A gorgeous sun-soaked island in Africa with white sandy beaches and turquoise water is among the best places to visit in April. Zanzibar, a stunning archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa, is a budget holiday destination that should be on every holidaymaker’s list.
The charming destination is home to incredible beaches, one of the most popular of which is the Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve. The reserve is a stunning sandbank island known for its clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and excellent snorkelling opportunities. Located near Stone Town, the reserve offers a serene escape with vibrant marine life, coral reefs, and a peaceful beach atmosphere.
Zanzibar City is the capital of Zanzibar and consists of two parts- Stone Town and Ng’ambo. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich cultural and architectural history. It was a major hub for Indian Ocean trade, influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures
Ng’ambo, meaning “The Other Side,” lies east of Stone Town and represents the urban expansion of Zanzibar.
Originally a settlement for African communities, it developed during British rule and post-revolution modernisation efforts. Today, it is a bustling commercial and residential area with markets, offices, and modern infrastructure.
Both the areas are popular in their own ways and are a must-visit for the holidaymakers.
A visitor wrote on the TripAdvisor forum: “For any backpackers or ordinary travellers, Zanzibar is a must. It’s got everything from the historical sites of Stonetown to the Paradise beaches of Kwenda and Nungwi. This island is worth at least a three to four-day visit, especially Kwenda (situated in the north of the island), as this place is just pure paradise with its long golden beach, clear blue waters, thatched chalets, and beach parties.
“Driving up to Kwenda, you would wonder if it is a myth as the roads are poor, shanty towns on either side, but the minute you enter the gates of the Kwenda beach resort, that’s all forgotten.
“For its occupants, it’s got some of the best scuba diving along East Africa, all-night parties, and most of all, it’s so relaxing. I really hope it never gets overdeveloped, as it would lose its x-factor.”
Besides its beauty, Zanzibar is also affordable, with a pint of beer costing on average about £1 and a bus journey from Stone Town to the village of Nungwi coming for just around 60p.
Moreover, the island enjoys highs of 30C on average in April, making it a perfect beach destination before summer in the UK comes.
The TUI has recently opened up a new number of hotels, reports The Sun. TUI offers 20 all-inclusive holidays to Zanzibar with prices ranging from £1,242pp up to £2,509pp.
The newest TUI hotel is The Mora Zanzibar, which opened in spring 2024 and can be found on the north-east coast of Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja.
Unguja, commonly known as Zanzibar Island, is the largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. It is a top tourist destination, offering a mix of stunning beaches, historical sites, and cultural experiences.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk