Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is a panoramic and archetypically exotic African Island that is situated off the East Coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar is made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. Specifically, it's located in the Indian Ocean, about 40 kilometres from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja) is about 100 kilometres long and 30 kilometres wide. It is characterised by sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.  There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar but forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by monkeys, bush-pigs and small antelopes. Various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. There is a wide variety of birdlife, and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity, and make Zanzibar an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving. Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of its colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili), a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa.

Unfortunately, despite Zanzibar's worldwide popularity and appeal, we can't bring ourselves to say that Zanzibar's beaches are worth the trip. As alluring as the sand and water may be, there are better beaches in Central and South America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. If you are on a safari in Tanzania, Zanzibar is a worthy stop, but going to Zanzibar for its beaches, is a disappointment because there are better beaches around the world. Stone Town on the other hand is an amazing destination and shouldn't be missed if you are in Zanzibar. 

Six reasons why you should take a holiday in Zanzibar, Tanzania:

1. Stone Town: Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. It's worth spending a few days in Stone Town.

2. Relaxation: With little to see and do outside of Stone Town, you can easily spend a few days relaxing on a beach chair with a good book.

3. Indian Ocean and beaches: Zanzibar is known as one of the best pristine beach destinations in the world. It has beautiful soft white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters where the water temperatures are refreshingly warm.

4. Water Activities: You can go snorkelling, scuba diving or deep sea fishing at Pemba Island. The island is strewn with flourishing coral gardens and a stunningly beautiful oceanic backdrop with crystal clear waters and a pristine coast. This popular destination is forever bustling with high energy marine adventure activities. There are regular sessions on scuba diving conducted by expert PADI divers.

5. Ease of Travel: Since Zanzibar is small, you can explore the island by car over a few days. You can sample the beaches on all sides before you settle at your favourite. The roads are good and few, making car travel very simple. An international driving permit (IDP) is required though. There are multiple police check points on Zanzibar's roads, so make sure you have all the right documents, including a valid IDP.

6. Sunrise and Sunsets: If you love to watch the sun rise or set, they are spectacular on Zanzibar. You can watch the sun rise and set over the water if you are on the most southern or northern tip of the island.

Things to consider before deciding to take a holiday in Zanzibar:

1. Lack of good shopping: Shopping in Zanzibar may remind you of Hobbes' description of working class life in old England -- nasty, brutal and short. Outside of Stone Town there is very little to buy and  prices for almost everything are also high.

2. Lack of great and dependable beaches: Despite point #3 above, the beaches in Zanzibar are not as beautiful as in other parts of the world. Furthermore, the beaches are tide dependent, meaning that at certain times of the day, there may not be a beach at all, while at other times of the day you can't swim. There are a limited number of beaches in Zanzibar where you have a beach and can swim at all times of the day. This is the biggest drawback to its beaches.

3. Lack of good nightlife: If you like to party, consider going elsewhere. Even Stone Town shuts down early, and only the animals walk at night. Even on the liveliest beaches, mainly Nungwi, there is very little night life.

4. Location: Unless you are on a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, Zanzibar is fairly remote and expensive to get to. If you are going to go to such efforts, there are better places on Earth to visit.

5. Hassle factor: Tourist density and accompanying touts in Zanzibar can be annoying. To avoid the crowds and touts, travel at the end of the Islamic holiday of Ramadan.

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet Country Guide