Best Beaches of Zanzibar

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Jackson) — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 17:30:00 +0000

When most Americans hear the word Zanzibar, they think Spice Island, that tropical paradise east of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. It appears today as it did more than a century ago when famed missionary/explorer Dr. David Livingstone lived just before his last safari into deepest, darkest Africa.

As a matter of fact, you can walk down the streets and alleys of Stone Town, a world heritage site, and feel as if you're in an old movie. Zanzibar is an island only 50 miles long, but full of variety. For instance, you can visit the ruins of the palaces created with "spice" wealth for the Sultans of Oman.

Once the eastern gateway to Africa, Zanzibar is home to the enchanted Jozani Forest, where curious red colobus monkeys are found. At Nungwi, on the northern shore, you can see boat builders, hewing out the same designs handed down to them centuries ago.

And, of course, miles and miles of the best beaches in this part of the world. The majority are along the East Coast, where the quaint fishing villages dot the landscape. The big secret hasn't been told to the major resorts. You'll find one or two along this Island paradise.

The very best beaches of Zanzibar lie along the east coast and Nungwi, near the northern tip of the island. A great runner-up is the enchanting Mangapwani Beach located on the west coast.

There are more than 30 beaches in Zanzibar with some of them so isolated, time has literally stood still. Waves lapping these brilliant shores for eons have hewn such an artistic pattern of natural beauty, we're kind of glad they're not that close to civilization.

Okay, so if the beaches are so unattainable, but they're spectacular - what should we expect when we visit?

Zanzibar's coastline is mainly a shallow slope allowing lush coral build-ups and providing a natural home for thousands of marine animals. Because of its location, Zanzibar enjoys warm currents almost year-round. Perfect for spawning, you'll see a wealth of life just beneath the surface.

The northeast coast is where you'll find the unspoiled beaches of Matemwe. Nearby is the grand Mnemba Atoll, a prime dive site known world wide. Of course, snorkeling is unparalleled along the rock outcroppings of Zanzibars many beaches. Bring that underwater camera. Check out our extra report on Mnemba Island and Atoll. It's out of this world!

Zanzibar's climate is equatorial. Days are filled with sun, but some heavy rainfall occurs during April and May. Best months to visit are from July through March, with February and March the warmest months.

Let's visit the beaches!

Jambiani Beach - Zanzibar Tanzania

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Jackson) — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 12:24:00 +0000

Why was it so many safaris chose to end their trek in Zanzibar? During the period of the great safaris Zanzibar was an Oman colony. Wonderful palaces graced the islands, and room and board was cheap, grand, and very relaxing.

Today, most of that rings true. The colonies are gone, but accommodations are inexpensive, and the best part of Zanzibar is that even now the beaches are largely untouched by commercial tourism.

Although when you think of Zanzibar, you think of the largest island, Unguja, Zanzibar is a collection of a few islands, including Pemba, where one of the worlds largest production of cloves is located, and the island of Mafia, where sports fishing and scuba reign.

Most tourists come to Zanzibar for the beaches. The islands are literally surrounded with them, but the best picks are on the east shore of Unguja, the main island. Zanzibar beaches on the west shore are too close to the port of Stone Town, with shipping, pollution, and what comes with city life.

If you run into a fellow tourist in Zanzibar, you may be told that the beautiful beach at Jambiani is crowded and that everyone goes there. The fact is, Jambiani Beach is miles of startling white sand. It would take a lot of tourists to crowd out this piece of paradise.

What to expect? There are no swimming pools, no casinos, no discos, bars... and mainly no electricity - except at some guesthomes. Your idea of paradise? Then welcome to Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar.

These beaches are actually home to small fishing villages. Fishing isn't for commercial gain; it's for the village. However, you will find that locals in Jambiani harvest seaweed. Because of the nature of the reef, about a mile out, the wave action litters the beach with seaweed at low tide. Seaweed is taken, dried, and sold to exporters - generally making its way as a nutritional product in Japan.

Transportation for the locals consists of riding bikes along the beach. You can rent bikes at various places along Jambiani Beach.

Another fun event would be to take a ride on a Dhow boat, the local fishing boat. Ask the locals for a ride during sunset. You'll stay within the reef and see the beach like few tourists have.

But the best diving and snorkeling on the island is one beach away... Next >>

Jambiani Beach - Beach Index:

Sand - white coral sand with medium grain, some debris from seaweed
Facilities - none, except at your oceanside guesthouse
Shade - rare, tall palms and few short trees
Sports - snorkel, biking. You can arrange diving at the few hotels. For snorkeling, try to stay near rock outcroppings where marine life is greatest. Not much to see in the sandy bottom. If you'd like to bike, try early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
Notes - some seaweed washes ashore, but hey, it's natural! Enjoy the culture of the people and mingle when you can. You will come away changed.

Matemwe Beach - Zanzibar Tanzania

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Jackson) — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:33:00 +0000

A small village on the northeast coast of Unguja, Matemwe is actually ten villages in one. As a tourist, you'll never know - but Matemwe is a mixture. With 7900 locals, the seaside town depends greatly on fish and seaweed farming.

Once Matemwe was totally covered by large, natural forests. With the increase in population, the forest was reduced. Once poverty set in, the forests were used unsustainably. You'll notice only bushes in Matemwe. But there is plenty of beach and supreme diving close by at Mnemba.

Another thing that is abundant in Matemwe is silence. Your transportation drops you off and you can already hear the breeze through the palm leaves, the surf gently washing ashore. Most of the hotels are facing Mnemba Island, where diving is the sport.

The people here are friendly and accommodating. They will enjoy talking about family and island life. But you'll find them hard workers. For example, when the tide goes out, local men of Matemwe go out in their boats (dhows) to fish within the reef. The women also work at low tide, harvesting seaweed - even if low tide is in the middle of the night.

From Matemwe, fish is taken to markets around Zanzibar, but the seaweed has a more dramatic voyage. It is dried on racks, then sold for around 80 cents a kilo to exporters who ship it off to Asia.

You can arrange diving from all the hotels and guesthomes around Matemwe. But even if you don't dive - here's a tip: The hotel can arrange a boat for you to go out to the reef area where the snorkeling is indeed World Class. You will see a great variety of marine life and coral for as far as you can see.

Mnemba Atoll is the pristine dive paradise where the people who know are headed. The Mnemba Atoll surrounds the island, once called by Condé Nast Traveler - one of three most romantic ocean destinations in the world. Mnemba means "octopus head" in Arabic.

Expect great expanses of snow white beach studded with occasional rock outcroppings which contrast spectacularly with the sand, sky and sea. Best time to visit Matemwe Beach is July through to March, with high season October through to March (kaskazi monsoon).

Stress-relieving tip: Enjoy the beaches of Matemwe at night. Yes, the Milky Way is breathtaking on Matemwe Beach because there is literally no light pollution. You will be thrilled and in awe as you take in the stars and beauty of God.

Matemwe Beach - Beach Index:

Sand - powdery white, fine grain, coral based, some seaweed debris
Facilities - full Naui/Padi diving facilities, plus some sports rentals, snorkel gear
Shade - very little, some high palms
Sports - diving, snorkel gear
Notes - if you rent a car, watch for local police stops. Present your papers and be on your way. If you have any problems, demand to go to the police station.