Our family has its roots in East Africa. We are passionate about Zanzibar and love the Island, the people and its spectacular natural environment. When we came to Zanzibar over 25 years ago, and set foot on our world renowned beach, we decided to use our degrees from the Cornell School of Hotel Management to combine the highest standards in hospitality with the personalization and warmth of a family owned and run business reflecting the beauty, culture, exoticism and the uniqueness of Zanzibar. We are not a chain and we have no formula and.. no, we do not have a fleet of resorts in other Indian Ocean islands. We are here, in every sense of the word.
We did not choose our location by accident. We are located on a beautiful, peaceful beach chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top island beaches in the world. Of course, when we came, hardly any journalists or travel writers had ever visited our beach-we were true explorers, searching for the perfect spot. We are delighted that the most prestigious Travel magazine in the world approved of our choice!
Why the South East Coast?
We’re biased, admittedly, but 25 years of experience confirms our initial feeling that the less-visited south-eastern coast of Zanzibar promises the ultimate Zanzibar experience. This is the authentic Zanzibar, far from the crowds; this is where the beaches excel in translucent water and white powdered-sand beaches and where the pristine coral reef promises superlative diving and snorkeling. It’s here where the sunsets are at their most spectacular best, here too that you’ll find the original fishing villages – still largely unaffected by tourism. And the warmly genuine Swahili welcome and hospitality so characteristic of the local people. However, because Zanzibar is so tiny, and the road network so good, you can get anywhere and everywhere with minimum effort. So… we hope you will agree that the south-east coast has it all.
We’re proud of our contribution
From the moment we first arrived here some 25 years ago, Zanzibar has been good to us. And we believe in returning the favour. We’ve done it by employing and training an entire generation of local people to the highest standards in hospitality, thus equipping them with a profession for life. We also provide classes in the English language for all our staff as well as a broad range of training courses in many other facets of international tourism. That this has resulted in our staff being ‘head-hunted’ by our competitors, we take as a compliment.
Experience The Palms
Dhow sailing to the mangroves : This is a day trip with a difference. Taking place aboard a traditional Swahili dhow, it includes a leisurely sail down the coast and into the mangrove swamps that are so characteristic of the island. A place of calm and quiet, alive with birds and the creatures of the water, the mangroves still provide the timber for the traditional Swahili homes. They’re also a source of fish, which are still caught by the traditional hand-line method. Our guests are invited to do some fishing of their own, also using a handline, while our guides will be happy to share their knowledge on the marine and wildlife of these special wilderness places. Ecologically sensitive, our boats do not anchor on the reef but, rather, drift with the tide. As for your catch, this is taken back to the hotel where our chef will discuss how you’d like it to be cooked for your dinner.
A visit to our local village of Bwejuu: Guests pay $20 for the trip and The Palms provides the transport and tour free of charge with all proceeds going to our charity The Palms for Bwejuu. Our guests have the opportunity to visit the local school, dispensary, mosque have a soda in the village and take a walk through a typical Zanzibari fishing village. All the proceeds of this trip go to our charity, which is engaged in giving back to the village. (Please see what this charity has done in the About Us section, “The Palms giving back”).
Discover the coral reef : If you’d like to learn more about our pristine coral reef, why not join our reef safari? Headed by a professional guide whose knowledge of coral formations and marine life is unrivalled, the walk sets off at low-tide and promises exercise, spectacular views, photo opportunities and an unrivalled close encounter with the marine world.
World Renowned Diving: The Zanzibar Archipelago features some of the best diving in the world and Baraza offers diving with the only National Geographic affiliated Diving Center in Zanzibar.
Turtle Rescue Program: The Rising Sun which is based in Baraza founded a very successful Turtle Rescue program to discourage local capture of turtles where they pay local fishermen to bring live turtles to our beach. They are then and marked and released back in the ocean.
Sublime Stone Town : A visit to Zanzibar would not be complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town. A fascinating weave of Sultan’s palaces, winding streets, markets, antique emporiums, Omani fortresses and street markets, Stone Town is unrivalled as the world’s most perfect example of a Swahili town. The tour also includes visits to the Sultan’s Harem and Maruhubi Baths, the slave market and slave chambers, fascinating Prison Island and the enchanting spice gardens. Book your trip at our Guest Relations Desk.
Jozani Forest: 25 minutes away is the Jozani Forest: home to the Red Colobus Monkey which is indigenous to Zanzibar and only found on the island.
