Getting there
local Scheduled flights from Arusha, Dar Es Salaam and Selous. Zanzibar is also an International Gateway with a number of international airlines connecting people to many international hubs.
By Sea: there is a fast ferry that go 3 times a day from Dar es Salaam.
When to go
Any time of the year.
Activities
Stone Town Tour – Highlights
This begins 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 (amongst many other exotic fruits) we continue on to the site of a cathedral built in 1874. The cathedral signifies a potent time in Zanzibar’s history and stands on the sight of a past slave market. Abolished in 1873 by decree of the Sultan of Zanzibar, the cathedral’s high altar stands on the exact site of the whipping post that was in the market. From here we visit the residence of the late Sultan of Zanzibar, ‘Tip Tip House’, the Old Fort, ‘ Peoples Palace ’ and the House of Wonders’, full of intrigue from days of long ago. The tour ends with a stroll down the narrow streets of the old stone town, the heart of Zanzibar ’s vivacious history.
The Spice Tour – Highlights
This is guaranteed to waken your senses, we visit spice plantations where you will have the opportunity to pick, smell & savour fruits & spices that you have probably never seen on the supermarket shelf. Commencing at the ruins of the Maruhubi Palace , via the site of David Livingston’s house (one of Africa ’s greatest explorers) the journey continues north of town towards the Kidichi Persian Baths. From here we continue to the rural areas were local farmers live & produce some of the world’s most exotic fruits and spices. Cloves, star fruit, ‘bulls heart’, tangerine trees, lemon grass, mangosteen and lip-stick trees to name but a few are what you can we expect to see – according to the seasons. Perhaps you will fancy buying a basket of freshly picked spices to take home with you
Jozani Forest Tour – Highlights
Jozani Forest lies about 35 km south-east of Zanzibar township in Zanzibar ’s South Region. It is a narrow neck of land between the Chakwa Bay in the north and Uzi Bay to the South,is the only remaining natural forest on Unguja Island (which along with Pemba make up the islands of Zanzibar ). To have a complete forest tour, you must make a visit in all 3 parts of the forest including a re-planted species of trees from different part of the world which most of them are medicinal plants, they are over 100m long, the forest sustain a wide variety of wildlife and birds, including the rare Red Colobus Monkey, it’s 10 kilometers of swamp forests and evergreen thickets provide a unique glimpse into a secretive world, you will then visit the natural bushes where are the home of red Colobus monkeys before you take a very relaxing walk into a well twisted wooden bridge crossing over the shadow of the varieties mangrove species, you must ask your guide about the close association between the witch doctors of Jozani & leopard found in the forest’s thickest recesses, and mystical tales that have surrounded the reserve dating back to when Tigers inhabited the forest. This is a half a day tour.
Grave Island – Highlights
The island was formerly known as ‘ French Island ’ and has a cemetery that was reserved in 1879 by the ruling Sultan and was later consecrated by bishop Steer ( who built the famous Anglican Cathedral on the site of the old slave market) in 1880. The cemetery contains graves from residence of Zanzibar , officials and men of the Royal Navy Merchant Marine amongst which are British sailors who were killed in action with a German cruiser in 1914.
Coastal Excursion (Nungwi) – Highlights
North coast tour – This trip leads you through one spice farm, Mangapwani slave Caves and Chambers and on to the beautiful white sandy beaches of Nungwi. The most wonderful place to relax and unwind after the dust and humidity of stone town.Pack your swim wear and enjoy a cool drink in Paradise. This is a full day tour.
Prison Island Tour – Highlights
This half a day tour boat ride to the island in a small wooden motorized boat is a must when visiting Zanzibar . Earning its namesake as a former prison for slaves, and a quarantine station for Kenya , Uganda and then Tanganyika , nowadays the island gives you the chance to escape for some peace and quiet! A hundred year old Giant Tortoises act as unlikely vigilant over the island and you cannot not help but wonder what tales they would tell if only they could talk! Approximately one kilometer long and a quarter of a kilometer wide, the location is perfect for swimming & snorkeling after a stroll round the island. Keep the best till last because it really is like diving into champagne the water is so clear
Chumbe Island – Coral Park
Chumbe Island Coral Park, situated a few kilometres offshore from Zanzibar, leaves us speechless every time we visit.Chumbe has all the attractions of an island paradise – glorious coral reefs, waving palm trees, thick coral-rag forests and sublime cuisine.
Chumbe offers the most pristine and colourful coral reefs you’ll find on the East Coast with over 200 species of coral providing a sanctuary for more than 400 species of colourful fish. To protect these coral reefs, diving is not permitted in the marine park. The reef is shallow enough to see everything very clearly with a mask, snorkel and fins. There is also a coral-rag forest which is home to the endangered Ader’s duiker, giant coconut crabs, hermit crabs and a variety of bird species. Knowledgeable guides take guests on daily snorkelling and forest tours.
