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Sunday, August 2, 2009

Zanzibar Island Travel | Beach Holiday and Much More

By Sam Njihia

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.

Zanzibar can be accessed via road, water or air. Of these, flights to Zanzibar are the most convenient means. Kenya airways operate daily flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar. For the most exhilarating and breathtaking views, I recommend the left side seat. Once there, you can go for an organized tour of the island to stone town, the spice farms as well as trips to Jambiani and many other unspoilt beaches.

Zanzibar island is a cosmopolitan destination with a mix of different cultures and lifestyles. The culture in Zanzibar is a result of the intermingling of Arabs, Indians and Africans. This, coupled with various antique attractions like the Omani palaces and towers, traditional sailing dhows, intricate wooden door carvings, and the Arabic sailboats that have been plying the harbor for centuries, make Zanzibar island an outstanding destination.

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.

Zanzibar Island offers a wide variety to suit different tastes and choices of its visitors. The Northern and Eastern shores offers dazzling resorts and lively club scenes owned mostly by European investors while the southeast side boasts of the Jambiani beach which is not fully developed. There are a few locally owned businesses on this southeast side.

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 is an award-winning resort located on a seemingly endless white sandy beach which provides total relaxation in spectacular surroundings. perfect for after a hot and dusty safari, for a honeymoon, or just to enjoy with the family. Each of the rooms is decorated in shades of ivory and stone and all have traditional wood carvings and hand crafted furniture. The restaurants make full use of delicious fresh seafood flavored with the medley of local spices.

A holiday in Zanzibar is not complete without a shopping spree. Women at Stone town sell a wide range of cultural artifacts and crafts at very affordable prices. For Swahili cuisine,you will easily get them at various traditionally decorated restaurants along Livingstones Forodhani street. There are beautiful gardens which offer sea foods and Zanzibari pizza along this street as well.

During your holiday in Zanzibar, make sure to visit Kenyatta street in Stone Town. This is the childhood home of the late Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the rock band Queen. Today, this house is known as Gallery Zanzibar, and stocks great antiques, local paintings, African carvings, and Zanzibar chest among other artifacts. - 18423

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