Zanzibar
Zanzibar
Zanzibar enchants and beguiles with its oriental mystique and forgotten exoticism — the very name evokes the Spice Islands and the Dhow trade, Sultans palaces built of limestone and coral against the palm trees and the crashing surf.
The 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. Tours of 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, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. On the East Coast, waves break over coral reefs and sandbars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones dazzling days in the sun.
Recommended places to stay
The Serena Inn
Located in the centre of Stone Town the original old buildings have been integrated and restored into a unique single property echoing the grandeur of days past. One was an18th century house, the other the offices of telecommunication in later colonial times. Stone Town is a legendary place full of old palaces with intricately carved doors and colourful spice and fruit markets, often it still smells of the cloves that gave it riches in times past. Zanzibar’s Stone Town was issued World Heritage Site status by UNESCO’s Bureau of the World Heritage Committee. This was announced during the 24th session of The World Heritage Committee held on 23rd-24th November 2000 in Cairns, Australia.
Blue Bay Beach Resort
Bluebay Beach Resort is situated on the most beautiful 25-acre site, with its cottages located on rising ground overlooking verdant gardens. The public areas, the pool, the more than 1,000 beautiful palm trees, the private sparkling white beach and the azure sea with its coral reef offering particularly warm and safe swimming.
