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HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Stunning beaches > Barefoot luxury > Snorkelling and diving in the warm Indian Ocean

Zanzibar and the other islands that lie just off Tanzania’s coast make a great destination either in their own right, or in combination with a safari on the mainland. Enjoy miles of unspoilt white sand beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean from a handful of idyllic beach retreats where barefoot luxury and total relaxation are the order of the day.

Stress-free days can be idled away with swimming in the clear turquoise waters, gentle strolls along the beach or a therapeutic massage. Alternatively, you can relax in a hammock in the shade of a palm tree with a good book and a cool drink and watch the dhows drift by. Meals are based on delicious fresh seafood, caught locally and served under the stars in the evenings.

For those feeling a little more energetic, the waters around the Zanzibar archipelago host a rich variety of marine life, from colourful reef fish to dolphins, turtles and whale sharks, and offer some fantastic snorkelling and diving. Other watersports available include fishing, kayaking, windsurfing and waterskiing.

Top of the palm tree in terms of accommodation is Mnemba, located on an atoll of the same name just off the north-east coast of Zanzibar. Accessible only by boat, and the only lodge on the island, Mnemba offers true seclusion and is surrounded by a protected marine reserve of coral reefs and lagoons.

Directly opposite the Mnemba atoll on Zanzibar itself are Matemwe Bungalows and the Matemwe Retreat, the latter consisting of three stylish villas which are ideal for those seeking complete privacy. From Matemwe, guests can enjoy all the usual water-based activities, as well as exploring Zanzibar with visits to local villages and markets, spice tours, or day trips to historic Stone Town.

A particularly good option for keen divers is Fundu Lagoon, set on a four-kilometre stretch of private beach on the neighbouring island of Pemba. Fundu has its own fully-equipped PADI diving centre and access to some of the East Africa’s top dive sites (see our separate ‘Dive Fundu Lagoon’ trip in ‘Original Diving’ for more details.)

Last but not least is Ras Kutani, a secluded beach resort located not on Zanzibar but on the coast of the Tanzanian mainland, just south of Dar es Salaam.

If you are looking for a first-class safari experience either before or after a beach holiday on the Tanzanian coast, Original Travel offers a selection of the best safari lodges in Tanzania and neighbouring Kenya for you to choose from.