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Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of
Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets.
It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian
coast.
Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja) is 60 miles long and 20
miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square
miles. It is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing
coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the
only functioning ancient town in East Africa. Zanzibar's local
people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative
of her colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and
practiced by most Zanzibarians. The Local language is Kiswahili.
Stone Town
Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar,
little changed in the last 200 years.
It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand
Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the
extravagance of their dwellings.This one-upmanship is particularly
reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are
more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. You can spend
many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating
labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.
Zanzibar Excursions & Tours
Zanzibar
Safari Travel operates a number of tours which are geared to the
satisfaction of the individual tourists but if these do not meet
your expectations, we will then make tailored tours just for you.
SAFARI BLUE
Is a full day trip and includes use of top quality snorkeling
equipment with guides and instructors, sodas, mineral water and
beer, a delicious Zanzibari seafood lunch with grilled fish and
slipper lobster, gastronomic fruit tasting, coffee and Amarula
liqueur.
DOLPHIN TOUR
Situated on the
southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to
several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins and Humpback dolphins,
which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the
village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to
the dolphins, which can be a very rewarding experience. We are doing
this trip in the afternoon to avoid the crowds of tourists in the
morning, which in big numbers disturbing the dolphins. Kizimkazi is
also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of
Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both natural and
cultural reasons.
SPICE TOUR
Guaranteed to
awaken your senses, we will visit the spice plantations where you
will have the opportunity to pick, smell, and savour fruits and
spices which you have probably never seen on the supermarket shelf.
Commencing at the ruins of Marahubi Palace, via the site of one of
Africa's greatest explorers, Dr Livingston. The journey will take
you north of town, towards the Kidichi Persian Baths. From here we
will continue to the rural areas where local farmers cultivate some
of the world's most exotic fruits and spices. Cloves, star fruit,
tangerine trees, lemon grass, mangosteen, 'lipstick trees', to name
but a few are what you can expect to see! Perhaps you will fancy
buying a basket of spices to take home with you.
PRISON ISLAND
A boat ride to
the island is a must when visiting Zanzibar. Earning its name as a
former prison, nowadays the islands gives you a chance to escape for
some peace and quiet! Approximately one kilometre long, and a
quarter kilometre wide, the location is perfect for swimming and
snorkeling, and after a stroll around the island, it is heaven
plunging into the crystal-clear sea. Soft drinks, food and basic
accommodation are on offer.
STONE TOWN ...
by vehicle
This three and a
half hour tour begins with a visit to Zanzibar's colourful market,
alive with the buzz of locals bartering fresh vegetables and baskets
of tropical fruit, amongst the heady aroma of herbs and spices.
Having sampled some wild passion fruit, red bananas, mangoes and
other exotic fruit, we continue onto the site of a cathedral built
in 1874. Signifying a potent time in Zanzibar's history, it stands
on the site of a past slave market. Abolished in 1873 by decree of
the Sultan of Zanzibar, the cathedral's altar stands on the exact
site of the whipping post that was in the market. From here we visit
the Zanzibar Museum, Tippu Tip's House, the former British Club, the
Old Fort, People's Garden, House of Wonders and the recently
renovated Indian Dispensary. Your tour ends with a stroll through
the narrow streets of Stone Town.
JOZANI FOREST
Jozani forest is
a natural forest located 35km from town; it is the only natural
forest in the world where you can find the Red Colobus Monkeys,
unique to Zanzibar. In the forest there are also different types of
animals like Civit cats, Bush baby, Leopard (very few left), Jumping
shrew, Red and Grey squirrels, an Elephant shrew to name just some.
At the present time the Red Colobus Monkeys are very friendly and
easy to see but the other animals are more difficult to spot.
Sensible shoes and a hat are advisable.
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