Family travel packages to Zanzibar

By: Marion Whitehead
17 June 2011
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Our pick of affordable family travel packages to Zanzibar

Karafuu Beach Resort family travel package, Zanzibar

This large, award-winning resort on the southeast coast has 128 thatched bungalows in large gardens that stretch from a palm-lined beach to a spa on the cliff top. The tastefully furnished en suite rooms have air cons, ceiling fans, mozzie nets, safes and minibars.

There’s an emphasis on fun activities for all ages at Karafuu Beach Resort. A children’s centre runs an activity programme daily and a disco swings into operation on some nights. At the PADI-accredited diving centre on site, you can rent equipment and book boat trips. Daily gym sessions are held in the large pool and there are tennis courts and aerobics classes. Volleyball is played on the beach and there’s a concrete path out to a natural, sandybottomed pool in the ocean that’s a hit even at low tide.

Food

Buffet meals at the main restaurant offer a wide choice of good food, including spicy local fish dishes. There’s also an à la carte restaurant on the beachfront and a Masai-themed area where guests are treated to dinner and entertainment on some evenings.

Nearby activities

Jozani Forest, Safari Blue.

Cost

R11 282 a person includes return flights from Joburg to Zanzibar, airport taxes, transfers to and from the hotel, seven nights’ accommodation in a garden room, meals, snacks and selected drinks, some water sports. Children’s prices range from R1 739 for infants to R7 463 for under 13s sharing with their parents.

Contact

African Encounters tel 011-880-3079, email info@africanencounters.com, www.africanencounters.com

Review on this family travel package to Zanzibar

Great evening entertainment.

Getaway reader special on this family travel package for Zanzibar

To get a 10 per cent discount on land arrangements, quote the code AEGM01 when booking.

Mapenzi Beach Club family travel package, Zanzibar

Stilll a firm favourite with South Africans, this Italian-owned and Swiss-managed resort on the northeast coast is built on a slope above a sandy, palm-fringed beach. Designed and furnished in traditional East African style, the large reception area, bar and pool area is particularly attractive.

The 87 bungalows at Mapenzi Beach Club each have a veranda with either garden or sea views, and family suites are available. They were renovated two years ago, with close attention paid to the bathrooms. All rooms are fitted with air cons, stocked mini-bar fridges, tea/coffee facilities and hairdryers. Safes are provided at reception and are open at set hours only. You can upgrade from garden to standard rooms for an extra US$10 a person sharing and US$20 from standard to beachfront.

A kiddies’ activity programme takes place on the beach twice a day. Babysitters can be hired at an extra charge. For adults, there’s aquarobics in the large pool and evening entertainment. Table tennis, billiards, archery and volleyball are free, but apart from windsurfing and sea kayaking, water sports cost extra.

Food

Selected drinks and delicious buffet meals at the main restaurant are part of the all-inclusive package, while food at a pizzeria on the beach costs extra. The pool and beach bars serve snacks as well as drinks.

Nearby activities

Spice farm tours, Mnarani Turtle Conservation Project, snorkelling at Mnemba Island.

Cost

R9 650 a person sharing includes return flights from Joburg to Zanzibar, airport taxes, transfers to and from the hotel, seven nights in a de luxe garden room bungalow, meals, snacks and selected drinks, some water sports. One child under 12 sharing with parents pays R4 250.