The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across the savannah, forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the three popular Tanzanian tourist experiences: an exotic seaside vacation on the island paradise of Zanzibar, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these holidays you choose, you will be welcomed by friendly locals who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another.
The only functioning historical town in East Africa, Stone Town is a melting pot of cultures, people and lifestyles. The lively town is a maze of narrow, twisting streets and alleyways, radiating history from every nook and cranny. A trading centre for nearly 2 000 years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its range of architectural styles, eclectic collection of languages, and the tastes, smells and sights of many diverse cultures. Stone Town is the ideal base for exploring some of the island’s most well-known tourist attractions including many spice farms, Prison Island and Jozani Forest.
Paje is a vibrant village along the south-eastern coast of Zanzibar between the neighbouring smaller villages of Bwejuu and Jambiani. It is one of the more built-up towns on the island, with a cluster of small resorts spread along the beach and a lively atmosphere. Paje is also Zanzibar’s main kite-surfing centre, especially during the season between December and June when the sea is filled with surfers. The village is an idyllic tourist destination thanks to its many beach bars and restaurants, collection of stalls and stores in the village, white sandy beach and nearby activities on offer. Paje is also the ideal base from which to explore the many activities on offer in the surrounding areas.
Uroa is a small, rural, seaside village on the central eastern coast of Unguja, the largest and most populated island of the Zanzibar archipelago. The village sits approximately halfway between the villages of Kiwengwa and Chwaka, 35 kilometres north of the capital, Zanzibar City. Uroans mostly live on fishing and seaweed farming and visitors can enjoy the wonderfully authentic experience of haggling for fish from the local fishermen at a traditional fish market on the beach. The village shares the magnificent Uroa Bay with a number of exceptional resorts offering a range of exhilarating activities including, kite-boarding, diving, snorkelling and tours of the island.
