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    • Tanzania
    • Zanzibar
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    Zanzibar Holidays

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    Seriously white-sand stretches and monkey-filled forests, Zanzibar holidays are Africa on a go-slow.

    Beaches and trees

    Zanzibar's a colourful African archipelago off Tanzania's east coast, in the Indian Ocean. The beaches here are ones to write home about, and the inland Jozani Forest's just as thrilling. Expect to chill out on the beaches, but keep your eyes peeled and camera charged in the forest – it's home to the nearly extinct red colobus monkey.

    Saving turtles

    The archipelago's main island's technically called Unguja, but everyone just calls it Zanzibar. On its northern tip, Nungwi maintains its roots as a fishing town – traditional wooden boats still cast off from the old harbour. One of the highlights of this unspoiled spot is the turtle conservation centre. The calm waters off the beach are the perfect place to release rescued babies.

    Back to basics

    On the south-west coast of Zanzibar island, Jambiani village has everything you need to unwind – a white-sand beach, glittering seas and freshly caught seafood for dinner. Whether you're relaxing on the shore or swimming in the underground Kuza Cave, your days here can be as snoozy or as scenic as you like.

    One world

    Zanzibar knows how to throw a cultural party. The Festival of the Dhow Countries, held in Stone Town during the first two weeks of July, showcases art and culture from Africa, the Indian Ocean islands, the Gulf States, Iran and India. Then, in February, you can groove to international tunes at the Sauti za Busara world music festival.

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    At a glance

    • Browse markets of spices and traditional fabrics in Stone Town
    • Sample Indian curries and pan pizzas
    • Venture by boat to desert islands

    Destinations in Zanzibar

    Top Destinations

    • Kiwengwa

      Holidays to Kiwengwa offer chilled-out beach breaks where local chumminess meets views straight out of a rum advert.

    • Nungwi

      Experience Tanzanian culture, snorkel in the Indian Ocean and stroll along sugary-soft sands on Nungwi holidays.

    • Marumbi

      Beside a tranquil bay on the east coast of Zanzibar, holidays to Marumbi promise peaceful days on white-sand beaches.

    Top things to See and Do in Zanzibar

    • BEACHES
    • SHOPPING
    • NIGHTLIFE
    • FOOD & DRINK
    • Enchanting island

      Zanzibar's name alone brings to mind spice trade ships beaching themselves on tropical sands after a long journey across the Indian Ocean. Those days have long passed, but the beachscapes are still there. The whole island's circled by tree-lined shores that invite afternoons spent lounging.

    • The big beach

      Paje Beach is a kitesurfing mecca with its steady winds and shallow shores. It's not all about wind-powered watersports, though. Here, you'll find beachside bars, diving schools and places to rent stand-up paddle-boards and kayaks.

    • The secret beach

      From Nungwi at the island's northern tip, you can hop on a 20-minute boat ride to Mnemba Island. It's a great shout for snorkelling and doggie-paddling, and once the tide rolls out, sandbars reveal themselves.

    • Bargain Buys

      Stone Town's souvenir shops sell locally made goods like woven baskets, wooden sculptures and hats whipped together from palm leaves. Keep a lookout for colourful Maasai jewellery made from tiny decorative beads.

    • Mid-Range Buys

      Everywhere you look, you'll see Zanzibar women decked out in long, colourful kanga – a long piece of printed cotton fabric worn as a skirt. Find a wide selection in Kiwengwa, Stone Town or the Darajani Market. Some local tailors will even customise the garment for you on the spot.

    • Designer Buys

      You won't find ultra-famous high fashion brands on the island, but dotted throughout the capital, Zanzibar City, are boutique designers crafting leather handbags and oyster-shell jewellery. It's also a hotspot for organic beauty products, so watch out for shops selling natural banana and pineapple bath oils.

    • Laid-back evenings

      A big spread of seafood's usually the staple of low-key evenings here. Top off a busy sightseeing day with a platter of rock lobster, clams, grilled octopus and shellfish. For dessert, treat yourself to a freshly cut coconut and stroll along the white-sand beach – just in time for the Indian Ocean sunset.

    • Lively evenings

      Kendwa Beach is the place to see and be seen for an all-night party. Grab a local beer and get lost in the carnival-like atmosphere with fire-eaters and acrobats.

    • Biryani

      There's a hint of India in Zanzibar's cuisine. Biryani's a popular dish here, with different regions using their own mixes of spices, fish and meat.

    • Seafood curry

      For an island-style bowl, go for octopus cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with turmeric and coriander. It's not uncommon to see local residents scouting around coastal rock pools for their catch of the day.

    • Ugali

      Ugali is the staple of local meals. Its texture is a cross between mashed potato and porridge – you'll find it served with curry, soup or grilled meats.

    • Zanzibar pizza

      This African island's taken the Italian favourite and added some local flair. The dough, toppings – and even the egg placed on top – are fried in a pan before the whole thing's flipped over.

    • African doughnut

      If you like doughnuts, be sure to try out mandazis – a seriously snackable street food. These sugary bad boys are fried in oil and sprinkled with sugar and cardamom.

    SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

    • Agadir and Taghazout

    • Marrakech

    • Sal

    • Boa Vista

    Our destinations in Zanzibar

    • Kiwengwa

    • Marumbi

    • Nungwi

    Popular holidays

    • Family holidays in Zanzibar
    • Luxury holidays in Zanzibar
    • All inclusive holidays in Zanzibar
    • Last minute holidays in Zanzibar
     
     

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