This destination has a wonderful mix of some of the best beaches in the world, great ocean activities such as SCUBA/snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, swimming with wild dolphins, and ocean safaris along with a blend of exotic cultures. Zanzibar was an important trading hub with Arabian, Persian, Indian, Portuguese, and African cultures. This is the birthplace of the Swahili language and culture. Besides the white-sand beaches lined with palm trees, the island has Jozani Rainforest, and is famous for its spice plantations. The abundance of spices with the blend of cultures has made each meal in Zanzibar a culinary delight.
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago consisting of two large islands, Ungunja and Pemba along with several smaller islands. Unguja is by far the main island and is often just referred to as Zanzibar. The largest city on Unguja is named Zanzibar. The oldest portion of the city is the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Stone Town.
The island of Pemba is far less developed for tourism but that is changing as some eco-friendly resorts have recently opened. Expect there to be far fewer tourist amenities outside of the resorts and expect a quiet relaxed atmosphere and secluded beaches.
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim and outside of the beach resorts, it would be respecful to dress conservatively. At the beach resorts more liberal attire is accepted although topless sun bathing is not permitted.
The temperatures do not vary much through the year but there are two periods of precipitation. March, April, and early May can be quite wet. Some resorts close down for the month of April. To a lesser extent, November and early December also experience periods of rain.
Zanzibar has an international airport - Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). There are direct flights from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Zanzibar. There is also flights between Zanzibar and central Serengeti National Park (Seronera Airstrip - SEU). There is also fast, comfortable, and safe ferry service from the mainland city of Dar es Salaam.
The island of Pemba can be reached by air from Zanzibar to the town of Chake-Chake (PMA airport code). There is also ferry service from Unguja (Zanzibar).
Below are just a sample of the may activities available. Feel free to contact us regarding other options or adjustments to the itineraries listed below.
On this tour you will have a chance to go snorkeling for a few hours. There is a possibility of swimming with wild dolphins. We then visit Nungwi Aquarium where you will get a chance for an interactive encounter with sea-turtles. From there we will take you to Kendwa Beach. This is rated as the top beach in East Africa. Included this day is transportation, entry/local fees, , use of snorkel equipment, lunch, drinking water.
This tour gives takes you on a traditional dhow boat cruise for snorkeling, observing dolphins, relaxing on a sandbank, enjoying a seafood BBQ, and swimming in a hidden mangrove lagoon. Included is transporation, all fees, use of snorkel equipment, lunch, snacks, drinks. This is a very popular activity.
A delightful way to enjoy the sunset and the beauty of Zanzibar from a traditional Arabian dhow (wooden boat). Snacks and refreshments are served while you are entertained by live traditional Zanzibari music with the beauty of the setting sun and Zanzibar coastline. This is an enjoyable and popular tour.
Discover Zanzibar City’s UNESCO-listed historic center on a Stone Town walking tour that explores Zanzibar’s history and distinctive architecture, from a bustling local market to a Sultan’s palace-turned-museum. Sightseeing on foot mean you can explore Stone Town's most narrow, winding streets.
This tour takes you to Prison Island, designed to be a prison for disobedient slaves but never put into use. Now it is a lovely beach destination and has a population of giant tortoises. We then take you to Nakupenda Sandbar, one of the best beaches in Tanzania. Included in this tour is transportation (bus & boat), entry fees, lunch and juices/soft drinks.
A relaxing walking tour in Jozani Forest, famous for its friendly and playful red colobus monkeys. Walking through the rainforest you be immersed in the flora and fauna. We then take you to Mtende Beach. The area surrounding the beach is under protected status. This makes the beach quiet and secluded. After a few hours here, we take you to Kuza Cave. A wonderful peaceful sinkhole filled with crystal-clear water. This area is considered sacred by the local inhabitants. This tour includes transportation, entry fees, lunch, and drinking water.
This is a very interesting part-day tour visiting a seaweed farm. You will see the farming techniques and the varied uses of the seaweed. You can buy the seaweed products direct.
This is a relaxing and enjoyable half day tour walking through the rainforest experiencing the wide variety of spices and exotic fruits grown in Zanzibar. With an expert local guide you will an approximate 2 hour walking tour. You will experience, smell, and taste the fresh spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, tumeric, cardamom, cloves, among others. After the walk, you will be served a lunch consisting of pilau (spiced rice) and a variety of fruits. You will have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices direct from the farm to take back to your family and freinds. Hint: see the Zanzibar Cooking Class mentioned below.
Why just bring back your memories of the wonderful meals in Zanzibar? The Zanzibar Cooking Class will allow you to share your wonderful experience with your friends back home and to bring back wonderful memories each time you prepare one of these wonderful meals back home. Included is transportation, the meal, and drinking water.
Led by an experienced guide who will explain the wildlife and history of the area, you will paddle through mangrove 'water forests' of Jozani Forest. There are options for half day and full day itineraries. Included will be safety instructions on kayaking, use of kayak/canoe, life jacket, paddle, and helmet. Also included are a seafood buffet lunch, fresh fruits, soft drinks and mineral water, Jozani Forest park fees, a walking tour of Jozani Forest, English-speaking local tour guide, transporttion to and from your Zanzibar accommodation. You will want sun and insect protection and you should wear comfortable clothing that may possibly get wet (including your shoes).
Typically when mentioning the Maasai, northern mainland Tanzania comes to mind where traditional Maasai villages are plentiful. In Zanzibar, without a doubt you will see Maasai along the beaches. There is one authentic Maasai village located inland on the northern part of Unguja (Zanzibar). Nature Protector Adventures offers tours of this village. During this tour you will get a chance to interact with the Maasai and observe and participate in their daily activities. This tour can be combined with other tour destinations to create a full day tour or you can visit as a half day tour.
For more information or to request a price quote for any of these tours please contact us.
natureprotector28@gmail.com