Zanzibar is an island paradise with clear white beaches and emerald green water. Arriving in Zanzibar by ferry or flight is the best way to experience this idyllic island. The air is cool and humid, and the blue-green waters of the Indian Ocean churn like a sea wave. The high-speed ferry connects Dar es Salaam with the island of Zanzibar, where you can visit the historic Stone Town.
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Stone Town
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, Stone Town is an ideal spot. With its old walls and a bustling street market, you can sample local cuisine and the sweet and savory Zanzibar Pizza. These tasty treats are usually less than 2 USD, but if you want a bit of sophistication, you can splurge on seafood from the local markets. But be careful. The seafood stalls are scams disguised as food vendors.
Once a major trading center, Stone Town is a charming and unique place to explore. The Omani Arabs built Stone Town after displacing the Portuguese. If you want to learn more about Zanzibar’s history, you can visit the 17th-century Old Fort. This is a beautiful structure and a great place to get some history. Once upon a time, this was the largest trading center in the world, and the city still has a rich history.
While staying in Stone Town, you can take a walk around the town, if you wish. There are several options for getting around the town, including a car rental service, a taxi, or even a rental scooter. The main commercial area of Stone Town is the Darajani Market, where you can find souvenirs, including handicrafts and traditional clothing. Women wear the kanga, a colorful, traditional garment that can be worn as a wrap-around skirt or head wrap.
After visiting the fort, you’ll want to explore the town on foot. The streets of Stone Town are compact, and it’s easy to get lost. You’ll probably end up close to a beach, but walking is better. A bottle of water is also a good idea. You’ll also need bottled water and sunscreen. It’s not a place to get sick on the beach, so make sure you’re prepared.
Matemwe
If you are planning a beach holiday in Tanzania, consider visiting Matemwe. This laid-back village offers a bright white beach that doubles as a bicycle highway. The waters here are tidal so that you can enjoy a swim or snorkel, depending on the time of year. There are also several opportunities to see dolphins and humpback whales. After enjoying the sun and sand, head to the local pub or restaurant for a delicious local meal.
When it comes to getting to Matemwe, don’t worry. There is a daladala that runs daily from Stone Town’s Creek Road. The bus will drop you off at a junction just before the village. Then, walk a couple of kilometers down the tarmac and find your hotel on the beach. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in Matemwe, and the beach is two kilometers long.
To enjoy the Matemwe beachfront location, you’ll have to arrive early. However, the resort accepts reservations and is willing to accommodate special requests. To reserve your stay, call the Matemwe lodge and inform them ahead of time. Guests need to bring a credit card and photo identification, but no need to worry – the team at Matemwe will contact you to confirm your reservation.
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another must-see. Stone Town is just a half-hour drive from Matemwe and is an excellent base for exploring the rest of Zanzibar. Stone Town is also the cosmopolitan capital of Zanzibar and is easily accessible via a short flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Nairobi, or Dakar.
Flying to Zanzibar
When planning a trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania, you should begin by researching your options for flying to the island. While many airlines fly to the area, flying directly to Zanzibar is probably the most convenient way to travel. You can also choose to fly from an airport in Tanzania. Kenyan Airlines, Ethiopian Carriers, and Precision Air all offer flights to the island. If you want to fly to Zanzibar from a different country, consider connecting through the country’s capital of Dar es Salaam. You can also fly to Nairobi, Kenya, to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is an island in the Indian Ocean that sits just off the coast of Tanzania. The island’s ancient history includes African and Arab influences and is home to beautiful beaches and carved wooden boats. If you are visiting Zanzibar, you should know that US airlines do not fly to this region, so you will need to find other means of transportation. To get around, consider taking a shared taxi or rental car. Shared taxis are a great option if you are looking for an affordable way to get around the island. However, if you are looking for a more private way to travel, there are plenty of taxis and car rental companies in Zanzibar.
Weather conditions on the island depend on where you plan to go. You can expect temperatures to be hot throughout the year, with the occasional shower. You will also want to consider the rainfall. Zanzibar receives rain on about 19 days per month, with the most rain falling between June and August. Even though Zanzibar can be a wet destination, it is safe for anyone. It is part of a peaceful African country, and its residents are friendly and relaxed.
Traveling by boat
The quickest and easiest way to get to Zanzibar is by ferry. You can either sit inside or on top of the boat. Two ferry companies operate fast ferry services from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar. In addition, both run a shuttle service between the two islands. The Azam Marine coastal and Zan Fast ferry are both popular options. Once you arrive in Zanzibar, you can hire a taxi or take a cab to your hotel.
If you’re traveling to Zanzibar by boat, you’ll need to book your ferry far in advance. Zanzibar Cruises operates a fleet of 8 vessels that travel at a fast 25-knot rate. The trip will take around an hour and forty minutes from Dar es Salaam. Once you’re on board, you’ll be able to enjoy your stay on the island and relax in your hotel.
The ferry to Zanzibar can be crowded, so book your ticket ahead of time. You can book tickets online, at the ferry terminal, or through a travel agent. Some hotels even help you book your ticket. Just remember to bring your passport! The ticket office is located on the right side of the ferry gate. If you don’t feel comfortable traveling on a boat, book a flight to Zanzibar.
You can get to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam by ferry. The ride from the mainland to Zanzibar is around two hours long and will take between 90 minutes and two hours. During the dry season, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean from the boat. Choose a reliable ferry operator, such as Azam Marine, to ensure smooth sailing. Fast ferries are available during the day.
