A luxury African holiday in Zanzibar

Just off the Tanzanian coast is the small but colourful Island of Zanzibar, a place with a long and colourful history. Utilised as an important trading post the island became famous for its plantations and cash crops particularly spices as well as the less desirable industries of ivory and slavery.  Today Zanzibar’s economy mainly relies upon tourism, considered as the perfect compliment to a mainland African safaris and the production and exportation of Cloves as well as a considerable interest in fishing.  Many markets and stalls still clutter the island offering a busy and vibrant insight into the island’s past. Pick up some spices and take them back home with you to add some authentic African flavour to your meals.

A fantastic place to start your luxury holiday is the historic centre of Stone Town. The community is a cultural and architectural fusion of Afro-Arab influence; it’s winding streets not unlike the medinas of North African countries like Morocco. Juxtaposed against the historic buildings, the mosques, cathedrals and forts are the newly developed boutiques restaurants and shops including a bustling harbour. Stone Town is a place that very much appreciates its traditional roots but also embraces the modern and the new producing a unique district that should not be missed and has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

You might consider combining your stay in Zanzibar with a mainland African holiday. The island is itself a semi-autonomous state, actually belonging to the Republic of Tanzania but its centralised location means that it can be easily reached by airplane from Kenya, Uganda or even South Africa.

For wildlife lovers Zanzibar actually has an awful lot to offer. The Black River Gorges National Park is the oldest and largest conservation area on the island, with a vast array of endemic plant life as well as large numbers of the iconic red colobus monkey, the extremely rare Zanzibar Leopard, bush pigs, small antelope and the servaline genet (a type of beautifully patterned feline). As rich and encompassing as the island’s landscape is, it is the world beneath the waves where Zanzibar truly comes to life.

A must see during any luxury holiday is the beautiful corals that surround the island, particularly the Mnemba Atoll which attracts a myriad of fish and other aquatic species. Whether you are an experienced diver or it is your first time an underwater exploration of this incredible environment is a real privilege; alternatively for those who don’t feel comfortable with the idea of diving there are excellent opportunities for snorkelling, and glass bottom boat tours.

Zanzibar’s exclusive list of accommodation boasts some of the most luxurious properties in East Africa including the opulent Baraza Resort and Spa, the private Chumbe Island Coral Park or the all inclusive grandeur of the Ocean Paradise Resort. As part of your Zanzibar encounter I would personally recommend a stay on one of the smaller neighbouring islands of Pemba Mafia and Chole for an even more secluded and serene luxury holiday escape.