Zanzibar Beach Vacation 2024
Once a bustling trading center and an important port on the spice route, Zanzibar Island is today a tranquil, coastal location where you can spend long hours on your idyllic Indian Ocean vacation in Africa, strolling along the beaches with soft, delicate white sands sinking below your feet.
The gentle waves from crystal clear waters are seemingly subdued by the unending miles of seashore that embraces its marine ecology. Looking out over the vast ocean and the shimmering turquoise waters dotted with white, triangular sails of the picturesque traditional fishing dhows will take your breath away.
Enjoy the spectacular sun rises from the east of the island or revel in the golden colors of the stunning sunsets on the west coast. The lush tropical vegetation creates a vibrant, verdant contrast to the purity of the sands even as colorful Zanzibari birds like yellow-collared lovebird create flitting rainbows among them. Zanzibar is not simply a single island, but an archipelago of islands that comprise of Unguja or Zanzibar, Pemba Island on the north and surrounding isles like Mnemba, Chapwani, Chumbe, Bawe, Changuu and more.
As you will learn on your coastal tour with African Mecca, there are also a host of smaller islands that lie along the coast, each more scenic than the other. Some of these islands are actually ancient coral beds that nature has covered with dense vegetation while avian and marine life have moved in to make them their home. On the northern tip of Zanzibar, lies the Nungwi Beach that is accessible with a long, winding drive through its charming, laid-back village.
Zanzibar Beach Vacation 2024
On the northwest is Kendwa Beach, a favored hip strip for partygoers on a full moon. Should you beach holiday at one of the resorts in this section of the island in Zanzibar, you are likely to spot monkeys frolicking in the trees. Matemwe Beach lies to the northeast of the island. Explore a little off the coast and you will encounter the tiny atoll island of Mnemba.
The marine park at the atoll is a wondrous haven for marine life, visited by snorkelers and scuba divers around the world. Indeed, an Eden on earth, the island also hosts the diminutive suni antelope along with migratory birds, nesting turtles and butterflies.
Travel along the eastern coast of the island, and you will discover the beaches of Kiwengwa, Michamvi, Chwaka, Pongwe and Uroa. The serenity of these seasides is ideal for taking long naps in hammocks strung between palm trees strolling on the barefoot beach or watching local farmers harvest seaweed from the ocean. You will also enjoy discovering tiny sea creatures left behind by the ebbing tide in little rock pools. Head further south to where the delightful beaches of Bwejuu, Jambiani and Kizimkazi await your exploration.
On Bwejuu, you can enjoy the fantastic experience of living like a Sultan. Accommodations like Baraza Resort & Spa give you a glimpse of emperor like-living. As you go island touring around Zanzibar with African Mecca, you will also come upon a unique beachfront that is distinct from the others, thanks to its natural golden sands which are very unusual for Zanzibar, the Fumba Beach which is located on the west coast in Menai Bay.
Other seashores in the west are around Mbweni Ruins and Mtoni Marine near Stone Town or in the Bububu and Mangapwani expanses. Should you take a short hop from the Stone Town coast, you could visit the private islands of Chumbe, Chapwani, Bawe and Changuu. Chumbe Island is the first gazetted marine park of Tanzania where you will find some exquisite varieties of flora that have adapted to living on a coral island that has no fresh ground water.
They survive on the moisture they harvest from the humid atmosphere or the blessing of rain. Chapwani Island to the north of Stone Town is a narrow strip of land that hosts few varieties of birds including fruit bats, white egrets, fish eagles and black herons. Changuu Island plays host to giant Aldabra tortoises and marine birds while Bawe Island is a mesmerizing dot in the ocean, scarcely the size of a soccer field.
Your ocean travel in Tanzania would not be complete without a visit to Pemba Island, which is the northernmost of this archipelago. Also called the Green Island, Pemba’s incredible beauty has made it a coveted possession all through the centuries. Although, smaller than Zanzibar in size, it has a much hillier landscape and is covered with thick forests, hence the sanctified name.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday Vacation 2024
Cloves and other spices are grown on the island which in their organic form is a pleasing sight to behold. Their fragrance delicately mingles with the ocean breezes and creates a soothing ambience to relax and absorb in, best suited for beach honeymooners and romantic escapaders. The island also hosts a diversity of fauna that you will love viewing as you explore the island and its many enigmas.
Travel southwards from Zanzibar Island when holidaying in Tanzania and you will come to Mafia Island. Although not officially part of Zanzibar, the very fascinating aspect of this island is that the local communities are very content with their traditional living styles and seem to resist all efforts at modernization. When compared to Zanzibar, the presence of only a few accommodations on Mafia is a testament to that.
The island is also scented with the aromas of the fruit, spice and nut plantations. Sip sweet coconut water right out of the kernels or bite into succulent pineapples, mangoes and pawpaws. The island farmers also grow beans, cashew nuts, pigeon peas, cassava and rice. Do take the time to visit Chole Bay and enjoy diving and snorkeling forays in the shallow reefs.
