MAZSONS HOTEL

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism Classification): 3 ***
DESCRIPTION: Well situated in the heart of the stone town, located close to the Tippu Tip House and the St. Joseph cathedral. The hotel is simple but comfortably furnished. Rooms are all ensuite, equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, television, mini bar and telephone.

LOCATION: A pleasant, old-style hotel in the heart of Stone Town. The hotel is 500 meters from the beach and is near all the major tourist attractions in Stone town. Situated along Kenyatta Road in the heart of the Old Stone Town, its location is great for exploring Zanzibar's narrow streets full of live and color and is only a ten minute drive to the airport AND five to the harbor.

NUMBER OF ROOMS: A small luxury lodge with 28 double rooms, 4 single rooms and 3 suites..

Room Décor: Furnishings are in Zanzibar style. Whilst the décor is not everyone's taste the rooms are spacious and clean.

Room Amenities: All rooms are air-conditioned rooms with multi-channel TV, fridge and hair-drier, Mini fridge and telephone services (voice mail)

Special feature: What stands out at Mazson Hotel is the friendliness of the staff and
their willingness to help, an important factor when traveling and choosing where to stay

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES: Zanzibar hotels are not geared up to Full English Breakfast and their variations on it can be rather disappointing to say the least but Mazson is exceptional, the restaurant also serves international meals as well as mouth watering A La Zanzibar dishes.

GENERAL FACILITIES:
• Fax
• Secretarial Services
• Photocopy Service
• Limited Room Service
• Business centre

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: The hotel has a conference room that can take 35 to 40 persons.

CLIMATE: Warm during the day, evenings can be chilly.

PROTEA HOTEL MBWENI RUINS

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism classification):

LOCATION: On the outskirts of Stone Town, on the beach, is a magnificent botanical garden, popular with romantics. Within this spectacular and secluded setting lies the Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins, 7km south of Stone Town, offering easy access to spice plantations, the Jozani Forest and East Coast beaches.

DESCRIPTION: Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins magically blends the living experience of Zanzibar’s historic past with modern-day luxury and comfort. Here, the weary visitor can relax and pamper themselves whilst enjoying nature’s true beauty.

NUMBER OF ROOMS: Accommodation is exclusive (no more than 30 GUESTS), with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the gardens, which are home to a vast variety of birds and butterflies, before leading down to the beach where mangroves sprout out from the sea.

ROOM AMENITIES: Mbweni offers 13 suites; each decorated in distinctive Zanzibari style, with Oriental rugs, four-poster beds, en-suite shower and mosquito nets.

Room décor: All are air-conditioned and furnished with the many cultural flavors that have influenced the Swahili Coast. The rooms are situated in a picturesque setting of 150 types of palm tree and a kaleidoscope of plant life. Most rooms have balconies with sea views and overlook the vibrant colors of frangipanis, hibiscus, oleander, and 650 other plant species which inhabit the landscape.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES: The nature trails wind through the garden to places of relaxation, food and of historical interest. One route leads to the cliff top where the Sundowner Bar and Raintree Restaurant are situated, offering refreshing drinks, an excellent cuisine and impressive views of the garden and of the Indian Ocean. Other paths are a botanist’s dream with each type of plant listed on the way, and lead the way to the sandy beach fringed with Mangrove trees, swimming pool, and the historical Mbweni Ruins.

GENERAL FACILITIES:
• Car and guide available on request
• Laundry Services
• Telephone at the reception
• Television

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:
• Bird watching and nature trails
• Botanic gardens
• Tours of Zanzibar and dhow cruises can be arranged.
• Swimming, snorkeling, and diving

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: Not available

CLIMATE: Situated in the tropics, the climate is as such hot and humid. The seawater is just as warm with an average temperature of 20ºC and is very calm. Surrounding most of the island is a coral reef. At low tide you are able to walk out to the reef in certain places. Below is a summary of the seasons and best times to visit:
July – October: During this period, there is little rain, the average temperature is 25ºC and the humidity is low. Light breezes at night provide some relief from the hot days. Not as many tourists as in January, so for somebody who likes a bit of privacy, it is ideal.

