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Zanzibar Beach & Cultural Experience

Overview

Tanzania is a united republic, the result of a union of Tanganyika (mainland Tanzania) and Zanzibar (an archipelago). Although Zanzibar consists of several islands, the two main islands are Unguja and Pemba, with Unguja being by far the largest and most common tourist destination. In fact, Ugunja is most commonly just referred to as Zanzibar. Unguja is approximately 85 km long (53 miles) and 30 km wide (20 miles). It is located 35 km (22 miles) off mainland Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Pemba Island is northeast of Ugunja, is more rural and less developed.

The island has a long history as an international trading center - largely spices, textiles, and slaves. These influences result in the culture being a mix of Persian, Arabic, Indian, African, and European (predominatly Portugese) influences. This is the birthplace of the Swahili language and its exotic culture.

Zanzibar is known to have some of the finest beaches on earth, excellent SCUBA and snorkeling locations, and great deep-sea fishing. Certain locations have a great number of dolphins and offer the experience to swim with them in the ocean. There are no dangerous sharks in this area of the Indian Ocean.

Culture

Zanzibar is heavily Muslim and away from beach resorts, it will be respectful if you dress in a conservative manner - no short skirts or shorts, covered midriff and shoulders will be appreiated. At the beach resorts, it is much more accepted for swimsuits and short clothes. But topless sunbathing is not allowed. As a high percentage of the population is Muslim, it is not likely that you will find pork products on the menu at any restaurant. Public drunken behavior is frowned upon. During the celebration of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the daylight hours. Therefore, outside of the tourist areas, restaurants are closed during the daytime. After sunset, these areas come alive though. At tourist areas, you can expect food and drink as normal. The end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) is a huge festival worth experiencing. The projected dates for Ramadan are:
10 March - 08 April 2024
28 February - 29 March 2025
18 February - 19 March 2026
08 February - 09 March 2027

Getting There

We suggest allowing at least 4 days here to be able to enjoy this destination with no upper limit in number days to spend here.

There is an international airport located on the southwest portion of Unguja - Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ airport code). Flights to ZNZ flights can be found from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Dar es Salaam (DAR) Moshi Airport (QSI), Arusha Airport (ARK), from Serengeti (Seronera) Airstrip (SEU). There is also ferry service from Dar es Salaam to Ugunja (Zanzibar). To get to Pemba there is a small airport (PMA airport code -- be careful if booking a flight, there is also an airport in Mozambique named Pemba Airport). You can get a flight on a small plane from ZNZ or DAR. There is also a ferry from Ugunja to Pemba.

Best Time to Go

The months of April, May and November are rainy. Some resorts choose to shut down during April but you might get some good room rates if you choose to go during low season. December and January are very busy and some resorts enforce a minimum stay of 3 - 4 days during this period. There is little seasonal temperature variation. July is the coldest month with an average temperature of 25°C (75°F) and Feburary being the warmest month with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F).

Activities in Zanzibar

Who says that you need to do anything? After a Kilimanjaro trek or being on dusty roads during a safari, doing nothing for a few days is an excellent idea. The perfect white sand beaches lined with palm trees are very relaxing. But for those wanting activity there is plenty to do. Recommended are the following:

All activities can be easilly booked through your hotel once you arrive. The exception being a Cheetah's Rock Animal Rescue Center visit which might require booking further in advance. For details visit cheetahsrock.org.

Destinations in Zanzibar

Stone Town
The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town, was constructed during the 19th century: a labyrinth of narrow alleys complete with palaces, mosques, and tiny shops. It's noisy, busy and not very clean – but it has a vibrant, exotic atmosphere that can be enticing! Stay here for a night or two – it is often convenient for international flights – at one of the beautiful converted merchant's houses, and look forward to eating out.
Northern Zanzibar
Two or three hours drive from Stone Town, the villages of Nungwi and Kendwa marks the northern-most tip of Zanzibar. The turquoise-blue ocean surrounds it on three sides; Nungwi has long been a magnet for visitors seeking paradise. Come for some good diving and beaches, and proximity to a lively village where there's always a lot going on. Very little tide variation here is a big plus for water activities. The full moon party at Kendwa Rocks Hotel draws huge crowds.
East Coast Zanzibar
The northern part of east coast Zanzibar is lined with long, powder-white beaches. Offshore you're find the magical Mnemba Island – the ultimate island lodge for those who can afford it.
Michamvi Peninsula and Southeast Zanzibar
South along the east coast of Zanzibar and the beach remains stunning: powder-white sand with a barrier reef, lots of palm trees and a significant tidal range. The villages become a little sleepier and more relaxed as you head south, and Jambiani, in particular, is very relaxed indeed. For an authentic visit to a friendly village, you can't beat it.
Southwest Zanzibar
Fumba Peninsula is south of Stone Town. Like the south-east of Zanzibar, this is a very relaxed and friendly corner of the island which has seen few visitors. Kizimkazi is known for its swimming with dolphins tours. Very large tidal variation in this portion of the island, you can experience no beach to 100m of beach during the same day. Offshore is the award-winning eco-resort on Chumbe Island.
Pemba Island
Pemba is a 30-minute flight northeast of Zanzibar. Though comparable in size, its economy is largely rural and agricultural. It's almost exclusively Muslim, with a people who are more traditional in their occupations, and more conservative in their approach. The shoreline has more mangrove forests, but the beaches it does have are wonderful. If you are in search of solitude this is a great fit. There are good snorkel/SCUBA opportunities here also.

We are ready for your questions or for your booking request. Do not feel that you need to have all details in place (exact dates, final number of participants, etc.) before you start communicating with us. We can be contacted via:
email: inquiry.theway2kili@gmail.com
phone: +255 621 067 826 be aware that local time is GMT +3

Ryan Lipinski (US contact) lipinski29@outlook.com
Ph: +1 (586) 295-6572