africa Travel Magazine.

World Edition Preview of Manta Resort Feature In Print and Online.

Download from ATA Website and Corporate Press Display, world’s largest magazine and newspaper kiosk. THE

DISCOVER A SWAHILI SHANGRI-LA ON PEMBA ISLAND. A PARADISE IN THE EXOTIC ARCHIPELAGO The big three, and dozens of smaller islands off their shores provide an opportunity to explore by canoe, sailing boat, ferry, motor launch or the classic ‘dhow,’ which has plied these warm, idyllic waters for many From Seashore to Safari centuries. By Jerry W. Bird, Editor History and Culture The dhow is a symbol of the local culture. Not long ago, thanks to Nicola Colangeno This traditional Arab sailing vessel has one and the Coastal Aviation team in Dar es or more lateen sails, and is seen along the Salaam, we discovered that East ’s coasts of the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, Swahili Coast is the ideal place for a laid India, and here in . Some dhows back vacation. In these enchanted islands accommodate as many as 30 persons They that have won the raves of our readers and are a reminder that while the western world travel industry colleagues from near and far, slumbered through the Middle Ages, here on we learned the true meaning of the Swahili the Indian Ocean coast, trade, commerce and expression ‘Pole-Pole,’ which we readily civilization thrived. It became the meeting where folks from as far away as Central adopted as our motto. Together, those catchy place for cultures from China , the Indian Africa come for healing or to learn the words and a local song by the same name, subcontinent, Persia and Arabia, each adding ancient arts. A blessing for today’s visitor are sure to invoke a feeling of euphoria, to the mosaic and fabric of the rich Swahili is the fact that Pemba was closed to all Swahili style. Our first-ever Seashore to tapestry. A common sight along the Swahili foreigners until the 1980s. That’s why the Safari experience was a rare chance to enjoy Coast of East Africa, the dhow is honored by beach areas a so pristine and uncrowded. the best of two worlds - the many delights the Festival of Dhow Countries in June and Pemba is geologically older than Zanzibar of an Indian Ocean Swahili Shangri-la and July. (http://www.ziff.or.tz/) Island and was settled earlier than its better a world class safari at camps in Selous and Gem of the Indian Ocean known counterpart Ruaha. Details on these and all Pemba is a jewel from a sparking necklace Sport and Adventure in the Deep National Parks can be seen in the “Tanapa” of large and small islands in the famous The sport of Bull Fighting was introduced section of this Best of Africa World Edition. archipelago, 50 km north of Zanzibar. by the Portuguese, first of the Europeans Coastal Aviation services the three main Most fertile of the ‘Spice Island’ group, to become involved in this area. This islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago - Pemba Pemba has been the prime source of most spectacular activity can be seen in different Island in the North, near the Kenya border of Zanzibar’s famed clove production, in villages. Of special note, Pemba is earning - Zanzibar () in the middle - and addition to other cash crops. Pemba is also worldwide notice for its outstanding dive Mafia, Island, southernmost of the chain. the East African hub of traditional medicine, sites, with vertiginous drop-offs, untouched DISCOVER A SWAHILI SHANGRI-LA ON PEMBA ISLAND. A PARADISE IN THE EXOTIC ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO island and exploring undiscovered reefs, and coral and a great variety and abundance of most profitable locations for game fishing empty beaches. As they said at the time, “We marine life. Chake-Chake, the mid-island on the East Africa coast. With a booming built simple structures, called them tented capital of Pemba is perched on a hill, with a tourism industry in Zanzibar and the coast rooms, and used a small boat to get around. view of the bay area and the Misali Island, of Mainland Tanzania, many adventure How simple it was to please people then. where the tides determine when a dhow travelers from the USA, UK and beyond, Then ambition and competition set in. We can enter the harbor. To its west, on the Ras have been attracted to the more pristine, less-crowded Pemba Island. The catalyst is did whatever we could to improve our level ‘dive tourists’ who relish the uncrowded of accommodation, services and excursions. and unspoiled reefs the island offers to We moved on to wooden chalets, coral experienced divers. rooms, yachts. A bigger lounge. A bigger Visitors enjoy Pemba’s Swahili culture, verandah. A pool. But still no end in sight.” beach activities, snorkeling, deep-sea Early this year the resort was acquired by fishing, exploratory tours, cruises and Resort Investor, and the resort is now run world class diving at some of the finest by the management company Monsoon reefs or the deep waters of the Pemba Empires. The new owners have developed Channel. Where there’s great fishing, the first underwater resort, based on a there’s also fabulous seafood - so be successful concept from Sweden, planned to prepared to enjoy. launch on Pemba during 2009. New World Class Project Over a decade ago Monsoon Empires, The Management company, laid the foundations on northern Pemba Island to create Mkumbuu Peninsula, visitors will discover its first land based some of the oldest, best preserved ruins in accommodation. the archipelago. Why is Pemba famous for They knew that their its rich fishing grounds? Here, between the discriminating clients island and mainland is the deep 20 miles would enjoy the bliss wide Pemba Channel, known as one of the of being alone on an THE MANTA RESORT, PEMBA ISLAND, ZANZIBAR

Recent Developments •A watersports centre, a swimming pool, During the period of April to August, the and a beach lounge will form the hub of the Manta Resort has gone through a major clients’ social life during the day. facelift, with new guest rooms and public • Dining facilities have been increased, as areas. At the heart of the resort you will find well as the main bar and lounge relaxing Oxygene Pemba, a PADI 5 star Dive Center, area, overlooking the amazing views of the offering a combination of diving, snorkel- Pemba channel. The Manta Resort has the ling, fishing and water sports. potential to become the most unique ocean • In the front there will now be six Seafront product in the world. Villas, dedicated to comfort and romance. The honeymoon market as well as guests The Manta Resort, that demand elevated levels of service is a Pemba Island, Tanzania growing segment of business. www.themantaresort.com • Air conditioned, large bathrooms, private +254 (0) 41471771/2, sea side verandahs - all the trimmings. [email protected] • The brand new Village are ten cottages Coastal Aviation nicely set in the gardens with wooden floors, [email protected] mosquito net covered king size beds, lamu Tanzania Tourist Board screen floored en-suite bath rooms, and a [email protected] makuti-thatched verandah – all with views Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa) overlooking the Pemba channel. [email protected] • The sea side Kipepeo Spa offers all Festival of Dhow Countries. customers soothing massage treatments www.ziff.or.tz that have become an expected service in boutique lodges. THE MANTA RESORT, PEMBA ISLAND, ZANZIBAR THE MANTA RESORT - A MONSOON EMPIRES EXPERIENCE.

PRIVATELY. PERFECTLY. PEMBA. Elevated and crafted along an idyllic island beach, The Manta Resort offers privacy, romance, adventure, and water sports on East Africa’s finest island sanctuary. www.themantaresort.com