fbpx

Top Destination: Zanzibar

An archipelago off the east Coast of Tanzania, the infallible Islands of Zanzibar will offer you the most ecstatic excursion you could ever think of. Comprised of both large and small Islands, as if inviting you to more detours for the ultimate wayfare, Zanzibar’s richness remains indisputable.

Located about 75-95 kilometres from the mainland’s former capital of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar archipelago consists of Unguja Island (informally Zanzibar; the main island), Pemba Island and many smaller islands. Its main capital is Zanzibar City, with its historic centre as Stone Town, a city of both artistic and historic prominence and designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.

Whether to spend your days soaking up the tropical sun on the white pristine beaches or to make the deep sea your playground as you go snorkelling or diving in the turquoise tepid waters of the sea, the diverse coastline of the Zanzibar Island offers plenty of experiences to choose from.  Not to be left out is the Jozani Forest or Ngezi Forest tours that the Unguja and Pemba Islands afford to the adventurous sight-seer looking for an excursion around the archipelago.

“With its idyllic beaches, balmy weather & warm tropical waters, Zanzibar Island is an ideal destination for a Honeymoon, couple Anniversaries, Family holiday or just a solo vacation.”

Things to do:

1. SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELING FOR BREATHTAKING SIGHTS OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS.

Go exploring the underwater world as you scuba dive or snorkel on the smaller islands of Chumbe and Mnemba at the Chumbe Island Coral Park and the Mnemba Atoll Marine Park as Mnemba Island boasts of the best diving areas. The islands host a variety of diving and snorkelling tour sites, as well as shipwreck sites that you would go to either for shallow waters, or deeper waters for professional divers. Embark on a snorkelling excursion on the Zanzibar islands for a magnificent tour of all kinds of marine life such as eagle rays, sea horses, garden eels, batfish, lionfish, green turtles, scorpionfish, octopus, nudibranchs, angelfish, parrotfish, and sometimes even whales and small sharks. Your excursion will not be complete without a snorkelling tour in Zanzibar.

 

2. NGEZI FOREST TOUR.

Located in Pemba Island, the lush Ngezi Forest Reserve hosts a variety of vegetation and different species of flora, as well as being home to various bird species, as well as the Pemba flying foxes. The Forest reserve is ideal for a nature trail, and offers the optimal location for bird-watching and bat-watching.

 

3. JOZANI FOREST TOUR

Another exciting excursion would be to the Jozani Forest Reserve, which includes a section of the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the only national park in Zanzibar. The reserve is home to one of the rarest monkeys in Africa, the red colobus monkeys, which are endemic to Zanzibar. After visiting the red colobus monkeys, you can only but take a nature walk through the mangrove swamp for that exhilarating adventure. Jozani Forest reserve is located in Unguja, just about 20 minutes from Stone Town.

 

4. TOUR TO THE HISTORICAL STONE TOWN

Get lost in an adventure of your own making through Stone Town and get acquainted with its friendly residents as you find your way through the culture-filled alleys and market stalls. Stone Town’s historic and cultural significance makes the town tourist rich as it is endowed with different articles and pieces of culture including the exquisitely curved artifacts and jewelry, doors, unique traditional clothing and Swahili dresses, and even locally spiced sea-food right from the ocean.

Once in Stone Town, a sunset cruise on a dhow boat, with a panoramic view of the town gliding by will top off your tour. Sail aboard for your greatest treat yet, as you relax and take in the day’s adventures on the traditional sailing vessel. Another adventure would be to visit the Palace Museum, a cultural destination that holds many relics that offer a rare glimpse of Zanzibar’s history.

 

5. TOUR THE SPICE FARMS

The ‘Spice Island’, as some fondly refer Zanzibar as, has so much to offer. Take a day off to tour across the rural villages on your way to the spice plantations and have a look at the growing of cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper and even tropical fruits, among other spices. Some spice farms even include cooking classes from the local cooks! How exciting! This tour will have you learn about different spices and medicinal plants locals use to cure various ailments, while letting you in on various concoctions you can prepare for home remedies.

 

How to get there:

Various carriers offer direct flights from Nairobi, Kenya to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. Among them are the Kenya Airways and Precision Air. Abeid Amani airport is located about 5 kilometres from Zanzibar City on Unguja Island.

Transport within the island is by road, with the best means being through taxis, or depending on preference, bikes and scooters. Public transport means around Zanzibar is through dala dala’s that locals use to traverse the island.

Take a look at our Zanzibar packages or call our offices to schedule a trip to the ‘Spice Islands’ for your next excursion.

wpChatIcon
wpChatIcon