The Perfect Beach Stay After an African Safari - Zanzibar!

After the addition of Africa specialists Grant McDonald and Nikki Ray to our Tailored Journeys team, Africa has certainly taken off as a very popular destination with our clients. Zanzibar is often picked as the relaxing reward at the end of an action-packed safari, mostly to Kenya and Tanzania. So, we thought we’d share a few facts about this magical island for you to consider as an addition to your African safari adventure. 

 

Zanzibar has a beach for everyone and choosing which side of the island to spend your relaxing days can be a daunting task. We have put together a brief rundown on where to stay, what to do and what not to do too! 

Stone Town, on the west coast, has a wide selection of traditional and mid-priced hotels whilst areas in the north of Zanzibar, like Nungwi and Kendwa, boast the most eye-catching beaches, sunsets and luxury hotels, including the Zuri Zanzibar Hotel, the very first Design Hotel on the island. 

 

The south-west coast, with its stunning ocean views, is where you’ll find the larger all-inclusive resorts including the luxurious Residence Hotel. 

 

If you are looking for the Robinson Crusoe experience, then you should head straight to the quieter beaches on the east coast, away from the crowds and without interruptions from the outside world. 

 

For the younger and more adventurous traveller, we recommend the south & south-east coasts where kite surfing takes centre stage. 

 

Beaches like Dongwe, Paje and Jambiani attract the younger, more gap year traveler, so we try and keep our clients far away from that area! 

 

We are quite familiar with the island and comfortable recommending hotels for your rest and rejuvenation. In Stone Town, for example, we would highly recommend the delightful Tembo House Hotel, one of the first beachfront hotels in the town. Enjoying an enviable location, it is an easy stroll from the hotel to explore the labyrinth of tiny streets of the capital. It is only a few metres from museums, Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort, Tippu Tip’s house, and all the delights of a bygone era. The hotel also boasts a long list of distinguished patrons and iconic guests, including Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Freddie Mercury and Henry Morton Stanley. 

 

Apart from the usual beach and fun in the sea, fishing, diving & snorkelling, Stone Town itself is a wonderful place to explore. 

 

Built in the 19th century, it remains largely untouched - a maze of haphazard alleyways weaving between tall houses with intricately carved wooden doors adorned with brass studs and heavy locks. There’s no room for cars on these cobbled streets, making it ideal for exploring on foot. 

 

Being just an hours’ taxi ride from most areas on the island, it makes for quite an easy day trip. Alternatively, why not spend a night in Stone Town to make the most of your trip to the island? 

Zanzibar is billed as an idyllic holiday island, perfect for honeymooners or a beach getaway, usually paired with a safari adventure in Kenya or Tanzania. 

 

It is such a dichotomy – depicted as a care-free island getaway in all the travel brochures and social media pages, yet in reality it is still a traditional society, especially in the center of Stone Town. It’s actually a very conservative island with a large Muslim population. Swimwear and holiday attire are great for lazing by the pool in your hotel but be sure to dress conservatively if you are heading outside of your resort. 

 

If you visit Kenya first, then you will need Yellow Fever inoculations before entering Zanzibar, which is part of Tanzania. However, you will not need any Yellow Fever jabs if combining Zanzibar with Tanzania. 

 

There are various flights that connect to Zanzibar from the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Tsavo, Amboseli and other national parks in both Kenya and Zanzibar. 

 

From most other places in Africa, flights connect via Nairobi or Arusha, and we look after all your connections and pickups, so you have nothing to worry about. 

 

Armed with valuable information and our expertise, Zanzibar can be that perfect end to your ‘once in a lifetime’ African safari holiday. There are a few suggested itineraries on our Africa page, or you can call us on 01442 617 777 for more information! 

 

As most of you know, we tailor make our holidays and use local companies to stay competitive, but also to ensure the locals benefit. We love tailor-making Africa, so make sure you try us out the next time you think of visiting!