Tanzania: Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Our 8-Day Zanzibar Beach Holiday in Tanzania is a relaxing and affordable safari that combines five nights on the beach with two nights in the island’s cultural heart – an ancient trading post. While away your time at a relaxed pace on a white, sandy beach so perfect Conde Nast Traveler voted it one of the best in the world, and enjoy windsurfing, sailing, kite boarding or scuba diving. Finally, end your honeymoon time in this tropical paradise exploring the fascinating labyrinth of Stone Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This tour works well as a getaway in its own right – but can also be booked as an extension to one of our other African safari holidays – perfect for winding down after the excitement of a wildlife safari.

• Day 1 Arrival – Zanzibar Island

  You will arrive at Zanzibar International Airport, situated just south of Zanzibar town and be met and transferred to your accommodation for the next five nights.

  Zanzibar – the name alone evokes all the sense – the feeling of the cool trade winds bringing respite from the hot African sun, the lingering scent of spices in the air, the taste of fresh seafood served up on a white sandy beach, the sound of traditional Swahili songs drifting across courtyards, and the pleasing sight of a traditional dhow sailing across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

  Baraza Resort and Spa
  Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

• Day 2 Zanzibar Island

  In between relaxing sojourns on the beach, guests here can also expand their minds. Why not consider the option of taking part in a Swahili language or history class, given under the palm trees by the resident Mwalimu, or perhaps try your hand at cooking a classic Swahili dish, learning about the role of local spices in their traditional cuisine.

  All activities described today are available for an extra charge.

  Baraza Resort and Spa
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 3 Zanzibar Island

  During your time on the coast, you will have plenty of opportunity to relax by the water. But for those who fancy a more active Zanzibar beach holiday, there is plenty of choice. The resort Watersports Club is on hand for all manner of optional activities (at additional charge) with a great selection of new equipment. Choose from a dazzling array of watersports activities with professional guidance or instruction including kite surfing/buggying, land boarding, snorkeling, sailing, reef walking, windsurfing, sea kayaking and paddle-boarding.

  It is quite simply, the perfect place to experience the Indian Ocean.

  Baraza Resort and Spa
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 4 Zanzibar Island

  Another day in your tropical beach paradise beckons. Today, you may want to explore the option of taking a scuba dive (at extra cost) with the resort’s professional PADI dive centre. The only PADI 5* Gold Palm and National Geographic Dive Centre in Zanzibar, it caters for both beginners and experienced scuba divers. With over 12 years of experience, the dive centre offers the highest levels of customer care and instruction whilst prioritizing the conservation and protection of the pristine marine environment around Zanzibar. With a maximum of six divers per guide, you can escape the crowds and get the most of your underwater experience.

  Baraza Resort and Spa
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 5 Zanzibar Island

  Today is the last full day at Baraza Resort and Spa. Optional activities offered by the resort include trips on a Swahili dhow boat to explore the mangroves, or trips to the nearby local village of Bwejuu, where guests can visit the local school, dispensary and mosque as well as enjoying a wander through a typical Zanzibar fishing village.

  All activities described today are available at an extra charge.

  Baraza Resort and Spa
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 6 Zanzibar Island

  After a relaxed breakfast, we will transfer you to your next destination – the Emerson Spice Hotel.

  Watching the sun set from the hotel’s rooftop tea house is an incredible experience, with all of Stone Town laid open around you – from this position you can see a Hindu temple, a mosque and a cathedral – a testament to the island’s melting pot of religions.

  Emerson Spice Hotel
  Meals Included: Breakfast

• Day 7 Zanzibar Island

  Day 7 is your chance to explore every nook and cranny of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One can spend an hour getting lost in its warren like alleyways but we recommend you book a guided tour (at extra cost) to make the most of the fascinating sites that lie deep within the ravine-like streets of this historic coastal trading town.

  Sites include museums featuring artefacts from the early days of the sultanate, ancient Arabic forts, former homes of merchants and slave traders, Persian bathhouses and traditional spas and Palace ruins.

  Emerson Spice Hotel
  Meals Included: Breakfast

• Day 8 Zanzibar Island – Out

  Enjoy breakfast looking out over the rooftops of Stone Town, before being transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight.

  Meals Included: Breakfast

• Baraza Resort & Spa

  Baraza Resort and Spa is a luxurious boutique hotel situated along the award-winning Bwejuu beach on the south eastern coast of the island of Zanzibar.

  State of the Art

  Baraza means ‘meeting place’ in Swahili, and this culture of hospitality is engrained in the resort’s interpretation of classic Swahili design, using carefully integrated hand-made details that celebrate the skills of local craftsmen – intricate plaster carvings adorn each pillar and artisan-made furniture in the traditional Zanzibari style. The 30 villa resort is a fusion of Arabic, Swahili and Indian style, a physical reminder of Zanzibar’s heritage. Each villa comprises an en suite bathroom, a Sultan’s lounge bed, mini-bar area, hand-carved furniture and intricate brass lanterns.

  Simple Cultural Touch

  Baraza has a state of the art design of Swahili culture that will tell it all beyond the décor. The library features a selection of historical and educational books on Zanzibar, Swahili language classes, and regular performances from Swahili dancers and singers help keep important cultural traditions alive. Finally, the resort restaurants take pride in showcasing the island’s produce and spices, drawing upon Arabic, Indian, Persian, Asian and Swahili flavors in their creative cuisine.

• Emerson Spice Hotel

  Situated in Zanzibar’s Stone Town, the Emerson Spice is a combination of three ancient era buildings that have been restored to provide high end accommodation in this striking corner of Zanzibar.

  Unique Design

  The hotel’s style and architecture is a reflection of an authentic 19th century Swahili Sultan’s palace and Zanzibar’s first photogenic studio. The hotel boasts ten unique antique filled rooms and splendid décor that is influenced by Arabic, Indian and Swahili style significant of the Zenj style. The rooms are equipped with contemporary amenities that include a high ceiling mosquito net, fan, air conditioner and small fridge while each double room comprises a queen sized antique Swahili bed.

  Outstanding Service

  Alongside one of Zanzibar’s best restaurants, Emerson Spice is a perfect hub to experience the unique and authentic Swahili culture. The hotel provides great experience with good views of Stone Town while relaxing at the rooftop for dinner or breakfast.

  Make your holiday active at Emerson Spice Hotel with optional activities such as excursions to the coast, boat trips to the marine parks as well as city and cultural tours.

• * The price includes and does not include

  The price is per person and is based on a minimum of two people sharing a room. Upgrades to single rooms are available on payment of a supplement. Single travellers are welcome on all of our tours, at an extra charge. Please see below for full inclusions and exclusions.

  The following are included in the main tour price:

  • Accommodation in standard twin rooms unless otherwise specified
  • Meals as indicated in the daily meal plan
  • All road transfers as indicated
  • Services of an English speaking driver on transfers
  • All activities described in the itinerary, unless specified as optional/extra
  • Baraza Resort & Spa includes accommodation in one-bedroom villas inclusive of all meals, in-house alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, water, coffee, use of the tennis court, fitness centre & swimming pool
  • Emerson Spice includes accommodation in a standard shared twin or double room, inclusive of bed & breakfast and mineral water in the room
  • Medical evacuation insurance (to Nairobi)

  The following are not included in the main tour price:

  • International air fares, entry visa fees
  • Domestic and international departure tax
  • All beverages other than those included in the lodge policies
  • Easter supplement at Baraza
  • All expenses of a personal nature
  • Tips and gratuities to your driver, hotel and camp staff etc