November – March: Are good months although the short rains come at this time and it is very hot and humid. Added to this is the Muslim festival of Ramadhan in December/January, which see Muslims fasting during the daytime for an entire month. This festival moves back a couple of days every year, so be sure to check here again if you plan on going to Zanzibar a couple of years down the line. Some local restaurants, bars and discos are closed during this period. All resort and accommodation entertainment is still open though. If you are planning to go to a resort, this is a fantastic time.

April – June: This is the quiet season. The long monsoon rains pour down. It does not rain the whole day every day, but you will have to remain indoors for some time when they come down. If you are on a budget trip, then this is the best time in terms of price unfortunately. Many resorts are closed though during this period, so you will have a smaller selection of places to stay.

MNEMBA ISLAND LODGE

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism classification): 5*****

LOCATION: At the North-East of Zanzibar. Lies two kilometres north-east of the island of Zanzibar, a 20-minute cruise in a traditional 16 foot flat-bottomed boat. Once the site of a volcano, Mnemba Island forms part of an exquisite atoll.

The Lodge transfers guests to and from Zanzibar International Airport or Stone Town. This transfer is approximately 1 ½ hours by road, followed by a 15-20 minute transfer in open ski boats. As there are no jetties, departures and landings are directly to and from the beach and could involve a little wading.

DESCRIPTION: Mnemba means Octopus Head in Arabic. This little heart shaped island in the turquoise lagoon, North-East of Zanzibar the Island was used by fishermen as a stopping point before returning to Zanzibar. There was an old well in the centre of the Island, which is still used to pump fresh water for the Camp. Mnemba Island Lodge is situated on an exclusive island just 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar in the azure Indian Ocean. Surrounded by an atoll of breathtaking coral reefs, it boasts some of Africa’s most wonderful dive sites. Mnemba is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world, offering a privacy and rustic exclusivity unparalleled on the African coastline.

NUMBER OF ROOMS: Mnemba Island Lodge features 10 romantic beachside en- suite banda cottages, bordered on three sides by tropical beach forest and overlooking the beach and coral reef. Cottages are situated on either side of the main living area.

Room Décor: Each exquisite banda has been hand-woven from traditional Zanzibari palm-matting and thatched from tree branches and traditional Zanzibari palm-matting and is hidden in the shade of a tropical beach forest, fringed by the pristine beaches that halo the Island. The materials were chosen to allow the cooling sea breezes to move through the bungalow and, assisted by overhead fans the cottages remain cool all day. Zanzibar is famous for its intricate, detailed woodcarvings and the scrolled headboards adorning the beds are created by some of the Island’s most skilled artisans.

ROOM AMENITIES: A palm-covered walkway leads to an en suite turquoise bathroom with shower and basin. The shower water comes from the island's well or boiled rainwater. Each banda also has a spacious outdoor verandah. Each secluded banda has a spacious veranda. Each room has a mosquito net, fan, safety deposit box. With some assistance, most rooms are suitable for disabled guests.

SPECIAL FEATURE: Condé Nast Traveller chose Mnemba Island as one of the three most romantic ocean destinations in the world. The island is also the site for the threatened Green Turtle’s nesting ground.

Children under 12 are welcome at the lodge provided there is no more than one child on the island at any one time. An extra bed can be arranged for a child 11 years and younger sharing its parents’ banda.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES:
The dining area is adjacent to the sitting room/bar. Fresh fish and seafood is served at lunch and dinner.
Weather permitting, dinner is served on the beach. Private Banda dinners can also be arranged.
Guest areas are all open-sided, cooled by sea breezes, informal and relaxed.
Balmy air wafts through the dining area and adjoining lounge/bar, unhindered by walls or windows. Baskets filled with tropical fruit, lobsters and fresh fish are sailed into Mnemba on traditional Ngalawa outriggers. Mouthwatering cuisine with exotic delicacies are lavishly prepared and laid out for your bedazzled palate.

