Tanzania

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Zanzibar Extension

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Few countries have such romantic allure as the Spice Island of Zanzibar, a slumbering lush paradise where green cloves, bread leaf, rice, cinnamon and coconuts still grow wild today. Hidden around Zanzibar's idyllic coves or along its stunning beaches are some excellent hotels and further afield, over 50 islands litter the warm tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean, with golden sands, swaying palms and tiny rustic retreats. The old Stone Town of Zanzibar is a fascinating warren of narrow streets, overhanging balconies and huge, intricately carved wooden doors. The bustling Suk (bazaar), where traders bargain excitedly, is full of the pungent perfume of exotic spices. This is the town where the famous 19th century explorers such as Livingstone, Stanley, Burton, Speke and Grant began their fateful journeys into the 'dark' interior. Outside the town there are many places of historic interest including the Maruhubi Palace, formerly the Sultan's harem, Mangapwani Village, the former site of the notorious slave pits and many other captivating hide-aways. Access to Zanzibar is a simple flight from Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha or Dar es Salaam. So, tagging on a few days of culture, diving or simple relaxation after a safari is very easy to arrange.

Tours to Consider:

Historical Stone Town
A fascinating excursion that winds through narrow bustling streets and alleyways, fish and former slave markets, consulates, the old fort and historical houses. It highlights the Arab, Indian, Persian and European influences on this vibrant capital.

The Spice Tour
A look at small traditional farms in the rural areas that grow cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom and other spices as well as medicinal and ornamental plants and tropical fruits. It's a rare experience and leaves you in no doubt as to why Zanzibar is referred to as the Spice Island.

Prison Island
A short boat trip to this historic prison with its giant tortoises provides an insight into how it was for slaves here during the 1800's. Today you can look around the prison as well as swim and snorkel in the beautiful surrounding waters.

Josani Forest
Famous for the endemic Kirks red colobus monkey, this guided tour follows a fascinating nature trail through Zanzibar's last remaining natural indigenous forest. There are many varieties of birds, antelope and monkey species to enjoy.

Dolphin adventures
This tour takes you to Kizimkazi, one of Zanzibar's earlier capitals, where old Shirazi ruins remain. From here continue to the fishing village and board a small motorised boat in search of resident dolphins.

Mangapwani Beach
A beautiful private beach that's perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of Stone Town. Take a dhow journey here to enjoy sun, sand, sea and sumptuous seafood, cooked right on the beach. There are also the old Slave Caves to explore.

ZANZIBAR HOTELS

STONE TOWN

Emerson and Green Hotel is one of Zanzibar's most famous hotels and still boasts much of the original architecture from the 1840's. Now completely restored with local touches (no room telephone or TV here) it has become a seven-bedroomed bohemian retreat that enchants most visitors. If you’re an incurable romantic and fancy being swept up in the drama and mysticism of an Arabian Nights fantasy, Emerson and Green is the place. This beautifully restored guesthouse in the heart of Stone Town was once the home of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. It’s now a place to dream of a long-gone era and bask in the opulence it inspired. Imagine waking to the fragrance of jasmine in a bedroom featuring Zanzibari antiques, hand-painted glass lamps and windows, oriental rugs, chandeliers and billowing mosquito nets draped over four-poster beds. Waft over to your balcony to see the early morning sun light up the rooftops of Stone Town as the muezzin calls from the mosque’s minaret. Picture yourself bathing outdoors in an enormous, sunken stone bath shielded from the world by a lattice-enclosed veranda. Then step out into the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and spend the day exploring the maze of alleyways in this ancient town with its open-air markets, old palaces and intricately carved doorways. Make sure you return to Emerson and Green’s before sunset to climb the stairs to the roof (it’s the second-highest building in Stone Town) where you’ll find the Tower Top Restaurant. Toss off your shoes at the door and sit Arabian-style on giant pillows laid upon the Persian-carpeted floor. Watch the sun dribble gold into the Indian Ocean as robed waiters bring a five-course meal to your knee-high table. With the rooftops, mosque minarets, temple towers and church spires below, you really do feel on top of the world!

