Zanzibar – Another Indian Ocean Gem
It is a few degrees south of the equator and therefore a tropical climate. July through to October are ideal months as the average temperatures is 25 degrees and it is dry and breezy. November and December have the long rains. January to March are hot and dry, if you like the heat.
You can spend lazy days sipping cocktails around the pool or be more active as there is a lot to do. The hotels in the North are less affected by the tides as the Southern hotels are hugely affected by the water retreating far back at low tide. If you love water sports make sure to stay in the north.
There are great diving and snorkelling opportunities as the water is warm and has generally good visibility. Most of the hotels offer water sports and the bigger resorts have their own dive shops, don’t forget your certification and log book.
If you are looking for a bit of culture, then don’t miss Stone Town. Learn all about the sultans and visit the slave market. Livingstone House was built in 1860 for Sultan Majid. The Palace Museum was built for the family members of the sultan but was renamed the people’s palace after the 1964 Revolution. Stone Town is perfect for a walking tour as it is not too big.
Shopping is great for T-shirts, spices, kangas, hand sewn pillow covers & wood carvings. Kangas are local cloth worn by the woman to cover their heads but can be used for many things and are very pretty. The coffee in Tanzania is world renown so don’t forget to bring some back.
You can do an excursion to Prison Island which now houses a tortoise sanctuary, it is only 20 minutes by boat from Stone Town and is surrounded by a stunning coral reef. Go on a sunset dhow cruise or have a sand bank picnic if you want a romantic occasion.
So Zanzibar can be as relaxing or active as you would like it to be. Contact me to find out more about booking a lovely holiday break in Zanzibar.