Zanzibar & The Tanzanian Coast
For over two thousand years the East African coast has lured travellers and traders alike from many distant shores. Zanzibar became the most powerful centre of a rich and lucrative trade route with Asia supplying gold, ivory and slaves, serving as the main power base for the Sultans of Oman and a gateway to the African continent for a number of European explorers such as Speke, Burton and Livingstone. Now offering visitors idyllic white sandy beaches and a wealth of historical and cultural interest, Zanzibar is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the East African coast.
Mafia Island
Situated off the coast of Tanzania to the south of Zanzibar (although it is not part of the Zanzibar archipelago) and only a short flight away from Dar es Salaam, Mafia is a very magical destination!
It is a tranquil, little visited and friendly island where the locals’ day to day lives continue in the same pattern as they have for millenia. Mafia is well known for its excellent diving and snorkelling, its empty beaches and its laid back atmosphere.
Our recommended lodges include:
Kinasi Lodge
Pole Pole
Mainland coast – Ras Kutani
Tanzania’s coastal vegetation is lush and dotted amongst it are many small farming villages, where clusters of thatched huts stand under palm and papaya trees. Travelling out of the bustling city of Dar es Salaam, you’ll leave the city surprisingly quickly and tar will give way to gravel, and pavements to swaying palm trees. The pace of life slows as you pass stalls piled high with fruit and vegetables.
Our recommended lodge is Ras Kutani.
Mainland coast – Saadani National Park
Located on the Indian Ocean coast to the north of Bagamoyo, Saadani is Tanzania’s newest 1000 sq. km national park. This is a unique area with an extraordinary diversity of scenery and wildlife, with beach, bush and river combining to produce a colourful array of ecosystems. Elephants have been known to cavort on the beach and just a stone’s throw from the open sea, hippos wallow in the estuary of the Wami River.
The only lodge within the boundaries of the park is Saadani Safari Lodge.
Out at sea small tidal sand islands set in clear waters make for a lovely ocean boat trip. Here you can enjoy a picnic lunch under shade on the island’s sands and there are also good snorkelling spots just offshore. Dolphins and green turtles are often seen at the island and love to play around the boat.
The Wami River ends its journey just down the coast from the lodge and a trip into the estuary to explore the lower reaches can result in sightings of a wide variety of bird and animal life including flamingos, pelicans, hippo and crocodile. The park’s wildlife is plentiful with lion and other predators, as well as a wide range of plains game including elephant, giraffe, kudu and large herds of buffalo. The landscapes are varied and distinctive, combining coastal forests, acacia woodlands, open grasslands and the mangrove vegetation at the mouth of the river.
Walking safaris and game drives provide very different bush perspectives. The pace is entirely flexible and you can explore in your own time, catching the odd glimpse of sparkling blue sea as you watch the animals and birds. Game drives are often combined with a fresh picnic breakfast or evening sundowner at a waterhole.
Saadani Safari Lodge now has a sister property, Saadani River Lodge, situated outside the park. Saadani River Lodge is located on the banks of the Wami River north of Bagamoyo and is overlooking Saadani National Park.
Pemba Island
Although part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba is a 30-minute flight northeast of Zanzibar Island and though comparable in size, it is less developed. Undulating, verdant and remote, Pemba is a real secret paradise, full of undiscovered beaches and some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean.
Our recommended hotel is Fundu Lagoon.
Zanzibar
The island of Zanzibar is located 45 miles (20 minutes flight) from Dar es Salaam off the Tanzania coast and is surrounded by tropical beaches and coral reefs.
Lying at the heart of the island, Stone Town is an enchanting place to wander around. Every twist and turn through its labyrinthine streets presents you with something of interest, from amazingly diverse architecture to quaint little hole-in-the wall shops selling everything from hand crafted treasures to traditional spices. Old Stone Town historical sites worth visiting include the House of Wonders, the Maruhubi Palace, the Persian Baths and the Mangapwani Slave Caves.
