Zanzibar

AQUA-IAN

Just booked a holiday to Zanzibar - Anyone been?

AQUA-IAN

Judging by no replies I take it nobody has any experience on Zanzibar. Well I have just returned and it really is one of the most beautiful tropical islands I have ever visited. The beaches are pure white sand and the swimming with dolphins is a must. Go if you can - although it's not cheap.

alison74

Never saw your post first time around.

I have been and yes it is wonderful. We paid $20 dollars for a snorkelling tour (full day including a huge lunch on a desserted beach) and when we were in the water, the dolphins came to us. We had 12-15 of them swimming around us and nudging us. One of the most incredible experiences ever.

You can pay about $80 for a dolphin spotting trip and might not see them.

The cocktails at sunset are fabulous, Stonetown is great for shopping and do a spice tour - really interesting and you get to taste everything and exotic fruits etc.

Anymore info you want, just ask

tummy_tank

We ended our expedition to tanzania with a chillout in Zanzibar last september. We stayed a night in Stone town, it was very busy and quite dirty but interesting we had a drink in Mercury's bar a tribute to Freddie! The hotel was Dhow Palace clean and reasonably priced. Emerson and Green is the place to stay in town but was fully booked when we wanted to stay. Also good for a meal but you need to book. We ate at Sweet Easy and La Fenice both ok. We moved out to the beach, apparently the east coast has the best beach. I have never seen such beautiful beaches and i've seen plenty and the sea is an amazing colour. We stayed at Matemwe beach there is two hotels with similar names but different prices ours was basic and i'd pay extra for the suites next time. I used African travel resource to book it and they have extensive website with lots of info and pictures. Lastly the flight from Dar to Zanzibar is worth it rather than ferry for the spectacular views of the ocean and island and thrill of a small plane. Enough reminiscing book it and have a fab time!

Deni_zen

My partner lived in Zanzibar for two years and loved it. I visited twice and had a wonderful time - go and enjoy! :j

skr80

which are the best (price and location wise) beach hotels that you suggest please. Have always fancied visiting, but a little put off with reviews of dirty / smelly / busy centre;(

ejmna1

We went for our honeymoon and the below arn't the cheapest places but they are great:
Beach
http://www.rasnungwi.com/main.php
and in Stone Town
http://www.zanzibartravel.co.uk/hotels/hotels-stonetown.html
the above site has other hotels but we stayed at the Serena
n

tummy_tank

skr80 wrote:

which are the best (price and location wise) beach hotels that you suggest please. Have always fancied visiting, but a little put off with reviews of dirty / smelly / busy centre;(

We ended our expedition to tanzania with a chillout in Zanzibar last september. We stayed a night in Stone town, it was very busy and quite dirty but interesting we had a drink in Mercury's bar a tribute to Freddie! The hotel was Dhow Palace clean and reasonably priced. Emerson and Green is the place to stay in town but was fully booked when we wanted to stay. Also good for a meal but you need to book. We ate at Sweet Easy and La Fenice both ok. We moved out to the beach, apparently the east coast has the best beach. I have never seen such beautiful beaches and i've seen plenty and the sea is an amazing colour. We stayed at Matemwe beach there is two hotels with similar names but different prices ours was basic and i'd pay extra for the suites next time. I used African travel resource to book it and they have extensive website with lots of info and pictures. Lastly the flight from Dar to Zanzibar is worth it rather than ferry for the spectacular views of the ocean and island and thrill of a small plane. Enough reminiscing book it and have a fab time!

Try:

http://www.africatravelresource.com/africa/E/zanzibar/Z01.asp

The chap was very helpful and informative.

terf

Hi, we're going in July - any specific companies recommended for doing the spice tour and snorkelling with the dolphins? thanks!

GIRLPOWER_2

would never have though of going before seeing this post so thank you for starting it.

alison74

terf wrote:

Hi, we're going in July - any specific companies recommended for doing the spice tour and snorkelling with the dolphins? thanks!

I can't remember the names I'm afraid, but it was just the tours that were closest to the hotel. I don't think you would get a bad one as they all want your business and Africans are willing to please tourists.

I would personally book a snorkelling tour and if you don't see dolphins when you are swimming, then book a specific dolphin tour, but of course there are no guarantees

The spice tours are standard and should be around 2 hours, with a visit to a fruit plantation etc and the mandatory man climbing up the coconut tree !!