Monday, August 3, 2009

Zanzibar Island Travel | Beach Holiday and Much More

By Andrew Muigai

Zanzibar, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean made up mainly of Unguja and Pemba Islands, and several Islets, is characterized by beautiful beaches and fringing coral reefs. Unguja, as the main island of Zanzibar is locally known, is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the coast of mainland Tanzania. The island stretches 60 miles long, 20 miles wide and occupies an area of approximately 650 square miles.

As if God meant it to be the ultimate holiday destination, the weather is filled with summer heat of 25-28 degrees centigrade for most of the year often cooled by the pleasant pangs of the sea breeze. April and May are exceptions with bringing with them the long rains and November bringing the short showers.

To travel to Zanzibar, you can take a flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar airport, a more convenient option when compared to hours on the bus or ferry. For great views during your flight, sit on the left side and thank me in absentia for the breathtaking views you will enjoy. Once there, you can take tours to Stone Town, go for spice tours in the Island, or trips to Jambiani and other less-developed beaches.

Zanzibar island is a cosmopolitan destination with a mix of different cultures and lifestyles. The culture in Zanzibar is a result of the intermingling of Arabs, Indians and Africans. This, coupled with various antique attractions like the Omani palaces and towers, traditional sailing dhows, intricate wooden door carvings, and the Arabic sailboats that have been plying the harbor for centuries, make Zanzibar island an outstanding destination.

The capital, Stone Town is quite charming, thanks to its maze of narrow-winding streets, bustling markets and friendly inhabitants. Most prominent in the town is the historical depth visible buildings such as the house of wonders, the palace museum, Dr Livingstones house and the Arab Fort amongst others. It is said to have been the only functioning town in East Africa centuries ago.

At the northern and eastern shores lies the multi-million dollar tourism industry with lively club scenes at the dazzling resorts owned mainly by Europeans. In the Southeast side, is the Jambiani Beach, well known for its low key approach and locally-owned businesses. Rightly so, it is the ideal choice for the reserved travelers that need all the privacy they can gather.

With its classy hotels and lodges, Zanzibar is for sure a small paradise for tourists seeking an exhilarating holiday experience. One such hotel in Zanzibar is the Ocean Paradise Resort Zanzibar. The resort is situated on Zanzibars picturesque North East coast, overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean. As its name suggests, it is a little piece of paradise. Mature coconut palms swinging in the breeze, white sandy beach, beautiful landscaped gardens, traditional style round chalets with pitched makuti roof, a stunning waterfall feature and the largest swimming pool in Zanzibar are just some of the sights that await you at the resort. A big smile and the greeting of "Jambo" will be the first words you hear, as you begin to feel the warmth that the people of Zanzibar are famed for.

Breezes Beach Club is located approximately an hour from Zanzibar airport and is located along a pure beach stretching into oblivion. It has 20 superior deluxe rooms, 40 deluxe rooms and 10 standard rooms all spacious and fully air conditioned. They are also with en-suite bathrooms and personal safe box for your wads of cash. Facilities include spa, yoga and meditation, marine activities centre, scuba diving centre, shopping bazaar, Fitness and aerobics centre, cashiers office and telephone/fax services.

Shopping is a must in Zanzibar where you will get variety to choose from to fit in your cultural taste. The bustling busy markets at stone town offers a range of local crafts and artifacts at very friendly prices. Music and cuisine is also readily available at restaurants along Livingstones Forodhani street famed for beautiful gardens. These restaurants are traditionally decorated and play soothing taarab music on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

One last place you should visit in Stone Town Zanzibar is the childhood home of the late lead singer of the rock band Queen, Freddie Mercury. The home is now called the Gallery Zanzibar and has a wide collection of Zanzibar artifacts from carvings, paintings, brass-trimmed Zanzibar chests, beaded boxes, and many more antiques.

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