The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world’s five oceanic divisions, covering 70,560,000 km2 (27,240,000 sq mi) or ~19.8% of the water on Earth’s surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west, and Australia to the east. To the south, it is bordered by the Southern Ocean or Antarctica, depending on the definition used. Along its core, the Indian Ocean has some large marginal or regional seas such as the Arabian, Laccadive, Bay of Bengal, and the Andaman Seas.
Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean Islands
From the often-overlooked and largely undeveloped tropical paradise of Pemba Island in the north to the classy utopia of Mafia Island in the south, Tanzania’s tropical east coast islands offer a welcome respite after a rewarding safari. Zanzibar, nestled between Pemba and Mafia, provides a mix of white-sand beaches, warm water, nightlife, po, and influential cultural history.
LUXURY INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS HOLIDAYS
There’s no better way to end an action-packed Tanzania safari Tour than with a few days on the beaches and islands of the Indian Ocean. With pristine white sands, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters, these islands offer a quintessential paradise where you can relax and rejuvenate before returning to your daily life.
From the vibrant beach resorts around Mombasa to the Swahili-cultured streets of Lamu, Kenya’s’ Indian Ocean coastline offers something for everyone. One of the continent’s most exotic island destinations—Zanzibar is off the coast of Tanzania —and its’ no less beguiling little sister, Pemba. Slightly further afield is the stunning archipelago of Seychelles, whose granite boulders perch above the Indian Ocean to create a scene that has to be seen and believed.
Here are a few Zanzibar Holidays tour packages to inspire your beach and bush safari.
Indian Ocean Islands Highlights
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Crystal, warm waters, and spectacular corals make for superb diving and snorkeling.
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Each destination has its flavor, a unique fusion of Africa and Europe
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Many interesting historical sites and cultural experiences await
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Accessible to get to with flights from Europe and East Africa as well as via The Middle East
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Usually thought of as romantic destinations, the islands are also excellent for family trips
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There are many options for travelers seeking relaxation, activity, adventure, or a bit of all three
Travel to Zanzibar
The majority of Tanzania’s island visitors gravitate towards world-renowned Zanzibar. Zanzibar Island has an almost overwhelming choice of over 800 tourism establishments to suit every budget and taste.
You should not come to this place if you don’t want to see other tourists. While some parts of Zanzibar are less intensively developed than others, this island is about as far from a pristine wilderness escape as you can get, with almost the entire coastline developed, especially in the northeast and southeast.
Zanzibar – an exotic island kingdom of former slave traders and fishermen – has reinvented itself as a tourism hotspot. Nothing beats the exclusive satellite island of Mnemba off the northeastern tip of Zanzibar for those with deep pockets and a healthy budget. With one exclusive Beyond Lodge, Mnemba is the pinnacle of tropical island beach-chic luxury. Alternatively, the main island has a dizzying array of hotels, beach resorts, guesthouses, and other accommodation options.
Practical Advice
You must visit Zanzibar or one of Tanzania’s other Indian Ocean islands at the end of your safari. After lots of early morning game drives and ”African massages” courtesy of the often-bumpy roads, some quality rest on an idyllic white-sand beach lapped by the warm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean is usually just the tonic and will no doubt prove the cherry on top of an incredible Tanzanian safari experience.
The fastest and safest way to reach any country’s island destinations is by air. Regularly scheduled flights and private charters fly the aerial island access routes, so getting there is simple if a touch is costly, especially if you want to fly from somewhere outside the major cities.
For those on a tighter budget or who enjoy sea travel, a few ferries sail daily between the mainland ports and Pemba, Zanzibar, and Mafia islands. However, before boarding a boat for an island voyage, it is essential to assess the sea conditions, the vessel’s seaworthiness, and the presence of safety equipment.
TYPICAL ZANZIBAR DISHES
Zanzibar cuisine should be sampled at least once in your life. In our resorts, you can experience evenings dedicated to local cuisine. Zanzibari cuisine is the product of diverse influences accumulated over the centuries, traced back to the numerous cultures that have characterized the island’s history. The flavors are mixed with the gastronomic traditions of Arab, Portuguese, Indian, British, and Chinese cultures.
A typical Zanzibari dish is spiced pilau rice. Other delicacies originate from the African mainland: manioc potatoes, boiled beans, sweet potatoes, roasted corn on the cob, and yam.
You should also try the famous nut and date bread, made with eggs and vanilla, traditionally eaten at the end of Ramadan.
If, however, you want to try something a little bit different, don’t miss out on shark in pepper or “we wa nazi,” Swahili for octopus in coconut milk prepared with curry, cardamom, cinnamon, garlic, and lime juice.
Another equally traditional dish is “sorpotel,” a mixed offal and pork stew seasoned with curry spices. “Boku-boku” is a spicy meat stew cooked with wheat, ginger, cumin, chili, tomatoes, and onions. The famous Zanzibari pizza is also not to be missed.
The spiced cake made with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and chocolate must be sampled for those with a sweet tooth.
Spices are generally used in all types of cooking on the island and characterize destinations, flavors, and colors.
Drinks must have their say, too: try DAWA, a local cocktail that means “Medicine.” It is similar to Caipirinha, but honey is used instead of sugar.
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