Duration
4 Days
Max People
10
Pickup
Airport
Overview
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. On its main island, Unguja, familiarly called Zanzibar, is Stone Town, a historic trade center with Swahili and Islamic influences. Its winding lanes present minarets, carved doorways and 19th-century landmarks such as the House of Wonders, a former sultan’s palace. The northern villages Nungwi and Kendwa have wide beaches lined with hotels.
Zanzibar is an island and isn’t like the mainland. It’s a 23-mile hop from mainland Tanzania & yes, it is officially part of East Africa, in almost all aspects, life there is different. Most Zanzibar’s consider themselves Zanzibar rather than Tanzanian, and their territory has its own leader and governing bodies. Mainland Tanzania is a mix of Christian, Muslim, and indigenous groups, but Zanzibar, which the Sultanate of Oman ruled for centuries, is almost entirely Muslim.
Top tips for Zanzibar travel
“JUMBO”
Say hello: Swahili is a relatively easy language to learn. Don’t assume the street side attentiveness from people is an attempt to sell you something, — of course that does happen, but also saying hello is also an important part of the local culture. The “Mambos” and “Jambos” are most often than not, just that, so it’s a good idea to say hello back. It is nice to know that people will still stop and ask about your day.
Some other words to use are- “Thank you” – “Asante”, “Thank you very much” – “Asante sana”, “Hakuna Matata” – “No worries”, “Nice to meet you” – “Nafurahi kukuona” & “Excuse me” – “Samahani”.
Zanzibar has two rainy seasons.
Every year, there are the long rains and the short rains. After a very sweaty East African summer, Zanzibar’s long rainy season lasts roughly from March until May. The short rains generally take place between November and December but aren’t nearly as intense—they tend to show up in short and torrential bursts, then quickly fade back to beautiful blue skies.
Our Retreats are usually in February, before it gets too hot, and November, where the rains are quick, and the relief is nice.
It isn’t “The Lion King”, Sorry.
Tanzania is known for its amazing safaris, but this is not the Serengeti: the wildlife in Zanzibar is all underwater. The snorkeling is beautiful, but do be warned, sea urchins come out in full force, it is good to pack a pair of underwear booties.
Zanzibar is also great for wave surfing, stand up paddle boarding & kite surfing.
Tour Highlights
- Be enveloped in the beauty of towering trees, remote beaches, and mountains of the Canadian wilderness.
- Have close encounters with BC’s coastal wildlife; sea lions, seals, pacific white sided dolphins, otters, birds and some of the largest starfish in the world.
- Be on the lookout for Humpback whales that have made a strong resurgence in the Discovery Islands.
- Coastal cuisine designed by a local gourmet chef.
- Quality expedition tents & warm sleeping bags all included in the price of the trip.
Included/Excluded
- Specialized bilingual guide
- Private Transport
- Box lunch water, banana apple and chocolate
- Departure Taxes
- Entry Fees
Tour Plan
Stone Town Tour will takes 3-4 hours walking tour whereby tourists will get opportunity to discover the historical sites and who are Zanzibar island people together with their daily activities. The tour can either commences at the house of wonders or near Darajani city Market. and covers all the historical areas and monuments.
Historical sites:
With your guide you will be taken to the house of wonders (beit-el-ajaab) which is nowadays known as the National Museum of Zanzibar (rebuilt 1883), the Arab fort which is also known as old fort, while you are passing along through bazaar streets you will go ahead towards the Feddie Mercury house, old slave market, various curio shops including the memories of Zanzibar, fruit market, spice market, etc. Without forgetting the Zanzibar curved doors which are the ones that decorating the stone town.
This City tour is one among the hottest day tours in Zanzibar island, it is the only opportunity to discover the history and dilapidated buildings, cosmopolitan people and shopping.
Shopping:
Most of the curio shops are based in stone town whereby gift and souvenirs are found, doing the stone town/ city tour is the only change to buy for your loved ones, things like art-works, Zanzibar chests, spice and sculptors and are awaiting for you. it is very to common for the tourists to bargain to almost half price, big shops have price-mount while the small and not much-fashioned curio shops stand with less expensive items, Crystal jewelers and sparkling elections are found in big shops including the memories of Zanzibar.
Old slave market / Anglican Cathedral:
After the disgusting and humiliating business (slave trade) abolished in 1873, this slavery compound was changed to religious and social welfare premises, a school, a hospital and church were built.
- Arrive at Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Stone Town.
- Check-in, freshen up, and have a quick rest.
- Embark on a guided walking tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the narrow winding streets, historic buildings, and bustling markets.
- Visit the Palace Museum, Old Fort, and the House of Wonders to learn about Zanzibar’s rich history.
- Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- Take a leisurely sunset stroll along Forodhani Gardens and witness the vibrant night market.
Take a break from the beaches of Zanzibar and head into the forests for a tour of Jozani and a spice farm on this half-day adventure. Alongside a private guide, take a guided tour through the ancient forest and mangrove swamps, and make a stop at a giant turtle sanctuary. Then, head to a spice farm to learn about the fruits, plants, and spices that are grown on the island.
- Start the day with a guided spice tour to a local plantation. Learn about Zanzibar’s nickname as the “Spice Island” and discover the origins of various spices like cloves, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Head to Jozani Forest, a conservation area known for its unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkeys.
- Enjoy a guided nature walk through the forest and observe the wildlife.
- Return to Stone Town and dine at a rooftop restaurant, savoring traditional Swahili cuisine.
The north coast of Zanzibar mainly represented by the towns of Nungwi and Kendwa, is slightly affected by the effect of the tides and is mainly characterized by its white beaches and extraordinary African sunsets .
Since it is the most tourist area of the island, in the high season periods, July, August and between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, there is always a large influx of tourists. The beaches are also populated by many beach boys, the local boys who will try to sell you anything and everything. At first they may seem a bit annoying, but immediately after you will acknowledge that they are able to help you for whatever question… obviously dealing with prices.
- Check out of your Stone Town hotel and transfer to the northern beaches of Zanzibar.
- Arrive at your beach resort and spend the afternoon relaxing on the pristine white sands or taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
- Try your hand at water sports activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or paddleboarding, exploring the vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
Combine a visit to Prison Island with a trip to Nakupenda Sand Bank on this private tour. You’ll spend time swimming and snorkeling at the Sand Bank, and you’ll also be served a seafood lunch with drinks at no extra charge. At Prison Island, you’ll see massive Aldabra tortoises and have the chance to check out the never-used prison that gave the island its name.
- Take a boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu Island), known for its historic prison and giant tortoises.
- Explore the island, snorkel in the surrounding waters, and enjoy a picnic lunch.
- Return to your resort and enjoy more beach time or spa treatments.
- Embark on a sunset dhow cruise, a traditional wooden sailing boat, along Zanzibar’s coastline.
- Watch the sunset over the horizon, enjoy a delicious dinner on board, and experience the tranquil beauty of the Indian Ocean.
After having a hearty meal in the morning, the day is left for your independent activities till you proceed for the check- out and are dropped at the airport for your return flights.
Tour Map
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