ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean; 25–50 kilometers (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones. Unguja: The main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba: The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic center is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site.
Portuguese invasion and control of the Swahili Coast in the late 16th century ended the golden age of the archipelago, although the Omani Arabs returned to power less than a century later. Today, many of the winding streets and high townhouses of old Stone Town remain unchanged and visitors can walk between the sultan’s palace, the House of Wonders, the Portuguese fort and gardens, the merchants’ houses, and the Turkish baths of the old city. Day-long spice tours to working plantations offer visitors the chance to observe the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices that have made the island famous.
Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, the geography of white-sand beaches with palms swaying lazily in the sea breeze. Together this makes Zanzibar a fabulous place to explore as well as a dream to relax and unwind.
The Beaches
Matemwe Beach
Enjoying the relaxing sea breeze of the Indian Ocean while listening to the sound of the waves. Matemwe beach is situated in the northern part of Zanzibar’s east coast at is a calm place to relax and lean back. This place is not just for tourists. Get in contact with the local people who also appreciate the beauty of their island on this beach. Kids playing on the beach, fishermans coming back from their trips and local woman looking for crabs during low tide. There is always something interesting to see in Matemwe. Mnemba Island, which is easily reachable from Matemwe, provides you great snorkeling and diving opportunities to explore Zanzibar’s underwater world.
Matemwe Beach
Enjoying the relaxing sea breeze of the Indian Ocean while listening to the sound of the waves. Matemwe beach is situated in the northern part of Zanzibar’s east coast at is a calm place to relax and lean back. This place is not just for tourists. Get in contact with the local people who also appreciate the beauty of their island on this beach. Kids playing on the beach, fishermans coming back from their trips and local woman looking for crabs during low tide. There is always something interesting to see in Matemwe. Mnemba Island, which is easily reachable from Matemwe, provides you great snorkeling and diving opportunities to explore Zanzibar’s underwater world.
Michamvi Beach
Michamvi Beach
Also called Sunset Beach, is located on Zanzibar’s east coast in a bay. This beach is unique as it is the only place on the east coast where you are able to enjoy the beautiful Zanzibarian sunsets. Behind the beach you will find a palm forest. The sand is white and the water crystal clear. A paradise on earth! The beach offers a great bar where you may relax with a drink, enjoy good food and jam to amazing electronic vibes!
Bwejuu Beach
Bwejuu Beach
Bwejuu Beach is situated along the beautiful east coast of Zanzibar. Along the east coast there are many small restaurants and hotels that offer great deals compared the the very touristic areas. Even though the east coast beaches are definitely under the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, they are not over-crowded. The paradise pictures of palms on white sand can be taken at Bwejuu Beach! During low tide, you may see the local woman looking for crabs in the shallow water.
Bwejuu Beach
Bwejuu Beach is situated along the beautiful east coast of Zanzibar. Along the east coast there are many small restaurants and hotels that offer great deals compared the the very touristic areas. Even though the east coast beaches are definitely under the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, they are not over-crowded. The paradise pictures of palms on white sand can be taken at Bwejuu Beach! During low tide, you may see the local woman looking for crabs in the shallow water.
Mangapwani Beach
Mangapwani Beach
Mangapwani Beach is located on the west coast of the island. The drive to this remote beach is magnificent by itself. Passing small villages along palm gardens the streets leads to Mangapwani. The Beach is VERY remote, chances are high they you will even be the only one there! Mangapwani offers great swimming possibilities, lush great nature, a good restaurant and an old shipwreck that got flushed on the beach during a storm. Overall a very special place the enjoy a day!
Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach
Located at the north tip of the island, Nungwi is one of the most popular beach areas in Zanzibar! This is the beach you will find in travel magazines and postcards. It is truly paradisiac. Crystal your waters and some magnificent coral rock formations make it a great spot for a refreshing swim after a nice beach walk. The beach area offers many restaurants and bars which offer a great variety of international as well as local food & drinks.
Nungwi Beach
Located at the north tip of the island, Nungwi is one of the most popular beach areas in Zanzibar! This is the beach you will find in travel magazines and postcards. It is truly paradisiac. Crystal your waters and some magnificent coral rock formations make it a great spot for a refreshing swim after a nice beach walk. The beach area offers many restaurants and bars which offer a great variety of international as well as local food & drinks.