Holiday Types

WELCOME TO ZANZIBAR

Jambo! This is the Swahili greeting that you will hear on arrival when you are welcomed by the warm and inviting locals. Zanzibar is the name of an archipelago in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of East Africa. There are many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, sometimes informally referred to as 'Zanzibar'), and Pemba Island. As the number one beach location in East Africa, Zanzibar is a wonderful island, with classic tropical beaches, lush plantations, an incredible history and a fascinating culture. Apart from historic Stone Town, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, Zanzibar is known for its beautiful palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs.

HISTORY

Zanzibar was inhabited by Portuguese navigators at the end of the 15^th century. They were ousted 200 years later by the Omani Arabs and Zanzibar became a major centre for slave trading. The island became an Arab state and was an important centre of trade and politics in the region. European explorers, including Stanley and Livingstone, began their expeditions into the interior of Africa from Zanzibar in the late 1800’s. In 1964, the sultan and the government were overthrown in a revolution and in the same year, Zanzibar and Tanganyika combined to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

LANGUAGE

The indigenous language spoken throughout Zanzibar is Swahili (called Kiswahili locally). English is widely spoken and understood. Jambo Rafiki – Hello my friend!

CULTURE

Most of the people in Zanzibar are Muslim and all towns and villages on Zanzibar Island have mosques. Visitors to Zanzibar Town (Stone Town) will hear the evocative sound of the muezzins calling people to prayer from the minarets, especially for the evening session at sunset. There are also small populations of Christians and Hindus.

CLIMATE

Zanzibar is a few degrees south of the equator and enjoys a very tropical climate. The average daytime high is between 28°C and 32°C and the night-time lows are between 20°C and 25°C. Temperature wise – this island is an all-year-round winner. February is very hot and very humid (just leave your hair straightener at home!) and March to May are the wettest months.

CURRENCY

The local currency is Tanzania Shillings (TSH) but the currency cannot be bought outside of the country. Cash (US Dollars) and credit cards are accepted at hotels and at any Bureau de Change. We strongly recommend that you take USD cash in small denominations for incidental purchases, tips etc.

ELECTRICITY

220/230 V. square pin adapter (same plugs as UK). It is advisable to take along an international adaptor.

MALARIA

As Zanzibar is situated in a malaria zone, it is recommended that you consult your physician on the correct preventative medication required before you travel.

WHAT TO DO IN ZANZIBAR

Whether you spend your days lazing by the pool, sipping cocktails on the beach at sunset, diving in warm waters or enjoying a Dhow cruise around small islands, your Zanzibar holiday will be a memorable experience.

• Diving: With living reefs surrounding the islands, Zanzibar has excellent dive locations. There are plenty of places where the water temperature is warm, visibility is usually excellent, and currents are weak, all of which contributes to an ideal location for first time and novice divers. In addition to the warm and still waters full of colourful fish, there are many challenging dives as well. If you want to surf the current through a ravine, go for deep water, or search for wrecks, there are dive companies that can make it happen for you. Many of the larger resorts on the north and east coasts have professionally-run dive shops as well. Qualified divers must produce certification and a log book.

• Shopping: Whether you’re in the market for T-shirts, spices, kangas, furniture or hand sewn pillow covers, Stone Town is a great place for fun shopping and bargain hunting. You will find the inevitable ashtray carved out of a coconut shell, but there are enough Tinga-tinga paintings, woodcarvings and woven goods to keep almost everyone in the market for a tasteful souvenir.
• Stone Town: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, Stone Town is a mishmash of cultures, languages and architecture. Over the centuries, Stone Town has grown from a small fishing village to a thriving town with an extraordinary history. Walking around Stone Town, you can see the influence of the different cultures that make up Zanzibar. Coral and stone houses show offimposing Zanzibar doors with brass studs as a defence against charging elephants and carvings with scriptures from the Quran. A tour of the town is highly recommended.
• Excursions: There are loads of excursions available to help you explore this unique island. It is wise to stick to a reputable operator and not be lured by beach boys and vendors who prey on tourists promising cheap prices. There are two excursions that are not to be missed in our opinion. A visit to a spice farm village on the Spice Tour will allow you to walk through the farm with your guide – touching, smelling and tasting different spices and fruits. It will give you an insight into local life and the opportunity to try some Swahili dishes, taste the fruits in season and try some spiced tea.

 

Setting sail on a traditional dhow will be one of the highlights of your trip. Safari Blue is a full day excursion which takes you out into Menai Bay – a haven of beautiful uninhabited islands where the waters are frequented by humpback and bottlenose dolphins. The anchor is dropped on a sandbank which makes for some spectacular snorkelling. Drinks are served throughout the day and lunch is a buffet of grilled fish, lobster, calamari and chicken. Make sure this one is on your itinerary.

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Tastefully designed with some enchanting Sino-Portuguese influence, The Andaman Seaview Hotel is located across the road from the beach and only 5 minutes walk from the restaurants and shops of Karon Beach.