GENERAL FACILITIES:
- The island also has a curio shop and a small library with a variety of books, magazines and board games, Pictionary, TV/ wildlife videos.
- Mnemba is all about the sea and the beach, and when you tire of lying on the softest, whitest sand in the world, beach chairs and beds offer a chance for elevation. Sun loungers are placed under shade on the beach for guests’ comfort.

- Cashier’s Office: Available for changing money. Traveller’s Cheques, cash, Mastercard and Visa are accepted for settling payment. It is not possible to withdraw cash from credit cards at the hotel.

- Phone and fax services are available at the reception.

- Babysitting services available.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:
Guests can enjoy swimming, walking, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, fly-fishing and scuba diving (if in possession of a valid diving certificate - maximum 2 dives per day). Please note that a valid diving certificate is needed. The calm warm seas around Mnemba are nothing short of a giant aquatic playground. The clear blue seas provide unsurpassed visibility for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. All scuba and snorkelling equipment needed is provided.

A variety of diving courses and deep-sea fishing is available at an additional charge.
You may walk the streets of the ancient "Spice Island" of Zanzibar and discover the history of the island.

CLIMATE: The climate is tropical, humid and hot, tempered with sea breezes. The heavy rains fall in April to May and the short rains fall during November and December.

Camp closure - closed from 1 April to 31 May each year during the heavy monsoon “long rains”. Mnemba is situated in a low- risk malaria area. But precautions should be taken.

NUNGWI VILLAGE

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (ministry of tourism classification): TBA

LOCATION: Excellent location on the beach near Nungwi village, on the northernmost point of the island.

DESCRIPTION: Nungwi Village Beach Resort consists of several seafront bungalows with the traditional african style makuti thatched roofs purposely-built to blend with the natural surroundings and it is one of the ideal get-away for anyone who needs a relaxing holiday. It is also for those adventurous people looking for some exclusive atmosphere combining the Village life without sacrificing many comforts whilst preserving and balancing the delicate flora and fauna of the land and the sea. These bungalows have been constructed to match with the typical traditional village type theme whereby people with the different cultures from the various parts of the world come, stay AND relax.

NUMBER OF ROOMS: Total rooms: 20: Each of the seafront bungalow consists of four self contained Premium seafront rooms. All these rooms are mostly contrived to give the maximum panoramic sea views and cool sea breezes. There are also other types of standard non-seafront rooms’ ideal for the groups, conference delegates. They are built jointly in two wings each with eight rooms.
Room décor: They are all ensuite with ac and mostly furnished with handcrafted four poster beds with the beautiful Zanzibar style wooden décor and a spacious balcony frontage.
Room Amenities: The rooms are all self contained with air conditioners, they are also en suite.

Special feature: The lodge can take you to see how dhows are made in the old, traditional way. There is also a natural aquarium near the lighthouse on the northernmost tip of the island. It's actually a small tidal lake surrounded by coral rag stone which attracts the endangered hawksbill and green turtles. You can also explore the village and beaches on bicycles and mix with the local people.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES: The beautiful restaurant overlooking the blue Indian Ocean serves mainly seafood as well as continental and vegetarian dishes prepared by locally renowned chefs. The foods are freshly prepared and combined mainly from organic foods, especially fruits and vegetables which are derived freshly from private plantations hence ensuring a healthy diet. In the evenings candlelight dinners and luscious barbeques on the beach are seasonally arranged.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: Available

GENERAL FACILITIES:
• massage center
• telephone and e-mail service
• bureau de change
• Business Center (Internet/E-mail services, phones etc)
• Medical Emergency membership by Flying Doctors of Africa
• Standby power Generator
•

