Zanzibar is a unique island 24 miles off the coast of mainland Tanzania. It
is a huge contrast to the African content with its white sandy beaches,
turquoise blue waters and a culture that is a truly unique mix of traditions and
beliefs.
It's possible to drive from one end of the island to the other in just over
an hour, and although this makes it sound small, the amount of diversity in
terms of flora, fauna and beaches is dramatic.
Not all beaches are made equal on Zanzibar, so when choosing the location to
book a Zanzibar Villa, it is important to be up to speed on the best place to
stay.
Best for Beaches
The areas in Zanzibar with the best beaches are Kendwa, Paje, Matamwe and
Kizimkazi. Very popular with the tourist crowds, these areas have white powdery
sand, clean water and plenty of things to do. The beaches in Paje and Kendwa are
still accessible during high tide, making them even more popular with the
tourist crowds. Villas on these beaches are mixed in quality, so make sure to
read some reviews before booking them
Best for Activities
Zanzibar offers a very wide range of activities, from whale watching to kite
surfing and micro light flights there is something for everybody. Different
regions of the island tend to have different focuses, so when booking a Zanzibar
Villa, make sure the region suits your holiday plans. The north tends to focus
on snorkelling, diving, night life and socialising, whereas the south has kite
surfing, wind surfing, dolphin tours and big game fishing.
Best for Relaxation
Relaxation is a broad term, and for the sake of this article I'm going to
assume relaxation for you is peace, quiet and privacy. The most popular areas on
the island such as Kendwa, Nungwi and Paje are fantastic for getting out and
about, but lack the privacy of other places. If you are sun bathing on the beach
in these locations, you can pretty much be guaranteed of being hassled on a
regular basis by the local touts trying to sale their wares - hardly a relaxing
experience.
As a result, going to places which are less known or popular with the
tourists will allow you to find a villa on the beach which is private. Locations
such as Fukuchani, Bweju and Fumba are ideal spots for a bit of quiet
relaxation.