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Protea Hotel by Marriott Hazyview has an outdoor pool overlooking the surrounding mountains, just 20 minutes' drive from the Kruger National Park. Set on a lush 10 acre garden estate, it features deluxe rooms. All rooms boast a country-style décor which includes plush armchairs and ornate furniture. Most rooms have scenic garden views and are fitted with air conditioning, satellite TV and a tea / coffee maker. Learn More

Ecolux Boutique Hotel is located in Komatipoort, just 10 km from the Crocodile Bridge Gate which is the most eastern entrance to the Kruger National Park. It boasts a restaurant, bar and an outdoor swimming pool.

Ecolux serves breakfast daily and the restaurant offers organic foods with fresh, home-grown herbs and vegetables. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine at the bar.

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Almar View Guest House is located in Alkmaar. Free WiFi access is available in the public areas.

Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a private patio. Certain rooms are fitted with a well-equipped kitchenette, while other other rooms feature a microwave, tea-and-coffee-making facilities and basic tableware. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom fitted with a shower, while others also have a bath.

 

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Set in Johannesburg, 24 km from Sandton City Mall, Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Among the various facilities are a bar, a shared lounge, as well as a garden.

The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage space and currency exchange for guests.

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Rooms : Make yourself at home in one of the 235 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks.

Dining : Enjoy international cuisine at The Grill At One Twenty, one of the hotel s many dining establishments, which include 2 restaurants and a coffee shop/café. Full breakfasts are available daily from 6 AM to 10 AM for a fee.

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Featuring an outdoor pool, terrace, and garden, Eco Park Lodge is situated in Centurion and offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi in all areas. O.R. Tambo International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.

The restaurant serves regional cuisine, and an English breakfast is provided each morning. Other facilities at the hotel include a tour desk, business centre, and BBQ facilities.

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Nestled in the heart of one of the most famous wildlife conservation areas in the world, Nkambeni Safari Camp welcomes you to Big Five country. Here, in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, thrilling up-close and personal wildlife experiences await you in an exclusive-use 11500 hectare private concession.

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Located in Kempton Park, 1.7 km from Festival Mall, Aero Airport Lodge provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. 2.4 km from Bonaero Park Shopping centre and 8 km from Wild Waters Boksburg, the property features a shared lounge and a garden. Learn More

Located in Randburg (Northcliff), House Higgo is within a 5-minute drive of Cresta Shopping Centre and Northcliff Ridge Ecopark. This 4-star guesthouse is 10.8 mi (17.4 km) from Montecasino and 5.7 mi (9.2 km) from University of Witwatersrand.

Rooms : Make yourself at home in one of the 6 individually decorated guestrooms. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Partially open bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and complimentary bottled water, and housekeeping is provided daily.

Dining : A complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

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Located in Cape Town in the Western Cape region, with Milnerton Beach and Lagoon Beach nearby, Axis Luxury Apartments provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

Featuring a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, each unit also comes with a safety deposit box, a satellite flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, wardrobe and a seating area with a sofa. There is a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer in each unit, along with free toiletries.

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A full English breakfast buffet is served daily in the Sky Lounge which is located on the top floor of the hotel, offering guests unobstructed ocean views.

The Durban ICC and the Moses Mabhida stadium are both less than 2 km away. Belaire Suites Hotel is 31 km from King Shaka International Airport. On-site parking and an airport shuttle service are available at a surcharge.

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A continental breakfast is available daily at Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch.

Popular points of interest near the hotel include Umhlanga rocks Beach, Umhlanga Main Beach and Bronze Beach. The nearest airport is King Shaka International, 13 km from Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

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Coastlands Musgrave Hotel has elegantly decorated rooms with a balcony overlooking the surrounding area. Each of the air-conditioned rooms has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a seating area, and a coffee maker.

The stylish ground floor restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual but elegant environment, while the coffee shop serves delectable cakes and desserts. Guests can also relax in the outdoor terrace with a cocktail. The hotel’s spa provides facial therapies, body treatments, and head massages.

There is also a golf course nearby the hotel. King Shaka International Airport is 27 km from the property and Umhlanga is a 20-minute drive away.

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The A’Zambezi River Lodge is the only hotel with a river frontage and jetty site in Victoria Falls. A’Zambezi River Lodge is located in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 25km from the airport, nestling on the banks of the mighty Zambezi with the Zambezi National Park located close by.

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Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the a la carte restaurant. Sundays a variety of culinary options are offered at a buffet. Refreshments are available at the Bar.

The Selborne Hotel, Golf Estate Hotel & Spa has an 18-hole golf course and a fully equipped childrens entertainment centre. For relaxation, the spa offers a variety of treatments or a game of golf can be enjoyed.

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Just across the road from Patong Beach, this hotel enjoys quiet surroundings in a location within walking distance of Patong's town centre. Located at the peaceful end of Patong Beach, Seaview Patong Hotel enjoys a convenient location close to Patong's shopping area and nightlife.

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Krabi Thai Village Resort aims to make your holiday in Krabi a special and memorable affair, never to be forgotten. Luxury accommodation in delightful two and three story Thai-inspired buildings combines the best in traditional style with modern comforts and amenities which are always at hand to fulfil every whim, every desire.

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