Zanzibar is an island partner within the United Republic of Tanzania, located in the Indian Ocean about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania at six degrees south of the Equator. Zanzibar is made up of many islands, the main two being Unguja (sometimes called Zanzibar) and Pemba. The highest point is 390 feet above sea level.
Season Summary in Zanzibar:
SUMMER - November to May Hot, some humidity with rains in November, May and June.
WINTER - June to October Warm with rains in June, otherwise sunny.
BEST - December to March and July to October
ISLAND EXCURSION & ACTIVITIES
Stone Town
Stone Town holds magic and mystery. Shafts of bright light joust with deep shadows creating a fascinating world within its narrow streets, built for pedestrian traffic. The streets wind between tall buildings, opening unexpectedly into ornamental squares that endow the town with gathering points for local people as well as atmosphere of Arabian Nights charm.
Main Festival venues are centred around The Old Fort, House of Wonders and Forodhani Gardens, whose waterfront make a pleasant place to spend hours of an evening at any time of year, with the local traders selling freshly cooked kebabs, seafood, breads, chai and sugar cane juice.
Places to visit in and around Stone Town
Beit el Ajaib (House of Wonders)
Formerly the Sultan’s Palace, built in the nineteenth century by Sultan Barghash, the Festival is proud to be using this venue for exhibitions, film screenings, seminars and workshops.
People's Palace Museum
Located adjacent to the House of Wonders is another fine building, which served as the residence of the Al Busaid Sultans of Zanzibar until the Revolution in 1964. It now serves as a museum, where for a few shillings you can hire a guide to show you round and talk you through local history.
Livingstone House
David Livingstone, the famous explorer (we presume), stayed in this house before sailing to the mainland in a dhow to begin his last expedition in 1866. The building is now the main office of the Zanzibar Tourist Corporation (ZTC). Located in the north east side of town on the Malawi Road, leading to Bububu.
Prison Island Tour
One of the three small islands visible from the seafront, the island used to house a prison which was actually used for quarantine. There is a small fee payable to ZTC on landing at the island, which hosts a sandy beach, coral reef with good snorkelling, peacocks and the famous giant tortoises.
Dolphin Tour
This tour takes you to the South coast of Zanzibar Island by road. Once you reach Kizimkazi village you will board a boat that will take you searching for dolphins.
You have an 80% chance of seeing them and with a bit of luck might even swim amongst them.
Jozani Forest Tour
Jozani Forest is located approximately 35 km southeast of Zanzibar township in the southern region. It is a narrow neck between Chwaka Bay in the north and Uzi Bay to the South. It contains about 100 species of trees in a total of 43 families.
The forest has an area of 2512 hectares, that includes the whole ground water forest, coral rag forest and salt marsh area. Though until recently, only the forest was gazetted, the area together with the adjacent Chwaka Bay forest have been converted into a reserve known as Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Area (JCBCA).
Spice Tour
A visit to Zanzibar would not be complete without a Spice Tour, which will take you through much of the countryside and if you have an ‘official tour’ you can get good information about a whole heap of spices, tropical fruits and rare plants - see how they grow and get some good cookery tips. Learn about the fruits and spices from the moment they are planted until they are dried and turned into powders or dried candies. If you are interested in this please let us know. While there you can sample a multitude of unusual fruits and spices. Zanzibar is the world’s foremost exporter of black cloves.
Swahili Cultural Tour
A four-hour excursion, which takes you to Kizimkazi to the southern part of the island. Kizimkazi is a traditional fishing and farming village. It has a long history dating in the 12 century. It is the first place visited by the Persian who built a mosque in 1170. In the mosque are inscription written in kofic. The exceptional long graves here are still a misery. A wall whose remains are visible even today formerly surrounded the village.
Most residents of this village are fisherman but are also small farmers. Typical activities include food gathering, artisanship and businesses. You will enjoy seafood and locally grown fruits and root crops such as cassava, bananas and coconuts too. A visit to Qur-ani School and traditional drama and dance are arranged.
Shopping
A variety of locally produced crafts can be found in the shops and bazaars of Stone Town. Buying such goods benefits the local community so we encourage you to look out for such goodies
Island Trips can be combined with a Wildlife Safari in Tanzania or Kilimanjaro Climb.
You have a choice from basic guest houses accommodation to luxury beach resorts.
You have a choice from basic guest houses accommodation to luxury beach resorts.
To get a list of recommended hotels in Zanzibar, click here.
If you would like to get more information regarding tours and accommodation in Zanzibar, contact us here.
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