Between heavenly beaches and tropical forests
Ideal for a rest at the end of your safari, Zanzibar is famous for its white sandy beaches and pristine wilderness.
We recommend a night in Stone Town to have the pleasure of waking up in the morning with a view of the beach, the laughter of children playing in the waves, and fishermen passing by.
Most of the hotels are surrounded by authentic villages that give your surroundings that sense of authenticity.
The beaches are pristine and not always private for charming hotels, allowing you to see the local life in complete freedom.
For the more upscale hotels, beach sports are omnipresent, and there is something for everyone. All year round you can enjoy windsurfing, diving, canoeing, kayaking, parachuting, dhow cruises, etc.
Zanzibar also benefits from a rich flora and fauna.
The greenery of the Jozani National Park and the depth of the Ngezi rainforest provide an unparalleled experience for visitors.
The variety of birds and butterflies makes Zanzibar a unique destination in the world.
Finally, its culinary heritage, and in particular its many spices, will delight gastronomic enthusiasts curious to discover new flavours.
Our favourites
Menai Bay
Plunge into the blue waters of a white sandy beach and enjoy a delicious local lunch….
Menai Bay is dotted with secluded sandbanks and fascinating scenery, as well as uninhabited islets, pristine marine life and crystal clear turquoise waters.
Divers will discover many tropical species of fish, sea grasses and coral reefs.
The area is therefore very suitable for diving with species such as moray eels, scorpion fish, lion fish, big groupers, octopus, lobsters, rays, manta rays and dolphins.
Departing from the fishing village of Fumba or Kizimkazi, climb aboard the traditional dhows to go in search of dolphins! The two species frequently found in the Menai Bay are the long-billed dolphin and the tursiops dolphin.
Prison Island
Prison Island, or Changuu Island, is 30 minutes from Old Stone Town.
It was used as a penitentiary for rebel slaves. Today, the island provides a place to escape to find peace and quiet.
Here you will find giant turtles that were imported from the Seychelles in the 19th century as well as many other species. Parrots, bats and not to be missed the duikers – (a species similar to the antelope).
Island of Mnemba
The island of Mnemba, actually an atoll, is private and particularly select: it is here that the rich and famous come to take their holidays, including Bill Clinton and Naomi Campbell.
Needless to say, in this luxury paradise, the prices are astronomical and any contact with the inhabitants is forbidden. It’s a pity because the island of Mnemba is also home to real natural treasures, with its beautiful underwater world.
Jozani National Park
One of the last witnesses of Zanzibar’s tropical forest, it stretches over 50 kilometers between Chwaka Bay and Uzi Bay.
This swampy jungle is still home to a rich and lush wildlife, including two particularly rare species of monkeys: the red colobus and the blue skye.
Other primate species are present, as well as bushpigs, various species of antelope, elephant shrews, chameleons and many birds and butterflies.
Ngezi Forest Reserve (Pemba Island)
Declared a nature reserve in 1950, the reserve contains a unique combination of vegetation in East Africa.
The dominant plant species are: Odyendea zimmermanni (Mjoho), Barringtonia racemosa riparian forest (Mtomondo), Milicia spp (mvule), Alexandrian laurel (Mtondoo), Erythropholem spp (Mwavi), Antiarus spp (Mgulele), Pembanus Chrisalidocarpus.
The demarcation line of the forest containing the vegetation extends to the Vumawimbi beach giving visitors a unique local tropical experience.
Stone Town
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has the charm of a place where many civilisations have crossed paths.
You will wander through the picturesque labyrinth of narrow streets, finding here and there sculpted portals, shops with a thousand opportunities, mosques, cathedrals and balconies filtering light between wooden lacework…
Livingstone was right, Stone Town was his resting place before his many African explorations.
Not to be missed: the many small hotels in the old town which have managed to preserve all their authenticity and charm.
On the spice road
You will be overwhelmed by the abundance of botanical species growing in Zanzibar’s gardens!
Some of these exotic spices, fruits and vegetables are used in local natural medicine, and cure certain diseases.
Among the spices you will discover are cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla and black pepper. You will be able to taste a variety of fruits ranging from rose apples to guava.
Some rare plants such as henna, the perfume tree and the lipstick tree are used in the preparation of cosmetic products.
Guided tours will take you on the spice route of Kizimbani or Kidichi.
Our favourite accommodation: Fun Beach Hotel
Fun Beach welcomes you to a tropical paradise of palm trees, banana trees and a lush garden with local flowers.µ White sandy beaches, sparkling clear warm water in turquoise lagoons and colourful coral reefs teeming with abundant marine life.
A friendly and attentive team that prides itself on its attention to detail.
The Fun Beach is an ideal place to relax with the family and is excellent value for money.
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