The right Tanzania’s guidebook in your pocket

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Choose carefully your faithful travel companion… we’re talking about the guidebook, that is going to be with you from the planning phase of your journey up to the day you will be on the road!

Many publishers offer guidebooks for Tanzania and Zanzibar and often it is not easy to understand which it’s going to be the right one… so, let’s have a look to the most popular.

Rough Guide for Tanzania & Zanzibar

Written by Jens Finke, the Rough Guide for Tanzania & Zanzibar is a reliable source of information, providing an introduction about the country as well as many useful tips about how to organize a journey. Next to travel suggestions, you will find an introductory section with many general information about Tanzania (cultural customs, food, health service, etc). The guide focuses on giving practical information, reviews about hotels and restaurant for every budget and clear maps - but also a wide frame about wildlife that you can observe during a safari.

Bradt Guide for Tanzania

Bradt guidebooks are widely recognized to be the best for travellers in Africa. The deep knowledge of the different countries and the extensive experience “on the road” of their authors are the warranty of the quality of these books. Bradt is a pioneer publisher, tracking unusual destinations with focus on sustainable tourism. A nice and refined layout of the pages and the use of color are also elements that make this guidebooks not just useful but also nice to read.

Lonely Planet for Tanzania & Zanzibar

Lonely Planet is nowdays the world’s leading travel guide publisher. Their guides are rich of information but also easy to read, suitable even for non-expert travelers. The one about Tanzania offers samples of itinerary, an interesting section about general information (language, local customs, food, health service, etc.), maps and reviews about hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. It is suitable for backpackers as well as all-inclusive tourists.

One day at Manta Resort

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It’s nice to drive across Pemba in the morning. Pemba is one, less touristic, island of the Archipelago of Zanzibar - also called “the green island”, and crossing it even quickly you will immediately understand why: endless forests and plantations of spices are the landscape of this incredible paradise.

Destination, Manta Resort. You can’t get wrong! You will be welcome with a refreshing drink, and you will meet a waiter in charge of assisting you during the whole stay. Whether for food, activities or other issues, somebody will be available at the right time, because service is what really makes a difference here. Most of the staff are Pemba residents, carefully selected and trained internally, according to the rules of the resort.

Manta has become famous worldwide because of its special underwater room, a unique luxury accommodation that needs to be booked with large advance for special occasions. But it’s much more than this, and in this article we want to show the “regular” package offered to visitors.

Let’s take now a tour around the facilities. From the bar and restaurant, furnished in traditional “dhow” style, you can access to a sunny terrace and a quiet pool; and from here, to a smaller cocktail bar open in the evening and to the amazing beach.

White sand and that unique blue of the Ocean around Pemba will be your favourite corner in the middle of the nature - not easy to forget, even when you will go back home.

In the end, the rooms: sea view or garden view bungalows, furnished in Zanzibari style and complete with all the comfort, including private terraces or verandas with comfortable couches. Maximum quality for your private time is guaranteed.

Manta Resort is good for every type of person: couples, families with kids, elders, lovers of sport but also for the ones who prefer to enjoy some lazy time. The place is safe and clean, the atmosphere is warm and relaxing. For sure, a good place as temporary retreat or base camp for other explorations around Pemba.

Best beaches, surprising resorts. Welcome to Zanzibar!

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Amazing beaches, green palms, blue sky and crystal ocean. This is Zanzibar, the place to go at least once in your life!

Much of the fun is about the resort you choose, and we know it. Friendly service, good rooms and well mainteined areas for relax and socialization are the "must-have" if you really want to enjoy your stay.

There are a lot of different beach resorts, at different budget and levels. More expensive doesn't always mean better - it really depends on who you are and what you're looking for. Zanzibar offers so much in terms of hotels and resorts, that you can easily getting confused... and still out there there is the right place for you, for sure.

Today we're here for this reason. There are some places we know very well in Zanzibar, and we're happy to recommend. Let's have a look!

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Matemwe Beach Village Zanzibar

Magical Ocean is next door...

Located along the North-East coast of Zanzibar, in Matemwe, one of the most stunning and unspoiled beaches of the island, this hotel offers nice rooms and an amazingly friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy an authentic African experience and feel like being part of a big family.

The view on the Ocean in simply unique: this is a side quite closed to Mnemba Atoll, where the colors of the Ocean changes every time in a magical way.

Matemwe Beach Village has also a very good restaurant and a rich menu of tasty dishes, and can cater for all kind of dietary requirement you may have.

The Gem of the East

Zanzibari big classics never get wrong...

Probably the most famous resort in Zanzibar, The Gem of the East offers the right mix of luxury and African design. The structure includes a total of 138 rooms, all with private terrace and sea view, where you can enjoy one of the most amazing sight on Indian Ocean.

High quality service is guaranteed: 4 restaurants and 3 bars that can cater all food tastes and a wide range of activities suitable for all ages and expectations.

Mtoni Marine

Nearby the town, fun and relax for everyone...

If you prefer to stay near Stone Town, Mtoni Marine is the best option: it combines easy and quick access to the most famous historical places to visit in Zanzibar, with the comfort of a beach resort at the same time.

The hotel is suitable for all kind of travelers and gives a particular care to families, offering a kids pool and special menu.

Mtoni Marine borders with the legendary Mtoni Palace, where the famous Princess Salome was born. Next to the amazing view on the ocean, it offers a wide range of facilities like infinity pool, spa and restaurants.

Fumba Beach Lodge

Somewhere else, in the unspoiled nature...

