SEA & LAND TRIPS

STONE TOWN

Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City, the main city of Zanzibar. Is located on the western coast of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Was the former capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate, and the flourishing centre of the spice trade as well as the slave trade in the 19th century. When the United Republic of Tanzania was formed, Zanzibar maintained a semi-autonomous status, with Stone Town as the seat of local government. Stone Town is a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa. Its architecture, mostly dating back to the 19th century, reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture, giving a unique mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. For this reason, the town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Useful information: Comfortable shoes, t-shirt, shorts, long-sleeved shirt and trousers or knee-length skirt for women.

SPICE TOUR “The Magic of Spices”

A half day surrounded by the fragrances of this wonderful Island: Zanzibar, in the past known as “The island of spices”. We visit the spice plantation, guided by qualified staff that will make you know origins and flavours: nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, coffee, lemongrass and many more. Staff will explain you all remedies and curiosities related to these intense and exotic aromas.

Useful information: Comfortable shoes, t-shirt, shorts or trousers, mosquito repellent.

SAFARI BLU

Spend a wonderful day exploring the Menai Bay Conservation area sailing on board of typical local boats, the dhow. We will reach a beautiful sandbank where you can relax, take the sun and snorkel. A succulent local lunch with delicious grilled fish, lobster and shellfish will be offered on the lovely landscape of Kwale Island, surrounded by the scent of the tamarind trees. We will explore the natural swimming pool in the mangrove bay and we will visit the majestic 500 year old baobab tree, the oldest specimen of baobab. Menai Bay is also a marine protected area where, with a little luck, you can spot some nice dolphins.

Useful information: Swimsuit, t-shirt, shorts, shoes for rocks, beach towels, sun screen (50 SFP recommended).

PRISON ISLAND

Changuu Island, Prison or Quarantine Island, is a small island 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town. The island is around 800 m long and 230 m wide. The island saw use as a prison for rebellious slaves in 1860 s and also functioned as a coral mine. The British First Minister of Zanzibar, Lloyd Mathews, purchased the island in 1893 and constructed a prison complex there. No prisoners were ever housed on the island and instead it became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases. The station was only occupied for around half of the year and the rest of the time it was a popular holiday destination. More recently, the island has become a government owned tourist resort and houses a collection of endangered Aldabra giant tortoises which were originally a gift from the British governor of the Seychelles.

Useful information: t-shirt, shorts or trousers, mosquito repellent.

JOZANI FOREST “The Red Apes of Zanzibar”

The Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is a 50 km2 (19 sq mi) national park of Tanzania located on the island of Zanzibar. It is the only one in Zanzibar. This half day excursion will take you to discover the Red Colubus, an endemic species of monkey, with curious red back, typical of Zanzibar and other species of fauna such the Sykes monkey, bush babies, more than 50 species of butterfly and 40 species of birds. The nocturnal Zanzibar tree hyrax, which has four ‘toes’ on its front feet and three on its back, is said to be the first hyrax species that has acclimatized to the forest. The sea grass beds of the Chwaka Bay, fringed with mangrove forests, are important breeding grounds for marine organisms, including open sea fish species. The mangroves are also good breeding grounds for birds. The bay is also proposed to be declared a Ramsar Site and is placed on the Tanzanian Tentative List for World Heritage Sites to recognize its unique natural and cultural assets with due consideration of proposed conservation efforts.

Useful information: t-shirt, shorts or trousers, mosquito repellent.

DOLPHIN TOUR

This half day excursion will take you to the southern part of Zanzibar. After getting there we take a motorized boat so as to reach the dolphin zone where we can swim and play with the very friendly dolphins.

Useful information:  swimsuit, t-shirt, shorts, beach towels, sun screen (50 SFP recommended).

 

SUNSET AT THE NORTHERN BEACHES & MUD VILLAGE

Visit at the characteristic mud village and discover Kendwa, one of the most famous beaches of the island, where you will have the opportunity to spend a relaxing afternoon and enjoy the exciting color of an African sunset. During the afternoon you will be offered.

Useful information:  Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, high protection sunscreen (50 SFP recommended).