Madelene Tours - Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR

Trading under the name Spice Island, this paradise off Tanzania's east coast has lured travellers for centuries, some in search of cloves, some in search of slaves and still others in search of an idyllic home. While commonly called Zanzibar, the island's name is actually Unguja, and is part of the Zanzibar archipelago, which also includes Pemba. Zanzibar got engaged to Tanzania relatively recently, after a string of torrid affairs with the Sumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Omani Arabs, Dutch and English. But it was the Shirazi Persians and the Omani Arabs who stayed to settle and rule - and it's their influence that lingers most strongly.

Zanzibar's Stone Town is one of the most fascinating places on Tanzania's east coast. It's a chaotic, and often crumbling, labyrinthine cluster of winding streets lined with whitewashed coral-rag houses with magnificently carved (but fast vanishing) brass-studded doors. There are endless little shops, bazaars, mosques, courtyards an old fort, two former sultans' palaces, two huge cathedrals, faded colonial mansions, a disused Persian-style public bathhouse and reminders of a once thriving slave trade. Dotted around the island are historical sites such as the ruined Maruhhubi Palace, built in 1882 by Sultan Barghash to house his harem. To take it all in, a 'Spice Tour' is recommended. Plenty of guides are on offer for such tours, which include palace ruins, the Mangapwani Caves, and various spice and fruit plantations at the island's heart.

Other attractions
There's also Jozani Forest, 24km (15mi) south-east of Zanzibar town, a sanctuary for the rare red colobus monkey and the Zanzibar duiker (small antelope).

Access
Air Tanzania operates one daily flight except on Thursday and Sunday in either direction between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, but the more adventurous travellers reach the island by ferry, catamaran or hydrofoil from Dar es Salaam. Dhows and other boats also run between Zanzibar and Kenya's Mombasa, usually once or twice a week in either direction.

Pemba is located not too far from Zanzibar and boast unspoilt beaches with excellent diving. Fundu Lagoon is the epitome of "bare foot paradise" with a distinct Robinson Crusoe air in a remote and not easily accessible spot. It is a place for guests to relax and unwind in casual, yet elegant surroundings. Fundu is on Pemba Island, the sister island to Zanzibar lying across the Pemba Channel to the north. The hotel is situated on a remote and beautiful beach on the southwestern side of the island and is only accessible by boat. There are nineteen rooms, all the same and consisting of designer tents, set under makuti (thatch) roofs on wooden decks and each with a view over the sea.

 Snorkeling
 Scuba diving
 Deep sea fishing
 Saltwater fly fishing
 Spice tours
 Visit the slave quarters
 Relaxing on the beach
 Traditional dhow trips
 Forest tours - see the Red Colobus monkey, a rare species found only on Zanzibar
 Dolphin tours
 City tour of Stone town

Day 1
Arrival at Zanzibar International Airport / Seaport and transfer to Tembo Hotel/
Dhow Palace Hotel or any Hotel of the same caliber in Stone Town for a free relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 2
After breakfast depart for Stone Town tour. This is a three hour guided sight-seeing and visit to popular Zanzibar Stone Town and historical sites. Lunch at Mtoni Marine Restaurant/Passing Show Restaurant to sample sea foods and typical Zanzibarian cuisine. After lunch you proceed on a three hour exotic Spice Tour. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3
This is a full day out on tour which starts at 09h00 after breakfast. You will be driven on the Dolphin Safari Tour on the southern-most part of the island at Kizimkazi. Lunch at Kizidi Beach Bungalows After lunch you proceed on the visit of Jozani Forest, well known for its population of the rare Red Colobus monkeys. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 4
After breakfast you check out from town hotel and have a short shopping tour in town and later have your lunch at the sea front Amore Mio Restaurant. After lunch proceed to Arabian Night Hotel in Paje, East Coast. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5 – 7
Free stay at Arabian Night Hotel on half board basis with a chance to participate in sea activities like snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing and village tours.

Day 1.
Arrive in Zanzibar harbour or airport and transfer to a Stone Town Hotel.
Overnight in Stone Town.

Day 2.
Depart from the hotel for a visit of the Historical Town. Lunch in a town restaurant.
Afternoon at leisure.
1700 Depart from the hotel for a sunset cruise along Stone Town waterfront.
Stop at Forodhani gardens for a glance of the evening life.
Dinner at Mtoni Marine. Overnight in Stone Town.

Day 3.
Depart from the Hotel and transfer to Kizimbani Village.
Tour of the village farms of fruits and Spices.
Afterwards drive to the hotel on the beach. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4
Full day at leisure at the beach hotel with dinner and overnight.

Day 5
Full day at leisure at the beach hotel with dinner and overnight.

Day 6
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight back home.

Day 1.
Arrival at the airport or harbour and transfer to your hotel in Stone Town.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2.
After breakfast depart for a guided tour of Stone Town covering
the Kelele square, Tip Tip House, Former slave Market site, Livingstone House, the old dhow harbor and the Old Arab Fort. Lunch at a Restaurant.
1400 Boat trip to Prison Island for a visit of the ruined Prison and nature sightseeing.
Return to the Hotel for overnight.

Day 3.
After breakfast transfer to Mangapwani Village via Maruhubi Palace ruins. Visits of the slave caves and chambers. Lunch at Mangapwani Serena Restaurant.
After lunch relaxation on the beach.
1600 Drive to Stone Town.
Overnight at the hotel in Stone Town.

Day 4
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight back home.