Sun Drenched in Zanzibar

Zanzibar -the "Spice Island" famous for its spices such as cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and more, is located in the Indian ocean about 40km east of Tanzania and is part of an archipelago made up of Zanzibar (also known as Unguja, but more widely known as Zanzibar), Pemba Island (situated North-East from Zanzibar) and smaller islets surrounding Zanzibar.



Zanzibar is known for its beautiful white sand beaches filled with coconut palms and surrounding coral reefs, clear ocean water and rich history.


The east coast hosts the most popular resorts and hotels and great accommodation can also be found in the North in Nungwi.


Accommodation in Zanzibar can be divided into two categories namely hotels in historical Stone Town and the popular beach hotels/resorts. Some of the hotels or resorts have a more rustic feel to them, mostly built of local materials and thatched roofs and are generally the two star and three star properties while others are more modern and contemporary in style - usually the four and five star hotels. Most of the hotels are set in beautiful gardens by the beach and offer a range of activities to be enjoyed by guests.


The east coast's beaches are more beautiful but they face the prevailing winds and as a result the seas here are a bit rougher, but during low tide the water tend to draw back very far (sometimes as far as the coral reef surrounding the island).


Not far from the East coast are the Mnemba reefs which make for absolutely spectacular diving and many of the hotels are able to take you out to the reefs.


Zanzibar is a great destination for relaxing, diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, swimming with the dolphins and other water activities. A visit to the historic Stone Town with its narrow pathways and lively markets is an interesting cultural experience.


Zanzibar is also home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey, which is recognized as a distinct species.


Temperatures are ideal for for all year travel, but from April to June the monsoon rains fall but it usually does not rain every day during this time. December can be very hot as it is the peak summer month in Zanzibar and June the peak winter month with enjoyable mild temperatures.


The island is blessed with its beautiful nature and white sandy beaches, making it a haven for honeymooners and all people seeking the quiet nature away from life in the fast lane.

For more information, contact Travel Expeditions.

Idyllic Seychelles

Some of the world's most beautiful "untouched" islands are the islands of the Seychelles. A group of roughly 115 islands are located north-east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. These islands are densely vegetated and truly idyllic with their white washed beaches and clear ocean waters.


Only 16 of the 115 islands in the Seychelles offer accommodation of which only 3 offers more than one hotel - Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. The reason behind this is an initiative from the Seychellois to limit the number of visitors per day to prevent over crowded beaches and as a result sustain and adequately preserve the natural beauty and ecology of this extraordinary destination.


With a mild-sub tropical climate with temperatures varying between 24 and 33 degrees Celsius, Seychelles is a great island destination year round. Here you will find some of the rarest exotic plant and animal life from the Coco de Mer palms to exquisite tropical birds to the distinctive Seychelles black parrot.


With a population of about 89000, there are three national languages namely Creole, English and French.


The main island - Mahe is more developed and offers more activities than the other islands. This island features 75 magnificent palm fringed beaches surrounded by the clear water of the Indian Ocean. Beau Vallon is the most famous. Most hotels offer Creole cuisine and more international dishes.


Activities you can enjoy at the Seychelles include sailing, windsurfing and paragliding at Mahe's Beau Vallon Bay and Grand Anse and Mahe are both perfect for fishing. Island hopping is also a perfect idea to experience different attractions.


Seychelles is a jewel in the Indian Ocean; ideal for an extraordinary and unique breakaway. A destination few will be lucky enough to experience.

For more information, contact Travel Expeditions.