ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar’s allure is legendary. One of East Africa’s great trading centres, the archipelago has been for centuries a crossroads of culture, a melting pot of influences where Africa, India and Arabia meet, a complete change of pace from the mainland, a place where life’s rhythms are set by the monsoon winds and the cycles of the moon.
While Zanzibar gets most of the attention, the archipelago is also made up of Pemba to the north, plus numerous smaller islands and islets. Each of the main islands has its own distinct character. Zanzibar’s major attraction is Stone Town, with its whitewashed, coral-rag houses, quaint shops, bazaars, mosques, courtyards and squares.
Zanzibar has many excursions for travellers such as swimming with the dolphins, Jozani Forest (for Colobus Monkeys), Spice tours, Dhow cruises, hire motorbikes, snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: Fly from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International airport to Zanzibar. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way into the arrivals hall. You will be met by a representative who will transfer you to Shooting Star Lodge where you will be staying for seven nights on a half board basis. (DBB)
1 x Sea View Cottage
The Hotel- a small, relaxed family run hotel, located on the eastern side of the exotic East African island of Zanzibar. The Shooting Star overlooks the beautiful fine white sands and coconut palms of Kiwengwa beach. The atmosphere is intimate and tranquil with spectacular views across a coral reef to the azure Indian Ocean beyond.
Sea View Cottages - six spacious en-suite rooms with private verandah’s overlooking the sea.
The cottages are set apart from the bar and restaurant to enable residents to relax and enjoy the perfect peace and tranquility.
All rooms have breath-taking views of Kiwengwa beach, the coral reef and the ocean.
DAY 8: After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the airport in time to check in for your return flight to Johannesburg.
EXCURSIONS (Transport from Town)
Please note that these excursions must be booked and paid for direct.
Authentic Stone Town (3 hours) (minimum 2 persons).
Among the many interesting sites of Stone Town are the Palace Museum, the Slave Market, the Old Fort, the House of Wonders and the Hamamni Baths. You can arrange for a guided tour or just venture out on your own. An absolute must for first time visitors. Enjoy!!!
Spice Plantation (3 hours) (minimum 2 persons).
Historically Zanzibar’s seaport was renowned for its export of slaves and spices. For centuries the world centre of clove productions, Zanzibar became renowned in the 18th and 19th centuries as the “Spice Island”. The spice tours offers visitors to Zanzibar an opportunity to tour plantations, to learn about the history of the island and the cultivation of spice plants, and to see the many varieties of spices produced here.
Giant Tortoises (Prison Island – 3 to 4 hours) (minimum 2 persons).
The island was formerly intended to be the penal institution in the days of the Sultancy, but was never really used as a prison. It was actually the site of a hospital and quarantine facility. Visible just a short distance from the Stone Town Prison Island is now a successful sanctuary for Giant Tortoises. Just near the island, there are beautiful coral reefs for excellent snorkeling. It is a pleasant destination for sunbathing and swimming.
North Cost Cultural Tour (6 hours - full day) (minimum 2 persons).
For the culturally inquisitive – visit the dhow buiders, a local blacksmith, a fish market, a natural aquarium and a ‘surprise’ workshop visit.
Jozani Forest (1/2 day) (minimum 2 persons).
One of the last stands of Equatorial forest on Zanzibar, the Jozani forest is a habitat of rare Red Colobus Monkeys. It is now a protected park with pleasant guided walking tours.
Dolphin Spotting (4 hours) (minimum 2 persons).
We suggest an early start to gain a higher chance of finding these magnificent mammals, with about 75% success rates of sightings. Including: Private English speaking guide, entrance fees, boat, transport from town.
Jozani Forest and Kizimkazi (full day) (minimum 2 persons).
This tour will take you to one of the last remaining natural rain forests in East Africa, the Jozani Forest. This forest is home to some different species of Monkeys, especially the Red Colobus monkeys which is endemic to the island.
After exploring the forest you will be driven to Kizimkazi, which is on the south-west side of Zanzibar. The waters off Kizimkazi are home to several pods of bottlenose and Humpback dolphins and there is a good chance of viewing them at close range. The snorkelling in the area is very good. A traditional Zanzibar seafood lunch is included at Kizidi Restaurant overlooking the sea, offering breathtaking scenery.
Dhow Sunset Cruise (2 hours) (minimum 4 persons).
Enjoy the sightings of the old city from a different perspective – from the ocean side. Sit back, relax and enjoy drinks and homemade snacks.
DECOMPRESSION CHAMBER – ZANZIBAR
The recompression, diving and travel medical facility is staffed by a medical doctor (Dr du Preez) who will maintain and manage the clinic for the benefit of local divers and the divers travelling to the area.
E. & O.E.