Zanzibar is a complete and utter paradise, very uncomplicated and totally relaxing. The island is surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful and unspoilt white coral-sand beaches, particularly on the east coast and the whole island is protected by offshore coral reefs which attract divers from all over the world.
Some of the most interesting places to visit on the island include: Stone Town, Jozani Forest, Mangapwani Slave Caves and Nungwi Village.
Our recommended hotels & lodges on Zanzibar are:
£ Pongwe, Fumba Beach Lodge, Echo Beach, Unguga Resort
££ Ras Nungwi, Matemwe Bungalows
£££ Baraza, The Residence, Matemwe Retreats
££££ Mnemba Island, The Palms
Baraza
Location: East coast of Zanzibar
Rooms: 30 villas, all with plunge pools
Facilities: Restaurants & bar, watersport centre, fitness centre, tennis court, spa, kids club8
Activities: Swimming, sorkelling, diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, surf ski, power kite and more
Children: Children of all ages are welcome at Baraza
Our view: Baraza is a fantastic 5* deluxe all villas resort. Baraza offers sophisticated and slick accommodation with a clever modern twist on the traditional swahili style. It also boasts excellent facilities that will appeal to all discerning travellers. Baraza is our favourite option on Zanzibar!
Breezes Beach Club
Location: North east coast of Zanzibar
Rooms: 70
Activities: Restaurants, swimming pool, diving centre, watersports centre, fitness centre, tennis court, great spa
Children: All ages are welcome
Our View: Breezes is set on a beautiful beach on the east coast of Zanzibar and the hotel is well known for its high level of service, cuisine and generous hospitality. The rooms are set around the beautiful gardens and are furnished in traditional Zanzibari style giving guests a very comfortable and relaxing stay. Breezes is more suited to clients in search of a resort with a buzzy atmosphere. Very good option for families too!
Echo Beach Hotel
Location: On the east coast of Zanzibar
Rooms: 13 rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, swimming pool, dive centre, spa room
Activities: Diving, snorkelling
Children: All ages are welcome
Our view: Echo Beach Hotel is a new small owner run lodge in Zanzibar and we have already received some great feedback from some of clients staying there. The setting is beautiful – long white sand beach with swaying palm trees.
Echo Beach Hotel is quite a small property and would be best suited to people who just want to relax by the pool with a book and soak up the sunshine.
Emerson Spice
Location: Heart of Stone Town
Rooms: Opened in June 2011, currently 6 rooms with up to 24 rooms due in total
Facilities: Small restaurant downstairs & rooftop restaurant
Children: Children of all ages are welcome at Emerson Spice
Our View: Emerson Spice is a wonderful property full of character. It is very colourful and will appeal to those who prefer to stay in a traditional authentic Zanzibari house.
Essque Zalu
Location: North of Zanzibar, Ras Nungwi
Rooms: 40 Suites & 9 Villas with private pool
Facilities: Restaurants, bar, spa, Petit VIP kids’ Club, swimming pool
Children: Children of all ages are welcome at Essque Zalu
Our View: Essque Zalu is a relatively new property (it opened in June 2011) on the north coast of Zanzibar. We are particularly impressed with the Villas which all have private pools – perfect for family groups!
Fumba Beach Lodge
Location: South west coast of Zanzibar
Rooms: 26 rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, swimming pool, dive centre, small spa
Children: All ages are welcome
Our view: Fumba is a relaxed lodge on the south west coast of Zanzibar. The rooms are fairly rustic and we would recommend guests upgrade to the Suites & Baobab Suites as they boast a lovely rooftop terrace!
The beach at Fumba is not a long beach as the ones found on the east coast but the 3 coves will appeal to guests who prefer smaller & more intimate beaches.
Fundu Lagoon
Location: Fundu Lagoon is beautifully located on the west coast of Pemba Island on the Wambaa Peninsula
Rooms: 18 thatched open fronted bungalows
Activities: Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, water skiing and game fishing
Facilities: Restaurant, spa, swimming pool, dive centre & watersports centre
Children: Children above the age of 12 are welcome at Fundu Lagoon
Our View: Fundu is a peaceful and remote lodge, a perfect hideaway destination!
