More Details on Zanzibar

An archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is one of Africa's best-known destinations. The islands of Zanzibar are surrounded by transparent, blue-green waters, and are bordered by miles of white sand beaches. In addition to the beautiful beaches, Zanzibar offers world-class diving and a rich culture.

Zanzibar is made up of the two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, and is surrounded by several other small islands. This page is about the main island Unguja, which will be referred to as Zanzibar. Duma recommends visiting the beaches and Stone Town during a trip to Zanzibar.

Recommended Beach Hotels

Duma Explorer can arrange beach lodging as well as flights to and from the mainland. There are many beaches in Zanzibar and we recommend visiting either the eastern or northern sides of the island. We recommend the following beach hotels in Zanzibar:

High-end

Chumbe Island Ecolodge: Chumbe Island is an award winning eco-lodge located on an island about an hour away by boat from Stonetown. The island and surrounding reefs became Tanzania's first marine park in 1994. The snorkeling around Chumbe is excellent, and a stay at Chumbe is guaranteed to be quiet as there are only seven eco-bungalows.

Ras Nungwi: Ras Nungwi is located on a white sand beach in Nungwi, Zanzibar. There are many types of rooms available- garden rooms, chalets and an ocean suite. Ras Nungwi offers many water sport activities including diving, fishing, snorkeling, and sunset cruises. Spa services are available as well as games for the kids. Duma recommends Ras Nungwi during the hot season as the rooms are air-conditioned.

Matemwe Bungalows: Matemwe Bungalows is located on the east side of the island. The highlights of Matemwe include the lush gardens and excellent service. We recommend the Retreat rooms which are located away from the main lodge. These 150 square meter suites consist of a dining room, sitting room, bathroom and air-conditioned bedroom. The roof deck has a private plunge pool, sitting area and outdoor shower. Meals at the Retreat can be taken in the room and each Retreat has two personal attendants. The only drawback of Matemwe is that the beach is rocky.

Z Hotel: This new hotel is in Nungwi and has the best food on the island. The rooms are decorated in a modern style and the bathrooms have all the amenities of a luxury hotel. The stone pool and surrounding deck and gardens are extremely attractive. We recommend the deluxe rooms that have a private deck above the ocean. The drawback of Z Hotel is that it is in a very crowded area of Nungwi.

Mid-Range

Pongwe Beach Hotel: We feel that the best mid-range lodge in Zanzibar is Pongwe Beach Hotel. The white sand beach and crystal blue waters are protected by a reef one kilometer offshore. There are no rocks on this beach so it is perfect for swimming. Pongwe offers a beach paradise at a reasonable price. Dive facilities are not available at Pongwe but can be booked with a nearby hotel. The hotel recently added a pool which overlooks the beach. Please note that the rooms at Pongwe do not have air-conditioning.

Echo Beach Hotel: Recently opened on the east side of the island, Echo Beach is an excellent mid-range hotel with a long white sand beach in front of the hotel. There are only nine rooms at Echo Beach, each decorated in a combination of Zanzibar and European style. The hotel has a pool, jacuzzi, restaurant and bar, and can arrange diving and snorkeling excursions. Duma Explorer can arrange airport transfers and Stone Town tours from any of the hotels listed above.

Stone Town

A World Heritage Site, Stone Town is the capital of Zanzibar and center of Swahili culture. There are Swahili cultural events throughout the year including the film festival in July and the music festival in February. Visitors to Stone Town experience Swahili culture not only through its festivals, but also in its streets, historical buildings and museums. Stone Town is always lively as it is a center for shopping and eating.

Duma Explorer recommends Zanzibar Coffee House, Zanzibar Serena Inn and 236 Hurumzi when staying in Stone Town. Visits to Stone Town can also be arranged from beach hotels.

Spice Tour

Zanzibar, once the world’s largest producer of cloves, continues to produce many spices as well as coconut products. A spice tour includes a visit to a local spice farm that grows cloves, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, cumin and lemon grass. Tours last approximately two hours and can be combined with other day trips or can be a stop on the way to a beach hotel.

Jozani Forest

Unguja's only indigenous forest, Jozani is home to the endemic Kirk's red colobus monkey. As the monkeys have adapted to humans, it is possible to see them at close range. There are several nature trails that wind through Jozani, exploring mangrove forests and evergreen thickets. Jozani Forest can be visited in combination with another tour or on the way to a beach hotel.

Day Trips

There are many other day trips available including snorkeling and diving excursions, dolphin tours and island visits.