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 travellers 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.
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.
Also known as the Spice Island for its 200 years of clove production, hilly Pemba lies 40 km north of Zanzibar. Its capital Chake Chake is strategically located on a hill overlooking a creek.
Spice production from some 3 million
clove tees pervades both the economy and atmosphere as cloves are laid out
to dry in the sun and its characteristic aroma hangs in the air.
There are two historical monuments to its past. About 20 km to the west is the 8th century ruins of Ras Mkumbuu, with its Persian influence. The second lies 10 km to the south east of Chake Chake, the 15th century settlement of Pujini, destroyed later by the Portuguese along with the palace of Mkame Ndume the settlement builder.
Mafia Island lies 140 km to the south of Zanzibar, at the mouth of the Rufiji River. Mafia Island used to be an important settlement from the 12th to 14th centuries, but these days is better known for its excellent diving and also deep-sea fishing.
In addition Mafia is an important breeding ground for giant turtles which come up onto the white coral sands to lay their eggs.
Zanzibar City Centre - Half Day
The 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.
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, snorkelling, fishing and diving. This trip is perfect to while away a complete day.
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
A cross-roads of cultures where the ancient mingles with the modern, especially true in the heart of the old 'Stone Town' where now a part of its history is recalled, in this unique property.
Zanzibar Serena Inn
The luxury Zanzibar Serena Inn has been created from two lovingly restored 'Stone Town' houses, one of which was visited by Doctor Livingstone during his many sojourns to the 'Spice Island'.
Located on the seafront in
the 'Stone Town' area of old Zanzibar, approximately 20 minutes from the airport.
Hotel facilities include secluded swimming pool, seafront restaurant and bar, offering Serena's renowned hospitality and exemplary cuisine.
It also provides a full excursion service for tours of the 'Stone Town', the rest of the island and to nearby beaches and outlying islands, as well as diving and snorkelling trips - payable locally.
The hotel offers 52 air-conditioned,
sea-facing rooms with en-suite bathroom and private balcony. The rooms are
spacious and are decorated in traditional Zanzibar style.
A stay at this 'Stone Town' city hotel can be combined with the beach hotels; Breezes Beach Club or the Karafuu Hotel.
Breezes Beach Club
Breezes' offers an ideal hideaway
retreat in a secluded, pristine beach near the village of Bwejuu, on the eastern
side of the island.
The hotel is set in landscaped gardens and has superb facilities including; free-form swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, a fitness and aerobics centre, watersports centre and nearby a diving centre (all payable locally).
There are 3 bars including the pool bar. In addition to the main restaurant there is a la carte restaurant specialising in the seafood delicacies and spices unique to Zanzibar.
Other facilities include a shopping
arcade, TV room and disco. Local cultural entertainment is presented.
Accommodation consists of 70 air-conditioned rooms in several blocks, tastefully furnished in Zanzibari style, all with en-suite bathrooms. The 10 ground floor standard rooms have a terrace overlooking the gardens; the 40 deluxe rooms are equipped with fridge and have a terrace that faces the sea, while the 20 superior deluxe benefit from a larger sea-facing balcony.
Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort
This first class hotel is both cosmopolitan and friendly and is located
on a Peninsula on the East Coast of the island and is built just above a narrow
beach.
Facilities include a spacious reception, restaurant, cocktail bar, shop games room, satellite TV and disco, swimming pool with swim-up bar, tennis courts, table tennis, volleyball and massages.
Watersports include windsurfing, snorkelling, water-skiing (at high tide), scuba diving and big game fishing (all payable locally).
Regular evening entertainment includes
cabarets and local dancers.
Accommodation comprises 61 junior suite cottages, of which 26 are built in a beautiful palm grove, close to the sea (available at additional supplement); and 31 standard rooms in makuti thatched bungalows set in 7 hectacres of pleasant tropical gardens.
All rooms are air-conditioned and well furnished and have an internal telephone, en-suite shower and a verandah.
