ZANZIBAR ISLAND:
Zanzibar, whose actual name is Unguja Island, is a partner in the United Republic of Tanzania.
The highest point of the island is 150 meters above sea level.
Located about 22 miles (35km) off the east coast of Tanzania at Longitude 39 degrees East and Latitude 6 degrees South of the Equator.
Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of the main island of Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar), Pemba Island famous for its deep-sea fishing, and about 50 smaller surrounding islands and coral reefs.
Also known as 'Spice Island', Zanzibar evokes images of an exotic paradise with white palm-fringed beaches and turquoise coves, dreamy dhows with billowing white sails, and ancient Islamic ruins. Today's idyllic beach resorts belie the island's haunting history of slavery, and Zanzibar combines Arabic alleyways and historic monuments with coral reefs and excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.
The island's varied history has brought with it seafarers, explorers and traders, and it became a major centre for the slave industry. Its heyday was during the 19th century, when the island became the world's leading producer of cloves; its plantations still produce more than 50 different spices and fruit, and guided spice tours are a Zanzibar speciality.
Stone Town, Zanzibar's capital, is a captivating place built by Arab and Indian merchants in the 19th century from the island's coral stone. A walk through the disordered twisting alleys, past intricately-carved wooden doors and beneath ornate balconies, and with the lingering scent of spices in the air, takes one back in time to the days of a prosperous slave and spice industry. Decaying architecture, numerous mosques, a bathhouse and old fort, cool interior courtyards and lively markets are the remaining influence of the Persians and the Omani Arabs who established themselves as the ruling power here.
For centuries Zanzibar has enticed those in search of business; today it remains an irresistible attraction for those seeking a heavenly beach holiday or an exploration into its exotic heritage - or a bit of both.

Getting to Zanzibar
East African Safari Air/Kenya Airways/KLM fly into Zanzibar daily from Nairobi, Kenya. Many other international airlines fly to Dar es Salaam from where you can take a local flight to the island or choose to cross over by ferry ( the trip by sea last approximately 2 hours ). A number of European tour operators also operate regular weekly charter flights directly to the island.

Facts About Zanzibar
Island Capital: Zanzibar Town
Population: 950.000
Island size: 1464 square km, 86 km long and only 36 km wide at the largest point
Climate : Tropical, average temp. 25 degrees centigrade throughout the year . Long rains in April/May, short rains in

October/November.
Hot dry season from November to March.
Time Zone: GMT plus 3 hours
Language : Official languages are Kiswahili and English
Currency : Tanzanian Shilling
Telephone : Country code +255 Local area code 24
A few cellular phone companies are now operating on the island and rental of mobile phones is available for visitors.
Electricity : 220 Volts
Entry Documents: you will need a valid passport and a visa depending on the country of origin
Health : Prophylaxis for malaria highly recommended
Airport : Zanzibar International Airport
Departure Tax: US$ 25
Driving : On the left--International Driving License required

ZANZIBAR EXCURSIONS:CITY TOURS ZANZIBAR:SHORT TRIPS ZANZIBAR ISLAND & STONE TOWN.

Stone Town - City tour & shopping- (Half day)
This three & a half-hour tour commences with a visit to Zanzibar’s colorful market. Alive with the buzz of locals bartering fresh vegetables and baskets of tropical fruit, amongst the heady smell of Jack fruit (and many other exotic fruits) we continue on to the site of the cathedral built in 1874. The cathedral signifies a potent time in Zanzibar’s history and stands on the sight of a past slave market, its high altar standing on the exact site of the whipping post. Slavery was abolished in 1873 through a decree passed by the then current Sultan of Zanzibar. From here we visit the residence of the late Sultans of Zanzibar, ‘Tip Tip House’, the Old Fort, ‘Peoples Palace’ and the House of Wonders’, full of intrigue and vivid history from a bygone era. The tour ends with a stroll through the narrow streets of the old stone town, the heart of Zanzibar’s vivacious history with time for shopping.
The tour could be in the morning or in the afternoon.

Spices (Half day)
Since the abolition of the slave trade, spices have been at the heart of Zanzibari enterprise. The sheer variety highlights the Islands strategic location as well as the depth of cultural interaction. Indeed no trip to Zanzibar could be considered complete without a visit to one of our carefully selected spice farms.
This involves visiting the spices growing areas to see different spices and to learn their nature, uses and taste some of them right on the spot depending on the season. In addition it involves visits to the famous spices producing area where you can see medicinal, cosmetics, ornamental plants and herbs. Most of the interesting items are cloves, nut meg, rambutan, lipstick, iodine plant, lemon grass, vanilla, henna, shampoo plant etc.
Our spice tour offers you the opportunity to indulge your senses with a kaleidoscope of smells, tastes and textures. From the punch of a chili to the refreshing succulence of green coconut flesh, we promise that this tour will awaken your senses. It also provides you with the unique opportunity to purchase these exclusive spices straight from the source.
Finally you will visit the Kidichi Persian Baths that were built by the first Sultan of Zanzibar named Sultan Said Said bin Sultan in 1850 and Maruhubi Palace Ruins built by the third Sultan of Zanzibar named Sultan Said Baraghash Bin Said in 1880 which were built especially for housing 99 of his harem. Sensible shoes and hats are advisable.
The tour could be in the morning or in the afternoon.

