STONE TOWN – CITY TOUR & SHOPPING- (HALF DAY)

This three & a half-hour tour commences with a visit to Zanzibar’s colorful market. Alive with the buzz of locals bartering fresh vegetables and baskets of tropical fruit, amongst the heady smell of Jack fruit (and many other exotic fruits) we continue on to the site of the cathedral built in 1874. The cathedral signifies a potent time in Zanzibar’s history and stands on the sight of a past slave market, its high altar standing on the exact site of the whipping post. Slavery was abolished in 1873 through a decree passed by the then current Sultan of Zanzibar. From here we visit the residence of the late Sultans of Zanzibar, ‘Tip Tip House’, the Old Fort, ‘Peoples Palace’ and the House of Wonders’, full of intrigue and vivid history from a bygone era. The tour ends with a stroll through the narrow streets of the old stone town, the heart of Zanzibar’s vivacious history with time for shopping. The tour could be in the morning or in the afternoon.

SPICES (HALF DAY)

Since the abolition of the slave trade, spices have been at the heart of Zanzibari enterprise. The sheer variety highlights the Islands strategic location as well as the depth of cultural interaction. Indeed, no trip to Zanzibar could be considered complete without a visit to one of our carefully selected spice farms. This involves visiting the spices growing areas to see different spices and to learn their nature, uses and taste some of them right on the spot depending on the season. In addition, it involves visits to the famous spices producing area where you can see medicinal, cosmetics, ornamental plants and herbs.

Most of the interesting items are cloves, nut meg, rambutan, lipstick, iodine plant, lemon grass, vanilla, henna, shampoo plant etc. Our spice tour offers you the opportunity to indulge your senses with a kaleidoscope of smells, tastes and textures. From the punch of a chili to the refreshing succulence of green coconut flesh, we promise that this tour will awaken your senses. It also provides you with the unique opportunity to purchase these exclusive spices straight from the source.

Finally, you will visit Maruhubi Palace Ruins built by the third Sultan of Zanzibar named Sultan Said Baraghash Bin Said in 1880 which were built especially for housing 99 of his harem. Sensible shoes and hats are advisable. The tour could be in the morning or in the afternoon.

JOZANI FOREST (HALF DAY)

After transfer you proceed to Jozani Forest, the largest conservation area in Zanzibar and the only remaining natural mangrove forest on the island, the Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Area is renowned for its hairy ape residents, the Red Columbus Monkey. Endemic to Zanzibar, visitors come from far and wide to view the highly endangered Red Columbus Monkey, now numbering only 1500.

Due to large-scale cultivation, firewood collection, harvesting building materials and charcoal and lime making, Zanzibar's forests have been largely depleted, making the Jozani Chwaka Bay conservation area a significant natural landscape. Nature lovers can walk through the 100 different towering tree species and marvel at the rich variety of birdlife and other small wildlife that inhabit the cool woodland area. The tour could be in the morning or in the afternoon.

PRISON ISLAND (HALF DAY)

Prison Island is one of the nearest islands from Stone Town, just 20 minutes by boat. It is also known as Changuu Island. There are many trees and plants on this island and it is a delight to walk safely and unhindered through the dappled shadows. Birds a bound and bird watchers will find plenty of species to delight them. Its original use was as a prison and later it was taken over to be used as quarantine station by the British Army.

Another prison was then built but never used. Today prison Island is a pleasant destination for a day trip. It has some excellent coral formations just offshore providing a good opportunity for snorkeling. Another main attraction is the giant tortoises which are over 100 years old. These tortoises are only found on this island. Not indigenous to continental Africa, the original tortoises were brought from Aldabra in the Seychelles in an effort to extend the tortoise conservation efforts.

Aldabra is famous for harboring endemic and rare marine life species, and along with the Galapagos Islands, is one of the worlds few places where giant tortoises exist. Some of the tortoises at Prison Island were rescued from poachers who were intercepted on their way from Aldabra to other parts of the world, where they would sell the animals to private collectors or zoos.

These giant tortoises have been living in the Indian Ocean Islands for over 100 million years, but their numbers have fallen to such critically low levels that they are now classified as endangered. The adult tortoises of Prison Island are already producing the next generations, and the future is looking good for the continued survival of this ancient reptile:

We advise clients to bring waterproof shoes for boarding the dhows and to bring

KIZIMKAZI DOLPHIN (HALF DAY)

After an early transfer to Kizimkazi in Menai Bay, visitors board a local “dhow” and head off in search of the dolphins. An outboard engine is used for the excursion. Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins and Humpback dolphins, which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim and play friendly with the dolphins at close range, which can be a very rewarding experience.

We advise clients to bring waterproof shoes for boarding the dhows and to bring towels, sunscreen and a spare T-shirt for snorkelling.

