Both evocative and magical, Zanzibar offers travellers the quintessential Indian Ocean experience; palm fringed coastlines, powder- white sand, and colourful aquatic life. Passionate about detail, Chris and Susan McIntyre have carried out extensive on-the-ground research in producing this updated edition. There has been significant growth in the number of hotels, lodges and guesthouses on all three main islands since the last edition and, consequently, the accommodation listings have increased significantly: notably in Zanzibar Town (Stone Town), Matemwe, Michamvi Peninsula, and Mafia island. They visited all the accommodation listed. With almost 300 properties featured, many are newly built and the vast majority (spanning all budget levels) do not feature in any other guide on the market. Each entry has a detailed description with a strong emphasis on guiding readers to the most ethical options. Zanzibar goes into far greater depth than its competitors on the natural environment, history, culture, and sights. Few other guide books cover the islands of Pemba and Mafia in any detail and yet they are easily combined in a trip. With a focus on the environment, visitors are directed towards fair-trade shopping opportunities and sustainable marine parks. This new edition also includes a dedicated section on southern Tanzanian safaris, making this guide excellent for readers looking for a bush and beach combination. Advice is given on how to be sensitive to the local Muslim culture. Bradt's guide is the most frequently and scrupulously updated guide available, vital for a destination with tourism growing and changing so rapidly.

Table of Contents:
Introduction ix PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1 Chapter 1 History, Politics and Economy 3 History 3, Politics and recent history 27, Economy 30 Chapter 2 People and Culture 37 People 37, Culture 39 Chapter 3 Natural Environment 51 Physical environment 51, Wildlife 52, The seas and shores of Zanzibar 63 Chapter 4 Planning and Preparation 73 When to visit 73, Highlights 75, Tourist information 78, Organised tours 78, Red tape 81, Embassies and consulates 81, Getting to Zanzibar 82, Health 84, Crime and safety 97, What to take 100, Money and banking 101, Accommodation 106, Eating and drinking 108, Public holidays 109, Watersports 110, Shopping 114, Media and communications 115, Business hours 117, Travelling responsibly 117 PART TWO THE GUIDE 121 Chapter 5 Zanzibar Island Essentials 123 Getting to Zanzibar 123, Getting around Zanzibar Island 127, Organised tours 133 Chapter 6 Zanzibar Town 139 Travel around Zanzibar Town 142, Where to stay 144, Where to eat and drink 161, Bars, clubs and entertainment 169, Shopping 171, Other practicalities 177, What to see and do 181 Chapter 7 Around Zanzibar Town 197 South of Zanzibar Town 197, North of Zanzibar Town 201, Islands near Zanzibar Town 212 Chapter 8 Northern Zanzibar 217 Nungwi 217, Kendwa 242, Mkokotoni 248, Regional excursions 248 Chapter 9 Northeastern Zanzibar 251 Matemwe 251, Mnemba Island 260, Pwani Mchangani 262, Kiwengwa 266, Pongwe 270, Uroa 272, Chwaka 275, Ufufuma Forest Habitat 277, Dunga Ruins 279 Chapter 10 Southeastern Zanzibar 281 Michamvi Peninsula 281, Bwejuu 290, Paje 298, Jambiani 305, Makunduchi 318 Chapter 11 Southwestern Zanzibar 321 Kizimkazi 321, Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and around 329, Unguja Ukuu and Bi Khole Ruins 334, Fumba and Menai Bay 335, Chukwani 338, Chumbe Island 339 Chapter 12 Pemba 343 Highlights 344, Natural history and environment 344, Getting there and away 345, Tourist information 347, Getting around 347, Accommodation 350, Food and drink 350, Other practicalities 350, Activities 351, Chake Chake 355, South of Chake Chake 360, Wete 365, Ngezi Peninsula 369 Chapter 13 Mafia Archipelago 373 Natural environment 375, Climate 376, History 376, Economy 378, Religion and culture 378, Getting there and away 379, Getting around 381, Where to stay 382, Diving 387, Around Mafia Island 390, Chole Island 395, Juani Island 396, Jibondo Island 396 Chapter 14 Southern Tanzania Safaris 399 Overview of your trip 399, Selous Game Reserve 400, Ruaha National Park 407 Appendix 1 Language 413 Appendix 2 Further Information 416 Index 422 Index of Advertisers 430