Zanzibar Stone Town
About Zanzibar – Tanzania
Zanzibar Island, set like a jewel in tranquil coral waters and only 20 minutes flight from Dar es Salaam, is certainly one of the world‘s most beautiful islands. Its name evokes a romantic past. To the shores of these islands came Sumerians, Assyrians, Hindus, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Arabians, Chinese, Malaysians, and the Portuguese, all sailing in on Monsoon winds. From these shores the great European explorers Burton, Speke, Livingstone, Krapf, Rebman, and Grant set out on their voyages of discovery into the East and Central African hinterland.
To Do List
There are exciting excursions to discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Zanzibar. These include; – Guided Walking Tour of Stone Town, Prison Island Tour, Spice Plantations Tour, Dolphin Tour, Jozani Forest Tour, Blue Dhow Safari and Zanzibar Village Tour among others.
With perfect wind conditions and beautiful tropical beaches, visitors can enjoy the ocean’s latest thrilling action sport- Kite surfing. With plenty of coast line to choose from, visitors can enjoy off-shore surfing in all our featured beach accommodation in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is a dream destination for scuba divers. Surrounded by extra ordinary underwater landscapes alive with strange marine creatures. The best dive spots are found in the northern tip of the Island, including Mnemba, Nungwi Reefs and Tumbatu Island. Diving is generally good all year round with weather consistently warm and sunny, with excellent balmy water temperature that makes for ideal dive conditions.
Zanzibar is home to the great underwater safari and some of the best dive sites in Africa.
In Zanzibar fishing depends a lot on location! Big game fishing is widely available on the North Western tip of Zanzibar Island with highly skilled local operators in Nungwi. From here, the fishing grounds of Zanzibar, Pemba and the famous Pemba Channel are not even a stone throw away. Excellent boats with state of the art equipment and professional crew are available for full and half-day charter. The main game fish include Yellow fin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Giant Trevally, King & Queen Mackerel and Barracuda. A tag and release program ensures eco-friendly fishing.
Escape to the Tanzania’s famous wildlife parks in the Northern and Southern Safari Circuits. Fly to Serengeti, Selous and Ruaha for memorable wildlife adventure experiences from your holiday location in Zanzibar.
Enjoy white sandy beaches and the cool breeze that is typical of the Zanzibar Coast. With consistently warm weather and sunny conditions, the beach will entice visitors to want to spend their post Safari time here to relax and soak in the sun and the refreshing cool breeze of the Indian Ocean.
Our Picks
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Park Hyatt Zanzibar is located in the historical Zanzibar Stone Town, sitting majestically on the Shangani beachfront, less than 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. The town’s key attractions are all within walking distance, including Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort, the Old Dispensary, the Peace Memorial, the Palace Museum and the House of Wonders. Park Hyatt Zanzibar is housed in two buildings, one of them steeped in history with a story dating back to the 17th century and architecture reflecting Swahili culture and a unique blend of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. The purpose built new wing connects well with the old building, blending history with contemporary charm.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Idyllically situated on the sea-front of Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town, and flanked by an exotic mix of sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, and bright bazaars, the Zanzibar Serena Hotel is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of one of Africa’s most ancient and most enchanting towns. Located 15 a minutes’ drive from Zanzibar airport, the hotel is styled to represent the epitome of Swahili style, ethnic elegance and Arabic opulence. Constructed so that the waves lap to within inches of its open windows and the lateen-sailed dhows pass within metres of its tables, the Baharia Restaurant features fretwork screens, Omani carvings, Persian rugs and bright Swahili artefacts.
Jafferji House & Spa
Located in the heart of Zanzibar’s historical Stone Town, Jafferji House is an elegant boutique hotel, beautifully combining modern luxury with the rich heritage that has shaped the island’s history. Taking its name from its owner, Javed Jafferji, a famous East African photographer and publisher who once used the building as his family home, the hotel has been carefully restored and styled to reflect its original splendor. The hotel offers 10 thoughtfully designed and themed rooms which boast special outdoor baths offering spectacular views over the rooftops of Stone Town. Whether you spend a night in the “Freddy Mercury” suite or an entire week in the “David Livingstone” suite, you’ll be surrounded by a charming mix of African, Arabic and Indian influences which define modern-day Zanzibar. The hotel has a restaurant serving a delectable selection of local and international cuisine, all prepared from fine ingredients the island has to offer; no alcohol is served in the hotel.
Dhow Place Hotel
The hotel is located in the heart of Zanzibar Stone Town, close to the shops, restaurants and historical attractions, less than 20 minutes’ drive to Zanzibar airport. Originally the home of a rich merchant, this graceful building has stood for more than one hundred and forty years in Stone Town, bearing witness to the events of Zanzibar’s history and finally being restored to an elegant hotel. Most of the room’s balconies face the back court yard or the swimming pool. The poolside restaurant, snack bar and the roof top restaurant serve local and international cuisine. Alcohol is not served at Dhow Palace.