Tembo House Hotel is a splendid little 34-bedroomed hotel, right in the heart of Stone Town, around ten minutes from the airport. Overlooking a busy working beach, it captures perfectly the style, décor and flair of Zanzibar. There's a central courtyard, pool, bar and restaurants. The bedrooms are simple yet stylish in character. Tembo House is a highly attractive hotel. Firstly, it is one of the few hotels in Stone Town to be set on the beachfront. Secondly, it has a lovely big swimming pool. Thirdly, its rooms are decorated beautifully in traditional Zanzibari style. It has a small beach and views across the ocean to the small coral islets on the horizon (Zanzibar’s satellite islands). The beach offers a sandy spot to unwind after a busy day in Stone Town, but if you want to swim rather use the hotel’s spacious pool.It’s a glamorous hotel with influences from India, Africa and the Orient. There are stained glass windows, antique furniture, carved doors and lots of lovely pot plants. There’s a sundeck for developing your tan and a lovely sitting room enclosed in stained glass.

Zanzibar Beach Resort is quite close to the airport and set into landscaped gardens overlooking the sea. The hotel caters well for small groups and has 60 spacious rooms with white-washed walls and makuti thatch roofs. There are also many water activities on offer as well as squash, a gym and a large pool.

Zanzibar Serena Inn is a first-class 52-bedroomed hotel offering excellent service and facilities. Its location makes it ideal for short stays and exploration trips into Stone Town. Ten minutes from the airport, it overlooks the ocean and is a short walk away from the bustling harbour. The hotel boasts several fine restaurants, bars and a swimming pool. Idyllically situated on the sea front of ancient Stone Town, washed by the aquamarine waters of the Zanzibar channel, redolent of the scent of cloves and flanked by an exotic melange of sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, dark slave markets, and bright bazaars, the Zanzibar Serena Inn is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of Zanzibar.

NORTH EAST ZANZIBAR

Bluebay Beach Resort is one of the newer hotels on the island. Located on the east coast, thirty minutes from Stone Town, it has 88 bedrooms, is built on a fine sandy beach and set in 25 acres of palms and gardens. With restaurants, bars, shops, fitness and diving-centres, floodlit tennis courts, all water-sport facilities, large swimming pools and evening entertainment, you could be busy for days or simply relax and soak up the sun.

Mapenzi Beach Club is located on the east coast about one hour from the airport. The gardens are tropical and filled with palms and colourful bougainvillea trees. Its beach is secluded, unspoilt and extremely beautiful. With swimming pools, 87 bedrooms and every type of activity you can think of, it's a good first-class hotel with a personal service.

Matemwe Bungalows is situated on the east coast and built on a small coral cliff about an hour's drive from the airport. With just 16 lovely bungalows, beautiful gardens and a fine beach, Matemwe is a great spot if you want to relax and enjoy a little local life since there is an interesting fishing village close by. Diving is also available here.

Protea Zanzibar Beach Hotel is located about an hour from the airport on the east coast. The hotel has 63 spacious bedrooms and many family 'houses'. The food is excellent, the beach lovely and there's a host of water activities including diving.

Ras Nungwi is an hour and a quarter's drive from the airport and one of the smartest resorts on the northern tip of Zanzibar. There are just 33 rooms and the well-kept gardens and tranquil surroundings open out onto a spectacular beach. Apart from great rooms, there are all sorts of water activities on offer here, including diving and big-game fishing.

Salme's Garden is a beautifully restored grand old house with gardens and orchards. It's set on a private beach 10km from Stone Town. Initially occupied by Princess Salme, it's very secluded and feels somewhat like a museum with its historical links, grand furnishings, shaded verandahs and just four bedrooms. Highly recommended for families or small groups this bijou hotel has its own chef who buys fresh fish according to guests' requests.

