"I'm supposed to go to SYLT?"
This is more or less how customers react when I mention Zanzibar during brainstorming sessions for the next beach vacation.
The real Zanzibar really doesn't have it easy. When people hear "Zanzibar" today, the first thing they think of is Sylt and currywurst at Air Berlin.
All in all, not a credit to the exotic dream island in the Indian Ocean.
So now, erase all images of the North Sea, Pocher, and currywurst from your mind and reprogram yourself.
Here comes the original. Often copied, but never equaled.
Jambo and Karibu in Zanzibar
You will constantly encounter Jambo and Karibu in Zanzibar.
What sounds a little like a comedy duo is actually an expression of the utmost hospitality. "Jambo" (= hello) and "Karibu" (= welcome) are the Swahili greetings that you will quickly learn yourself. Whether in the hotel, on the beach, in a taxi, in Stone Town, on your dhow, at the bar, or in a restaurant. The locals are friendly and cosmopolitan, and you will soon get used to their beaming smiles.
Today, Zanzibar actually refers to the entire archipelago, which consists of the main island of Unguja and the neighboring island of Pemba, as well as many small atolls.
And what we colloquially call Zanzibar is the main island of Unguja.
We consider Zanzibar to be an island that belongs to Tanzania, just as Sylt belongs to us (admittedly, an unfortunate comparison in this context ;-)).
But that's not quite the whole story. Zanzibar has had an eventful history, fluctuating over the centuries between immeasurable wealth and great poverty. It was considered a stronghold for the slave trade and the ivory trade, and later experienced another export boom with the cultivation of cloves – hence its nickname "Spice Island." It was under British protectorate and even belonged to the Sultanate of Oman until about 60 years ago. It was then a people's republic and is now a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania.
Zanzibar has its own president, its own parliament, and its own government in Zanzibar City. Of the 700,000 inhabitants of Unguja, approximately 200,000 live in the old trading capital.
Its historic center, Stone Town, is also a tourist magnet. I will talk more about this below, where the center of the former Arab trading empire will be given its own chapter.
Tourism is the islanders' biggest source of income. A pleasing number of tourist accommodations of all kinds have sprung up along the coast. Luxury resort vacationers will find their paradise here, as will culture lovers, active sports enthusiasts, and independent backpackers. In addition, there are bars and restaurants, shops selling local (and unfortunately also Chinese) handicrafts, taxi drivers, dhow trips to neighboring islands and sandbanks, guided tours, and many other services for tourists, some of which are not always entirely reputable or honorable.
You don't need to learn much more than "jambo" and "karibu" in Swahili. That's because English is the official language alongside Swahili. Communication works very well.
In addition to the unique backdrop of the dream beaches, you will long remember the always friendly and smiling locals.
What else speaks in favor of Zanzibar?
- The time difference is only 1 or 2 hours. No jet lag!
Deserted white dream beaches
The hotels in Zanzibar were designed specifically for relaxation.
After a long safari in Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, or Zambia, guests can process their impressions, reminisce about their bush experiences, exchange hunting stories, and recount the Big Five once again.
The African air of Zanzibar is the perfect place for relaxed recreation. Here, top luxury resorts lie alongside private lodges, barefoot retreats, and simple huts on the snow-white beaches of the coastal areas.
Many sections of the beach are virtually undeveloped. Some are completely deserted. Occasionally, one of the typical dhows cruises along the coast. Here and there, locals ride by on bicycles or men run hundreds of meters out into the sea to catch octopuses. Women in their colorful scarves, called kangas, stroll around in search of coconuts or harvest seaweed in the sea to sell.
From magnificent luxury hotels with Arabic-inspired architecture to splendid city hotels in historically restored buildings from centuries past and family-run boutique hotels with lovingly designed interiors to simple eco-bungalows with hammocks instead of beds, there is something for everyone. Every taste, every price range, everything is here.
Insider: I also have other boutique hotels, barefoot retreats, lodges, and hammock bungalows available on the neighboring islands of Pemba, Mnemba Island (atoll), Fanjove Island, Chole Island, and Chumbe Island. Total luxury or far away from civilization.
These are the beaches of Zanzibar for the perfect beach vacation:
Here I present some of Zanzibar's most beautiful beaches with my personal hotel recommendations.
Bwejuu | Dream beach on the southeast coast
My customers love the vastness of the endless white beaches of Bwejuu in eastern Zanzibar. The beaches are the perfect backdrop for long, almost deserted walks away from the hustle and bustle and party clubs. The view of the vast ocean promises romantic moments for two. The grounds between the hotels are wonderfully unspoiled and comparatively clean. It's just the right place for a quiet and relaxing vacation without distractions. The nearest restaurant and bar are only a long walk (or taxi ride) away. There are also several wonderful luxury hotels side by side here.
Hotels in Bwejuu
Baraza Resort in Zanzibar
THE luxury resort for peaceful and carefree relaxation Breezes Beach Club & Spa****+ | Luxury and comfort in tropical gardens
>>Indigo Beach Zanzibar***+ | Private boutique hotel with family charm in a barefoot paradise
What you should know: Transfer approx. 1 hour, 1 hour drive to Stone Town. In Bwejuu, the tides change every 6–7 hours. Swimming is only permitted during high tide. Sunsets cannot be seen here, but romantic moonrises can.
