Zanzibar Beach Holiday

The spice island of Zanzibar with its interesting history influenced by early Arab traders offers beautiful beaches at the Indian Ocean and beach hotels of all standards.Consisting of the main islands Unguja and Pemba as well as of several smaller untouched islands, the Zanzibar Archipelago features gorgeous, palm-fringed white sandy beaches that stretch into the warm turquoise waters and invite visitors to unwind and soak up the sun.

Its eventful history of gruesome slave and exotic trade still shows traces everywhere. Magnificent Sultan’s palaces and grand Arab houses, winding alleys and bustling bazaars give visitors the feeling of being immersed in the world of Sindbad.

What to do on Zanzibar?

If you are an active person and tend to get bored after one or two days at the beach, don’t worry as Zanzibar also has something in store for you. Many hotels and local operators arrange day trips to small islands or to the coral reefs.

Other water sports such as kiting, wind surfing, deep sea fishing, water skiing, parasailing and jet skiing are also on offer and provide lots of fun.

Also worth a visit are Zanzibar’s many spice plantations and the unique Jozani forest with the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkeys.

Pemba

Pemba is the northernmost island of the archipelago and the smaller, hillier and greener “sister island” of Zanzibar. Pemba enjoys far less attention than the world-famous main island and often even gets forgotten. Therefore the island and its friendly and relaxed people can maintain a quiet and easy-going atmosphere among spice plantations, fruit trees and the lush tropical vegetation.

For those travellers who find Zanzibar too crowded, Pemba is the right island to go to. Accommodation is limited to just a few small guest house style accommodations and very nice lodges right on the beach.