5 Days Explore Zanzibar Luxury Beach Holiday
This beach getaway will take you to two of Zanzibar’s most sought-after islands: Unguja, commonly referred to as “Zanzibar,” and Pemba. Unguja, the largest and most populated island in the Zanzibar archipelago, boasts a well-developed tourism sector. Here, you’ll find charming restaurants, a variety of accommodations, and numerous activities to keep you entertained. Pemba, while less developed, offers unparalleled natural beauty. It is famous for its lush, green hills and clove plantations. The Pemba Channel, with its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life, separates Pemba from mainland Tanzania.
Travel/activity: Drop off to Arusha airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight .
Transportation: New 4WD Safari Land Cruiser with pop up roof.
Some dose of history to ick-off your Zanzibar visit: When the Portuguese arrived in 1498, they found on the coast a series of independent towns, inhabited by Arabs, but not united to Arabia by any political tie. Their relations with these Arabs were mostly hostile, but during the sixteenth century they firmly established their power, and ruled with the aid of tributary Arab sultans. This system lasted till 1631, when the Sultan of Mombasa massacred the European inhabitants.
Travel/activity: Breakfast at the stone town tour; Jozani forest and Spice tour
We have developed a special Spice Tour with in-depth information not only about spices but also organically grown herbs and a detailed description about their traditional uses in medicine cosmetics and cooking. After this educational tour, we have a sumptuous lunch at our guides’ home, where you can taste the spices and fruits.
After lunch we take you to your beach resort.
On the way, you pass Jozani Forest, the last habitat of the rare endemic Red Colobus Monkey. With a local guide, you stroll through Jozani Chwaka National Park and look at the rare monkeys. You also have the option to wander down the boardwalk to the fascinating Mangrove Ecosystem.
Travel/activity: Breakfast at the hotel and a full day relaxing at the beach of North Nungwi
Right on the northern most point of the island, the beach that surrounds this area is truly stunning. Azure waters and white sands are what await those that come here. The only drawback really is that many of the hotels have had to perch on the coral cliffs that run north from the village and, as such, lose their beaches at high tide. Generally, however, this is not a problem and, with the small backpacker community in the village, this is a great place to head if you like to get out of the hotel for a drink or two.
Travel/activity: Breakfast at the hotel. A full day relaxing at the beach of North Nungwi.
Zanzibar,the majestic spice island of the Indian Ocean. These are two main islands of Unguja and Pemba. Over centuries, different cultures have influenced Zanzibar to become what it is today. Sumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Phonecians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguse, Omani Arabs, Dutch and British have settled here at one time or another and influenced the local culture into the present fusion.
Travel/activity: Breakfast at the hotel and relax at beach. Pick up in the afternoon and transfer to the airport for flight to Dar where you will connect your international flight back home
Inclusions
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusions
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
1. What is the best time to visit Zanzibar for a safari?
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry seasons, which are from June to October and from late December to February. These periods offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the islands and enjoying safari activities (Archaeology Magazine) (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
2. What should I pack for a Zanzibar safari?
When packing for a Zanzibar safari, consider including:
- Light, breathable clothing
- A hat and sunglasses for sun protection
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear and beach gear
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- A camera for capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife (Daily News).
3. What are the main attractions in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar offers a variety of attractions, including:
- Stone Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic architecture and vibrant markets.
- Spice Plantations: Tours that showcase Zanzibar’s rich history in the spice trade.
- Beaches: Pristine beaches in Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje.
- Jozani Forest: Home to the rare red colobus monkeys.
- Mangapwani Slave Caves: Historical sites linked to the East African slave trade (Archaeology Magazine) (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
4. Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but it’s advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night, keeping an eye on personal belongings, and respecting local customs and laws. It’s also recommended to use reputable tour operators for safaris and excursions (Daily News).
5. What types of safaris are available in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar offers several types of safari experiences:
- Marine Safaris: Snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs around Mnemba Atoll and Pemba Island.
- Cultural Safaris: Exploring Stone Town and visiting local villages.
- Wildlife Safaris: Visiting Jozani Forest to see the red colobus monkeys and other wildlife.
- Spice Tours: Exploring the spice plantations and learning about the island’s spice history (Archaeology Magazine) (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
6. How can I get to Zanzibar?
Zanzibar can be reached by flight or ferry:
- Flights: There are direct flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar from several major cities in Africa and beyond.
- Ferries: Ferries operate from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, offering a scenic route across the Indian Ocean (Daily News).
7. Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar?
Visa requirements for Zanzibar are the same as for mainland Tanzania. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa in advance. It’s best to check the specific requirements based on your nationality before traveling (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
8. What currency is used in Zanzibar, and can I use credit cards?
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and tourist services, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and in rural areas (Daily News).
9. What health precautions should I take when visiting Zanzibar?
It’s important to take health precautions, including:
- Malaria Prevention: Use mosquito repellent and consider antimalarial medication.
- Vaccinations: Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations and consider additional ones like hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever.
- Safe Drinking Water: Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne illnesses (Archaeology Magazine).
10. What language is spoken in Zanzibar?
The official language is Swahili, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and hotels (Archaeology News Online Magazine).