Paje | on the east side, south of Bwejuu
An Eldorado for party guests and kitesurfers. Not a night goes by without a party in one of the backpacker lodges or on the picture-perfect beach. There are lots of bars where there's always something going on. Kitesurfers will find ideal wind conditions and lots of like-minded people here.
White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
>Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa*****
Natural paradise with panoramic villas and relaxed privacy
What you should know about Paje: This is where the party's at. With all the side effects that come with it. A great destination for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers from all over the world. The many kite surfers can sometimes make relaxed swimming difficult.
Kiwenga | South of Paje
Melia Zanzibar Romance Pavilion
Modern all-inclusive beach resort with infinity pool
Nungwi Peninsula | High up on the cape
Nungwi is a tourist magnet in the far north of Zanzibar. The former fishing village and center for dhow boat building has more than doubled its number of beds in recent years. The buildings around the village are very close together. If you're looking for hustle and bustle, this is the place for you: loud music plays on the beaches, the locals mingle with the tourists, and there are lots of parties in the evening.
First there was the village. Then tourism arrived. That's why Zanzibaris live side by side with tourists here.
Those seeking peace and quiet should focus on the luxury resorts on the east side of the cape. The cliffs also offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The hotels here are located on a rugged cliff, which means that the beach is only accessible at low tide. If you love swimming in the pool, this is the place for you.
The following hotels are located partly on the cliffs and partly so far southwest of Nungwi that they are not in the middle of the hustle and bustle. The beaches here are not continuous, but rather consist of many small bays.
Kilindi Beach Resort Zanzibar
This is our top recommendation:
>> Kilindi Beach***** | Pure privacy: boutique hotel with 15 luxury pavilions, environmentally conscious, sustainable, award-winning
Diamonds Star of the East
>Diamonds Star of the East*****
Exclusive retreat with eleven villas for discerning guests
Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Lifestyle, African traditions, exotic details, and traditional elements
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar****
Kizimkazi | in the southwest
The traditional fishing village has hardly been discovered by tourism so far. The reason for this could be that the coast consists mainly of small bays and coral cliffs.
Kizimkazi is the perfect place for a relaxing resort vacation in a private atmosphere.
Hotels in Kimkazi
>The Residence***** | A top-class retreat in complete seclusion
Stone Town. Capital city & World Heritage Site.
Even if you are spending your vacation on one of Zanzibar's long, dreamy beaches, plan to stay for one or two nights or at least visit Stone Town.
Stone Town is the historic capital of Zanzibar and today forms the old town of Zanzibar City.
It is located in the west of the island on the side facing Tanzania. The old capital has retained its original character. Although it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, not much has changed here. Most of the houses date from the 19th century and are built of coral stone.
Zanzibar belonged to the Sultanate of Oman for many years.
The once magnificent government buildings and residential palaces, now falling into disrepair, give a glimpse of the former wealth.
Hotels in Stone Town
> Park Hyatt | Colonial lifestyle in the historic residence "Mambo Msiige"
> Zanzibar Serena Hotel | First-class city hotel in tropical garden surroundings
Stroll through the alleys of Stone Town, but leave the city map in your pocket.
It doesn't work here. Just go with the flow. With or without a city map, it's impossible not to get lost here.
Stroll through the narrow streets lined with restaurants and shops. Immerse yourself in the energy of the city.
Get lost to be found!
Look at it positively:
The narrow maze of alleys serves primarily to keep the city cool. In between are magnificent residential palaces and administrative buildings, which were built by the Omani sultans during the sultanate era and are now falling into disrepair. They give an idea of how rich the former capital of Oman was.
If you have booked a guide, you are in good hands. The turbulent history of Zanzibar will captivate you.
As you continue strolling through the alleys, you will quickly encounter Zanzibari life: shops selling local handicrafts, the ubiquitous colorful cloths (kangas for women and kikoys for men), and baskets and bags handmade from palm leaves.
Please note: Many souvenirs are from Kenya or China, even if you are promised otherwise 😉
And then there's Darajani Market. It's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon. An authentic African market, it's not just an olfactory challenge for many of us.
The background noise of the vendors shouting over each other with the usual hustle and bustle of a busy weekly market. Except that this one takes place every day. The sight of the colors will console you for the noise. Fruit and vegetables artfully stacked and draped. All the colors side by side, on top of each other, intertwined. All of this is overshadowed by the smells. Outside, among the fruit and vegetables, it's still okay. There's the scent of bananas and spices. But then you enter the old hall from the 20th century. Here, fresh meat and seafood are on offer. Under hygienic conditions, the mere sight of which takes some getting used to for our Central European eyes, noses, and stomachs.
And only at the end should you ask one of the friendly locals for directions out of the old town and back to your hotel.
For my customers, I am happy to book a great guide who will lead you through the alleys and explain the culture and history. There is a wealth of extra knowledge about Zanzibar to be gained.
Activities in Zanzibar
If you want to be active as well as enjoying the sun and beach, Zanzibar has a lot to offer:
- Reef walks at low tide
- Boat excursions: On a dhow to sandbanks
- Trips to neighboring islands
- Jozani Forest: Natural forest in the interior
- Dolphin tours from Kizimkazi (not recommended. Aggressive hunting of the animals)
- Fabulous diving spots! Including whale sharks on Mafia Island
- snorkeling
- Visit to a spice farm (with cooking class)
- Kitesurfing in Paje
Yours, Stephanie Gräf
Shall we stay in touch?
Shall we stay in touch?
