Dear traveler, while in Zanzibar, there are a few excursions that you would not like to miss. As Classic Journey Africa we have the passion and enjoy taking our clients to some of the most exciting and scenic parts of Zanzibar! Let us know your pick up point and we will give you the best rate ever!!
TOUR DESCRIPTIONS
Stone Town (Half day)
This three & a half-hour tour commences with a visit to Zanzibar’s colorful market. Alive with the buzz of locals bartering fresh vegetables and baskets of tropical fruit, amongst the heady smell of Jack fruit (and many other exotic fruits) we continue on to the site of the cathedral built in 1874. The cathedral signifies a potent time in Zanzibar’s history and stands on the sight of a past slave market, its high altar standing on the exact site of the whipping post. Slavery was abolished in 1873 through a decree passed by the then current Sultan of Zanzibar. From here we visit the residence of the late Sultans of Zanzibar, ‘Tip Tip House’, the Old Fort, ‘Peoples Palace’ and the House of Wonders’, full of intrigue and vivid history from a bygone era. The tour ends with a stroll through the narrow streets of the old stone town, the heart of Zanzibar’s vivacious history.
Clients have the option to choose their Restaurant if desired and pay direct.
The tour could be in the morning or in the afternoon.
Spices (Half day)
Since the abolition of the slave trade, spices have been at the heart of Zanzibari enterprise. The sheer variety highlights the Islands strategic location as well as the depth of cultural interaction. Indeed no trip to Zanzibar could be considered complete without a visit to one of our carefully selected spice farms.
This involves visiting the spices growing areas to see different spices and to learn their nature, uses and taste some of them right on the spot depending on the season. In addition it involves visits to the famous spices producing area where you can see medicinal, cosmetics, ornamental plants and herbs. Most of the interesting items are cloves, nut meg, rambutan, lipstick, iodine plant, lemon grass, vanilla, henna, shampoo plant etc.
Our spice tour offers you the opportunity to indulge your senses with a kaleidoscope of smells, tastes and textures. From the punch of a chili to the refreshing succulence of green coconut flesh, we promise that this tour will awaken your senses. It also provides you with the unique opportunity to purchase these exclusive spices straight from the source.
Finally you will visit the Kidichi Persian Baths that were built by the first Sultan of Zanzibar named Sultan Said Said bin Sultan in 1850 and Maruhubi Palace Ruins built by the third Sultan of Zanzibar named Sultan Said Baraghash Bin Said in 1880 which were built especially for housing 99 of his harem. Sensible shoes and hats are advisable.
Clients have the option to choose their Restaurant if desired and pay direct.
The tour could be in the morning or in the afternoon.
Prison Island (Half Day)
Prison Island is one of the nearest islands from Stone Town, just 20 minutes by boat. It is also known as Changuu Island. There are many trees and plants on this island and it is a delight to walk safely and unhindered through the dappled shadows. Birds a bound and bird watchers will find plenty of species to delight them.
Its original use was as a prison and later it was taken over to be used as quarantine station by the British Army. Another prison was then built but never used. Today prison Island is a pleasant destination for a day trip. It has some excellent coral formations just offshore providing a good opportunity for snorkelling. Another main attraction is the giant tortoises which are over 100 years old. These tortoises are only found on this island. Not indigenous to continental Africa, the original tortoises were brought from Aldabra in the Seychelles in an effort to extend the tortoise conservation efforts. Aldabra is famous for harboring endemic and rare marine life species, and along with the Galapagos Islands, is one of the worlds few places where giant tortoises exist.
Some of the tortoises at Prison Island were rescued from poachers who were intercepted on their way from Aldabra to other parts of the world, where they would sell the animals to private collectors or zoos. These giant tortoises have been living in the Indian Ocean Islands for over 100 million years, but their numbers have fallen to such critically low levels that they are now classified as endangered. The adult tortoises of Prison Island are already producing the next generations, and the future is looking good for the continued survival of this ancient reptile.
Clients have the option to choose their Restaurant if desired and pay direct.
We advise clients to bring waterproof shoes for boarding the dhows and to bring towels, sunscreen and a spare T-shirt for snorkelling.
Nungwi Tour ( Full Day)
A full day excursion to the extreme north of the island via Mkokotoni Fish Market and Mvuleni where you can visit the Portuguese Ruins. There are a number of very interesting things to see and do including the traditional fishing village itself with resident speaking a peculiar Swahili dialect. Then the turtle aquarium with various species. A visit to the traditional boat yard and local market are amazing. At the end of the walk you can either relax on the sandy beaches or go swimming in the natural sea. Lunch and refreshments are arranged there to taste local delicacies or international food at a selected restaurant.
Sunset Dhow Cruise (2Hrs)
The tour starts late in the afternoon in Stone Town where you take a ride in one of our traditional sailing boat of the type used for centuries for carrying cargo between Zanzibar and the Arabian Gulf. The boat ride will give you an insight into the real Zanzibar. Our boats are equipped with safety equipment, sunshade, snorkelling equipment and boarding ladder. Sit back and relax, enjoy the Zanzibar breezes and crystal clear turquoise waters while sipping a drink accompanied with bites/snacks.