Authentic African Safari

With miles of soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, Zanzibar is a tropical idyll where days can be lost to its laid-back island rhythm. But don’t think you are the first to fall for its exotic charms: prevailing trade winds have brought travelers to the exotic Zanzibar Archipelago for a thousand years and more.

Step away from the sun-stroked beaches and evidence of its vanished past and melting pot of cultures is clear. It is this rich heritage that sets Zanzibar apart as a fascinating destination.The archipelago is made up of over 50 palm-fringed islands and islets, some hardly more than white sandbars or coral reefs. The four main islands – Unguja (also known as Zanzibar), Pemba and Mafia Island – are inhabited, while uninhabited Latham Island is an important breeding ground for birds.

The archipelago protrudes from the Indian Ocean: underwater, world-famous coral reefs teem with marine life. The warm water is usually so clear that visibility is often 30 meters or more – no wonder that Zanzibar’s islands are a Mecca for snorkelers and divers.Whether you are looking for beachside bling or just the simple serenity of a hammock strung beneath the coconut palms, there are plenty of options. Accommodation offerings on the islands range from basic backpacker to simple, secluded elegance to knock-your-socks-off ritzy resorts.

Whichever category you fit into, when you float weightlessly in warm tropical waters – swimming among bright, darting reef fish or being inspected by curious dolphin – you experience a profound peace that is the real reason a tropical beach holiday is one of life’s necessities.