steeped in legend. Old-school dhows, once packed
with slaves, now ferry around island-hopping
travellers, while restored mansions are finding new life
as five-star hotels. On the beach, adventurous
holiday-makers can kitesurf over crystal-clear water
and snorkel in pristine coral reefs. At low tide, tourists
share the powdery white sand with local women
known as “mamas” who harvest seaweed to make
soaps and scrubs to sell to tourists. It’s a unique insight
into local life, but it also brings fair wages to women.
Maybe Zanzibar’s next boom time is on the horizon.1
Emerson on Hurumzi
and Emerson Spice.
These two old houses in
the heart of the old city
both have great charm.
The Hurumzi is fanciful,
the Spice more romantic,
and both attract a
cosmopolitan crowd.
Double rooms from
approx $190/night, visit
emersononhurumzi.com
and emersonspice.com. 2
Kilindi. Exotic and
luxurious, each of
the 15 pavilions includesa private pool and personal
butler. Full board for two
from approx $1100/night,
visit kilindi.com. 3
Uzuri. A private villa
with six suites on
Jambiani beach with
charming decor and one
of Zanzibar’s top chefs on
duty to create authentic
local cuisine. Suites from
approx $200/night, visit
uzurivilla.com. 4
Kholle House. Once a
palace, this boutiquehotel has charm nailed. Its
newly built pool is a haven
of cool in the sometimes
overheated Stone Town.
Double rooms from
approx $180/night,
visit khollehouse.com.5
&Beyond Mnemba
Island. A private island
hideaway where Africa’s
most upscale hotel
group has perfected its
laidback brand of luxury.
From approx $1660/night
per person, visit
andbeyond.com.SLEEP
5NEED TO KNOW
Documentation: Before you
go, organise a yellow fever
vaccination certificate to
show to oicials. Visas can be
arranged and paid for on arrival.
Safety: Tanzania (including
Zanzibar) is a high-caution
area. Take care with belongings,
only carry what you need
and pre-book transfers
with your hotel.
Money: ATMs in Stone Town
often run out of cash, so get in
early in the morning. Changing
currency at the bank requires
passports and lots of paperwork.
Don’t: Photograph government
buildings or security guards.
Shopping: Stores use US dollars
and Tanzanian shillings. Bartering
is expected in some shops and
internet outages often make
credit card services unavailable.3176 marieclaire.com.auPHOTOGRAPHY BY JÉRÔME GALLAND/ALEPH.3124TRAVEL