Zanzibar beach holidays

Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic stone town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.

Wildlife

There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by monkeys, bush-pigs and small antelopes. Civets - and rumour has it, the elusive Zanzibar leopard! Various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. There is a wide variety of birdlife, and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity, and make Zanzibar an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving.

People, Religion and Language

Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Population is estimated at 800,000, with the largest concentration being Zanzibar City which has approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibar's speak Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili), a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birth place of the language.

ACTIVITIES

Tour of Stone Town.

Tour of the markets, historical buildings and churches, slave chambers, museums, etc. Best done on arrival before proceeding to the hotel, or on departure, depending with the
flight/ferry timing.
The Spice Tour
offers you a profusion of green to see, smell and touch numerous tropical fruits as well as plants used for medicinal purposes. Experience the life of rural Zanzibar. Also visit the House of Dr. David Livingstone and the Persian Baths.
Jozani Forest Tour
is the habitat of the Red Colobus Monkey, indigenous to Zanzibar. Here, enjoy the many bird songs, and the tropical forest in a calm and pristine setting. Enjoy a walk through the tranquil setting and watch as the Red Colobus Monkeys play and jump across the treetops. They are friendly and very photogenic. For nature lovers, a walk through the primval forest of giant pandanus and palms is a thrilling experience.
Dolphin Tour

Takes you on a traditional Dhow for a full day swimming, snorkeling and searching for dolphins in the waters off the South of Zanzibar. We visit the numerous unspoiled coral gardens in this area protected by the Menai Bay Authority. Snorkeling is for all, beginners and experienced alike. Search for dolphins when we leave the sandbank as we head for lunch on Kwale Island. You can experience a trial of a traditional catamaran fishing dhow and appreciate how the Zanzibar fisherman masters the waters. Visit a very old 400-year-old Baobab tree where photographs can be taken and enjoy the stunning tropical forest of the island.
Prison Island Boat Tour

Also known as Changuu Island, surrounded by the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. Sir Lloyd Mathews, First Minister of Sultan Ali bin Said, set up the islands in 1891. A prison was later constructed, but eventually used as a quarantine station. Whilst on the island experience the tortoise sanctuary. The tortoise were originally brought by Sultan Said from Seychelles.
Zanzibar Historical City Tour
reflects the way of the Zanzibari people by allowing you to participate through a journey in the people’s livelihood. This tour starts off with a visit to the bath the Sultan built for his 1st wife. Then we visit a spice farm and sample the variety of spices and fruits brought to Zanzibar from the Middle East and Asia. Drive through traditional Zanzibar, experience the most ancient fish market. After a delicious Zanzibar cuisine, watch dhows under construction by using the old traditional methods. From here we visit the water turtles in a natural aquarium.
other activities include:

Local Zanzibar Style Big Game Fishing
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Chumbe Island Coral Park
Water sports