Located just 30 minutes away from Stone Town, along the unspoiled West Coast of the island, Fumba Beach Lodge is one of the best kept secret of Zanzibar.

The hotel is set in a lush 40 acres area in the Menai Beach Conservation Area and offers all the tranquility and serenity that you can expect in an area not beaten by mainstream tourism.

The view on the Ocean is stunning and the rooms are finely designed, a good mix of simplicity and comfort in a very relaxing atmosphere.

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These are just few of many options for your accommodation in Zanzibar. If you want to know more, have a look at our Live Blog itinerary across the best hotels and resorts in Zanzibar!

The best for last? CheCheVule private villa...

It will be thrilling to return to Matemwe tomorrow to try something completly different.

After 1 week of hotels, resorts and lodges on to private villa. This is their own description:

Che Che Vule Villa

Karibu Zanzibar, Che Che Vule - “Welcome to Zanzibar, Welcome to Che Che Vule…”

Welcome to your Private Villa escape in our little piece of paradise on the East Coast.

Located on the sought after Matemwe beach strip and overlooking an azure blue ocean, the Villa provides privacy, private butlers, a vast range of activities and one on one seamless guest service. Our two acclaimed Swahili chefs are fluent in authentic Swahili and fusion dishes and most importantly they adapt the menu to your preferred palate using only the freshest Island ingredients.

Enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding tropical garden, kickback and relax at the pool, dip and play in warm Indian Ocean water and revel in Zanzibar’s mystic Island atmosphere and history… Whilst, we take care of your every need… Karibu!

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La Gemma dell'Est - The Gem of the East...

Hoping my translation is somehow a little justifiable...

Arriving today a little before lunch, getting taken care of with a warm welcome, a cold face cloth and a refreshing juice - and then "We gave you a upgrade!"

The feeling of having a Club Villa - 3 luxury double bedrooms, all with their own terrace plus a living room in the middle - a terrace there too...

Our son TK: "Dad - this room I like - my own TV, fridge and shower... Let's stay here! At least if we can go in the boat!"

Being a "top of the shelf - all inclusive" resort - with a swimming pool like half a football field - for the ones it fit - this is beyond description. Now after a fantastic dinner in a large, but still intimate and welcoming atmosphere - we look forward to keep you updated!

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Third out - Sunshine Hotel

Sunshine Hotel - also in Matemwe have been used some by our guests. Tuesday we move just a little with our family - and give it a go!

Sunshine is describing themselves this way:

We would like to invite you to a magic place where you will experience the charm of a tropical island. We hope the information and the photos on this website will give you the feeling of our hotel.

Sunshine Hotel

is a 15 room, beach hotel, located in Matemwe on the north-east coast of Zanzibar. Sunshine Hotel – Eco friendly, stylish and cozy, carefully designed by professional designers, creating a unique chilled-out ambiance to make you feel happy and relaxed. Set right on the unspoiled white sandy beach, lined with palm trees and washed by warm, turquoise waters of Indian Ocean, it’s a perfect getaway from every-day life.

We all look forward to visit - and to share our experience with our friends. Check our blog and Facebook for updates!

Who will be choosen?

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Moving on to a old favorite - time to test Matembwe Beach Village

We have been sending a lot of our dear guests to Matembwe Beach Village - to Gail and her capable staff - always with satisfaction.

Their description is:

Matemwe Beach Village is a Zanzibari guesthouse... Not a hotel and not a resort and we regard this as a matter of pride!

At Matemwe Beach we have guests and not clients, they relax; make themselves at home amongst our books, games and huge cushions. They make great friends with the staff and the other guests. Our aim is a simple one: to provide authentic, stylish and comfortable accommodation, in an atmosphere of relaxed hospitality and friendliness, while services are provided effectively and efficiently. We live in peaceful co-existence with the villagers who conduct their lives amongst us.

Located on the north east coast of Zanzibar, close to the Mnemba Atoll, the Matemwe area is a very special part of Zanzibar. Those photos you see of long white beaches, aqua waters and swaying palm trees... At Matemwe Beach that is our reality! 

But despite being outstandingly beautiful Matemwe has not been taken over by resorts or haphazard and ugly developments. We are 45 minutes away from Stone Town and an hour from the airport on a good tarmac road.

We know this will remain on of our best sellers - but will it be approved? 

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First one out - Sandies Mapenzi Beach Club

Our first test - from tomorrow till Monday we will be in the North East of Zanzibar - trying out Mapenzi!

This is a all inclusive hotel - and this is their description:

While admiring the luxurious gardens with tall palm trees and colorful bougainvillea or the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, the deluxe 87 rooms of Sandies Mapenzi Beach Club will ensure that you envisage the sheer beauty of tropical nature.

Stroll through the gardens to the emerald waters of the Indian Ocean, stretch out on a sun bed, bathe in the blue pool or challenge yourself in one of the many activities or water sports offered by the local animation team.

Dining facilities include a main buffet restaurant, a beach pizzeria, and a’ la carte restaurant and 2 bars offering refreshing drinks, snacks and cocktails in the evening.

Will they receive our "STAMP"? 

We will keep you updated!

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Evaluating new hotels and lodges...

As to be sure we at all time can offer our esteemed guests the best accommodations while having your adventure in Tanzania with us - we check and test out our partners.

We are now launching our new campaign - Manager's Choice - where our personal favorites will be awarded and promoted. Our other partners are still good choices, but haven't been tested the same way, or are a style which we personally don't chose.

Our testing this times will be in Zanzibar - our program will be posted later.

We will also to our ability keep our readers here on the blog and on our Facebook site updated as we proceed with our 10 day testing tour!

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