Get To Know Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar a small island tucked away off the east coast of Africa is renowned for its white sandy beach retreats, clear blue waters, fascinating historical Stone Town and its rich traditions & culture depicting its unique civilization. Palm fringed Zanzibar today is a paradise awaiting to be discovered.
Zanzibar’s brilliant white beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to relax, unwind, soak up the sun and breathe in new life. The beaches in Zanzibar are a paradise, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages, where the people live a simple way of life unchanged over the years.
Stone Town, more than anything else is what makes Zanzibar so different from a thousand other tropical isles. Behind its elegant waterfront this historic old part of town, with its bustling main city market opened 1904 , the slave chambers, Sultans Palace, Place museum and the massive Arab Fort (built in 1700) was recently and deservedly declared a World Heritage Site. The streets are wonderful to walk along the lovely buildings with distinct Arabic architecture.
Once ruled by Omani Arabs and one of the last places in Africa to abolish slavery, Visitors often remark that a journey to Zanzibar is like going back in time–the atmosphere is that of the age of colonialism and exploration, and the haunting ruins of the slave market are a pointed reminder of the era’s exploitative extremes.
Zanzibar also has a colorful history of seafarers and explorers On these shores passed explorers like Burton, Speke, Livingstone, and Vasco da Gama in 1502 enroute to India.
Zanzibar Island, awaiting to be discovered.
FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS
- Serena Inn Hotel in Stone Town
- Blue Bay Beach Hotel in Beachside
- Stone Town Tour
- Prison Island
- Jozani Forest
- Guided Stone Town Evening Walk
Located on the sea-front of Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town – The Serena Inn is a convertee of two romantic and historical buildings. Its elegance construction is a blend of Muslim culture and contemporary state of art. For the discerning traveler, Serena Inn is an ideal base for exploring the natural and historic wonders of this famous Zanzibar stone town.
Located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, which is famous for its white sandy beaches and Turquoise Ocean. The resort offers an idyllic setting for soaking up the sun, safe swimming in a temperate ocean including a wide variety of water sport and all protected by a spectacular coral reef. Recreational activities include swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis court, a fully equipped diving base, windsurfing, and sailing.
The Three hour guided tour will take you to the City Market. You will be driven or walk (optional) to the National Museum of Zanzibar (opened 1925) to see interesting relics. You leave and head along the waterfront to Shangani Old British Consolate (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 there, you proceed on a leisure walk through the Narrow streets of Stone Tovm old part of the Zanzibar town) where most of the houses date back to more one century old. In this part of the town, you will find a lot of small exotic bazaars and curio shops. The tour continues and ends with a visit to Marhubi Palace Ruins 1880) en-route Dr. David Livingstone House (1866).
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 takes you on a 30 minute boat ride (motorized) to this exclusive island. The Island was formerly owned by an Arab and was privately used as a place of detention for recalcitrant slaves. Whilst on the Island, you will be able to see the GIANT TORTOISE and have a delightful swim and snorkel.
The forest has now been declared a reserve and holds the rare Red Colobus Monkeys not to be seen anywhere else in the world. This guided tour of three hours takes you to Jozani natural forest. You will walk through nature trail of the forest and also witness birdlife such as bee-eaters, flycatchers, small antelopes, and the little suni.
This 2hrs guided walk takes you to a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the Stone Town where you mingle with almost every person in their diverse attire attending to many exotic bazaars. With Sunset approaching you’ll visit the Forodhani Gardens, a must to see the diverse culture of Zanzibaris in their True Colors.
TRAVEL TIPS
Air Tanzania, Kenya Airways, South African Airways have scheduled flights linking Zanzibar with the capital city Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Nairobi (in Kenya) and Johannesburg (in South Africa).
All visitors must have a visa and valid passport. Visas can be arranged on arrival in Zanzibar Airport for US$ 50 (approx). Please check with your consulate for the most up-to-date information.
US$ Dollars are widely accepted. The local currency is the Tanzanian Shillings. Take cash and Travellers cheques, as few places accept credit cards.
GMT + 3
Yellow fever certificate compulsory. Malaria risk Visitors are advised to take anti-malaria tablets. Drink only purified or bottled water.
Light-weight clothes (shorts, t-shirts, sun dresses), swimming costumes, a sweater, hat, sunblock, lip cream, insect repellent, camera and sunglasses.
TAILOR MADE TOURS
