Zanzibar
Where better to go after
an action-packed safari or a tough climb? Zanzibar is a tropical paradise just
off the coast from Dar es Salaam. Let us arrange for you a relaxing beach
vacation on the Isle of Spice. Zanzibar beach the endless blue skies, stunning
white sands beaches framed by whispering palm fronds. Dancing to an African
drum beat long into the night. Cool water and hot sun on your skin. The bustle
of the bazaars and the exquisite architecture of Stonetown. Your memories of
Zanzibar will last a lifetime.
The Spices, Tropical Warmth
The spice island of
Zanzibar lies off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. It is famous for
once being the commercial centre of East Africa and the last place to abolish
the slave trade. Today it combines ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses
with miles of white sandy palm fringed beaches and coves. The ocean offers warm
clear blue waters, idyllic islands excellent reefs for snorkeling/SCUBA,
fantastic deep sea fishing, water sports and of course delicious fresh seafood.
You can also opt to go for an early morning boat ride to swim with the
dolphins. And if you thought that wasn't enough, visiting the Spice plantations
(cloves,cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom and others) or haggling over the
price of wood carvings in the Central Market is great fun too.
Indian Ocean Beaches
Brilliant white beaches
lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect places to
relax, soak up the busy sightseeing. Modern resorts nestle in the shade of
coconut palms, providing cool and comfortable retreats. The beaches are
paradise. Most indigenous people live in fishing villages where they live a
simple way of life, unchanged through the years. Just south of Zanzibar town
are Fuji Beach and Chuini Beach, which both offer facilities for a range of
water sports, while to the north there is Mangapwani where the only noise is
likely to be the sound of the ocean. On the northern tip of the Island is
Nungwi, where visitors can watch fishermen's boats being built or swim in the
coral lagoons.
On Zanzibar's northeast
coast are the beaches of Matemwe, Mapenzi, Kiwenga and Uroa, with their wide
stretches of uncrowded sands and opportunities to explore the underwater world.
Other well developed resorts areas: Pingwe, Bwejuu and Jambiani are to be found
on the south-eastern coast. As well as water sports there are also
opportunities for fishing or for observing the activities of the local
fishermen.
Old Culture
Tours of Zanzibar island
are rewarding experience. Visitors will travel past fragrant plantation of
cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices on their way to a number of places of
historical interest. In the south of the island is the walled city of
Kizimkazi, where the ruins of Shirazi mosque, part of which dates back nearly
900 years, are found. A coral stone inscription provides evidence of its age,
making it one of the earliest Islamic buildings in this part of Africa. Head
north from Zanzibar town and visitors will encounter the palace ruins of
Maruhubi and Mtoni. The ruins of Maruhubi offer a tantalising glimpse of former
grandeur of this palace built by Sultan Bargash in 1880 to house his harem, but
burnt down in 1889. The palace of Mtoni suffered a similar fate. Dating back to
the early part of 19 century, it once housed 1,000 people. These are few
examples of historical ruins that dotted throughout the island. Others to be
found at Chuini, Dunga, Kidichi, Kizimbani and Bungi.
Jozani Forest
35 km southeast from
Zanzibar City is Jozani Forest Reserve, an area of 10 sq.km whose thick forest,
with trees over 100 years old, are one of the last remaining sanctuaries of red
colubus monkey.
Changuu (Prison Island)
Changuu is another
popular destination. The island was used to contain disobedient slaves and jail
was built in 1893 but never used. Today the island's most famous inhabitants
are giant tortoise and it is a popular place for a swim, a stroll or a picnic.
