Zanzibar Luxury Holidays

Comprising numerous beautiful islands speckling the Indian Ocean, you could hardly wish for a more picturesque location for a relaxing break than Zanzibar. Featuring sweeping white sands, clear turquoise ocean, historic towns and an abundance of natural scenery, there’s plenty to see and do during your stay. Book one of our luxury holidays in Zanzibar and discover this stunning Tanzanian archipelago for yourself.

Unguja

Also known as ‘The Island of Spices’, Unguja is one of the two larger islands in the archipelago and is home to several Zanzibar resorts. Here, you’ll find the capital, Stone Town, so named because of its traditional buildings constructed from coralline rock. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the town is brimming with rich culture and history. Wander the narrow streets and bustling bazaars and visit the historic mosques, churches and former sultan’s palaces along the seafront.

Not far from Stone Town is Kendwa, a lively resort with glorious beaches and vibrant nightlife. The village of Matemwe has a more laid-back atmosphere and is home to the longest beach in Zanzibar, while Nungwi offers fantastic restaurants and watersports, including parasailing and jet skiing.

Unguja is also known for its wonderful diving and snorkelling opportunities. The island has some of the world’s largest coral reefs teeming with marine life such as octopuses, turtles, whitetip reef sharks and dolphins.

If you can bear to tear yourself away from the coastline, head inland to Jozani National Park where you’ll find a host of natural delights. The park’s evergreen forests and mangrove swamps are brimming with wildlife, including the endangered red colobus monkey, bush pigs, suni antelope, chameleons and a tremendous variety of birds.

Unguja is also known for its plantations, where visitors can go to learn about the herbs, spices and exotic fruits grown on the island.

Pemba and other islands

Remote and unspoilt, Pemba is the second largest island and offers pearly-white beaches, lush forests and sparkling lakes. Ngezi Forest in the northwest harbours some incredible flora and fauna, including monkeys and bush babies, while Kidike Sanctuary houses a huge colony of indigenous bats. The diving here is as impressive and rewarding as anywhere in Zanzibar, with the Pemba channel featuring a magnificent coral wall where you can encounter manta rays, whale sharks and dolphins.

Take the time to visit one of the alluring islets dotting the surrounding waters and marvel at the fabulous natural wonders they hold. Observe and interact with the giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island or explore the spectacular coral reef off the western shore of Chumbe Island. Meanwhile, in the waters around Misali Island, you’ll find over 42 types of coral and over 300 species of fish, together with rare coconut crabs and green and hawksbill turtles nesting on its shores.

Azure offers a range of tailor-made holiday packages in East Africa. For the ultimate island escape, contact us today and choose from our selection of luxury resorts in Zanzibar. Our expert advisors are just a phone call away and will be delighted to help you create your dream holiday.