Zanzibar

Welcome To Zanzibar

Paradise of Culture and Nature

Zanzibar Island is an enchanting island located off the East African coastline of Tanzania. Zanzibar comprises of Ugunja, Pemba and other small islands within territorial waters. The island covers a land area of around 2300 square metres. Zanzibar’s main industries are spices, raffia and tourism. Generally the island produces cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper hence it is called the “Spice Island”. Zanzibar is also home of the red colobus monkeys.Being a few degrees South of the equator, Zanzibar enjoys a very tropical climate. The average daytime high is between 28˚C and 32˚C and the night-time lows are between 20˚C and 25˚C. This island is actually great to visit all year round. February is very hot and very humid and March to May are the wettest months.

Why Visit Zanzibar

Pristine Beaches: Zanzibar is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. With its picture-perfect shores, you can relax, sunbathe, and indulge in water activities like snorkeling, diving, and sailing.

Cultural Fusion: Zanzibar’s history as a hub of trade between Africa, the Arab world, and Europe has resulted in a vibrant cultural fusion. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s rich history with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and bustling markets.

Spice Plantations: Zanzibar is often referred to as the “Spice Island” due to its history of spice cultivation. Visitors can explore spice plantations and learn about the cultivation of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which have been an integral part of Zanzibar’s heritage.

Underwater Paradise: Zanzibar offers exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. The surrounding coral reefs teem with colorful marine life, including tropical fish, dolphins, and even the occasional whale shark. Mnemba Atoll is a popular diving spot known for its incredible biodiversity.

Historical Sites: Zanzibar’s history is rich and fascinating. Explore the ruins of ancient palaces, visit the old slave market, or learn about the island’s connection to the famous explorer, David Livingstone. These historical sites provide a deeper understanding of Zanzibar’s past.

Exquisite Cuisine: Zanzibar’s cuisine is a blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences. Sample local dishes such as Zanzibari biryani, seafood curries, and traditional snacks like Zanzibar pizza. Don’t miss the chance to visit Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town, where you can savor a variety of delicious street food.

Stone Town Tour

Three hour guided tour begins and ends at your hotel. The tour commences at the City market, you are then driven or you may walk (optional) to the Natural Museum: a library that includes books on Zanzibar and East Africa. The exhibits also include stuffed specimens of local birds, a small but useful herbarium of native plants, and a collection of shells. You leave and head along the waterfront to Shangani – Old British Consulate (the late Dr. Livingstone body remained here and later sent to Britain), the Arab Fort (built in the 1700), the House of Wonders (built in 1883). From here, you proceed on a leisure walk through the Narrow Streets of Stone Town (old part of Zanzibar town) where most houses date back to more than one hundred and fifty years. In this part of the town, you will find a lot of small and exotic bazaars and curio shops. The tour continuous and ends with a visit to Maruhubi Palace Ruins (1880) en-route Dr. David Livingstone House (1866). Return to your hotel.

Zanzibar Safari Blue

Safari Blue Tour is by far one of my favourite tours on the island. Your safari starts from Fumba fishing village, south west coast of the island. The highlight of this tour is to swim, snorkeling, enjoy a seafood barbeque and sail with traditional dhows, the history of these traditional dhows date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, the ages of the moonson winds and the Arab movements. You start sailing the dhow at around 9:00am and along the way you might spot some dolphins. You will stop at a reef where you have an apportunity to snorkel, equipment and lifejackets are
available. You then sail to the sandbank where you will have time for snorkeling, relaxation and swimming including a few snacks and drinks.

You will then set sail to an island nearby where lunch is served on the beach. Your tastebuds will be tantilzed with fresh seafood including octopus, lobster, fish, baracuda etc.you will also have chicken and vegetarian options available. A Fruit dessert is served as well as local drinks.

After lunch there will be a short tour to the ancient baobab tree which is said to have more than 200 years now on our way back to the Fumba beach you shall again have the opportunity to swim in the natural swimming pool near the Island, normally you will finish the tour around 4:00pm.

Spice Tour

The four hour guided tour begins and ends at your hotel. We leave for Kidichi via Kibweni Palace (Sultan Rest House) to view the Persian Baths built in 1850 by Seyyid Said bin Sultan (first Sultan of Zanzibar) for his wife Princess Shehrzard – (grand daughter of Fateh Ali Shah of Persia) -. At Kidichi, you visit the Spice Farms to see varieties of Spices – Cardamom, Cinnamon, cloves black pepper, nutmeg, and tropical fruits like, – jack fruit, bread fruit, pineapples, bananas, coconut) – and other rare plants such as henna bush, the perfume tree, and lipstick tree.

Prison Island

A relaxing day in the channel of the Indian Ocean is achieved when you visit the small Isle off the western coast of Zanzibar.

This half day guided tour begins and ends at your hotel. A 30minute-boat ride (motorised) will take you to this exclusive island. The Island was formerly owned by an Arab and was privately used as a place of detention for recalcitrant slaves. In later stages, General Mathews bought it and the gaol, which still stands, was built in 1893, as a central prison for Zanzibar, hence the name “PRISON ISLAND”. It was however, never utilised as such. Whilst on island, you will be able to see the GIANT TORTOISE and have a delightful swim or snorkel. Return to your hotel.

Jozani Forest Tour

This half day guided tour begins and ends at your hotel. The forest has now been declared a
reserve and holds the rare and Red Colobus Monkeys to be seen anywhere else in the world.

This guided tour of three hours takes you to Jozani natural forest; the smaller trees and shrubs make several sub canopies under the highest canopy. You will walk through the nature trail of the forest, which is a habitat for many species of animals and is famous for its Red Colobus Monkeys – the rare specie. Return to your hotel.