Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. The name alone is likely to conjure up images of spice markets, palm-fringed beaches and white-sailed dhows on a turquoise sea – and happily the reality doesn’t disappoint. Lying only a short distance off the Tanzania coast but at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Zanzibar has long been at the centre of the Indian Ocean experience in East Africa and a Zanzibar holiday is a sensory experience par excellence. Go on spice tours, taste local dishes and walk the cobbled streets of the capital’s old quarter Stone Town, now a World Heritage Site buzzing with colourful back-street markets and local flavours. And then of course there are the Zanzibar beaches: perfect for anyone who simply wants to enjoy a lazily luxurious beach vacation – Zanzibar and its outlying islands are home to some of the finest beaches in East Africa as well as a number of its best dive sites. You won’t want for somewhere to stay either: one of the world’s most romantic honeymoon destinations, luxury beachfront cottages to exclusive boutique hotels and elegant spa resorts and safe swimming beaches.
Stone Town
This particular town has been deemed a UNESCO Heritage Site. It has the history of Sultans, Princesses and slaves written all over it. The architecture along the coast mainly consists of styles that originate from Arabia and Asia. The tour will show you the blending of the cultures as well as teach you about the fascinating history of the town.
Pange Sandbank
Sandbank is situated 20 min via boat from Stone Town. It is ideal for activities such as snorkelling as there is a vast range of coral fish and tropical fish. This is the perfect getaway setting, far away from the bustling of the busy city, alongside the calm crystal blue waters.
Dinner at Forodhani
This is a night time food market that starts in the late afternoon in stone town. It is said no trip to Zanzibar is complete unless you have experienced the vibe at the market. It takes place opposite the House of Wonders and at this market you will find freshly grilled fish, meat and vegetables. The seafood options are endless and they are accompanied by fried potato balls, naan bread and samosas. A food seller displays food items for sale in the park. The Indian Ocean can be seen in the background.
Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll
This area was recently declared a marine conservation area. This is a coral atoll that is surrounded by reefs that are alive with an unbelievable amount of fish and marine creatures. Here you will see the like of species such as the whale shark, green turtles, pelagic creatures and the rather rare nudibranchs. Where better to see all these creatures and more than in their natural setting?
Ngezi Forest
This forest is a reserve that is located in the northwest part of Pemba. The dense and wonderfully lush forest at Ngezi is one of the last remaining areas of rainforests of East Africa more than the lowland forests found on Zanzibar. This forest used to cover the entire island spanning around 30 square km. The forest is home to many endangered species. The forest is reached via a road from Konde. One of the best ways to view the forest is by bicycle. The forest ends and opens onto an untouched beach and is well worth a visit.
Swim with Dolphins at Kimzimkazi
Kizimkazi is situated in the North, about an hour from stone town. Kizimkazi Mkunguni, but also known as Kizimkazi Mtendeni – is a fishing village on the southern coast of Zanzibar In these waters there is a 90% chance that you will see both bottlenose dolphins and humpback dolphins. Trips like this afford you the opportunity to swim with dolphins as long as they stay neat the boat. Some trips include time in a snorkelling area and lunch.
Pembe Island
Pemba Island, known as “The Green Island” in Arabic, is an island forming part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, lying within the Swahili Coast in the Indian Ocean. At Pemba Lodge, the favorite activity is relaxing and doing nothing! However, there are quite a few more for you to enjoy around the lodge and the island. There are bush trails criss- crossing the island that will take you up close and personal with the abundant flora and fauna of this undisturbed ecosystem. It is also recommended that life jackets be worn whenever on a boat or in a kayak. Snorkeling equipment is available to use, complimentary, for boat trips to nearby reefs. Pemba’s spectacular reefs are rated among the world’s top dive sites. Whether you are an experienced scuba diver or just want to try it for the first time, they are happy to make arrangements for you with reputable dive companies on the main island of Pemba. Let them know in advance if you want to go diving so they can get everything in place for you. Birds that have been sighted by our guests include black and white hornbill, paradise fly catcher, rollers, kwarara, red-eyed pigeon, pied kingfisher, sunbird, mnana, common tern and little tern. A short walk from Pemba Lodge is Kichanga Kasa beach; the perfect spot to sit and watch the sun set at the end of another lazy day in this tropical paradise. Sunset is best experienced from Turtle bay with a visit to the rescue turtle pond nearby.
Misali Island
This island is 17km from Chake Chake and is one of Pemba’s highlights. It offers superb snorkelling and diving as well as nature trails and beautiful beaches. Around this island there are over 42 types of coral, 300 species of fish, flying foxes and a rare type of vervet monkey. There is a historic rumour that this is where Captain Kidd buried his treasure.
Source: www.go2africa.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment