This summer I will be jetting off to Uganda for a month, and volunteering with RAG for the organisation Softpower Education. Afterwards, I plan on travelling around the picturesque Zanzibar – just off the coast of Tanzania – for 10 days after all the hard work is done and dusted. So here goes, this is my guide to Zanzibar and the surrounding areas – for all those amongst you who fancy travelling the East Coast of Africa this summer.
First off, whether you plan on sticking to mainland Tanzania in order to travel round East Africa, or want to catch a ferry across to Zanzibar instead, a flight to Dar es Salaam is a must! Located on the coast of Tanzania, Dar is the perfect airport due to its flexibility, allowing you to travel the mainland and the islands dependent on what you fancy. Return flights to Dar (as of March 2013, based on one month’s stay in Africa from June this year and via www.travelsupermarket.com) come to £560 through Turkish airlines.
Any voyage to Africa would not be the same without those vaccinations, so if you plan to travel, get booking ASAP! Doctors based in Leeds often require you to download a Masta travel form in advance of any travel appointment, and be warned: Yellow Fever Vaccinations are roughly £50 and a course of Hepatitis B can be up to £120 depending on the doctors you use (http://www.masta-travel-health.com/).
When planning any excursion, take into consideration what countries are on your priority list. This will not only determine the vaccinations that you require, but also will affect which visas you need. This is especially the case if you want to travel outside of Tanzania and then return to the country in order to catch your return flight, as this will require a multiple entry visa. The key therefore is to plan ahead.
If, like me, you fancy the beautiful Zanzibar, then a short flight or ferry will take you there from Dar for very little expense, and can be obtained on arrival. Zanzibar, famed for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters is perfect for those who wish to take a well-earned break from the stresses of university.
But beware, the common currency across East Africa is the American Dollar, which must be new and of a high domination, or can be rejected. Whilst Zanzibar looks expensive, it is possible to obtain cheaper accommodation from the locals upon arrival. Although Zanzibar, as a tourist destination is considerably more expensive compared to mainland Africa, its beauty speaks for itself.
Split into two islands, the touristy Unguja, and the lesser known Pemba Island to the north, there is plenty to explore. For culture, head to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site which prides itself on its traditional houses, Sultan’s palace, and numerous mosques. However, if you have the adventure buzz, head to Pemba: with Manta Point – renowned for its incredible diving and beautiful giant rays – being one of the main attractions.
Located off the northeast coast of Unguja, the largest island in Zanzibar, Mnemba Island, is famous for its incredible marine life and houses the endangered green turtles. An hour and a half’s drive from Zanzibar airport, Mnemba Island is reached via a 20 minute boast journey which launches straight from the beach. (http://www.mnemba-island.com/)
If you are willing to head farther afield, try flying to Mafia Island. Situated just South of Zanzibar, it is famed for its turtle population and amazing marine activity. Alternatively, visit the Comoros Islands, north east of Madagascar, the sight David Attenborough visited to watch the turtles hatch.
But if you prefer to stick to the mainland, then Tanzania’s Serengeti national park is a must for a spot for safari, as is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which includes the world’s largest crater, renowned for its abundant wildlife. And of course, we can’t forget Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
I have far from exhausted the list of places to visit in East Africa this summer, so if you have the travel bug like me, then head to Africa for an adventure you will never forget!
Image sources:
http://top10trendz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Mnemba-Island-Tanzania-8.jpg
http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2008/09/world-travel/africa/zanzibar-costas-christ-text