A short 30 minute flight from mainland Tanzania through Dar es Salaam airport sits an Indian Ocean haven. Accessible from any safari region in Tanzania, usually within a matter of hours visitors can be relaxing on one of Zanzibar’s white sand beaches with a cocktail in hand.
Tanzania and Zanzibar is the most popular safari and beach combination in the whole of Africa. It is so easy to combine the two as the flights are short and inexpensive compared to flying out to Mauritius, The Maldives or The Seychelles. Zanzibar truly has everything luxury beach travellers need but with a lot less hassle, and for a lot less money.
Although backpackers also love Zanzibar for its various inexpensive hostels, because the best boutique hotels on the island are fairly self-contained, luxury travellers can still enjoy their own little slice of paradise. Variety in hotel size, price and style ensures every visitor is catered for in true Zanzibar style.
Zanzibar Island offers a wide range of hotel styles and beautiful beaches on the north and east coasts. From the pristine beaches and quirky boutique hotels to the friendly locals and the hustle and bustle of Stone Town, the island oozes with charm. Most visitors enjoy lounging around in their beach hotel or exploring the depths of the Indian Ocean, but there is more to the island than just a pretty strip of beach. Zanzibar has history, a rich Swahili coastal culture and an indescribable atmosphere which attracts tourists year after year.
Whilst the main attraction is Zanzibar Island itself, other islands in the archipelago are also well worth a visit for those with ample time.
Pemba Island offers a rare glimpse into untouched island life. The Indian Ocean activities are endless and the diving beautiful, however, the beaches are not as good as Zanzibar Island’s north and east coast. But for an off the beaten track authentic island experience, it is fabulous.
Similarly, Mafia Island is known for particularly scenic dives. It is most famous for being home to the biggest fish in the sea; the mighty whale shark. Travellers can snorkel with these unbelievable whales from Mafia Island, making it a sought after destination for underwater explorers. Like Pemba, the beaches are not amazing, so it is definitely not a place for those seeking sun, sand and relaxation, but for more adventurous travellers.
Perhaps the most spoiling beach experience the Indian Ocean has to offer can be found just off Zanzibar Island in the luxurious and exclusive Mnemba Private Island. With only one lodge on the whole island, guests can enjoy the best of the archipelago’s bright white beaches all to themselves. It is not a plush 5* hotel experience, but an elegant beach lodge for those who enjoy luxury at its most personalised and authentic.
