23/02/2023
The tropical island of Zanzibar belongs to the United Republic of Tanzania, is located off the east coast of Africa and is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. With its endless white beaches and turquoise water, it attracts more and more tourists. A place of incredible beauty that can be seen on postcards or in commercials.
Zanzibar is an archipelago of 75 islands, the largest of which are Zanzibar and Pemba. The area of Zanzibar is about 1660 km². Due to its proximity to the equator, it is warm all year round. The average air temperature is about 30°C, water – 28°C. However, the best time to visit is winter. During this time, the chance of precipitation is minimal.
Here is a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for relaxation of the soul and body. There are many modern hotels, cafes and restaurants on the coast. Travelers are offered a lot of entertainment. And all this is combined with stunning nature, warm waters of the ocean and hospitable local people. A place worth visiting.
In addition to relaxing on the beach and boat trips, the island offers to visit:
Spice Island
Along with tourism, Zanzibar’s economy is growing thanks to spices. This island is also called the Spice Island. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, black pepper are grown here all year round. The spice farm is located in the central part of the island.
Dolphin Bay
Kizimkazi Beach is the starting point for the dolphin tour. From here you can go to the ocean by boat in search of these cute mammals.
Prison Island
Once a prison was built here, but it was never used for its intended purpose. Currently, this is a beautiful island inhabited by giant turtles, which you can even pet. The surviving prison buildings on the island have been turned into a “prison hotel” and a “prison restaurant”, and local guides will tell you about the dark past of the island.
Stone Town or Stone Town
Visiting card of the city of Zanzibar. Its ancient part is listed under the protection of UNESCO. Cathedrals, mosques, the Arab Fort and the People’s Palace, the David Livingstone House Museum and much more can be found in the old streets of Zanzibar. By the way, Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town. He spent all his childhood and youth on the island and in India.
Ocean fishing
In the very north of the island in the village of Nungwi, there is a fishermen’s bay, from where you can go for a catch.
Snorkeling
That is, swimming with fins and a mask to observe the underwater world. Snorkeling is possible anywhere on the island. But the best and exotic one is on the island of Mnemba.
As for the cuisine of Zanzibar, it combines African, Arabic and Persian. The main dishes are meat and fish, garnished with rice, beans or potatoes, as well as various spicy sauces and fruits. The most traditional side dish is bananas, which are fried, baked, stewed and served with almost all dishes.
When is the best time to go to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is located just a little south of the equator, which means that the average monthly temperature there practically does not fluctuate from month to month and is about +30 degrees Celsius during the day. To accurately choose the time to travel to Zanzibar, you need to consider that the climate in Zanzibar is controlled by monsoons, which means there is a pronounced rainy season! The rainy season in Zanzibar lasts from mid-March to May. The peak is in April. The rest of the time in Zanzibar, the weather is clear and hot – great for relaxing!
Whether you’re looking to spend a romantic week in colonial bungalows on the secluded beaches of Zanzibar’s East Coast, or go kite surfing on the beach… The success of your holiday depends entirely on the phase of the moon. Yes, don’t be surprised! It is because of it that ebb and flow occurs. And the gentle turquoise ocean can go on the East Coast for 1.5-2 km during the full moon and new moon. When the water leaves (and this happens twice a day), it may turn out that you are only knee-deep or waist-deep, and because of the numerous sea urchins and starfish, you cannot enter the sea without coral slippers. In the middle of the moon cycle, the water goes less, but it’s still 500-700 m for the East Coast.
The best beaches of Zanzibar are considered to be Kendwa and Nungwi, the beaches of the West Coast, where the tides are almost not felt. Water leaves a maximum of 10-30 meters. The closer to the north and east of the island, the stronger the tides become, and the further the water goes.
Exotic holiday in Zanzibar gives you the opportunity to find yourself in a unique, almost “untouched by civilization” place (perhaps, except for the territory of your hotel). So we want to give you some advice – what to take with you to feel comfortable in Zanzibar!
● Cream – 80-100 SPF – Zanzibar is after all the Equator, and during the daytime the UV index can reach 11-15 – this means that without protection you can “burn out” in 20 minutes in the sun or in 10 minutes of swimming in the ocean !
● Fumitoks – despite the fact that hotels are actively fighting mosquitoes and the beds have canopies, it is better to take extra care of this. This device does not take up much space, and in Zanzibar itself only insect sprays are sold.
● Cash – cards in Zanzibar are not accepted almost anywhere. Over time, the situation is gradually improving, but … But with pleasure and everywhere they take American dollars later than 2006.
● Multicharger, if you have a lot of gadgets – sockets in the hotel may not be enough for all your devices!
● Download the Tides near me app to your phone. This way you can plan your day ahead of time.
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Zanzibar is an island of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. It is a popular tourist destination and a leading tourist destination in Africa. The island is known for its white beaches, coral reefs, and tropical climate.