"When the flute plays in Zanzibar, the whole of Africa dances"
What could be more romantic than sharing wedding vows with your soul mate under the glistening blue skies, seamless white sand and the sound of waves splashing on the shore of Zanzibar, Africa? The union of two souls being celebrated just by a handful of close wedding guests and the complete glory that nature has to offer is a striking image.
It is due to this picture perfect perception that destination weddings have taken the world by a storm. And why shouldn’t they? Other than the choice of thousands of beautiful destinations to choose from, a destination wedding offers many unexpected benefits.
Firstly, It would be memorable and romantic, not just for you but also for the lucky guests who are invited on your special day. Secondly, contrary to popular beliefs, a destination wedding can be more cost effective than throwing a grand reception back at home. The guest list is significantly shorter and hence, so is the cost. Thirdly, it is a great opportunity to get the groom involved who otherwise would be hanging around aloof to the hundreds of guests being invited and the 7-course meal being served at the reception. Last and not the least, you can get the honeymoon started early! It’s a win-win for both the bride and groom-to-be!
The world is a priceless painting with so many beautiful locations to choose from according to the couple’s significant moments or destination preferences. Some choose the modern yet classy city of Turkey. Some choose Europe which has been abundantly endowed with breathtaking natural beauty. Some would prefer to have a simple yet stunning day wedding on the beach. There is one beautiful beach location which although less popular than the Caribbean and Seychelles, has a lot more beauty to offer that too without making a hole in your pocket! The location we are talking about is the Zanzibar Archipelago.
The Zanzibar Archipelago is located 15 miles off the Tanzanian coast in East Africa. Zanzibar consists of two big islands and many small ones. It is a semi-autonomous island state within Tanzania with its own government. The main island is Unguja, but it is more popularly known as Zanzibar City. The second big island there is known as Pemba. Zanzibar is easily accessible by plane or a short boat ride from Dar Es Salaam. The main religion in Zanzibar is Islam although Hinduism and Christianity also persist. The currency of Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling. The official language of Zanzibar is English and Kiswahili.
The Zanzibar Archipelago understandably has many gorgeous beaches. Unguja being the most populated island has the most popular and developed beaches. Some of the prettiest beaches on Unguja are as follows:
Ras Nungwi
This Island is located in the northern strip of Unguja. Its specialty is that it does not have to deal with high and low tides. Moreover, the beach is a party destination, however, it is chilled out and low-key unlike other beach party destinations of the world. It is ideal for a fun, yet romantic and exciting destination wedding where the wedding ceremony can be as informal or laid back as you like.
This beach is located nearby Ras Nungwi but it is more serene and cozier. There are many bandas (small huts with shade) on the beach where your guests can relax after a beach party/reception. This beach would be perfect for a quiet and a warm wedding function.
A hotel near this beach would be very enjoyable for the couple and their guests. It is the most popular and most developed of the beaches and has a wide selection of restaurants, beach bars, and bungalows. It is also a great beach to do scuba diving as well as other sports. On this beach, one can expect fun-filled wedding festivities.
The most iconic aspect of this beach is lovely small islands and sandbanks, perfect for wedding days out on the boat and fabulous picnic lunches with family and friends in the cool beach air. And a chance to swim with dolphins will be perfect scenario for your destination wedding.
On this beach, the pure white sand stretches on till forever. The best hotels of the island are also located on this beach and would be a great luxury to offer your guests if you can afford. It is one of the most exclusive places in Zanzibar to host a destination wedding.
Luxury beach lodge set on a private island off Zanzibar. This unique wedding location with white-sand beach and marvellous reefs. If you dream to have your wedding in private island choose this location - here just ten lovely guest suites, each with their own private beach bivouac.
The best place to have a "Zanzibar style Wedding” - with the classic Arab decor charming hotels, Indian cousin, local markets, antique shops and exotic Oud perfume in the air.
Image Credits: http://www.africatravelresource.com/ The fascinating beaches of Zanzibar will give you the privilege of turquoise blue water and pristine white sand literally unvisited by tourists. It is an ideal place for a destination wedding with the romantic palm trees dancing in the cool wind overlooking the magnificent sunset of the Indian Ocean.
There is also a lot of heritage in Zanzibar such as the World Heritage Site of Zanzibar Stone Town or the old fishing villages. The winding alleys, colourful architecture, and the intricately carved doors which open onto the white sandy beaches are so soothing to the soul. The Swahili culture and cuisine are a fusion of Arab, African, Portuguese, and European cultures. Hence, the food is very delicious and mostly suitable to all taste buds and liked by most. Zanzibari myths are enriched with mystery and miracle that is hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Image Credits: http://www.africatravelresource.com/ Besides, the people of Zanzibar understand the importance of your big day and do not take it lightly. They go all out to play the perfect host for your special day. They are hospitable, warm, welcoming and kind people who celebrate your wedding day with you to the fullest. So if you and your better half have been contemplating a destination wedding since you got engaged, do not ponder further! Look up a few pictures of Zanzibar on the internet. We are sure you will fall in love with the beauty, serenity, and the beaches there! Just remember, it is your big day and we are sure this unique, unexplored yet stunning destination is the perfect wedding venue for you!