Despite my constant travels across Southern Africa visiting the various Hotels and Lodges represented on the Rhino Africa website, it is seldom that I get to spend more than one night in one place. So last week I headed for Zanzibar for week on the beach where I could kick back relax and take sometime to reflect on the past year, and how quickly it seems to have past.
Situated just off the cost of Tanzania, Zanzibar can only be described as a little piece of heaven. The fifteen minute flight from Dar es Salaam makes Zanzibar an easily accessible destination from around the globe. Daily flights for South Africa (3.5 hours) the Middle East and Europe into Dar, make for easy access to one of Africa’s best Wildlife and Beach destinations, and a couple of days on the beach after your safari is a very sensible option.
Meeting a friend from Amsterdam, we chose to spend our first night in Dar es Salaam, and one night is all you will need to see this somewhat unorganized and rough-looking city. Next stop Zanzibar and more importantly Breezes Beach Club on the South East Coast of Zanzibar.
Breezes is pure heaven – white sandy beaches and warm water, I knew from the moment I arrived I had found a new holiday favourite and passion. The mix of guests at Breezes was just fabulous, from the “newly-weds” to the “nearly-deads” it was wonderful to meet so many couples just starting out in life, and a few celebrating up to 50 years of marriage. Of course you don’t need to be celebrating a marriage or anniversary to enjoy this magical resort, as the location and safety make for a fantastic family holiday destination too.
Moving on from Breezes, to The Palms Zanzibar, we knew from the moment we arrived, that the poor staff were going to have a tough time trying to get us to leave this place. With just six luxury villas, and a maximum of 12 guests (no Children under 16) if you looking for the ultimate in beach holiday luxury, this is without a doubt the place for you.
Photo: Tour Private Beach Lapa at the Palms Zanzibar
With your own private Lapa on the beach, the most attentive staff you can imagine and food befitting this Island Paradise, you can only but relax, unwind and forget the troubles of the world. But, if like me your energy levels are a little too high to simply lie on the beach drinking cocktails all day, there are a myriad of activities on offer. From day trips to the Josini Forest, to swimming with the dolphins in the South, at the resort you can enjoy everything from snorkeling to diving or playing Volleyball on the beach.
I could go on and on about both Breezes and The Palms, but take it from someone that has stayed in every luxury lodge and hotel in Southern Africa, including Madagascar and Mauritius, if a beach holiday is what you looking for, this has to be one of those “must see before I die” places.
Photo: The Private Villas at the Palms Zanzibar
After five days on the beach, the staff at The Palms finally managed to pack us up and ship us off to Stone Town. There are two things that will strike you most about this beautiful place. The first is how nothing has changed in about 100 years, and the second is how incredibly friendly the people of Stone Town are. Having travelled to many African cities, Stone town is one of those places you can wonder about or walk anyway and feel perfectly safe and secure.
The Beyt al Chai was home for our first night in Zanzibar, but if the truth be told I couldn’t wait to move to the Zanzibar Serena across the road the following morning. October being high season in Zanzibar, and having left our arrangements to the last minute, availability in Stonetown was a problem, so as “beggars can’t be choosers” the Beyt al Chai had to do. Classified five stars, the hotel is anything but, and in my opinion is over-priced for the offering and lacks any sort of ambience or charm.
Photo: The Serena Hotel Zanzibar
The Zanzibar Serena on the other hand is a “Grande old dame”, and reminded me a lot of The Victoria Falls Hotel. The staff were wonderful and the hotel oozes charm and charisma. Granted the rooms are a little small, but while in Stonetown one spends such little time in your room that they are perfectly adequate. The pool, restaurant and bar all open onto the ocean and are the perfect place to spend an afternoon having walked the myriad of streets and alleyways that make up Stonetown in the morning.
All in all, Zanzibar is a highly recommended inclusion in any African Itinerary. I know I can’t wait to return to this magical little place on the East Coast of Africa. Rhino Africa are East African Specialists, and our team of well travelled Expert Consultants will only be too delighted to tailor-make a holiday, just for you. We will be re-vamping the entire East Africa section of the Rhino Africa website in early 2008, but in the interim, please do not hesitate in contacting us.
Prepare for a journey with Rhino Africa that will without a doubt change your life.
Featured image credit: The Residence Zanzibar