| |
|
The Origin of the word Zanzibar is still debatable, some say it means 'fair is this island' while others think it came from the Persians' meaning a black coast. Zanzibar is an archipelago of tropical islands nestled in the Indian Ocean. The two principal islands, Zanzibar and Pemba, plus the 50 or so surrounding smaller islands, are known affectionately as the "Spice Island", because of their history as producers of cloves and their position on the ancient spice routes.
Zanzibar's fascinating history and unique culture allows us to witness history in a modern world, offering tantalizing glimpses of a unique exoticism that makes this island seductive. Veiled women, white sailed dhows silhouetted against the sunset, and the ancient ruins of the Sultan's palace all convey a past exoticism of Arab, Swahili and Indian culture that defines Zanzibar as the Jewel of the Indian Ocean. A stroll down the narrow labyrinthine streets of Stone Town takes you back 150 years to when Zanzibar was the trading center of East Africa. One might catch a glimpse of the ornate latticework on a balcony, the intricacy of sun-warmed wood on a carved door, or the tumbling roofs of the spire of the Anglican Cathedral. Zanzibar is steeped in a history that few people consider when they think about East Africa.
Located in central Zanzibar is the indigenous Jozani Forest Reserve, a diverse sea water habitat with some rare species such as the Red Colobus monkey and the Ader's duiker. Zanzibar also has over 50 miles of coraline reef, jade Indian Ocean lagoons and white, sandy, palm-fringed beaches. The warm, clear-blue waters are a paradise for snorkeling and scuba-diving enthusiasts with International PADI standard facilities, numerous species of coral and a myriad of tropical fish species to indulge their passion. There is also deep sea fishing, water sports, photography or just relaxing to consider. And relax you can too, as the beaches in Zanzibar are not crowded - if lucky, you might even have the whole beach to yourself!
|
| |
|
 |
 |
| In the legendary Stone Town of Zanzibar, the island whose very name evokes East Africa's exotic past, stands Zanzibar Serena Inn. It has joined the ranks of the world's finest resorts as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This stunning property is set in two historic seafront buildings that have been masterfully restored to their previous grandeur, when Zanzibar was a crossroads visited by travelers and merchants from all corners of the globe. |
| |
 |
Accommodation: A total of 51 guest rooms including 23 twin bed rooms, 16 double bed rooms and 8 king size bed rooms and 4 suites. All rooms are fully air conditioned with individual thermostatic control, are fitted with shaver outlets, electronic safes, hair dryer, fully stocked mini bar, telephone extension in bathroom, direct dial telephone, shirt drawers, writing desk and a color TV with in-house movies and international programs via satellite. Interiors echo Zanzibar's rich Arabic influence - or ustaarabu - |
| as well as the island's indigenous East African roots. The rooms are elegant and romantic, each overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. An extensive selection of recreation and watersport activities are available to guests. Visits to Stone Town's historical landmarks and excursions to neighboring islands and wildlife reserves are made daily. |
 |
|
Basking in the peacock hues of the Indian Ocean that surrounds Zanzibar, and protected by a crescent of coral reefs, you will find an untouched atoll island called Mnemba. It is a completely private paradise such as you would find only in legends and storybooks, a tiny secret world of linen-white sands, giant turtles, dolphins, shells and magenta sunsets.
Selected by Conde Nast as one of the three most romantic destinations in the world, the island is inhabited only by a maximum of 20 guests and the lodge staff. Pure unfettered bliss is the allure of Mnemba, where the dawn is greeted by the bubbling staccato song of doves and the distant smell of coconut bread baking in the woodstove. Baskets of fresh fruit, fish and lobsters are brought under sail on traditional ngalawa outriggers to the island shore, to be prepared as exquisite and exotic delicacies. And always on hand are the gentle soft-spoken |
 |
islanders, ready to tend to your needs with a warmth and grace that is uniquely theirs.
Accommodation: The island shelters just ten "banda" cottages, hand-woven from traditional Zanzibarian palm-matting. Hidden in the dappled shade of Mnemba's tropical beach forest, each banda is completely secluded within its |
| green habitat, spilling onto the soft coral sand beach. Each room, with en-suite shower-bathroom and private verandah, is bathed in the romance of castaway tales, with nothing but palm-fronds underfoot and cooled by the murmuring sea breezes and gossamer draperies of oyster-white cottons. The unfettered simplicity creates an environment like no other, where your cares are cast off with your shoes, never to be worn on this barefoot paradise. |
 |
|
| An integral part of the skyline of Zanzibar, along with mosque minarets, Hindu temple towers, and church spires, is the Tower Top restaurant of Emerson & Green Hotel. The second tallest building in Stone Town Zanzibar, the hotel has been restored to its former glory when it was the residence of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. Atmosphere is of principal import as the furnishings are all original Zanzibari antiques of varied origins and styles that, together, create the impressions of Arabian Nights and sultan princesses escaping in the dead of the night for romance.
|
| Accommodation: The Tower Top Restaurant, a common stop for newlyweds and marriage proposers alike, is undoubtedly one of the most romantic restaurants in the world. Featuring a panoramic view of Stone Town and a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean, it is the perfect to watch the sun set. Eighty feet above the Stone Town and sitting on Persian carpets, more than one guest has told us that dinner here feels like a ride on a magic carpet. The dining room is open on all sides and guests sit Arabian-style on pillows and carpets, their shoes having been left at the door, while their dinner is served in five or more courses and accompanied by the |
 |
| sites and sounds of exotic Zanzibar.
The ten guestrooms are beautiful and romantic, each representing Zanzibari traditions in a distinct way. All rooms except for the Kipembe room are equipped with large stone bathtubs providing unusual bathing pleasure where a bubble bath and a bottle of wine are a frequent request. Ceiling fans keep our guests cool along with the constant breeze on the upper floors. Second and first floor rooms as well as the South room are equipped with air conditioning for added comfort. The sultan-sized rooms on the first and second floors have 20 foot ceilings, carved doors, original stucco décor and hand painted glass lamps and window panes. All guest rooms have large Zanzibari beds complete with netting. |
|
| |
 |
 |
This small yet luxurious hotel is situated in the heart of Zanzibar's historic Stone Town, where East meets West. The hotel lounge has an impressive selection of antique ornaments and furniture, and adds to the relaxed ambience that is a Dhow Palace trademark.
The Roof-top restaurant offers a variety of seafood, local and international cuisine as well as panoramic views of Zanzibar's Stone Town and the Indian |
|
Ocean. It's 16 self-contained and spacious rooms are furnished with traditional Sultan-size four-poster beds. All rooms are comfortably equipped, and tastefully appointed with Zanzibari artifacts.
All rooms have large balconies overlooking an attractive and cool central courtyard. This creates a tranquil atmosphere, making the Dhow Palace a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and one of the most popular hotels in Zanzibar. |
Terms & Conditions
Office Locations
AFRICA - The Stanley, Standard Street, Nairobi - Kenya. Ph: +254-20-226996 Fx: +254-20-214371
EMail: startravel@iconnect.co.ke Web Site: www.startravel.co.ke
Site designed, developed and maintained by Star Travel & Tours Inc.
USA - 1031 NE Ives Dairy Road, Suite 228, Miami, FL 33179. Tel: 305-914-3767
Fax: 305-914-3768 TOLL FREE: 1-877-SAFARI-3
|
