Beach Holiday
Zanzibar Beach Holidays: Your Perfect Tropical Getaway
Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun. Beach holidays in Zanzibar are truly unforgettable experiences, with each coast offering its unique charm and beauty.
The port city of Stone Town dominates the west coast, and although the beaches of Mangapwani, where slave caves are visible at low tide and nearby Bububu are less than half an hour’s drive away, a night or two spent on the east or north cost is well worth the extra hour it takes to drive there.
That said, the Chole Island Marine Park just off Stone Town – and nearby Prison, Grave, and Snake Islands – make a refreshing day-trip and a good break from exploring the winding passageways of the old city. On the south coast of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection area for the endangered species that come to breed on the island. Roads to the southeast coast take visitors through the Jozani Forest, home to Zanzibar’s rare Red Colobus monkeys and a number of other primate and small antelope species.
Discover the Unspoiled Beauty and Serenity of Pemba Beaches: A Perfect Addition to Zanzibar Beach Holidays
Pemba beaches are still unpopular which makes them unspoiles as in Unguja(Zanzibar). The beaches are beautiful, unspoiled, and otherworldly. At night the wind that whispers through the clove plantations which cover most of Pemba might bring the sound of distant drumming. Prepare to float across spectacular coral reefs, laze on those untouched beaches and explore the winding hills and dense vegetation of the interior
The tiny number visitors to Pemba every year means that the island has little in the way of tourist infrastructure – which for alternative travelers is the main attraction. Small guesthouses are dotted around the island, and there are a couple of upscale diving hotels and resorts.
Visitors may be surprised to find that bullfighting is a popular sport supposedly imported by Portuguese invaders in the 17th century. The Pemban version, however, simply involves testing the skill of the bull in a series of bold moves by the matador, after which the bull is loaded with flowers and praise, and paraded around the village. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Zanzibar beach holidays offer a serene escape amidst pristine shores and turquoise waters.
Misali Island to the west of Pemba is reputed to have been used as a hideout by the notorious pirate Captain Kidd, who is even said have buried treasure here. Today a conservation program has been established and visitors can come for the day, snorkel off the beach and walk in the forest. Locals believe the island is holy, having been used by the prophet Hidara as a prayer mat. Visitors to the island are asked to respect local customs and beliefs.
There are many historical sites and ruins to explore on Pemba including a number of old mosques and tombs and the old town fort of Chake Chake. The Pujini ruins south -east of Chake Chake are the remnants of a fortified town built around the 13th century. The Ngezi Forest is a protected area in the northwest corner of the island. It s home to endemic flora and fauna species such as the Pemba flying fox (a big bat) and the Pemba palm, which is found only in the region of Ngezi and is known locally as Mapapindi palm.
The beauty of Pemba is bewitching. The epitome of a tropical paradise, Pemba has green valleys with rice paddies and palm trees and clove plantations that shade the roads. Vistas of the Indian Ocean are breathtaking as they appear through the peaks depths of Pemba’s terrain. It is a light not to be missed. For those seeking ultimate relaxation, Zanzibar beach holidays offer pristine shores and azure waters, complementing Pemba’s natural allure perfectly.
Discover the Mafia Island with Matukio Adventures: Rich History, Pristine Beaches, and Luxurious Seclusion
The name Mafia derives from the Ma-afir, a tribe from ancient Yemen who dominated the coast around 1000BC. Mafia Island is the largest of an island archipelago, off beaten track and known to only the most discerning travelers. The island is surrounded by a barrier reef so rich in marine life it has been designated a Marine Park by the World Wide Fund for Nature. A tiny population of pygmy hippo lives in the remains of an old lagoon, cut off from the mainland centuries ago. Mafia’s interesting history and stunning beaches, combined with several luxurious and discreet hotels, make one of Tanzania’s hidden germs.
Mafia Island is a popular destination for visitors to relax after their safari and the island’s relaxed and secluded beaches offer privacy and comfort for discerning travelers. Mafia’s incredible and untouched dive sites have remained a well-kept secret of diving aficionados and beach recluses for years, but now the island is fast becoming a preferred destination.
For centuries, the island was a trading stop for Shirazi merchants travelling up towards Persia and under the rule of the Omani sultanate in Zanzibar, vast coconut and cashew plantations flourished. Today, all that remain of the island’s prestigious past are the coral ruins on Chole Mjini, the small island just off shore from Mafia where the Arab landowners lived a sumptuous life removed from their plantations and slaves. Zanzibar beach holidays are now a popular choice for travelers seeking relaxation and exotic experiences.
These days, Mafia’s remote location means it receives only the most selective visitors, but things are changing. The recent gazetting of Mafia Island Marine Park – the largest protected area in the Indian Ocean – to include surrounding villages in its conservation efforts means that the millions of fish and coral species that thrive in the warm waters of Mafia’s beaches will survive for decades to come.
At Matukio Adventures, immerse yourself in the beauty of Tanzania with our Wildlife Safaris. Discover the magic of Tanzania Safari Tours and choose from a range of Safari Packages for an unforgettable journey.