Kilindi
Location: North west coast of Zanzibar, South of Kwenda
Rooms: 15 spacious villas. Each villa has 2 private plunge pools.
Facilities: Infinity swimming pool, spa
Activities: Diving & snorkelling, dhow cruises and deep sea fishing can all be arranged from Kilindi.
Children: Kilindi has 2 family rooms but we would not recommend this property for families with children under 8.
Our view: Kilindi is a wonderful choice for couples and honeymooners!
Kinasi Lodge
Location: South West coast of Mafia. Mafia island is a hort flight away from Dar es Salaam
Rooms: 14 cottages
Facilities: Dive centre, spa, swimming pool
Activities: Diving, snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, bike rides
Children: All ages are welcome
Our view: The atmosphere at Kinasi is intimate, unpretentious and very relaxed. Mafia is little known and makes an ideal destination for people in search of an unspoilt island and for people who want to get away form the crowd! The islanders are very friendly and there is plenty to do at Kinasi and on the island so it is a good option for those who just want to relax & soak up the sunshine and those who like their holidays a bit more active.
Matemwe Bungalows, Matemwe Retreat & Matemwe Villa
Location: East coast of Zanzibar
Rooms: 12 Standard Rooms at Matemwe Bungalows + 3 Suites at Matemwe Retreat + Matemwe Villa (3-bedroom villa)
Facilities: Restaurant, infinity pool & swimming pool, watersports centre
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, reef & village walks, diving can be arranged
Children: Childen over the age of 6 are welcome at Matemwe
Our view:
Matemwe is a lovely rustic lodge and is an old favorite of many travellers to Zanzibar. The rooms have lots of character and a lot of local materials have been used to decorate and build the rooms.
The new Suites are looking fabulous. They are very private and they all boast a large rooftop terrace & a private plunge pool.
The newly opened Matemwe Villa is a private 3-bedroom villa set on a hillside just beyond the watersports centre, fully self-contained with its own pool, dining area & kitchen. Great option for families.
Mnemba Island
Location: Mnemba island is situated on an exclusive island just 4.5 kilometres off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar in the azure Indian Ocean
Rooms: 10 bandas
Activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, fly fishing, windsurfing, swimming, birdwatching, walking and deep-sea fishing
Facilities: Swimming pool
Children: All ages are welcome at Mnemba Island
Our view: Mnemba is the home of barefoot luxury. The philosophy at Mnemba is one of unblemished privacy and immaculate service – the ultimate ocean hideaway. Surrounded by an atoll of breathtaking coral reefs, it boasts some of Africa’s most wonderful dive sites. Mnemba is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world, offering a privacy and rustic exclusivity unparalleled on the African coastline.
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Location: Pongwe Beach Hotel is situated on the east coast of Zanzibar
Rooms: 16 rooms
Activities: Swimming, kayaking, bike rides , snorkelling, diving & fishing can also be arranged
Facilities: Restaurant, infinity pool
Children: All ages are welcome
Our view: Pongwe is well known for offering great value for money. The accommodation is simple but very comfortable. And one of the great highlights of Pongwe is that the rooms are only steps away from the lovely beach.
Ras Kutani
Location: Ras Kutani is situated on the Tanzania coast and it is only about a 12 minutes flight away from Dar es Salaam.
Rooms: 14 rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, Spa room
Activities: Body boarding, kayaking on the lagoon, snorkelling from the beach, forest walks, and horse riding can also be arranged
Our view: Relaxation is the key note at Ras Kutani and with its long empty beach and its serene atmospshere it is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. It is a very professionally run lodge and the staff is charming and enthusiastic.
Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel
Location: Situated on one of Zanzibar’s finest beaches at Nungwi on the north coast of the island and only a stone’s throw away from the vibrant Nungwi Village
Rooms: 31 rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, swimming pool, watersports & dive centre, tennis court, spa
Activities: Swimming, bike rides, kayaking, windsurfing, dhow cruises, professional deep sea fishing, snorkelling & diving
Children: All ages are welcome
Our view: This hotel offers tranquility, excellent cuisine, a great choice of activities and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a great option for honeymooners, families and couples alike.
Saadani Safari Lodge
Location: Situated on the Indian Ocean coast to the north of Bagamoyo, Saadani is the only lodge in Saadani National Park.
Rooms: 14 rooms
Facilities: Swimming pool, spa, restaurant & bar
Activities: Ocean & river boat trips, game drives & bush walks
Children: Children over the age of 6 are welcome at Saadani Lodge
Our view: This is a unique area with an extraordinary diversity of scenery and wildlife, with beach, bush and river combining to produce a colourful array of ecosystems. Its unique location & its rustic style make Saadani a very interesting and exceptional destination for Africa lovers.
The Palms
Location: On the east coast of Zanzibar, next to Breezes and Baraza
Rooms: 6
Facilities: Restaurant, swimming pool, spa, dive centre & watersports at its sister property Breezes which is situated next door to the Palms
Children: Children over the age of 16 are welcome at the Palms
Our view: The Palms is a small exclusive property situated next to its bigger sister property Breezes. The 6 rooms are modern and very spacious.
The Residence
Location: South West coast of Zanzibar
Rooms: 66 villas, all with private swimming pools
Facilities: Two restaurants & bar, swimming pool, watersport centre, fitness centre, tennis court, spa, kids club
Children: Children of all ages are welcome at the Residence
Activities: Kayaking, kite-surfing, dolphin safari, dhow cruise, deep sea fishing, snorkelling & diving.
Our view: The Residence is a fine 5* deluxe all villa resort on a quiet part of the Zanzibar coast. The Residence is a fantastic property offering modern & spacious villas and very attentive service. One of our favourite options on zanzibar!
The Serena Inn, Stone Town
Location: Stown Town, Zanzibar
Rooms: 51 rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, swimming pool
Children: All ages are welcome at the Serena
Our view: The Serena Inn has been to date considered as the best hotel in Stone Town and it has certainly delivered a good level of service throughout the years. The Hotel is situated on the seafront and is always a good option for a drink, a meal in its charming rooftop restaurant or a few nights accommodation.
Unguja Lodge
Location: South coast of Zanzibar
Rooms: 10 cottages + 1 family villa
Facilities: Restaurant, swimming pool, One Ocean dive centre
Children: All ages are welcome at Unguja Lodge
Our view: Unguja Lodge is a small owner run lodge situated in the little known Kizimkazi area, on the Southern tip of Zanzibar. Kizimkazi is known in Zanzibar for its dolphins and it is a very quiet part of the island.
The rooms are open sided and they feel spacious & uncluttered. They have been designed to offer as much privacy as possible. The beach, a few steps down from the lodge, is not one of those long beaches that can be found on the east coast but as there is no other resort in the area, the beach is only used by the guests of the lodge.
Description
The tranquil and relatively little visited islands of Pemba to the north of Zanzibar and Mafia to the south of Dar es Salaam offer a fascinating insight into a traditional way of life little changed over the centuries. Just a handful of small lodges operate on these islands, ideal for those seeking world-class scuba diving and deep-sea fishing opportunities.
Meanwhile the mainland Tanzanian coast to the north and south of Dar es Salaam offers a delectable and unspoilt stretch of coral sand that extends for mile upon mile. This part of the coast has just a few farming and fishing villages dotted along its shoreline with nearby coral reefs and natural lagoons offering shelter to myriad forms of ocean life. A place of immense contrasts, this Indian Ocean coastline remains mysterious, beautiful and intriguing.
Itineraries for Zanzibar & Tanzania Coast holidays coming soon. In the meantime, please call us on 01905 731373 for more detailed information.