PARADISE

Area Information

The location of the villa allows for swift access to the coral reef, and its beach is perfect for walks at sunrise. The numerous rock pools will also keep younger visitors entertained. In Matemwe and on Mnemba island there are 5* PADI diving schools that offer a range of courses, superb dive trips and snorkeling excursions. You will also find kite surfing available in Matemwe. We recommend and organize fantastic excursions to Stone Town city, a fascinating maze of narrow streets and alley ways which lead you past numerous old houses and mosques, ancient palaces, shops, bazaars; to Mnemba Atoll (a paradise to relax, swim and dive), definitely without dispute ones of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Africa, or even in the world, or to other secluded beaches where you can enjoy a fantastic seafood barbecue meal.

A 30-minute boat ride away is Mnemba Island and the world-renowned coral reef that provides some of the most spectacular diving and snorkelling in the world. Here you have a good chance of seeing turtles and wild dolphins, in addition to the colourful reef fish that dart around the coral. Stone Town is just 60 minutes from the villas, allowing for easy day trips into the winding streets of the historic town, and excursions to all corners of this fascinating island.

Further details: The history of Zanzibar has been influenced by many nations, including the Arabia, Persia, India, Portugal, Britian and local tribes from the African mainland. This is clearly noticed in the architecture. Stone Town is a place of narrow lanes, intricately carved wooden doors, towers, terraces and fabulous mosques. In 1964 Zanzibar united with Tanganyika to form the present day Tanzania, although it still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the unified state. Zanzibar is an archepelago of islands in the Indian Ocean that lie 30km off the coast of Tanzania. The two largest islands are Unguja (usually referred to as 'Zanzibar') and Pemba. Zanzibar Town (including it's old quarter of Stone Town) is the capital of Zanzibar, and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Tourism and spices are Zanzibar's main industries are spices and tourism. It is often still referred to as the Spice Islands due to the production of cloves, nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon.

Important cultural considerations

Zanzibar has a long history of religious tolerance and although the islands are 99% Muslim, alcohol and tobacco are freely available. Visitors are, however, requested to show consideration for the culture of Zanzibar by dressing modestly and refraining from public displays of affection. When walking in towns and villages, women should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Men should not walk bare-chested or wearing swimming trunks. Many visitors refuse to cover up and this causes offense and often outrage amongst the local population, even though these feelings may not be directly expressed. As one sign says, “Short skirts are like nude” On the beaches swimwear is acceptable, but topless sunbathing is not. During the fast of Ramadan, it is considered the height of bad manners to eat and drink in public places or while walking down the street. Non- Muslims should not enter mosques unless specifically invited to do so. Only take pictures of people if you have their permission, and don’t peer too obviously through the doorways of private houses in Stone Town.

Nudity and topless sunbathing is prohibited by Tanzanian Law.

Weather

from July till September very low levels of rainfall and average temperatures around 25°C. From October till December generally very humid with short rains and temperatures rising into the 30s. In January and February the heat soars with average highs.