Zanzibar

What we love

1. Stone Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 — it’s a remarkably well-preserved example of a traditional Swahili trading town.
2. The Old Fort of Zanzibar is now the headquarters for the annual Zanzibar International Film Festival.
3. Zanzibar produces over 80% of the world's cloves. The Spice Island is also one of the world’s leading producers of nutmeg and cinnamon.
4. Try kite-surfing or go on a snorkelling or diving excursion.

A World Heritage site, Stone Town is the old trade centre with mosques and winding lanes buzzing with colourful markets and local flavours. The island’s valuable crops made it a popular port for international traders. Omani Arabs constructed the Old Fort of Zanzibar in the early 1700s, after they wrested it from Portuguese control in 1698.

Today, Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination and continues to grow world-class spices.

Early settlers soon learned that the island was perfect for growing a variety of different spices. As a result, there are lots of spice farms on the island. A visit to a spice farm can be combined with a culinary experience over lunch.

Prepare to be wowed as you set off on your adventure to Zanzibar where you will visit a local spice farm to smell and taste the island’s popular varieties. Your guide will show you an array of plants and teach you about the medicinal uses of certain spices.

After lunch at a local restaurant you will visit Stone Town, boasting 19th-century architecture that reflects Swahili culture, explore the Slave Quarters, and the Old Fort of Zanzibar. History buffs can learn more about the city’s dark past at Prison Island, a former camp where people with diseases were sent. Foodies can delight in a trip to Forodhani Gardens, a night-time food market that sells fresh produce.

The fun isn’t over yet! You will head out to a thrilling sunset cruise on “Sanjeeda.”

During your free time, why not take advantage of all your hotel has to offer? Lounge at the pool, try your hand at windsurfing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. Rent a bike and explore Zanzibar like a local!

Overview

This is a suggested itinerary for 5 nights/6 days Zanzibar, which can be extended to a longer stay in Zanzibar, rest of Tanzania, Kenya, or tagged on to further Southern African destinations such as Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Exclusive Africa Experiences has negotiated best rates at top hotels in Zanzibar and will take care of all ground arrangements, excursions, and give you special tips on what to explore and what to look out for.

Newsflash: special offers have been negotiated for South African citizens and permanent residents.

Overnights on this itinerary are at a top rated beach hotels on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.

Planning

Day 1 – Arrival in Zanzibar On arrival at Zanzibar’s main airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your beach hotel. Take the remainder of the day to relax or explore the city, spend the day at leisure.

Day 2 - Explore the beach hotel and surroundings at leisure. Take advantage of the hotels amenities, spend time at the pool, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment.

Day 3 – Excursion to Stone Town - Full day. Departure after breakfast for a full day excursion to Stone Town and end the day with a thrilling sunset cruise. Return to hotel.

Day 4 - Explore the hotel and surroundings at leisure. Further tours can be offered such as a spice farm tour or an excursion to other islands nearby.

Day 5 – Day at Leisure. Explore the hotel and surroundings at leisure.

Day 6 – After a delicious breakfast, your transfer will be ready to take you back to the airport and depart with exciting and unforgettable memories of “The Spice Island.” Interested? Please send us a quick note at info@exclusive-africa.co.za and we will give you all the details of the wonderful offer we have prepared for you.

Prices will include accommodation, meals and excursion(s) as listed. The offer can be tailor-made inclusive or exclusive of flights.

This Tour can also be booked as fully guided tour, extended to visit other places of interest in Tanzania, or combined with any of our other destinations on offer

Updates

About the COVID travel regulations (updated 16 November 2020): The infection rate in Tanzania has been very low with around 500 reported cases in total to date. Tanzania and its island territory Zanzibar have eased travel restrictions and have opened up the country for tourists (to be verified at time of booking).

A negative COVID-19 certificate is not needed on arrival in Zanzibar unless specified by the country of departure. For returning South Africans, a test will need to be taken 3 days prior to return to South Africa. Ample testing facilities are available in Zanzibar or it can be arranged that a doctor will come to the hotel to take the test (at a cost).

Regulations are evolving on a constant basis and need to be re-checked at time of travel. We are however confident that Tanzania and Zanzibar are very safe travel destinations in this regard.