A new, thoroughly updated ninth edition of the most comprehensive guide to Zanzibar available, with a complete review of accommodation listings to cover new options in all price brackets on all three main islands (over 300 properties visited personally). Also included is more detailed coverage of Zanzibar's cultural, historic and environmental status than in any other travel guide to the area, while many of the city/town/village maps have been redrawn and accurately updated, with every property, major attraction, eatery and road recorded to provide a detailed level of guidance. The authors aim to direct readers to the more ethically minded hotels, tour operators and activities, from a focus on fair-trade shopping opportunities to marine awareness guidelines.
Bradt Travel Guide: Zanzibar is the most frequently updated book on the islands: the authors are personally known in the region for their face-to-face, on-the-ground research methods and this is the book of choice for hoteliers and expatriate workers/residents on Zanzibar. The guide also includes a dedicated section on southern Tanzanian safaris in the Selous and Ruaha National Park, making this the ideal choice for a bush and beach combination.
Zanzibar is a magical and evocative name, and for many the name alone is reason enough to come. The islands are magical and full of promise but the choices are vast: from the burgeoning hotel scene to the array of local operators offering seemingly the same trip. The authors have been visiting Zanzibar for more than 15 years and strive to provide all the information required to make the right choice of where to stay and how to make the most of your time on the islands, as well as offering details of how to get off the beaten track. They say: 'a tremendous amount of change has taken place, and yet it remains impossible not to be enchanted as you approach from the air, looking down on sparkling turquoise waters, darkened only by patch reefs, and punctuated by the billowing triangular white sails of passing dhows. We still always smile as we step off the plane, to be enveloped by Zanzibar's exotic blend of warmth, humidity and aromatic spices.'
Introduction
Part One General Information
Chapter 1 History, Politics and Economy
History, Politics and recent history, Economy
Chapter 2 People and Culture
People, Culture
Chapter 3 Natural Environment
Physical environment, Wildlife, The seas and shores of Zanzibar
Chapter 4 Planning and Preparation
When to visit, Highlights, Organised tours and tourist information, Red tape, Getting to Zanzibar, Health, Crime and safety, What to take, Money and banking, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Watersports, Shopping, Media and communications, Business hours, Becoming involved
Part Two The Guide
Chapter 5 Zanzibar Island Essentials
Getting around, Organised tours
Chapter 6 Zanzibar Town
Getting around, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Bars, clubs and entertainment, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 7 Around Zanzibar Town
South of Zanzibar Town, North of Zanzibar Town, Islands near Zanzibar Town
Chapter 8 Northern Zanzibar
Nungwi, Kendwa, Regional excursions
Chapter 9 Northeastern Zanzibar
Matemwe, Mnemba Island, Pwani Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Pongwe, Uroa, Chwaka, Ufufuma Forest Habitat, Dunga Ruins
Chapter 10 Southeastern Zanzibar
Michamvi Peninsula, Bwejuu, Paje, Jambiani, Makunduchi
Chapter 11 Southwestern Zanzibar
Kizimkazi, Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and around, Unguja Ukuu and Bi Khole Ruins, Fumba and Menai Bay, Chumbe Island
Chapter 12 Pemba
Highlights, Natural history and environment, Getting there and away, Tourist information, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Other practicalities, Activities, Chake Chake, South of Chake Chake, Wete, Ngezi Peninsula
Chapter 13 Mafia Archipelago
Natural environment, Climate, History, Economy, Religion and culture, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay and eat, Diving, Around Mafia Island, Islands around Mafia
Chapter 14 Southern Tanzania Safaris
Overview of your trip, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Further Information
Index
Chris McIntyre is managing director of a UK travel company, Expert Africa, specializing in southern Africa. A regular traveler throughout the region, he is the author of Bradt's Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana guides. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a tourism consultant to the Department for International Development.
Following an adventurous childhood in Zambia and Saudi Arabia, Susan McIntyre has spent the last two decades promoting responsible global travel, both as a PR and marketing consultant, specialising in travel and tourism, and as an author and journalist. From Indian Ocean diving to cutting-edge conservation; practical community development to family travel and off-grid adventures, Susie is dedicated to thorough, on-the-ground research and works tirelessly to ensure the complexities of these archipelagos are accurately represented. Well-known and respected on these islands, Susie McIntyre is both candid and enthusiastic about their charm. When not traipsing round tropical isles, Susie lives in the English countryside with her husband and fellow Africa aficionado, Chris McIntyre, and their adventurous young children. Together they all spend a significant amount of time travelling and researching in Africa to get their fix of the continent and ensure they are totally abreast with developments.
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