A Taste of Spice - Zanzibar

The magical island of Zanzibar, rich with its cultural influences, the historic wealth of stone town and brilliant white beaches lapped by warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean is most certainly a traveler’s paradise. From music, culture and art to diving and snorkeling to romantic candlelight dinners on the beach, Zanzibar has it all.

Tours in Zanzibar: Note children below 10 years will not be charged City Tour: Price- USD 50 Per person (minimum 2 people)* Our agent will pick you up from the airport and take you on a tour of the historical Stone Town. This is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar where time has stood still for the last 200 years. Not much has changed here; it is a place with winding alleys, bustling bazaars and grand architecture influenced by the diverse communities that came to settle on the island. Our friendly guide will take you through the streets and show you the architecture, markets and historical sites and monuments such as the house of the famous explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the peace memorial museum which will give you a look at Zanzibar’s history, the Palace museum

which was the home of the Sultan of Zanzibar and his family and is now a museum dedicated to the history of all the Sultans’ of Zanzibar. Other interesting sites in Stone town are the ‘House of wonders’ one of the largest historical buildings in Zanzibar and the old Arab fort. You can stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants in Stone Town (not included in the tour price) before you proceed for your drive to your hotel.

Spice Tour: Price- USD 50 Per person (Minimum 2 people)* The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and a good tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices, and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. Visitors will be fascinated by the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and spice oils. Prison Island: USD 50 per person (Minimum 2 people)* This was once the site of a jail for misbehaving slaves, the island lies just off the old stone town. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkeling, and has a lovely white beach for sun-bathing. It is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. This island is ideal for a day-trip and it also has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish. Our guide will take you from Stone town on a 15 minute boat ride to Prison Island.

Kizimkazi Dolphin tour: USD 80 per person (Minimum 2 people)* Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to the dolphins which can be a very rewarding experience. Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both natural and cultural reasons.

Besides the above we can arrange for other exciting excursions such as snorkeling on Mnemba island which is on the North Coast of Zanzibar, Sailing trips, fishing trips, a walk through the Jozani forest, the home of the red Colobus monkeys. Scuba diving trips and lessons can also be arranged. *Please note for the above excursions a separate transport fee of USD 160 (for 2 pax) is applicable if you are being picked from your hotel on the coast. If you are in Stone town no transport fee is applied.

General information:

• Flights from Dar es salaam takes approximately 25 minutes

• Distance from Zanzibar Airport to the above hotels : Approximately 50 Kilometers

• Distance from Zanzibar airport to Stone town: 5 kilometers

• Vaccinations recommended: Yellow fever

• Average Temperature: 26 C

• Currency : Tanzanian shillings approximate exchange rate TSH 1650 = USD 1

• Dress: Guests are advised when walking around stone Town or other towns and villages in Zanzibar to not dress in bikinis, miniskirts or similar clothing. Modest dress is requested of all tourists in keeping with the Islamic faith of most of the island’s inhabitants. Women should cover their shoulders and wear trousers or skirts that reach below the knee. Men should not walk without t-shirts. Bikinis and swim wear are acceptable on tourist beaches, but not if there are fishermen or seaweed harvesters nearby.