Hartley's Oceans & Islands

TANZANIA - ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar is still the best-kept secret in the Indian Ocean, with its fascinating historical Stone Town and magnificent beaches. Zanzibar is undoubtedly the Ultimate Indian Ocean experience and is renowned for it's incredible diving. Few words or pictures can describe the underwater paradise that is located in this prime virgin diving destination. Zanzibar is reputed to have some of the best diving spots in the world and the coral reef structures that surround Unguja and Pemba ensure that the marine life is abundant. Good visibility (20 - 60metres) and a year round average water temperature of 27'c almost guarantees that you enjoy your Zanzibar diving experience. Stroll the soft white sandy beaches that are deserted of people, dine by candle light on the beach with the azure blue waters lapping round your tables, followed by a walk underneath star studded skies with the murmurs of bush babies as they leap from tree to tree.

Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar and a must see on any visit to Zanzibar. Little changed in the last 200 years, it is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.