SAFARI BLUE (FULL DAY, LUNCH INCLUDED):

The original and the best, Safari Blue is a full day excursion on locally made, traditional sailing dhows. Safari Blue dhows are between 8 and 10 m in length, and are equipped with Mobile communication devices, life jackets, sunshade and waterproof rain tarpaulin. Safari Blue starts from the fishing village of Fumba, 30 minutes’ drive from Stone Town.

Fumba is situated in the southwest corner of the island and it is an ideal starting point to explore Menai Bay, officially designated a Conservation Area in 1998. The Bay has a number of beautiful uninhabited islands and sandbanks and it is frequented by humpback and bottlenose dolphins.

On arrival at Fumba beach at 09:30, clients are given a briefing on Safari Blue and a life jacket demo (life jackets are on board and a safety boat on hand). We then board the dhows and set off to explore the bay and spot the dolphins. We are lucky enough to see dolphins on at least 90% of our trips.

Later in the morning, after 30 minutes cruising, we drop anchor by a sandbank (subject to marine conditions) where we set up sunshades and fit our clients with snorkelling equipment (masks and snorkels, fins, buoyancy aids). We have a large range of sizes and high-quality equipment.

Safari Blue guides, who can safely lead the snorkeling session and show points of interest, accompany our clients. For beginners or less confident swimmers, we have inflatable snorkeling vests and our guides are always on hand to teach and assist. Rescue boat is on stand-by.

After snorkelling, we offer fresh green coconuts (madafu) and serve some delicious snacks before we move to our desert island restaurant located beneath the shade of large tamarind trees on Kwale Island, where clients sit at tables and wooden benches. We will set off for Kwale at around 1300hrs.

Lunch is a traditional Zanzibari buffet and includes slipper lobster, two types of grilled fish, calamari, chicken or beef, rice and freshly-made sauces, all served hot from the grill. Vegetarian/non-fish dishes by prior request. Field toilets are available on the island. A gastronomic fruit tasting follows with a selection of between 10 and 15 different tropical fruits. Cold drinks are available throughout the day and include mineral water, homemade iced tea, sodas and beer. Coffee and Amarula liqueur are also served after lunch.

Safari Blue includes a visit to a beautiful mangrove lagoon to swim through a mangrove forest (tide permitting) and a short walk to a huge baobab tree on Kwale Island. We also offer the chance to join our crew and sail in an “ngalawa”, a local outrigger canoe. Our traditional dhows return by sail arriving back in Fumba by about 17h00.

Advisory note:

We advise our clients to wear swimwear under their clothes (there are no changing facilities at Fumba) and to bring waterproof footwear for boarding the dhows, beach towel, hat, sunscreen and a spare T-shirt for snorkeling.

CULTURAL TOUR - FULL DAY

This is a full day trip that will give you a great opportunity to visit different parts of the island and experience real insight of Zanzibari’s cultural evolution, history, activities, behavior, cuisine, arts, belief and other product of human works and thought. You will get a chance to experience how local dishes are cooked using various kinds of spices and coconut milk that will give you a superb flavours and taste.

This tour will also include a visit to:

• Local fish market where fresh fish is being auctioned and sold.
• Traditional dhow’s construction site.
• A typical local Zanzibari village where you will see daily activities undertaken by the villagers.
• The natural turtle aquarium.
• One of the local schools.

NUNGWI TOUR - FULL DAY

Nungwi is located at the North tip of Zanzibar island, 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive from the Stone Town. Nungwi has crystal clear waters, an excellent place for diving, snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing.

This trip leads you through the Mangapwani cave which is a 30 minutes’ drive from Zanzibar town. Up to 1911 the cave was a secret hide out from which slaves were kept illegally then transported by dhow, after the official closure of the Slave Market in June 1873. You will then proceed to Nungwi which is an hour’s drive from the cave.

Other highlights of this tour are:

• Visit a site where local villagers build dhows and boats using traditional tools.
• Visit the natural turtle aquarium.
• Visit villages.
• Swimming & Sunbath.

NOTES, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS

BAGGAGE INFORMATION

Baggage Allowance: For all Gemsbok Safaris destinations, the baggage allowance is limited to 15 kg per person, except for Zanzibar, Kisumu, Diani, Lamu, Malindi, and Mombasa, where 20 kg per person is allowed, inclusive of hand luggage. All luggage should be packed in soft bags.

Excess Baggage Storage: Complimentary storage for excess baggage is available at Gemsbok Safaris’ office at Wilson Airport. Please inquire at the check-in counter for details.

Hand Luggage Inclusion: The baggage allowance includes hand luggage. For significant excess baggage, guests may book a "freight" seat at an adult rate (Y class fares) to accommodate an additional 75 kg. Freight seats are only available on safari routes and are subject to Gemsbok Safaris’ discretion. Alternatively, excess baggage can be purchased in advance in bundles of 10, 20, or 30 kg.