4 Days Zanzibar Beach Holiday Vacation Package
Zanzibar Beach Resort Accommodation
Itinerary for this Tour
Day 1: Airport to Beach Resort – Zanzibar Island
This short Zanzibar Beach Resort Holiday starts at the international airport near Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar Islands.
Your driver is at the airport to greet you when you arrive in Zanzibar, Tanzania’s famous tropical island getaway. From the airport, you are transferred to your idyllic Zanzibar beach resort on the northern shores of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago.
Arriving at the beach resort it’s time to kick off your shoes and get into the holiday mood. Settle into your spacious, en-suite chalet with a balcony overlooking the gardens.
Then head to the white-sand beach for a stroll and a swim in the Indian Ocean or take a dip in the large pool at the resort. Your Zanzibar resort is set in a 6.5 -hectare tropical garden with water features, coconut palms, and birds. A visit to the spa for a massage or time in the jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna is an excellent way to ease into vacation mode!
Toast the sunset with a sundowner before dining in one of the resort’s three restaurants, which serve both international and authentic Zanzibari cuisine and, of course, superb seafood. Drift off to sleep, under your mosquito net, to the sounds of the Indian Ocean.
- Accommodation: Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa in Pwani Mchangani (or similar)
- Meals: Dinner
Days 2 & 3: Beach Resort – Zanzibar Island
The next two days of this Zanzibar Beach Resort Holiday Package are free for you to enjoy the exotic Spice Island as you please.
Spend your days exploring the spectacular beaches of the northeastern coast near Pwani Mchangani where our lush beach resort is located.
If watersports are your thing, the beach resort has a professional PADI accredited dive center on-site that can help organize and oversee your snorkeling and scuba diving trips. With some of the best diving in the world and a company that knows the best locations your diving adventures are in good hands. The qualified divers at the dive center can also provide tuition to new and novice divers. Other watersports include sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing, as well as dolphin cruises and boat trips.
On dry land, the resort offers a fitness center, beach volleyball, billiards, and table tennis. If that’s all too energetic for you visit the spa or laze on the deck chairs around the pool, soaking up some rays.
If you would like to see more of Zanzibar Island, you can book a tour through the hotel concierge. A spice tour is recommended and will saturate your senses with amazing aromas which confirm why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. The old quarter of Zanzibar City, called Stone Town, is well worth a visit too. Explore this historic town of winding alleys, a bustling market, fascinating architecture, and beautifully carved and decorated doors to discover more about the island’s fascinating history.
At the end of your laid-back beach days sprinkled with exciting adventures, enjoy sundowners and toast to another day in paradise.
In the evenings, dine at the beach resort to the sounds of the resident band, in tropical island style. Then you can unwind at the resort’s pool and lounge bars or retire to your comfortable chalet.
- Accommodation: Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Zanzibar Beach Vacation 2024
Day 4: Beach Resort to Airport – Zanzibar Island
Wake up with the birds on day four of your Zanzibar Beach Resort Holiday to catch an early walk on the beach and maybe a final swim in the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the beach resort and then it is time to say goodbye to this tropical beach paradise.
After breakfast, your driver collects you from the beach resort and drives you back to the airport where this short, and surprisingly cheap, Zanzibar vacation finishes.
- Meals: Breakfast
Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa
This idyllic beach resort is located on the northeastern shores of Zanzibar Island, in Pwani Mchangani. The resort is set in a large, tropical garden with coconut palms, water features, and a large swimming pool. The Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa overlooks the turquoise Indian Ocean, close to Mapenzi and Kiwengwa beaches.
Accommodation is in individual, African style round chalets with makuti (coconut palm) thatched roofs. Your superior garden chalet is surprisingly sophisticated. Get lost in a king-size bed under your mosquito net, enjoy the facilities of an en-suite bathroom with shower, stay cool with the ceiling fan or air-conditioning and enjoy other facilities typical of a hotel, such as TV, coffee machine, laundry, and room service. Each room has a terrace/balcony, ideal for a sundowner as you watch the world go by.
Stay cool in what is one of the largest swimming pools in Zanzibar and relax with a drink from the pool bar. The resort offers a choice of restaurants that serve international and authentic Zanzibar cuisine and, of course, superb seafood. Indulge in a spa session after a busy day, prepare for the evening with a relaxing massage, facial or try the jacuzzi, steam room, or sauna. For the energetic, there is a fitness center, beach volleyball, billiards, table tennis, and a variety of watersports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing kayaking, or take a dolphin tour. (NB some activities are at extra cost). The staff at this friendly beach resort welcome guests with a warm ‘Jambo’ and ensure that you enjoy your stay in paradise.
Optional Extras and Excursions
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drops us an enquiry.
- Scuba diving & snorkeling
- Stone Town tour
- Spice tours
- Dolphin tours
- Boat cruises
- Watersports – kayaking, sailing & windsurfing.
Zanzibar Beach Vacation 2024