Safari Blue (Full day, lunch included)
The original and the best “Safari Blue” is a full day excursion using locally made traditional sailing dhows of between 8 to 10 metres in length. We currently operate 6 passenger-carrying dhows that are finished to the very highest standards and fitted with outboard engines, marine VHF radios, gas inflatable life jackets, sunshade, boarding ladder, waterproof bags and first aid kit. We also have public liability and marine insurance.
The excursion starts at the fishing village of Fumba, 30 minutes drive from Stone Town. Fumba is situated in the southwest corner of the island and is an ideal starting point to explore Menai Bay, designated a Conservation Area. The bay has a number of beautiful uninhabited islands and sandbanks and is frequented by humpback and bottlenose dolphins.
On arrival at Fumba, clients are given a briefing on the day and a life jacket demo. We then board the dhows and set off to explore the bay and find the dolphins. We are lucky enough to see dolphins on at least 85% of our trips.
Later in the morning we stop on a sandbank where we set up sunshades and fit the clients with snorkelling equipment. We have a large range of sizes and good quality equipment. Guides, who can safely lead the snorkelling session and show points of interest, accompany the clients. For beginners or those who are not confident swimmers, we have inflatable snorkelling vests and our guides can give tuition.
After snorkelling we offer fresh green coconuts before we move to a desert island for lunch. During the morning our catering boat has gone on ahead to prepare lunch, which is served on teak picnic tables set up beneath the shade of some tamarind trees.
Lunch is a traditional Zanzibari meal and includes a selection of grilled fish, slipper lobster, squid, and rice, tamarind and coriander sauces. A gastronomic fruit tasting follows with a selection of between 10 to 15 different tropical fruits. Cold drinks are available throughout the day and include mineral water, sodas and beer. Coffee and Amarula liqueur are also served after lunch. Toilets are available on the island. When the tide allows we visit a beautiful mangrove lagoon where it is possible to swim through the mangrove forest.
We return to Fumba by sail and arrive back at 6 p.m. in time to see the colourful African sunset.

Jozani Forest (Half Day)
After transfer you proceed to Jozani Forest, the largest conservation area in Zanzibar and the only remaining natural mangrove forest on the island, the Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Area is renowned for its hairy ape residents, the Red Columbus Monkey. Endemic to Zanzibar, visitors come from far and wide to view the highly endangered Red Columbus Monkey, now numbering only 1500. Due to large-scale cultivation, firewood collection, harvesting building materials and charcoal and lime making, Zanzibar's forests have been largely depleted, making the Jozani Chwaka Bay conservation area a significant natural landscape. Nature lovers can walk through the 100 different towering tree species and marvel at the rich variety of birdlife and other small wildlife that inhabit the cool woodland area.
The tour could be in the morning or in the afternoon.

Kizimkazi Dolphin (Half Day)
After an early transfer to Kizimkazi in Menai Bay, visitors board a local “dhow” and head off in search of the dolphins. An outboard engine is used for the excursion.
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 and play friendly with the dolphins at close range, which can be a very rewarding experience.
We advise clients to bring waterproof shoes for boarding the dhows and to bring towels, sunscreen and a spare T-shirt for snorkelling.

Prison Island (Half Day)
Prison Island is one of the nearest islands from Stone Town, just 20 minutes by boat. It is also known as Changuu Island. There are many trees and plants on this island and it is a delight to walk safely and unhindered through the dappled shadows. Birds a bound and bird watchers will find plenty of species to delight them.
Its original use was as a prison and later it was taken over to be used as quarantine station by the British Army. Another prison was then built but never used. Today prison Island is a pleasant destination for a day trip. It has some excellent coral formations just offshore providing a good
opportunity for snorkeling. Another main attraction is the giant tortoises which are over 100 years old. These tortoises are only found on this island. Not indigenous to continental Africa, the original tortoises were brought from Aldabra in the Seychelles in an effort to extend the tortoise conservation efforts. Aldabra is famous for harboring endemic and rare marine life species, and along with the Galapagos Islands, is one of the worlds few places where giant tortoises exist.
Some of the tortoises at Prison Island were rescued from poachers who were intercepted on their way from Aldabra to other parts of the world, where they would sell the animals to private collectors or zoos. These giant tortoises have been living in the Indian Ocean Islands for over 100 million years, but their numbers have fallen to such critically low levels that they are now classified as endangered. The adult tortoises of Prison Island are already producing the next generations, and the future is looking good for the continued survival of this ancient reptile We advise clients to bring waterproof shoes for boarding the dhows and to bring towels, sunscreen and a spare T-shirt for snorkelling.

Nungwi Tour (Full Day, excluded lunch)
A full day excursion to the extreme north of the island via Mkokotoni Fish Market and Mvuleni where you can visit the Portuguese Ruins. There are a number of very interesting things to see and do including the traditional fishing village itself with resident speaking a peculiar Swahili dialect. Then the turtle aquarium with various species. A visit to the traditional boat yard and local market are amazing. At the end of the walk you can either relax on the sandy beaches or go swimming in the natural sea. Lunch and refreshments are arranged there to taste local delicacies or international food at a selected restaurant. Clients pay direct.

