4 days
Airport
Overview
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. On its main island, Unguja, familiarly called Zanzibar, is Stone Town, a historic trade center with Swahili and Islamic influences. Its winding lanes present minarets, carved doorways and 19th-century landmarks such as the House of Wonders, a former sultan’s palace. The northern villages Nungwi and Kendwa have wide beaches lined with hotels.
Zanzibar is an island and isn’t like the mainland. It’s a 23-mile hop from mainland Tanzania & yes, it is officially part of East Africa, in almost all aspects, life there is different. Most Zanzibar’s consider themselves Zanzibar rather than Tanzanian, and their territory has its own leader and governing bodies. Mainland Tanzania is a mix of Christian, Muslim, and indigenous groups, but Zanzibar, which the Sultanate of Oman ruled for centuries, is almost entirely Muslim.
Top tips for Zanzibar travel
“JUMBO”
Say hello: Swahili is a relatively easy language to learn. Don’t assume the street side attentiveness from people is an attempt to sell you something, — of course that does happen, but also saying hello is also an important part of the local culture. The “Mambos” and “Jambos” are most often than not, just that, so it’s a good idea to say hello back. It is nice to know that people will still stop and ask about your day.
Some other words to use are- “Thank you” – “Asante”, “Thank you very much” – “Asante sana”, “Hakuna Matata” – “No worries”, “Nice to meet you” – “Nafurahi kukuona” & “Excuse me” – “Samahani”.
Zanzibar has two rainy seasons.
Every year, there are the long rains and the short rains. After a very sweaty East African summer, Zanzibar’s long rainy season lasts roughly from March until May. The short rains generally take place between November and December but aren’t nearly as intense—they tend to show up in short and torrential bursts, then quickly fade back to beautiful blue skies.
Our Retreats are usually in February, before it gets too hot, and November, where the rains are quick, and the relief is nice.
It isn’t “The Lion King”, Sorry.
Tanzania is known for its amazing safaris, but this is not the Serengeti: the wildlife in Zanzibar is all underwater. The snorkeling is beautiful, but do be warned, sea urchins come out in full force, it is good to pack a pair of underwear booties.
Zanzibar is also great for wave surfing, stand up paddle boarding & kite surfing.
Tour Highlights
Stone Town Tour will takes 3-4 hours walking tour whereby tourists will get opportunity to discover the historical sites and who are Zanzibar island people together with their daily activities. The tour can either commences at the house of wonders or near Darajani city Market. and covers all the historical areas and monuments.
Historical sites:
with your guide will be taken to the house of wonders (beit-el-ajaab) which is nowadays known as the National Museum of Zanzibar (rebuilt 1883), the Arab fort which is also known as old fort, while you are passing along through bazaar streets you will go ahead towards the Feddie Mercury house, old slave market, various curio shops including the memories of Zanzibar, fruit market, spice market, etc. Without forgetting the Zanzibar curved doors which are the ones that decorating the stone town,
This City tour is one among the hottest day tours in Zanzibar island, it is the only opportunity to discover the history and dilapidated buildings, cosmopolitan people and shopping.
Shopping:
Most of the curio shops are based in stone town whereby gift and souvenirs are found, doing the stone town/ city tour is the only change to buy for your loved ones, things like art-works, Zanzibar chests, spice and sculptors and are awaiting for you. it is very to common for the tourists to bargain to almost half price, big shops have price-mount while the small and not much-fashioned curio shops stand with less expensive items, Crystal jewelers and sparkling elections are found in big shops including the memories of Zanzibar.
Old slave market / Anglican Cathedral:
After the disgusting and humiliating business (slave trade) abolished in 1873, this slavery compound was changed to religious and social welfare premises, a school, a hospital and church were built.
Take a break from the beaches of Zanzibar and head into the forests for a tour of Jozani and a spice farm on this half-day adventure. Alongside a private guide, take a guided tour through the ancient forest and mangrove swamps, and make a stop at a giant turtle sanctuary. Then, head to a spice farm to learn about the fruits, plants, and spices that are grown on the island.
The north coast of Zanzibar mainly represented by the towns of Nungwi and Kendwa, is slightly affected by the effect of the tides and is mainly characterized by its white beaches and extraordinary African sunsets .
Since it is the most tourist area of the island, in the high season periods, July, August and between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, there is always a large influx of tourists. The beaches are also populated by many beach boys, the local boys who will try to sell you anything and everything. At first they may seem a bit annoying, but immediately after you will acknowledge that they are able to help you for whatever question… obviously dealing with prices.
Combine a visit to Prison Island with a trip to Nakupenda Sand Bank on this private tour. You’ll spend time swimming and snorkeling at the Sand Bank, and you’ll also be served a seafood lunch with drinks at no extra charge. At Prison Island, you’ll see massive Aldabra tortoises and have the chance to check out the never-used prison that gave the island its name.
After having a hearty meal in the morning, the day is left for your independent activities till you proceed for the check- out and are dropped at the airport for your return flights.
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