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If all these destinations sound “hard work” and your students need a break from school and just want to put their feet up, then how about visiting this “roasting” part of the world.
Situated where Africa, India and Arabia meet, this is a picturesque location to be part of a relaxing expedition on a white sandy beach or have a scuba dive into the crystal-clear ocean.
But make sure you bring the sun-cream!
Grade – moderate
Altitude – 2m – 15m
Visa – Visa required either tourist or business and a minimum 6 months on passport on arrival
Capital – Zanzibar City
Official Language – English and Kiswahili
Population – 1.3 million
Climate – Warm all year round. Rainy season is March – May
Religion – Muslim
Currency – Tanzanian Shilling
The Zanzibar archipelago consists of over 50 islands – which vary from tiny outcrops to the larger, more populated islands of Zanzibar (more properly called ‘Unguja Island’) and Pemba. The beaches are often stunning: powdery white sand, shaded by palm trees. The sea is shallow, but venture further out into the sparkling, turquoise water and you’ll find coral reefs for great snorkeling and diving. The larger islands are lush and highly fertile and everywhere the air is suffused with the aroma of fruit and spices; it’s an intoxicating, exotic atmosphere.
Zanzibar is a unique coral island lying in the Indian Ocean a short distance from Tanzania. With Pemba, and about 50 other islands, Zanzibar originally was an independent country until 1964 when it was united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania under President Julius Nyerere.
The paradisiacal shores of Zanzibar are exotic as its name. Rugged coral and limestone scarps form a sheltered backdrop to tranquil, caster sugar beaches that slope gently down into crystal – clear waters, abundant with marine life. Tall coconut palms and stalking Pandanus cast their wondering shadows over the white sands and swaying hammocks, while Green Wood Hoopoes and Weaver birds flit and flutter between the green leaves and pendulous fruit high above.
Zanzibar has more than just beaches, though. Monsoon winds blowing from Persia, Arabia and India have led traders to these islands for over 2,000 years. In Zanzibar’s Stone Town, labyrinth alleys lead to sultans’ residences with thick stone walls and intricately carved doors studded with gold. Inland, there are crumbling palaces and spice plantations where piles of curling cinnamon bark and rich brown nutmegs lie in the sun.
Villages shade under papaya trees and the air is filled with the smell of drying cloves. At sunset Zanzibar is spectacular as hundreds of silent dhows set sail for the night, their billowing white sails tinged pink in the sun.
"Highlight of my whole career" - Mehdi Najefi – Sheffield College -
