Zanzibar Beach Holiday:
Zanzibar's
brilliant white beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of
the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to relax under the
African sun. The beaches in Zanzibar are paradise, interspersed
with picturesque fishing villages, where the Zanzibar people live
a simple way of life, unchanged over the centuries. There are
more than 25 fantastic beaches in Zanzibar, and some are so peaceful
and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely
to be the ocean
Zanzibar is best known as the 'spice island' was
the centre for the slave trade in East Africa and base for David
Living Stone's expeditions into the unexplored African interior.
Smell full of the aroma of cloves and other spices, which still
provide a livelihood for many people of Zanzibar . There are two
main islands making up Zanzibar , Unguja and Pemba , but Unguja
is popularly referred to as Zanzibar. Both Island are famous for
its, mile-long untouched beaches with white sands. The island
is accessible from the mainland by ferry or by scheduled flights.
Pemba is most easily reached by ferry from Zanzibar , and Mafia
is best reached by charter flight from Dar Es Salaam . The islands
are surrounded by unspoiled coral reefs, and are becoming famous
for the spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling. The old "
Stone Town " of Zanzibar has been made into a world heritage
site. It is a fascinating place with narrow winding streets, old
Zanzibari style wooden doors, small shops, busy bazaars and central
markets.
ZANZIBAR
BEACH SAFARI ITINERARY
DAY
1: Arrival in Zanzibar
Upon arrival in Zanzibar you will be met at the
airport and transferred to Pongwe Beach Hotel for overnight. Dinner
included at beach resort. [D]
DAY
2 - 3: Pongwe Beach
At your own leisure at Pongwe Beach Hotel, dinner
& breakfast included. [BD, BD]
DAY
4: Stone Town
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to your hotel
in Stone Town, followed by a guided tour of Stone Town. The richness
of its cultural heritage and the lure of the exotic spices make
Zanzibar one of the most sorts after holiday destination. The
main attraction of Zanzibar is Stone Town with its winding alleys;
white washed old buildings, bustling bazaars, mosques, exotic
architecture and influences of different cultures. Overnight at
Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town. (Dinner at own cost) [B]
DAY
5:
Transfer to airport for your onward flight. [B]
Includes:3
nights accommodation in Pongwe Beach Hotel, 1 night accommodation
in Dhow Palace, transfers and domestic flights as mentioned per
itinerary.
Excludes:Visa,
airport taxes, all optional excursions mentioned in the program,
all personal expenses, insurance for luggage, tips, drinks, laundry.
ZANZIBAR
EXCURSION:
1.
STONE TOWN TOUR
This four hour guided tour begins at your hotel
from where you will walk or be driven to the historic city market
opened in 1904. Here you can see and buy a huge variety of tropical
fruits and spices.You will also feel the pulse of Zanzibar and
hear different dialects being spoken by people at the market.
From the market the tour takes you to the Anglican Cathedral of
Christ, built by Bishop Steers in 1874 on the site of the slave
market. You will See the actual rooms where the slaves were kept.
2.
SPICE TOUR
This is the four hours guided tour that takes
you first to the Maruhubi Palace Ruins and then on to Kidichi.
There you can see the Persian Baths built by Seyyid Said Bin Sultan,
the first Sultan of Zanzibar for his wife the Princess Shehrzard(the
grand-daughter of the Shah of Persia). You will then go to the
Kizimbani spice plantations. Here you can see, touch, taste and
smell the wide variety of medicinal plants, fruits and spices,
for which Zanzibar is famous.
3.
JOZANI FOREST
This is a guided tour of three hours and takes
you to the Jozani natural forest. The smaller trees and shrubs
make several subcanopies under the highest canopy. You will follow
the nature Trail, which includes a boardwalk in the mangrove forest
area. Jozani is a habitat for many species of animals including
Sykes monkeys, Vervet monkeys and the famous Kirk's Colobus monkey,
an endemic species of Red Colobus that is found only in Zanzibar.
4.
SAFARI BLUE
The excursion includes refreshment, top quality
snorkelling equipment with guides and instructors, home made fruit
juices, a full Zanzibar seafood lunch seated at teak picnic tables,
fruit tasting, coffee and Amarula liqueur. They will also take
you for sailing in a traditional sailing canoe or "Ngalawa".
We round the day off by returning to Fumba by traditional lanteen
sail.
5.
DOLPHIN SAFARI
This excursion is operated by "Adventure
Afloat, African Boat Safaris" And requires a full day. The
excursion starts from Fumba, southwest Zanzibar and takes you
to see the dolphins, the coral reefs and the idyllic sand-banks
and Islands of the Menai Bay Conservation area. The fleet of traditional
hand made Dhows are beautifully finished and maintained and are
fully equipped with life-jackets Conforming to EC standards, waterproof
bags, first aid kits, marine VHF radios and new professionally
maintained engines as well as traditional lanteen sail.
6.
NORTH COAST
This is a full day guided tour that takes you
to Nungwi via Mvuleni where you can visit the ruins of the Portuguese
Barracks. At Nungwi you will find the white sandy beaches where
you can swim and relax. We will take to see the boatyard where
the traditional dhows are built. There is a wide choice of restaurants
where you can have lunch.
7.
PRISON ISLAND
This is a relaxing half-day tour on this beautiful
Island just a short distance off Zanzibar town. This historical
island was formerly owned by an Arab and was never used as a jail
but as a quarantine for slaves. It was later bought by General
Mathews. The jail which still stands was built in 1883 and hence
the name Prison Island. The island offers stunning views of Zanzibar
town and has a beautiful beach from where you can swim and snorkelling.
On the island you will also see the giant tortoises.
