OVER VIEW
Zanzibar – Where History Meets Paradise
Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, is a dream destination with pristine white beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're unwinding after a safari or seeking a standalone beach escape, the island offers endless relaxation and adventure—swimming, snorkeling, diving, or simply basking in paradise.
Beyond the Beaches
Zanzibar’s history is woven into its ancient palaces, mosques, and vibrant spice plantations. Experience the famous Spice Tour, where you’ll discover the island’s aromatic treasures—cloves, nutmeg, and pepper. For an unforgettable experience, swim with dolphins in Kizimkazi at the island’s southern tip and Explore Jozani Forest.
Stone Town – A Walk Through Time
Wander through Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with narrow alleys, ornate doors, and bustling markets. Stay overnight to soak in its unique charm and history.
BIRDING HIGHLIGHTS
- Water Based Activities: Swimming, snorkeling and diving
- Historical sites: Ancient palaces, mosques, forts, markets and Architecture
- Spice Tour: Learn about cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.
- Unique experiences: Swimming with dolphins in Kizimkazi and exploring Jozani Forest.
- Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow alleys, ornate doors, and lively markets.
- Eco friendly Accommodations to soak in its charm and history.
Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar - Stone Town
After arriving in Stone Town and thereafter head out to discover Zanzibar’s Rich History. This private, guided half-day tour takes you through Stone Town, offering a glimpse into Zanzibar’s rich history and vibrant culture. The 3-hour tour begins from your hotel and explores the city's iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and daily life. Your journey will cover the
- House of Wonders (National Museum)
- Darajani Market - A typical food market, walk across the street to the large market.
- House of Wonders – A grand palace-turned-museum showcasing Zanzibar’s history.
- Old Fort (Arab Fort) – A centuries-old fortress with an intriguing past.
- Freddie Mercury House – The birthplace of the legendary Queen singer.
- Old Slave Market – A sobering reminder of Zanzibar’s past.
- Fruit & Spice Markets – A sensory delight with exotic flavors and aromas.
- Zanzibar’s Iconic Carved Doors – Beautiful wooden doors that define Stone Town’s charm
Meal Plan: Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation: Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel
Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 2: Zanzibar Prison island tour - Nungwi and Snorkeling
Today, set off for the Prison Island, once used by Arabs to house rebellious slaves and later converted into a prison by General Mathews (though never actually used as one), is now home to giant tortoises.
Take a half-day excursion from Stone Town to explore this captivating island, perfect for a leisurely walk. During your visit, a guided tour will give you insight into the island's history.
Afterward, unwind with a swim in the crystal-clear waters or go snorkeling to discover the vibrant coral reefs.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort
Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 3: Discover Zanzibar's Spice Heritage – A 4-Hour Guided Tour
Zanzibar is world-renowned as the Spice Island, and this 4-hour guided tour offers an immersive journey through its rich spice heritage. Visit key spice production sites and explore the flavors and fragrances that have been part of Zanzibar's culinary history for centuries.
On this tour, you'll encounter spices found in kitchens worldwide, including cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, garlic, coconut, lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg.
Your adventure begins at Kibweni Palace, and as we walk towards Kidichi, we'll pass by Dr. Livingston House and explore the ruins of Muruhubi, a harem built for the Sultan. At the Kizimbani spice plantations, you'll get a chance to touch, smell, and taste various spices, herbs, fruits, and even decorative plants. The tour concludes with a visit to the Persian Baths at Kidichi, built by the first Sultan for his wife.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort
Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 4: Explore Zanzibar's Best Activity: The Safari Blue Tour
The Safari Blue Tour is Zanzibar's premier full-day adventure, offering a unique sea safari experience. Starting from the Fumba Fishing Village on the island’s southwest coast, this exciting tour takes you on a sailing journey aboard a traditional dhow, whose history dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries during the age of monsoon winds and Arab trade routes.
The tour kicks off at 9:00 AM with a sail to a sandbank for relaxation, swimming, and beach walks.
Activities & Highlights
- Snorkeling: Explore vibrant coral reefs and swim with colorful schools of fish in pristine waters.
- Seafood Feast: Indulge in fresh, tropical seafood such as octopus, calamari, lobster, shrimp, shark, tuna, and barracuda.
- Kwale Island & Baobab Tree: After a delicious lunch on Kwale Island, take a short walk to see the ancient baobab tree, over 200 years old.
- Natural Swimming Pool: On the way back to Fumba Beach, take a refreshing dip in the natural swimming pool near Kwale Island.
The tour concludes around 4:00 PM, offering an unforgettable day of sailing, snorkeling, and cultural exploration.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort
Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 5: Dolphin and Jozani Forest Tour
After breakfast, embark on the Zanzibar Dolphin Tour for a chance to spot dolphins, though sightings are not guaranteed. Following the tour, continue to Jozani Forest for a nature-filled adventure.
