thatch bungalows are set on a slope some distance from the beach and main lodge area. They're well appointed with all the necessities you'd expect from a top beach hotel. The service is outstandingly polished and, in true Swahili character, warm and friendly. The hotel has 176 staff which equals one staff member for every hotel bed. |
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Fuji Beach There's a bar and restaurant and a nice beach for sunbathing and swimming. At night the bar gets hopping and turns disco – especially hot on Sunday nights. |
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Prison Island Is the most popular island for people seeking an island excursion from Stone Town. It is a short boat ride (about 10 minutes) and the snorkeling is excellent. There's a small trail that circles the island and goes past ruins. Look for the old prison and watch out for giant tortoises and peacocks in the ruins' courtyard. |
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Ocean Paradise Resort This big international-style resort is situated in a 6,5 hectare palm grove and fronted by a magnificent stretch of coastline on Zanzibar's gorgeus northeast coast. The beautiful gardens have been landscaped using indigenous trees and plants to attract the various bird species on the island. It's a place where your dreams of romantic holidays in paradise with your loved one can absolutly come true. This pavilion-style resort offers 100 stylish thatched rooms which are set in landscaped gardens sloping down to the beach. |
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Grave Island Is a long and thin island just to the north of Snake Island; it has graves on it primarily belonging to the British who suffered casualties while fighting against Arab slaving ships. There are other graves dating from the First World War. It's a short boat ride from town and the restaurant on the island are closed so bring your own food and drinks. |
