Zanzibar Island
Why choose Zanzibar Island as your next tropical Island discovery
Zanzibar Island lasting mystique has attracted travelers from around the world for centuries. From its early days as a Swahili port, Zanzibar has done a thriving business in the cargo of the day. In generations long past, ivory, slaves and spices were transported on large wooden sailing dhows across the Indian Ocean to the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. Although spices remain a main export, these days Zanzibar’s main attraction is the beauty of the island itself.
Zanzibar’s history stretches back to when the first dhows from Arabia and India discovered its natural harbor. Using the island as a stopover point for caravans that journeyed deep into the African interior, permanent settlement soon created the beginnings of what became Stone Town. Merchants from Oman, Gujarat and around the Indian Ocean moved their families from across the ocean to start a life in Zanzibar, some amassing great fortune and building the high stone houses so indicative of Stone Town today.
Although Swahili civilization in the area of Kiliwa Kisiwani further south peaked in the 14th century, Zanzibar’s prosperity came much later with the arrival of the Omani sultans in the 18h century. Living and ruling from Stone Town, the sultans presided over the slave and ivory trade, planting vast spice plantations that survive to this day.
Remnants of the hey-day of Swahili civilization in Zanzibar still remain, vestiges of a vanished past that people still look to with a sense of heritage and pride. In Stone Town, the House of Wonders greets visitors arriving by sea, a grand building once used by the sultan for his administrative duties. His town palace stands adjacent to it, the walk ways that connected the two buildings still in dilapidated existence. Nearby, the Portuguese Fort recalls the brief occupation of the island by foreign rule, while the nearby Anglican Cathedral built over the site of the old slave market soothes the wounds of a sobering past. Today, Stone Town is as much of an attraction for visitors as Zanzibar’s beaches, world renowned for their idyllic seascapes and island charm. Guests have their pick of beaches famed for their tropical climate and soothing crystal clear waters. Swahili fishing villages, snorkeling , diving, or just beach combing offer perfect choices of relaxing itineraries.
Zanzibar Island resorts and hotels to stay at
On Zanzibar you will find a variety of places to stay.
Budget friendly Zanzibar hotels that includes;
Reef & Beach Resort Zanzibar, Amaan Bungalows Zanzibar, Cristal Resort Zanzibar, Langi Langi Beach Bungalows, Mnarani Beach Cottages. and Uroa Bay Beach Resort Zanzibar
Upper market Zanzibar resorts includes;
Sandies Baobab Beach Zanzibar, Hotel RIU Jambo Zanzibar, VOI Kiwengwa Resort Zanzibar, Sultan Sands Island Resort Zanzibar, Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort, My Blue Hotel Zanzibar, Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Zanzibar, Karafuu Beach Resort and Spa Zanzibar , Bluebay Beach Resort and Spa Zanzibar and Sea Cliff Resort and Spa Zanzibar.
Luxury 5 star Zanzibar resorts we recommend;
Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa Zanzibar, Gold Zanzibar Beach House and Spa, Hotel RIU Palace Zanzibar, TUI Blue Bahari Zanzibar and Emerald Zanzibar Resort and Spa.
Travel Packages to Zanzibar
It is always better to book your holiday as a package, instead of booking your travel package components separately. More about our packages to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Specials
Looking for a destination that offers great value for money all inclusive packages, than definitely consider Zanzibar Island for your next travel destination.
For information on Zanzibar value added specials packages have a look here.