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Set like a jewel in tranquil coral waters only 20 minutes flight from Dar-es-Salaam is one
of the world's most beautiful islands. Zanzibar, its name evokes a romantic past. To the
shores of this island came Summarians, Assyrians, Hindus, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Southern
Arabians, Chines and Malays. From these shores the great European Explores-Burton, Speke,
Livingstone, Krapf, Rebman and Grant set out on their "Voyages of Discovery" into the
hinterland.
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| Stone Town / City |
One gets a comprehensive view of the Stone Town, it's white washed buildings, teak doors
antique shops and bazaars. A stop is made in the central market opened in 1904. Here there
is an variety of fish and fruits from the island. The fish auction is interesting.
Proceed to the Zanzibar Museum which dates back to 1925, where relics and documents of
Sultans and early explores, including Dr. Livingstone's medicine chest are preserved.
The sight of the famous slave market, where the Anglican Church of Christ stands is the
next stop. The cross in the Cathedral is made of timber from the tree where the heart of
Dr. Livingstone is buried. The church was built in 1873 by Bishop Steer. Next to the church
you will visit the slave chambers, the place where the slaves were kept before auctioning.
Here you see a building, which, during the First World War was used to shelter the German
embassy.Besides this building stands the Africa House Hotel, formerly an English Club, with
Tipu Tipu House just to its side.
Moving along the sea front on encounters the Tower of Beit-El-Ajaib the House of Wonders,
an imposing structure along the sea front build by Sultan Seyyid Baragash (1870 - 1888)
for ceremonial purposes. A stop is made at the old Arab Fort built in 1700 and the peoples
palace which had been used by the Sultan from 1911-1964.
Proceed to the "Maruhubi Palace" ruins built again by Sultan Baragash (1870-1888) for his
99 concubines. The Palace, however, was burnt down accidentally in 1899. One will also
visit the home of Dr. Livingstone which was also his expeditions starting point.
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| Spice Farms |
Zanzibar is also known as the "Island of Spices". This tour will take you to the country
side about eighteen (18) kilometres from the Stone Town where you visit various small
farms, smell and taste a variety of seasonal tropical fruits and spices.
Some examples are:- the Star Fruit, Mangoes, Mabungos, Pineapples, Leeches, Doriani, Jack
Fruit and etc. Seasonal fruits are always available for tasting. Some of the Spices
include:- Cloves, Nutmeg, Cardamon, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Carambola etc.
On our way we get to see the Iodine trees, Lemon grass, and the Hyena bushes etc. During
the tour we will also visit the Persian Baths.
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| Prison Island |
On the west Coast of Zanzibar lies a couple of small Islands-Grave, Bawe, Snake and Prison
Island (Tortoise Island). Prison Island, now called Changuu Island, is a half an hour boat
ride away. Its main attraction are Giant tortoises and beautiful Peacocks that inhibit the
area, as well as the Prison Ruins which were built in 1893. Here you can spend a lot of
time swimming, snorkeling and wind surfing in the crystal blue waters or sunbathing and
relaxing on the unpoilt white dandy beaches.
During the low tide the water level can be low, which exhibits some superb scenario for
the snorkeler. A self walking safari which covers the Island shouldn't last you more than
15 minutes.
Prison Island has some history behind it, today the island has a small tourist resort
where one can spend a coupe of nights, having fun with the Giant tortoise.
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| North - East - South Coasts |
This takes you to one of the best beaches about fifty-six (56) kilometers from the Town on
the Eastern Coast of Zanzibar where soft white sand surrounded by Palm trees and beautiful
coral reefs are at Nungwi, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, uroa, Bwejuu, Paje and Jambiani.
Adding to the main activities at the East Coast which is swimming, snorkeling scuba diving
and sunbathing, the journey to and from is accompanied by scenery that is more than
soothing to the eye.
Zanzibar is also known as the "Island of Spices". This tour will take you to the country
side about eighteen (18) kilometres from the Stone Town where you visit various small
farms, smell and taste a variety of seasonal tropical fruits and spices.
If visiting the beaches of either Bwejuu, Paje or Jambiani, on our way back to Town, a
stop is made over at the Jozani forest where one will have an opportunity of viewing the
Red colobus Monkeys, a rare species only found in Zanzibar.
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| Jenazi Forest |
The nature reserve is in the South-East of the island, covering four hundred eighty four
(484) acres adjoins a forest of one thousand five hundred (1500) acres.
The high humidity encourages a lush dense tropical vegetation which includes Alexandrian
Laurel, Screw pine, Eucalyptus, Palms, Figs, tall grasses and fems. This beautiful forest
inhabits the remaining of the Kirk's Red Colobus Monkeys.
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