Zanzibar Dolphin Tour
Located in the southern part of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to a 12th-century mosque, the oldest evidence of Islam in East Africa. The village is also a hub for both bottlenose and humpback dolphins.
A short boat ride gives you the opportunity to spot these playful creatures, and if you're lucky, they may swim close enough for an unforgettable experience. While swimming with dolphins is possible, please remember that they are shy creatures and touching them is unlikely. The village offers not only natural beauty but also a rich historical and cultural heritage.
Jozani Forest Tour
After the dolphin tour, head to Jozani Forest, located 35 km southeast of Zanzibar City. This 10-square-kilometer nature reserve is the only remaining natural forest on Unguja Island. Home to ancient trees over 100 years old, Jozani is a sanctuary for unique wildlife, including the red colobus monkey, the Zanzibar leopard, and other endemic species like the Zanzibar duiker and sunni antelope.
Perfect for nature lovers, this tour lets you explore the dense pandanus and palm trees as you immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s rich flora and fauna.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort
Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 6: Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling Adventure
After breakfast, head to Mnemba Island for an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Located just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, near the Matemwe fishing village, Mnemba Atoll is a paradise for underwater adventure.
This full-day excursion starts from Nungwi Village and takes you to the island, where you'll explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish. Mnemba is a top spot for both divers and snorkelers seeking to experience pristine marine life. The tour includes snorkeling, a delicious seafood lunch, and a relaxing sailing trip on a traditional dhow.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort
Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 7: Zanzibar Airport - Departure
You will be picked up from your Zanzibar Accommodation and transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.
• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Binoculars and a good camera.
• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.
• Nature blending clothes
Included in the Itinerary
- Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
- All Activities on the Itinerary
- Drinking water / refillable water bottle
- English-speaking Guides
- Accommodation and Meals
- All Park Entrance Fees.
Excluded in the Itinerary
- International Airfares;
- Visa Fees;
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
- Mnemba Island Snorkeling
- Optional activities unless specified as included
- Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.
Unforgettable Tanzania
Tanzania beckons to the adventurer in you, offering a vibrant canvas of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and cultural treasures waiting to be uncovered. This captivating land promises to immerse you in nature's raw beauty, from the iconic wildlife of the Serengeti to the grandeur of the Great Migration. With Tanzania Safari Adventures, your safari dreams come to life.
Venture across vast savannas alive with wildlife, explore diverse landscapes, and immerse yourself in the heart of Africa's wilderness. Connect with Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage and experience the warmth of the Tanzanian people, whose hospitality will make you feel at home in this enchanting land. Whether you're a seasoned safari enthusiast or new to African adventures, Tanzania offers an unforgettable journey of discovery and transformation.
Entry Requirements:
To enter Tanzania, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival and has at least one blank page. If you plan to visit other East African countries, it’s recommended to have multiple blank pages available.
Tanzania requires a tourist or business visa for entry, which can be applied online at Tanzania Visa Portal. The visa fee is typically $50 USD for most nationalities, with U.S. citizens paying $100 USD. You can also obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at the main ports of entry, provided you meet all immigration requirements. Please note, multiple-entry visas are not available on arrival.
Required documents for your visa include:
- Clear copy of your passport
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Passport photo
You may also be able to obtain a visa from Tanzanian High Commissions located in your country.
Upon arrival, you'll need to complete an entry form, pass through immigration, and possibly clear customs, being transparent about any goods you're bringing in.
Visa Exempt Countries:
The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Tanzania:
- East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan
- Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries: Angola, Malawi, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Other countries: Hong Kong, Macau, Comoros, and Togo
East Africa Tourist Visa:
If you're planning to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya as part of an East African adventure, the East Africa Tourist Visa may be your best option. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days and costs $100 USD. Apply through the government portal of the first East African country you plan to enter.
Currency & Banking:
- Currency: The local currency is Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
- Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted at many lodges and hotels, though a 5% transaction fee may apply. Always carry cash for small expenses, park entry fees, and tips.
Travel & Transport:
Flights: Domestic flights typically have a baggage allowance of 15 kg in soft bags.
Getting Around: Tanzania’s diverse landscapes are best explored by safari vehicles or flights, offering travelers the chance to view wildlife and stunning vistas.
Health & Medical Information:
- Vaccinations: Stay up to date with routine vaccinations, and consider getting vaccines for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B.
- Malaria: Tanzania is a malaria zone, so take anti-malarial medication, use insect repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, covering health, cancellations, and any activities you plan.
Best Time to Visit:
- Dry season (June to October): Ideal for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes and the sparse vegetation makes wildlife easier to spot.
- Green season (November to May): Lush landscapes and fewer tourists offer great opportunities for birdwatching, though animal sightings can be more challenging.
Travel Insurance:
Although not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended, as healthcare in Tanzania may differ from what you’re accustomed to. It’s best to be covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
