Zanzibar Islands

Zanzibar Islands is the ultimate Indian Ocean experience, a Zanzibar Island Beach holiday is more than being on the beaches, Zanzibar with its fascinating history, incredible nature, enchanting sunset and magnificent beaches, altogether embraced by the scent of exotic spices. If you are looking for a peaceful yet active escape, Zanzibar is the perfect place to give rein to your holiday wanderlust.

Zanzibar Island Beach holiday is a paradise of white sand beaches, coral reefs, diving sites, and mangrove forests teeming with monkeys. It is also a melting pot of cultures, showcasing influences from Arabia, Persia, India and Europe.
Explore the historic Stone Town, where you can hear exotic languages, taste delicious cuisines, and admire the architecture of the former trading port. Visit the spice plantations that gave Zanzibar its nickname, “Spice Islands”. Discover the secrets of the 50-island archipelago in the Indian Ocean, including Pemba and Mafia. Zanzibar Island is easily accessible from Tanzania or Kenya. It is the ideal destination to end an unforgettable East African safari. Or choose one of the smaller, ultra-secluded islands for an even more intimate and dazzling experience.

Details about Zanzibar

The islands of Zanzibar, Unguja (What people usually refer to as Zanzibar), Pemba and Mafia Island are located in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is 22 miles (35 km) off the coast of mainland Tanzania; Pemba, 35 miles (56 km). Low-lying Pemba, whose highest point reaches an elevation of 311 feet (95 metres), and Zanzibar, which reaches 390 feet (119 metres), are islands whose structure consists of coralline rocks. The west and northwest of Zanzibar consist of several ridges rising above 200 feet (60 metres), but nearly two-thirds of the south and east are low-lying. Pemba appears hilly because the central ridge has been gullied and eroded by streams draining into numerous creeks. On Zanzibar Island, short streams drain mostly to the north and west. The few streams in the east disappear into the porous coralline rock.

The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre, Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site.

Mafia Island is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. While it is the southernmost of the three main islands (Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia) in the archipelago, it is not part of the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, as it is being administered by mainland Tanzania.

Climate

Zanzibar and Pemba have precipitation levels of about 60 inches (1,520 mm) and 80 inches (2,030 mm), respectively. Precipitation levels are highest in April and May and lowest in November and December. Humidity is high. The average temperature is in the low 80s F (high 20s C) in Zanzibar and the high 70s F (mid-20s C) in Pemba; the annual temperature ranges are small.

Plant and animal life

Long-term human occupation has resulted in the clearance of most of the forests, which have been replaced with coconuts, cloves, bananas, citrus, and other crops. On the eastern side of the islands, especially on Zanzibar, there is bush (scrub).

Although there is some difference between the animal life of the two islands, it is generally similar to that on the mainland. Animal life common to both islands includes monkeys, civet cats, and mongooses. More than 100 species of birds have been recorded in Zanzibar.

Visiting Zanzibar means exploring and experiencing all the sights, sounds, tastes and smells that our amazing island has to offer. From the markets in Stone Town to exquisite tropical beaches and everything in between. Discover a vibrant, multi-cultural cuisine, shop for spices, textiles, and jewellery and visit local cooperatives to learn more about our island’s history, culture and people.

Did you know that Zanzibar has been a spice paradise since the 16th century, when the Portuguese introduced spices and herbs to the island? You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to experience a tour of one of the most impressive spice gardens on the island.