Dar es Salaam
Booasts are the one of
the finest natural harbours in the world, and while it has become a bustling
port and economic centre, it remains a place of fascination, with many
reminders of its colourful past. Dhows still ply its waters. Dug-outs, filled
with fish, bob by the harbourside. The city also displays the many influences
of its history. There's an Asian district, with its speciality shops, tea
rooms, restaurants and Hindu temples, while the German colonisation has left
behind a Bavarian-style railway station, the Roman Catholic St. Joseph's
Cathedral and the Lutheran Azania Front Church. The flower-filled parks - like
the peaceful Botanical Gardens - tree-lined streets and Gymkana Club, are
evidence of British occupation. The Nyerere Cultural Centre, a self-supporting
handicraft scheme, is well worth a visit. Here over 100 young artists can be
seen at work producing various works including paintings, carvings, batiks,
pottery and weavings.
Enjoy the hustle and
bustle of the Kariakoo Market were fish, fruit, vegetables, traditional
medicines, herbs and livestock are traded. The maze of stalls and shops in the
bazaar that surrounds the market, are also worth exploring.
We can arrange an
itinerary to fit nearly every budget.
Bagamoyo
Some 75 km to the north
of Dar es Salaam, on the coast opposite Zanzibar, is the former capital of
German East Africa, Bagamoyo. Possessing a good, natural harbour ideal for
sailing vessels and dhows, it was once the centre of the notorious slave trade.
Its name is derived from the word Bwagomoyo, which means "Here I throw
down my heart," reflecting the desperation and despair of the 'broken
hearted' captives whose voyage into the unknown began here. The present police
station, near the beachfront, was the first stone building in Bagamayo.
Originally an Arab residence it was at one time the old prison where slaves
were herded through underground tunnels to waiting dhows. The city was also the
starting point for the first European explorers on their way to search for the
source of the Nile. Livingstone, Stanley, Burton and Speke all passed through
here. Livingstone's body was laid to rest here before being taken first to
Zanzibar and then to England. The Mission has a museum with a wonderful
collection of photographs and mementoes relating to Livingstone and to German
colonial times. A house where Henry Morton Stanley lived a century ago can be
seen in solitary splendor near the beach.
Pangani
Pangani is situated about
50km south of Tanga, at the extreme Northeastern corner of Tanzania. Several
historical sites serve as reminders for the strong Arabic influence and the
later German, British colonial period in East Africa. Pangani is the land of
historical Swahili and Arab culture existing today. The historic town of
Pangani lies along the coastline of the sparkling blue waters of the Indian
Ocean. Coral reefs and white sand beaches are some of the natural treasures
which await discovery but equally fascinating is the rich culture and tradition
which can be experienced with local people..
In Pangani we offer you:
·
Guided walking tours of
Pangani town passing through historical buildings which show the Arabic coastal
influence
·
Visits to a former slave
labor camps and slave market site
·
Excursions on a fishing
boat with fisherman at work
·
River cruises through the
vast coconut plantations of Pangani
·
Chance to snorkel on
attractive coral where huge sea turtles roam
·
Tour to Mangroves
forests, Cycling and Swimming in the Indian Ocean.
·
Tour studies for marine
ecosystem.
Social evening tours can
be arranged according to your interests. Dolphins at Maziwe Island, beaches and
game reserves, hippo pools and green turtles at Madete shall be added to your
tours schedule on request.
Think of
Zanzibar and pictures of romantic dhows with white sails, endless, palm fringed
beaches, veiled women, ancient ruins and exotic spices float before your eyes.
The island have a thrilling history, which reflects today in the culture and
traditions of the Zanzibaris. Zanzibar has more to offer than just fantastic
white tropical beaches! We have a close association and detailed knowledge with
the Zanzibar island as we are located here, too. If you want to combine your
Safari with a beach holiday on Zanzibar, then you would be delighted with one
of our Safari Zanzibar Packages. We offer a Special Offer, Camping Safari or
Lodge Safari with beach extension on Zanzibar at very affordable prices.
Furthermore we offer exclusive Zanzibar Packages and cultural packages. Or we
would be happy to tailor your beach holiday to your expectations, interests and
budget with the range of attractions and accommodation the island offers.
