Zanzibar Beach Holidays
The perfect combination along with an East African safari is a stopover at one of the region’s tropical island getaways. Here white sand beaches extend as far as the eye can see, palm leaves wave in the breeze and crystal-Clear water is ever-so inviting. Of the many islands off the east coast of mainland Tanzania, two stand out: Zanzibar Island, also known as Spice Island, and Mafia Island further south, where marine life is protected and plentiful.
The capital city, Zanzibar city is to the west of the island and the center of it is known as Stone Town. Stone Town is a world heritage site full of great historic attractions. Many of the narrow old winding streets and tall townhouses have remained untouched and visitors can explore the atmospheric labyrinth alone or on guided tours. But by far the main attraction to Zanzibar is its world-class white sand, and palm-fringed beaches.
The east and northern coasts of the island are lined with many fine hotels and small accommodation venues. A great way to enjoy the tropical paradise is to walk along the beach and visit other lodges for meals or mid-day cocktails. Some of the best swimming is in the north of the island where the access isn’t as restricted by tides as on the eastern coastline. The greatest part about Zanzibar is there are plenty of activities to keep one busy but it’s also the perfect location to do absolutely nothing but relax before or after a safari!
5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS – ZANZIBAR
This 5 day extension provides the perfect balance between exploration of the rich cultural heritage of the island and losing yourself on the beach. It includes time in Stone Town with a cultural walking tour, an afternoon trip to Prison Island and 3 days of beach relaxation on the island’s quiet northeast coast
Day 1: Arrival / Zanzibar Stone Town
Transfer to Stone Town. Rest and lunch at your leisure.
Afternoon private guided Stone Town Walking Tour. Stone Town is rich with the history, culture, and architecture of the diverse peoples that have called the island home. A walking tour is the only way to truly experience this ancient city, which exists today much as it did when Zanzibar was a great trading center known the world over for spices, ivory, and slaves.
The two and a half hour tour takes you through the streets and back alleys to Stone Town’s famous and infamous spots, including the location of the slave market, Sultans’ palaces, Beit el Ajaib (House of Wonders), the old Arab Fort, artists’ studios, and museums. Feel the rhythm of life in the main marketplace, alive with the chatter of locals bargaining in Swahili and the vibrant palate of colors from the fabrics, tropical fruits, spices, and intricately carved wooden handicrafts.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Coffee House. Bed and breakfast only.
Day 2: Zanzibar Stone Town
Rooftop breakfast. Morning at your leisure.
Afternoon trip to Prison Island. A mere 4 kilometers and 20 minutes boat ride from the bustle of Stone Town lies quiet Changuu (Prison) Island, which received its name from the prison that was built in 1893 under Zanzibar’s British administration. The buildings were never used as a prison and instead became a quarantine center.
The ruins are still intact and the cells can be visited. A protected colony of giant tortoises – some over 100 years old – live on the island. A number of rare bird species may also be seen on the island. The beach is superb and the crystal clear sea is excellent for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or diving.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Coffee House. Bed and breakfast only.
Day 3: Zanzibar Northeast Coast
After breakfast, take a private island Spice Tour. Visit a spice plantation where you will have the opportunity to pick, smell and savor some of the world’s most exotic fruit & spices – many of which you have never seen on the supermarket shelf. Cloves, star fruit, ‘bulls heart’, tangerine trees, lemon grass, mangos and lip-stick trees… perhaps you will fancy buying a basket of freshly picked spices to take home with you! Included are stops at the ruins of the Maruhubi Palace, the site of David Livingston’s house, and the Kidichi Persian Baths.
After the tour, your driver will drop you off in a quiet bay on the north east coast of Zanzibar. Pongwe Beach is a tranquil location — the ideal place to relax and enjoy Zanzibar’s distinctive, mellow pace.
Accommodation: Pongwe Beach Hotel. Bed and Breakfast only.
Day 4: Zanzibar Northeast Coast
Relax at the beautiful beach at Pongwe or enjoy one of the multiple activities available: snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, cycling, boating in a traditional wooden longboat, and swimming, among others. Some activities require an extra fee payable directly to the hotel.
Accommodation: Pongwe Beach Hotel. Bed and breakfast only.
Day 5: Zanzibar Northeast Coast / Dar es Salaam/ Kilimanjaro Airport
After a final day at the beach, transfer in the afternoon to the Zanzibar airport for your short hop (20 minutes) flight to Dar es Salaam or 1 hour flight to Kilimanjaro airport, where you can board your international flight home.
End of our service.
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
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