Zanzibar: Simplicity at its Best in an Idyllic Scenery

Even if the choice is vast, the Indian Ocean remains the preferred holiday destination for tourists. Needless to say, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Seychelles and the other tropical islands in this region are crowded during the summer months. However, there are still rather unknown places that deserve tourists’ attention. If you want to think outside the box and are looking for an original and unique destination, Zanzibar is a destination of choice for you. If the Zanzibar Archipelago consists mainly of three small islands; Mafia, Pemba and Unguja, they are surrounded by hundreds of islands. Located east of Africa, the Zanzibar archipelago depends from Tanzania. It was popularized at a time by Jules Verne in his novel « Five Weeks in a Balloon », in which the archipelago was the starting point of the expedition.

Open to tourism since the 90's, this young tourist destination is bound to offer an unforgettable vacation. Known especially for its exceptional aquatic flora and fauna, Zanzibar is a paradise for divers. Snorkelling enthusiasts, be prepared ! You will be able to observe beautiful coral reefs and a protected and unique underwater fauna. You should also take advantage of its white and warm sandbanks which extend to infinity.

Zanzibar has undergone, in its history, many conquests which today are the source of a melting pot of different cultures and religions. This diversity is found today particularly in Stone Town, an old town known as the cultural landmark of the archipelago. The city has preserved an intact townscape perfectly illustrating the diversity of African, Arab, Indian and European cultures which you can experience as you stroll through the streets which seem another time. Visit the vast Arabian Fort built in 1700 and now a cultural center and the beautiful Forodhani Garden, created for King George V of England. Stone Town was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

The peculiarity of the archipelago? Well, one thing for sure is that each island of the archipelago is different from one another. Island after island, you will embark into a world completely independent of the previous one. On the island of Pemba, you can attend a Corrida show (where the bull is not killed), a tradition brought by the Portuguese. Mafia island is very traditional and authentic as until now, no tourism economy had been established there. But whichever island you choose to visit, you will be able to immerse yourself in crystalline lagoons and discover stunning, still intact seabed.

The Zanzibar Archipelago is a jewel in the Indian Ocean that has been preserved as very few tourists have visited these islands until now. This destination will enchant you with its many historic and cultural sites, its beautiful beaches and beautiful scenery with its extraordinary aquatic fauna and flora.