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
o Sea Front Bar and Restaurant
o In house Dive and Equipment
o Deep Sea Fishing, dhow Cruises, Windsurfing, Snorkeling, etc
o Massage AND Henna Painting Center
o Indoor AND Outdoor Games, i.e. Pool Board, Darts, Beach Volleyball, etc
o Tours to Spice Plantations, Stone Town, Prison Island, Jozani Forest and to various other interesting places of your choice

CLIMATE: Situated just six degrees south of the Equator, Zanzibar enjoys a typical tropical climate - lovely warm weather and pleasant sea breezes that gently carry cool air off the Indian Ocean. The archipelago islands of Zanzibar experience ideal holiday weather for most of the year, with the exception of April and May which are subject to seasonal rains. There are also slight showers, which fall during the month of November. Being near the equator the islands are generally warm all year round, however, summer and winter are officially recorded in December and June respectively.

OCEAN PARADISE RESORT

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (MINISTRY OF TOURISM CLASSIFICATION): 4****

LOCATION: Pwani mchangani, north East Coast of Zanzibar.
Set within the unspoiled beauty of an extensive natural palm grove and fronted by the most spectacular sandy beach on the Zanzibar Islands also known as “Spice islands” located some 38 miles south of the African mainland of Tanzania. You can get there by air from several cities or by sea from Dar es Salaam with a transit time of approximately 90 minutes.

DESCRIPTION: This 6.5-Hectare resort provides the ultimate relaxed holiday setting surrounded by natural coconut palms, water features and beautiful gardens filled with indigenous plants and flowers. Naturally being located on one of the safest and most enchanting stretches of the East African coastline, this resort offers the perfect holiday venue. The grand pavilion style reception with its vast colonnaded lobby, large open spaces, expansive timber lined stone terraces infinity pools and waterfalls compliment the expanse of the natural indigenous environment.

NUMBER OF ROOMS: 100 Bungalows, which whether set on the rise of the natural escarpment or in the palm grove fronting the beach offer incredible views over the white sandy beaches fringing the Indian Ocean beyond.

ROOM DÉCOR: The Bungalows are designed in traditional native styles using only the finest building materials. The design and décor and the selection of furnishings have been influenced by the beauty of the surroundings, reflecting the traditional styles of native East Africa and combining colourful fabrics with local textiles and materials. Some have Swahili designs with traditional makuti-thatched roofing.

ROOM AMENITIES: You have a choice of either Twin, double and suites. Family bungalows are also available. They all have a private terrace, are all en-suite, have colour television and radio, telephone, walk in shower and are air-conditioned. Maid Service is also available.

SPECIAL FEATURE: The islands are steeped in history, shrouded in mystical and exotic images with a deep-rooted cultural heritage. The ancient capital stone town, now forming part of Zanzibar City, is listed by the United Nations as a world heritage site.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES: The main Restaurant set on the upper level with spectacular views over the resort comes with sounds ad sights of tropical Africa. You will be offered a choice of A La Carte menus, theme buffets and barbecues featuring a varied selection of fresh local seafood served with tropical fruits. The pool Bar overlooking the ocean allows you to enjoy a choice of refreshments and a variety of snacks be it in the open shade of the covered pool deck or within the pool itself. The Cave bar created within a natural coral rock cave is a night spot of unrivalled quality with its quality natural coral stone surfaces and enchanting echoes where you can dance the night away.

GENERAL FACILITIES
? Kiosk and Souvenir shops
? Health and Fitness centre
? Business centre
? Dry Cleaning
? Airport Transfers can be arranged.
? 24hr reception and check in desk.
? Wake up call on request.

RECREATION ACTIVITIES
? Bar and night club
? Water-sports centre
? Tennis courts AND Volleyball
? Tour AND Activity desk
? Lagoon Swimming pool
? Sun Lounging terraces
? Private beach area

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: Air-conditioned, Multi-purpose facilities can cater for up-to 200 guests offering the very latest in technical support services.

CLIMATE: The warm and sunny climate beautiful all year round with temperatures between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius.

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