It all started when German visitor Sibylle Riedmiller went snorkelling on the Chumbe reef. Stunned at the diversity of coral and fish species, she campaigned the Tanzanian government to declare Chumbe Island a marine park. In 1994 her wish for the protection of these reefs was granted and Chumbe Island was gazetted a protected marine area. Since many local fishermen didn’t know the value of coral or how to protect it, Sibylle set up an education and conservation project. Fishermen were trained as park rangers, and school children were brought to Chumbe to learn about marine ecology. Of course, funds were needed to keep all this good work going, so the idea of a low-impact, self-sustaining tourism project began. After continued efforts (the Tanzanian government favoured large hotel developments) Sibylle succeeded in building a small eco-tourism lodge. Today Chumbe operates as a non-profit organisation with all the funds generated from tourism channelled straight back into the conservation and educational programmes. It’s a highly successful model of sustainable tourism development and we hope to see other projects like it in the near future.
Note :Please ask your clients to wear shoes that can be used in the water, as at certain tides they may have to wade for a short distance to the boat.
All include
– Lunch freshly cooked on the island
– Soda, water and snacks
– Swimming and Snorkeling
– Boat transport to and from the island on the morning transfer
– Boat transfers onto the reed for snorkeling
– Guidance on the reef and through the forest trails
– Use of snorkeling equipment
– Tuition in snorkeling if required
– All taxes
Diving Zanzibar
Zanzibar is reputed to have some of the best diving in the world, and the coral reef structures that surround Unguja and Pemba ensure that the marine life is abundant. Good visibility (20 – 60 metres) and a year-round average water temperature of 27°c ensure that you enjoy your Zanzibar diving experience, and also present an ideal opportunity for learning to dive or upgrading your diving qualification.
There are several dive centres on the island including and most run courses using the international PADI system of diver education. This way, the certification you gain in Zanzibar can be used anywhere in the world.
Diving in Zanzibar isn’t restricted to beginners. Experienced scuba divers can enjoy exciting wall dives, night dives and drift dives. In deeper waters, lush coral gardens often stretch as far as the eye can see, and large gamefish (barracuda, kingfish, tuna and wahoo) hunt together with large Napoleonic wrasse, graceful manta rays and sharks. Shallower waters are the playground of tropical fish, including a huge variety of Indo-Pacific marine fauna.
Be a SAFE diver!
Ensure that the dive centre you use:
· Is staffed by professional divers
· Has well equipped boats. Important things to check for onboard include medical oxygen, first-aid facilities, radio communications, sufficient life jackets and back-up engine/s.
Deep Sea Fishing
World record fish or the skipper believes the fish is unlikely to survive release. With Leven bank just 5 miles north of Nungwi and the drop-offs and deep blue water east of Mnemba Island about 12 miles east, the well equipped fishing boats and professional crews will have you in the mix in no time! The boats are available for half day or full day charters. Night fishing trips for broadbill, the “gladiator of the sea”, can be arranged and will certainly test your skills as an angler. Zanzibar is home to some of the best big game and deep sea fishing opportunities in East Africa . You can book for a day out in the waters of Zanzibar and the Pemba channel. The deep sea fishing charter boats are fully rigged and ready to take you out for a fishing experience you will never forget! a fishing village on the north-western tip of Zanzibar Island where the fishing grounds of Zanzibar , Pemba and the famous Pemba Channel are not even a stone’s throw away. You will fish by trolling a combination of lures or natural dead baits (Ballyhoo or strips) or live bait. The well equipped and catered sports fishing boats and resourceful crews will ensure your absolute enjoyment out on the water. Billfish such as striped, black and blue marlin as well as the acrobatic and dazzling sailfish and elusive spearfish abound in these crystal waters! Yellow fin tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Barracuda, Kingfish (Trevally), King & Queen Mackerel and the lesser game fish such as Bonito tuna, Skipjack tuna and Rainbow Runner provide endless hours of adrenalin filled game fishing action
Dolphin Tour – Highlights
This half a day tour takes you to Kizimkazi along the south-west coast of Zanzibar , upon arrival at the fishing village Kizimkazi you will have a brief talk about the behavior and different types of dolphins before proceeding to the dolphins locations with 80% chances to see them. There is a fair chance you will get to play and swim with them, returning to the sea shore in the afternoon.
Bawe Island – Highlights
In 1879, Bawe Island was given by Seyid Barghash bin Seyid, 3rd Omani Sultan of Zanzibar, to the Eastern Telegraph Company to be used as the operations station for the underwater telegraphic cable linking Cape Town with Zanzibar , Seychelles and Aden . The agreement was extended ten years later, in 1889, by the next Sultan, Seyid Khalifa bin Seyid. To accommodate the Cable & Wireless staff, Bungalows were built on the island, which were used also to host weekend parties when other town-based staff would visit and enjoy the beach with their families. Bawe is renowned for its exceptionally breathtaking marine life, becoming a popular sire for both snorkeling and scuba diving.