Sunset Dhow Cruise (2Hrs)
The tour starts late in the afternoon in Stone Town where you take a ride in one of our traditional sailing boat of the type used for centuries for carrying cargo between Zanzibar and the Arabian Gulf. The boat ride will give you an insight into the real Zanzibar.  Our boats are equipped with safety equipment, sunshade, snorkelling equipment and boarding ladder.  Sit back and relax, enjoy the Zanzibar breezes and crystal clear turquoise waters while sipping a drink accompanied with bites/snacks

Stone Town/Spices (Full Day, lunch included)
This is a combination of Stone Town & Spice Tours as described above with/without lunch in a selected restaurant in Stone Town.

Jozani & Kizimkazi (Full Day, incl. lunch)
After an early transfer to Kizimkazi in Menai Bay, visitors board a local “dhow” and head off in search of the dolphins. An outboard engine is used for the excursion.
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 and play friendly with the dolphins at close range, which can be a very rewarding experience.
Meals are taken at a selected shore restaurant in Kizimkazi.
After lunch you proceed to Jozani Forest, the largest conservation area in Zanzibar and the only remaining natural mangrove forest on the island, the Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Area is renowned for its hairy ape residents, the Red Columbus Monkey. Endemic to Zanzibar, visitors come from far and wide to view the highly endangered Red Columbus Monkey, now numbering only 1500. Due to large-scale cultivation, firewood collection, harvesting building materials and charcoal and lime making, Zanzibar's forests have been largely depleted, making the Jozani Chwaka Bay conservation area a significant natural landscape. Nature lovers can walk through the 100 different towering tree species and marvel at the rich variety of birdlife and other small wildlife that inhabit the cool woodland area.

Stone Town & Sunset Dhow Cruise (Half Day, excl.lunch)
A combination of the Stone Town tour and a sunset cruise.
The tour starts in the afternoon in Stone Town. It commences with a visit to Zanzibar’s colorful market. Alive with the buzz of locals bartering fresh vegetables and baskets of tropical fruit, amongst the heady smell of Jack fruit (and many other exotic fruits) we continue on to the site of
the cathedral built in 1874. The cathedral signifies a potent time in Zanzibar’s history and stands on the sight of a past slave market, its high altar standing on the exact site of the whipping post.  Slavery was abolished in 1873 through a decree passed by the then current Sultan of Zanzibar.  From here we visit the residence of the late Sultans of Zanzibar, ‘Tip Tip House’, the Old Fort, ‘Peoples Palace’ and the House of Wonders’, full of intrigue and vivid history from a bygone era.
The tour ends with a stroll through the narrow streets of the old stone town, the heart of Zanzibar’s vivacious history.
Later in the evening you take a ride in one of our traditional sailing boat of the type used for centuries for carrying cargo between Zanzibar and the Arabian Gulf. The boat ride will give you an insight into the real Zanzibar.  Our boats are equipped with safety equipment, sunshade, snorkeling equipment and boarding ladder.  Sit back and relax, enjoy the Zanzibar breezes and crystal clear turquoise waters while sipping a drink accompanied with bites/snacks.

Shopping & Sunset Dhow Cruise (Half day, excl. lunch)
The tour starts in the afternoon in Stone Town. Zanzibar Stone Town is a shopping heaven. Here you can find a polyglot of goods from all over the world, especially from Africa, India, Arabia and the Far East.
There are boutiques and antique shops along Gizenga Street and on Kenyatta Road near the old Post Office, which sell clothing and artefacts fashioned by Tanzanian and Kenyan companies, as well as spices and essential oils, books, postcards, imported kangas, kitenges and jewellery, even music CDs with some of the popular local groups or Taarab music.  Tharia Street, behind the Anglican Cathedral, has some gold shops and there is wonderful jewellery made from handmade beads and silver in shops on Gizenga Street and Sokomohogo Square.
Malindi and Kiponda streets have shops selling textiles and Mchangani Street has hardware.
There are shops in the Darajani area and across the Creek road towards Kiponda which sell electronic equipment at good prices.
Later in the evening you take a ride in one of our traditional sailing boat of the type used for centuries for carrying cargo between Zanzibar and the Arabian Gulf. The boat ride will give you an insight into the real Zanzibar.  Our boats are equipped with safety equipment, sunshade, snorkeling equipment and boarding ladder.  Sit back and relax, enjoy the Zanzibar breezes and crystal clear turquoise waters while sipping a drink accompanied with bites/snacks.

NB: Please don't buy any products made from endangered species, such as shells, ivory and tortoiseshell. Doing so definitely makes the threat to fragile marine and land environments in Africa much worse.
We advise clients to bring waterproof shoes for boarding the dhows and to bring towels, sunscreen and a spare T-shirt for snorkelling.

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ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAY OR KENYA/TANZANIA/ZANZIBAR