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Zanzibar Tourist Attractions/Guide,
Hotels Safaris:
Lovely palm fringed beaches, water
sports, rich culture and historical sites are some of the unique
tourist attractions in Zanzibar. Our safaris in Zanzibar are
conducted by knowledgeable guides with deep knowledge of local
culture. The safaris will include visits to the historical old town
commonly referred t0 by the locals as 'Mji Mkongnwe'. The best way
to get around Zanzibar is by foot. Other options include-motor
taxi, motor cycle, bicycle, matatu. You can also rent a car.
The best dive centres and padi schools are to be found in the north
(Nungwi) and east coast.
The main tourist
attractions in Zanzibar are:
The stone town tour:
The stone town refers to that area
of Zanzibar in the heart of the old town
with winding narrow streets and historical buildings. This part
of Zanzibar is referred to by the local people as 'Mji Mkongwe'.
Our guided safaris in this part of Zanzibar includes visits to the
historical sites and buildings like
house of wonders, palace museum (People's Palace), Livingstone's
House, Old Fort, former slave market, bazaars, old
harbour etc.
The House of Wonders:
The first to have electricity in the
Zanzibar, it is the former palace of Sultan Barghash.
The Palace
Museum:
Used to be the Royal residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar until
the dynasty was overthrown in 1964.
The
Old Arab Fort:
In
recent years it has been renovated to house the Zanzibar
Cultural centre. The Arab Fort is the centre of
Zanzibar Festivals. These include:
Zanzibar Festival of the
Dhow Countries- This festival involves theatre, traditional and co
temporally music, display of paintings, crafts and sculptures.
The Festival is held from 30 June to 9th July every year.
Zanzibar International
Film Festival:- This held together with the festival of the dhow
countries.
The Zanzibar Cultural
Festival- Also held for a whole week in July, it brings together
musicians from different parts of the world.
The festival of Mwaka
Kongwa is held in various villages of Zanzibar every year.
The Anglican
Cathedral:
Constructed in 1877 on the site of former
slave market it is still in use today. The only evidence
of the slave activities are the underground chambers at the St. Monica hostel.
Livingstone's
House: Built by Sultan Said Majid who ruled Zanzibar
from 1856 to 1870 built this house around 1860. Dr. David
Livingstone used it as a base for his last journey into
the interior of Africa. Several other missionaries and explorers
also used it as a starting point e.g. Burton and Speke.
The Old Dispensary
(Stone Town Cultural Centre):
Located on the seafront
along Mizingani road, four story building with a set of
decorative balconies served as a dispensary during colonial
times but fell into disrepair in the 1970's and 1980's. It has
been successfully restored with funding from the Aga Khan
Trust for Culture.
The Waters ports- Dive Centres, Adventures and training
Zanzibar has warm tropical
waters ideal for coral growth and development. Shallow lagoons
with colorful coral gardens surround the island. The best time
to dive is between October and March. Water visibility will
vary from 5 meters to 30 meters. Popular dive sites are
located to the north coast (Nungwi), North east coast (Mnemba Atoll)
and East Coast Metemwe. Located near Pemba Channel is the
Leven Banks with deep waters ideal for seasoned divers. The
Mnemba Atoll off the north east coast of Zanzibar provides deep
dives of up to 30 meters. Dive locations near stone town- Turtle
Reef, Baribo Reef and Morogo reef though not popular with divers
have rich colourful coral gardens. Serious divers should
try Pemba, reputed to be the diving capital of East Africa.
Diving in Pemba
The stand alone lush green
island of Pemba is a tropical paradise surrounded by colorful coral
gardens. The waters are crystal clear with visibilities of 30
to 50 meters. All dive sites in Pemba are excellent.
Dive sites in the west coast are located in three islands of Njao,
Mesali and Fudhu. Mtaani channel to the south coast is
fascinating with clarities of 50 meters. However the strong up and
down currents makes it ideal for only seasoned divers. Places
of stay in Pemba include Manta Reef Lodge for luxury, Swahili divers
lodge for budget travelers. The easiest way of getting to
Pemba is flying in. Speed boat transfers are available from Kenya.
Ships from Zanzibar takes lots of time.
Zanzibar
Agriculture and the spice plantation tours:
Zanzibar is famous for
her cloves. Other spices are nutmeg, vanilla, cardamon and cinnamon,
the spices which motivated the Sultan of Oman to settle there
permanently. Other than species, the island famous for tropical
fruits, perfumes plants and food crops. Coconut palms, maize,
yams, cassava are grown. Zanzibar is the main exporter
of cloves in the world.
Jozani Forest and Ngenzi nature reserves:
Jozani forest and
Ngezi nature reserves are the centre of biodiversity in
Zanzibar. Jozani forest is the largest area of mature
forest left on the island. It is also host to the endangered
Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey , several species of butterflies,
about 40 species of birds and several other animals.
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Bird-life-
Over 200 species of birds have been identified in Zanzibar.
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Mammals- Zanzibar is
home to various mammals-leopard, galago ( bush baby, Java civet,
African civet, various mongooses, Zanzibar red colobus, blue
monkey vervet monkey bush pig, tree hyrax, Alder's duiker, sunis
have all been recorded.
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Reptiles:
Zanzibar is the best place to spot the giant tortoise. Other
reptiles include frogs and chameleons.
Prison island or Changuu:
Across the west coast of
Zanzibar 30 minutes by boat from Stone town is Changuu Island with
its beautiful beaches ideal for swimming, sun bath and snorkeling
Kizimkazi fishing
village:
Located in
the southern tip of Zanzibar, the fishing village hosts several schools of
Dolphins, 12th Century mosques, tombs dating 17th Century.
The highlight of the tour to the village is a swim with the
dolphins.
Nungwi:
To
the Northern tip of Zanzibar lies the fishing village of
Nungwi which is famous for its beautiful beaches ideal for
swimming sunbathing or just relaxing.
Dance and Music
Zanzibar is famous
for its dance and music. Taraab is a very alluring and
attractive dance performed by the Zanzibar. Besides, there
is Ngoma ( drumbeating. Most of the hotels will organize
traditional tropes to perform Taraab or Ngoma for their guests. |
