If you’re looking for an affordable beach escape, Zanzibar is an ideal destination worth considering. The weather is super friendly, with a handful of beautiful beaches and affordable luxurious resorts. Here, you can snorkel, swim, or relax along the beach while enjoying the best of the delicious local food. But that is not all, there are plenty of other cool stuff about Zanzibar. Below, I have highlighted the top 5 reasons why you should visit Zanzibar.
- Dreamlike Beaches
For outdoor water enthusiasts, Zanzibar has some of the most stunning beaches in the world for diving and swimming. Once you land in Zanzibar, you should make your first stop at the Zanzibar Island. Along the coastline, the water is shallow and warm, making it convenient for swimming and scuba diving. Divers and snorkelers can venture further into the tortoise water for the best gaming spots.
Besides, you can go kayaking, water skiing, island hopping, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, or sail on a hand-made wooden dhow. On a lazy day, you can relax along the powdery white sand while enjoying the fresh aroma of fruits and spices.
- Culture and history
Zanzibar has a complex but colorful history with a diverse heritage. Having been influenced by the Arabs, British, Indians, Portuguese, Persians, and Africans, Zanzibar was once the biggest slave market in East Africa. As well, the island was very common with voyaging and ivory traders.
For the best of the country’s long history, you can’t miss to visit the Stone Town’s Old Quarter – it’s one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zanzibar. Here, you will enjoy a captivating combination of varied architectural styles of old mansions, palaces, and mosques. Make sure you visit the House of Wonders, the market stalls, the lively bazaars, and the old Turkish Baths, among others.
- The warm weather
If you are looking to escape from the cold weather where you are, the weather in Zanzibar won’t disappoint. Since the Island is near the equator, the climate is favorable throughout the year. It has two rainy seasons, April and May being the wettest, but it’s manageable. For the best experience, beach picnics and water sport activities, you should visit the country during the summer. The tropical winds are cool and stimulating, so you will hardly feel the hot weather.
- It’s Affordable
If you are on a budget but still want to enjoy the best picnic experience, then you shouldn’t think twice about spending your vacation or honeymoon in Zanzibar. There are numerous luxurious resorts with five-star and friendly encounters with varying but affordable budgets. You can get accommodation for just $20 a night as well as $500 a night – it’s upon you to decide what suits you. The food and transport are also quite affordable – Zanzibar has something for you.
- Delicious local food
Zanzibar has the best of the local food delicacies. You can get the best of the seafood (kingstar, oysters, clams, octopus, and squids), meat, and kitchen in the local food and restaurants. You will also get a chance to taste other local delicacies such as Pilau-spicy rice. Zanzibar also has a collection of island’s homegrown spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, black pepper, and lemongrass, among others. Make sure you visit the spice plantations to understand more about their history and medical uses.
Conclusion
With stunning coastlines to delicious local food to rich cultural expressions to endless water sport activities, Zanzibar is undoubtedly a great place to spend your vacation or honeymoon.
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