by Andrew Muigai
Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian ocean made up of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, and a number of smaller islets. The islands have attractive beaches and beautiful coral reefs. The main island in Zanzibar, Unguja, is situated approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Tanzania mainland coast. The island occupies an area of 650 square miles, stretching 60 miles long and 20 miles wide.
As if God meant it to be the ultimate holiday destination, the weather is filled with summer heat of 25-28 degrees centigrade for most of the year often cooled by the pleasant pangs of the sea breeze. April and May are exceptions with bringing with them the long rains and November bringing the short showers.
Though you can get to Zanzibar both by air and water, taking a flight is the most convenient way, as it is fast and comfortable. There is a daily flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar operated by the Kenya airways. You are more likely to have great and breathtaking views if seated on the left side seat thus I highly recommend this. Once in the island, you should go for tours to stone Town, spice farms, and a number of beautiful unspoilt beaches like Jambiani.
Zanzibar is a great destination with different unique attractions like the Omani palaces and towers, nice aromas of the spices of old , and graceful dhows ” the classic Arabic sailboats that have been plying the harbor for centuries. Zanzibar music, cuisine and architecture are the true reflections of the influence of multiple cultures mostly Arabic, African, and Indian culture and lifestyles. Some classic examples of the unique Zanzibar architecture are the brass-studded and wooden door carvings.
Stone town, the capital of Zanzibar, glares with the narrow winding streets, very busy markets and hospitable and friendly inhabitants. Centuries ago, stone town was the only functioning city in East Africa. Present in the town are various prominent historical buildings such as the house of wonders, the palace museum, Dr Livingstones house and the Arab Fort amongst others.
Many players in the Zanzibar tourism industry are Europeans, who are most dominant at the northern and Eastern shores of the Island. This side has several dazzling resorts and lively clubs. Most locally owned businesses are located at the Southeast side especially along the Jambiani beach. This offers variety to those visitors to Zanzibar who need privacy.
With every paradise destination comes accommodation that lives up to its surrounding and Zanzibar is no different with its collection of world class hotels and lodges. Befitting the name paradise is the Ocean paradise beach resort on the picturesque North East Coast overlooking the Indian Ocean. Some 45 minutes drive from Zanzibar Airport the resort will greet you with traditional style chalets in the form of pitched makuti roofs. A stunning waterfall and the largest swimming pool in Zanzibar are just some of the features that make the resort one of the best not to mention the friendly service typical of Zanzibar people in general. Each room is sea facing with large patio doors that open up to a private balcony for you to kick back and absorb some phenomenal peace of mind. They are also air conditioned with mosquito netting and extra luxuries such as satellite TV, mini bar and a unique curved en suite bathroom with shower toilet and bidet.
Breezes Beach Club is located approximately an hour from Zanzibar airport and is located along a pure beach stretching into oblivion. It has 20 superior deluxe rooms, 40 deluxe rooms and 10 standard rooms all spacious and fully air conditioned. They are also with en-suite bathrooms and personal safe box for your wads of cash. Facilities include spa, yoga and meditation, marine activities centre, scuba diving centre, shopping bazaar, Fitness and aerobics centre, cashiers office and telephone/fax services.
Shopping is a must in Zanzibar where you will get variety to choose from to fit in your cultural taste. The bustling busy markets at stone town offers a range of local crafts and artifacts at very friendly prices. Music and cuisine is also readily available at restaurants along Livingstones Forodhani street famed for beautiful gardens. These restaurants are traditionally decorated and play soothing taarab music on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
One last place you should visit in Stone Town Zanzibar is the childhood home of the late lead singer of the rock band Queen, Freddie Mercury. The home is now called the Gallery Zanzibar and has a wide collection of Zanzibar artifacts from carvings, paintings, brass-trimmed Zanzibar chests, beaded boxes, and many more antiques.