4 Nights zanzibar
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Zanzibar is semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, consisting of Zanzibar Island, Pemba Island, and many smaller islands.
Zanzibar island is approximately 90km long and 30km wide. Say the name and you can almost smell the scent of spices blowing on the gentle trade winds.
This exotic port off the coast of Tanzania offers travelers the hedonistic pleasures of white sand beaches and lapis waters, along with a fascinating fusion of culture and history.
At the heart of Zanzibar is Stone Town, with its labyrinthine streets and bustling bazaars, reflective of its rich multi-cultural history.
Persians, Arabs, Portuguese, Germans, British, Indians and Africans have all left their mark here.
Zanzibar has the infamous historical distinction of being the centre of the slave trade in East Africa; your guide can explain some of this compelling history to you.
Out of town, you can visit sparkling beaches, spice plantations, or perhaps one of the island's unique animal sanctuaries.
Don't forget to go diving and meet the whales and dolphins
Zanzibar island is approximately 90km long and 30km wide. Say the name and you can almost smell the scent of spices blowing on the gentle trade winds.
This exotic port off the coast of Tanzania offers travelers the hedonistic pleasures of white sand beaches and lapis waters, along with a fascinating fusion of culture and history.
At the heart of Zanzibar is Stone Town, with its labyrinthine streets and bustling bazaars, reflective of its rich multi-cultural history.
Persians, Arabs, Portuguese, Germans, British, Indians and Africans have all left their mark here.
Zanzibar has the infamous historical distinction of being the centre of the slave trade in East Africa; your guide can explain some of this compelling history to you.
Out of town, you can visit sparkling beaches, spice plantations, or perhaps one of the island's unique animal sanctuaries.
Don't forget to go diving and meet the whales and dolphins
Stone Town
Stone Town is Home to famous Zanzibar Destinations. You can visit the Old Anglican Church, Old Arab Fort, Beit al Ajaib Museum, Livingstone House, Old Indian Dispensary, St Joseph's Cathedral and Slave monuments. The largest town in the archipelago is the capital, Stone Town, located in the middle of the west coast of Unguja, the main island. The town was named for the coral stone buildings that were built there largely during the 19th century, on the site of a very old fishing village. There are over 16,000 people in the town today, and over 1,700 recorded buildings. Tall houses line narrow alleyways set in a confusing maze radiating out from the centre towards the sea.The streets are too narrow for cars but not, unfortunately, for bicycles and even motorbikes, so be careful! Life is lived very much as it was in the past and the many mosques’ muezzin calls can be heard echoing above the narrow streets five times daily. The architecture is Arabic, which means the walls are very thick, the houses tall and with square and simple facades. Many of the buildings have a central courtyard going up through all the floors, giving ventilation.Visit Chumbe Island for sure. |
Prison Island
Changuu Island, commonly referred to as Prison Island, is just a 20 – 30 minute boat ride from Stone Town, Zanzibar. Arriving by boat, the first thing you will see is a rustic wooden bridge jutting out into the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The primary attractions are the giant sea tortoises and the prison ruins. Historically, Prison Island was first used by Arab slave merchants as a place to detain slaves, and in 1890 the British built what was intended as a prison for Stone Town. Although the building was never actually used as a prison, it later became a quarantine station for Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda and what was then Tanganyika. A five minute walk across the island from the prison ruins is the giant tortoise sanctuary. Originally imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century, these magnificent creatures are friendly and sometimes the tortoise keepers may offer a child the opportunity to sit atop and ride one of the gentle giants. Beware, it is not uncommon to catch a pair of tortoises copulating! The island is fringed with a small but beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkeling, and has a lovely white sandy beach for sunbathing. |
Jozani Forest
Although most of Zanzibar’s natural forest has been lost to agriculture or construction, the Jozani Forest is a protected reserve, and is the largest conservation area in Zanzibar. It is conveniently located in the centre of Zanzibar about 24 km southeast of Stone Town, and at 44 square kilometers the Jozani Forest covers approximately 3% of the Zanzibar main island. The reserve contains a large mangrove swamp and natural coral rag forest that is home to over 100 different kinds of trees and species such as the rare and endangered red colobus monkey, Sykes monkey, bush babies, duikers, hyraxes, over 50 species of butterfly and 40 species of birds. With a population estimated at fewer than 2,000, the red colubus monkey is one of the rarest monkeys in Africa and can only be found on the main island of Zanzibar. The reserve is managed by the local residents who operate tree nurseries and act as rangers and guides. From the visitors' centre, visitors will take a guided 45-minute nature trail into the beautiful and peaceful forest where there is excellent opportunity to spot the red colobus monkey. |