SOUTH ZANZIBAR

Breezes Beach Club is an hour's drive from the airport and set in tropical gardens with a stunning beach, a swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, scuba-diving, water-sports and fitness centres. There is also a wide choice of good restaurants and bars. There are 70 large, tastefully decorated bedrooms, all adding to the romance of this classic, privately-run family hotel.

The Palms is the exclusive place to stay on the east coast, next door to Breezes. The six stylish 'villas' are the epitome of luxury, each set in its own private garden. From here, you can watch the sea as you lie in bed or venture out to relax under your own thatched parasol during the heat of the day.

Sultan Palace is a small exclusive retreat an hour's drive from the airport and is a member of Relais & Chateaux. It has just 15 very spacious cottages set out in an imaginative and stylish design. The food and service is of a high quality and the beach is beautiful.

MNEMBA ISLAND

Mnemba is a private tropical island almost untouched and amazingly, only a few km off the north-eastern shores of Zanzibar. Mnemba is described by some as a 'therapy for the spirit'. Pristine beaches wrap around the island's small 1km circumference (less than one hour's walk) while an outer protection zone surrounds the island, conserving magnificent coral reefs where giant turtles, ghost crabs and spectacular tropical fish drift through the lagoons. It's approximately one hour from Stone Town by vehicle then 20 minutes by boat. With ten rustic but exclusive bungalows and exquisite cuisine, the main activities here include fishing, scuba-diving, boating and swimming.

PEMBA ISLAND

Pemba lies to the north of Zanzibar, about 20 minutes by air. It was once famous for its production of cloves but tourism and fishing have now become specialities. Its beaches are pristine and an 800m deep channel splits Pemba Island from the continent, making this one of Africa's greatest deep-sea fishing destinations. On the island itself, walking excursions through forests are very worthwhile, revealing many native species including spectacular ferns and giant trees. There are also cycle-rides, dhow trips, many archaeological sites to explore and afterwards fresh lobster, fish and other tropical and spicy delicacies to enjoy.

Fundu Lagoon is a secluded retreat with over 4km of private beach and stunning views. Designed to be eco-friendly, this lodge blends into the natural environment to create a rustic, friendly island retreat. With 20
self-contained bungalows, each with en-suite facilities and a secluded terrace, this hotel sets the standard for comfort and romance in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The main activities include fishing, scuba-diving, boating and dhow trips.

Manta Reef Lodge lies between a tropical rain forest and the gentle blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a unique wilderness resort, set in an idyllic location. Come here if you want to dive all day and don't need the trimmings of a swish lodge. While very comfortable, the 15 cabins are rustic and completely open in the front, offering great panoramic views. Other water-sports are
also available.

Historic Zanzibar Explorer

Stone Town is a maze of alleyways, courtyards, markets, palaces and mosques, all waiting to be explored. This relaxing, yet vibrant trip offers a comprehensive insight that includes a guided walk through Stone Town, a romantic spice tour, an excursion to Josani Forest and finally, a boat trip to Prison Island. The tour can be extended with a stay at one of Zanzibar's island retreats.

Day 1 - Transfer from the airport or harbour to your hotel.
Day 2 - Morning guided walk through Stone Town and its historic buildings and markets. Lunch and an afternoon Spice Tour.
Day 3 - Morning excursion to Josani Forest, followed by an afternoon visit to Prison Island. Here there's a chance to swim and admire giant tortoises. Lunch is included.
Day 4 - Transfer to the airport or harbour for onward arrangements.

2006 Price per person in US$ (Dbl = double occupancy, SS = single supplement

Hotel	April 1-June 24		June 25-Aug 31		Sept 1-26 + Nov. 1-Dec. 15		Sept. 27-Oct. 31
	Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS
Zanzibar Serena Inn	456	73	588	169	588	169	588	169
Emerson and Green Hotel	530	330	530	330	530	330	530	330
Zanzibar Beach Resort	342	36	378	68	378	68	378	68
Tembo House Hotel	415	150	415	150	415	150	415	150