Safari Blue – Highlights
SAFARI BLUE – ZANZIBAR
This is absolutely different experience that Someone must experience in Zanzibar .
Think of the Africa boat Safaris, it is something one might not resist to take , it comes to you & why not to go?? All that Madeira Tours & Safaris has truly gone extra miles away to organise adventures that will make your holiday to Zanzibar the most memorable.
The original and the best “Safari Blue” is a full day excursion using locally made traditional sailing dhows of between 8 to 10 metres in length. We currently operate 6 passenger-carrying dhows that are finished to the very highest standards and fitted with outboard engines, marine VHF radios, gas inflatable life jackets, sunshade, boarding ladder, waterproof bags and first aid kit with DAN oxygen unit. We also have public liability and marine insurance.
The excursion starts at the fishing village of Fumba , 30 minutes drive from Stone Town . Fumba is situated in the southwest corner of the island and an ideal starting point to explore Menai Bay , designated a Conservation Area. The bay has a number of beautiful uninhabited islands and sandbanks and is frequented by humpback and bottlenose dolphins.
On arrival at Fumba clients are given a briefing on the day and a life jacket demo. We then board the dhows and set off to explore the bay and find the dolphins. We are lucky enough to see dolphins on at least 85% of our trips.
Later in the morning we stop on a sandbank where we set up sunshades and fit the clients with snorkelling equipment. We have a large range of sizes and good quality equipment. Guides, who can safely lead the snorkelling session and show points of interest, accompany the clients. For beginners or those who are not confident swimmers, we have inflatable snorkelling vests and our guides can give tuition.
After snorkelling we offer fresh green coconuts before we move to another sandbank for lunch. During the morning our catering boat has gone on ahead to prepare lunch which is served on teak picnic tables set up beneath smart canvas sunshades.
Lunch is a traditional Zanzibar meal and includes a selection of grilled fish, slipper lobster, squid, rice, tamarind and coriander sauces and barbecued chicken. A gastronomic fruit tasting follows with a selection of between 10 to 15 different tropical fruits. Cold drinks are available throughout the day and include mineral water, sodas and beer. Coffee and Amarula liqueur are also served after lunch.
When the tide allows we visit a beautiful mangrove lagoon where it is possible to swim through the mangrove forest. We return to Fumba by sail and arrive back at 6 p.m. in time to see the colourful African sunset.
We advise clients that there are no formal changing facilities at Fumba so please wear your swimming things under your clothes. We also advise clients to bring waterproof shoes for boarding the dhows and to bring towels, sunscreen and a spare T-shirt for snorkelling.
All include-
1) Return Transfers
2) A buffet seafood lunch comprising :
-Slipper lobster
-Two types of grilled fish
-Chicken
-Grilled Calamari
-Vegetarian/non-fish dishes by prior request
-Rice
-Two sauces- tomato with Tamarind and coconut with coriander
-Large selection of tropical fruits (10-15 types)
-Beverage : Soft drink, mineral water and beer
-Coffee and Amarula liquer
Sunset Dhow Cruise – Highlights
This Tour starts an hour before sunset, the guests are picked from their Hotels and transferred to the drop off point at the sea front, where the guests then board the Dhow.
The skilled crew on board take the Dhow about 1 km from the shore by means of an engine, once out in the sea the engine is shut off and during a tense moment the skillful crew put up the sail, when the sail is in favour of the wing, the guest can sit and relax enjoying the peacefulness of the ocean , as the Dhow glides through the water , you can watch the wonder of the fiery golden sun setting beyond the horizon ( while savouring a glass of chilled wine )
Fishing Trip
Forget fishing in a modern fishing vessel with the latest in reels and rods and fighting chair. We offer visitors the unique opportunity to sail our to sea with a Zanzibari fisherman and see what “ fishing for a living “ is all about . Whilst the crew are busy preparing fishing nets the timelessness of this tradition will carry you far from the modern world’s pace. On returning to Zanzibar Island we will take you to see the colorful and bustling fish market where the fresh catches of the day are auctioned. This is full day tour.
Dhow Cruise (Sailing Trip) – Highlights
This is the sea excursion by using Traditional Wood Dhow made by hand in Zanzibar Island . This Dhow is the same like which was used to carry slaves from Mainland to Zanzibar .
The structure and sailing styles of this Dhow is original from Arabian countries. What we offer to clients is isles trips, prison island the place where you see the land giant tortoise and after time the dhow will drive you to sand bank the place where you have soft drinks and snacks, swimming and snorkeling sports also are down there the ones of the best place at the west part of Zanzibar. Game fishing is done comparing for how you booked either full day or half day.