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ZANZIBAR ISLAND
Most prominent of the Spice Islands,
Zanzibar has a potent mix of history,
legends and unique cultures. Visually
stunning with exceptional natural beaches
and the haunting architecture of Zanzibar
town, the island has lured travelers to its
shores for centuries. Its past was dominated
by merchants, rulers, explorers, scholars -
today tourism is playing a key role.
Zanzibar provides the perfect compliment to
an East African safari.
Zanzibar is famous for being a major
producer of cloves, and infamous as being a
slave entry-port, the old stone town of
Zanzibar has a fascinating labyrinth of
narrow winding streets lined with
whitewashed, coral-rag houses with
overhanging balconies and magnificently
carved brass studded doors, shops, bazaars,
mosques, courtyards, squares etc. Outside
town there are more ruined palaces, Shirazi
remains, Persian baths, and magnificent palm
fringed beaches with warm clear water, ideal
for swimming and snorkelling.
Excursions in Zanzibar
Zanzibar City Centre - Half Day
he half-day city tour visits Zanzibar's
colourful market, which exudes a heady smell
of herbs and spices. Other sites visited
include the Anglican Cathedral, which stands
in silent testimony on the site of one of
the last open slave markets in the world,
the residence of the late Sultan of
Zanzibar; 'Tip Tip House'. The Old Fort and
the House of Wonders - all locations rich in
antiquity and full of intrigue from the days
of long ago. The tour ends with a romantic
stroll along the narrow lanes of the Old
Stone Town.
Spice Tour - 4 Hours
The spice tour is guaranteed to sharpen your
senses. Drive through the countryside to
visit spice plantations - with an
opportunity to pick, smell and savour exotic
fruits and spices.
Jozani Forest - 4 Hours
Jozani is the only remaining natural forest
on Ungunja Island. Covering an area of 10 sq
km it consists of high forest, swamp forest
and evergreen forest. It provides an
important refuge for the remaining Ungula
fauna such as the rare Red Colobus Monkeys,
small Zanzibar Leopard and two antelope
species - the Zanzibar Duicker and Sunni.
Prison Island - Full Day
Changuu Island is a historical island once
used for the detention of recalcitrant
salves. Today Giant Tortoises, some over 100
years old, act as unlikely vigilantes over
the island. The beach is superb and the
crystal clear sea excellent for swimming,
snorkeling, fishing and diving. This trip is
perfect to while away a complete day.
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.
morning flight to the island of Zanzibar
(also known as the "Spice Island' for its
production of cloves). Transfer to the
beach hotel which will be your home for the
next few days. Dinner and overnight.
Air transfer
Nairobi Zanzibar. Further transfer to hotel
for dinner and overnight stay. |