ZANZIBAR ISLAND

Trip Details:
Duration: 1 - 8 Days depending on time

Day 1: Arrive in Zanzibar, the spice island, transfer to hotel, relax and go for a leisure walk around the area. More Arab in spirit than mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar Stone Town seems to have stepped out the Arabian nights. Its maze of narrow streets, alleyways and little shops cry out to be explored and its beautifully carved doors, decorated with heavy brass studs, speak of past wealth and mystery within.

Day 2 - Stone Town tour: In the morning, take a guided historic tour of Stone Town beginning at the market, which was first opened in 1904, and where local fruits and vegetables are displayed and sold. A stroll down the narrow labyrinthine streets of Stone Town takes you back 150 years, to when Zanzibar was the trading center of East Africa. Catch a glimpse of the ornate latticework on a balcony, an Indian influence to the intricacy of sun-warmed wood on a carved door or catch sight between the tumbling roofs of the spire of the Anglican, or the Catholic Cathedral. You then proceed to the Anglican Church, built in 1874 on the site of the old slave market. You continue on to the State House and the Zanzibar Museum, established in 1925. Other interesting places to visit and which you have the opportunity of seeing include the Sultan Palace, the High Court of Zanzibar, Tip Tip House, the first British High Commission Old Fort, People Garden and the House of Wonders. Finally take the 10 min. drive to Maruhubi Palace ruins. Back to the Hotel for a break awaiting the fascinating evening drive and walk at Forodhani gardens on the sea front and on the face of the Old Arab fort. This is the place to see the true colors of the Zanzibar people.

Day 3 - Prison Island: Located just 15 min by boat from stone town is the popular location for snorkeling because of shallow depth, variety in coral and marine life and lack of strong current. You will be guided around the island on a small trail that goes past some ruins. Look for the old prison (1893) and watch out for peacocks in the ruins courtyard. You will also pass ruins of an old laundry center, a natural lagoon that can be quite beautiful if the tide is right and the old quarantine housing. A wealthy slave owner who sent unruly slaves there for discipline first owned the island. One of the islands main attractions are the land giant tortoises. They are a sight to be seen! Return to stone town late afternoon. Evening can be spent strolling and enjoying Zanzibar.

Full day excursion to the Jozani natural tropical forest where smaller trees and shrubs make several sub canopies under the higher exotic tree canopies. You will walk through the nature trail of the forest. Jozani forest is famous for the rare species of Red Colobus monkeys. The waters here are good and snorkeling (optional) in the area is superb.

Then drive to Kizimkazi on the Southern West end of Zanzibar, the home of the bottlenose and spinner dolphins. For those who can jump into a canoe (optional) and go on a dolphin search, they have 80% chances of meeting them.

Settle for Picnic lunch or enjoy a traditional Zanzibar seafood lunch at Kizidi Kizidi Restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean, breathtaking scenery.

Day 5-7 - Spice Tour/ Beach: Zanzibar is known affectionately as The Spice Island because of its history as a producer of cloves and its position on the ancient spice routes. In the afternoon, enjoy exploring the Spice Route starting with a drive through the countryside, seeing and tasting a variety of spices including clove, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg and turmeric root. Tropical fruits that you can sample include Jack fruit, pineapple, custard apple and lychees. You also have the opportunity of seeing rare plants such as henna bush and the lipstick tree. Later you are driven out to the East Coast of Zanzibar. Spend the days at leisure on the white sands and blue waters at a beach hotel. Dive in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean with a PADI certified instructor and explore the colorful coral reefs.