Zanzibar

We wake up early today in order to depart from Bagamoyo and to make our way to Dar es Salaam, where we will board a local ferry that carries us from Dar to the capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town. Our first evening is spent exploring the historical and unique architecture. There are also many spice and seafood markets to take a look at. The next day we are transferred to the island’s north region where we will spend two days unwinding on the sun-kissed beaches.

Due to the dominant Islam religion in Zanzibar, conservative clothing should be worn most places except on the beach, where your regular clothes and swimsuits are acceptable. It is recommended that women wear t-shirts and knee-length shorts or skirts in town. The Islamic religion frowns upon the showing of arms above the elbow or legs above the knee. Shoulders should also remain covered and no revealing necklines are acceptable. Men’s clothing is less restrictive, allowing males to wear shirts and shorts in any area they please. However, on the beach or in our resort, there are no dress codes other than the regular ones adhered to in most pool/public areas.

If you happen to be visiting Zanzibar during the month of fasting (Ramadan), please speak to your local guide about the customs adhered to during this period. Regular eating times during the day are forbidden and most locals will be sure to make you aware of this. Majority of shops and restaurants will be closed during Ramadan, but it is acceptable as a foreigner to indulge in meals at hotels or resorts. Your guide will be able to inform you of what is appropriate and when.

Zanzibar is a semi-independent portion of the United Republic of Tanzania. Comprised of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean located 25-50 kilometres off the mainland’s coast, Zanzibar is comprised of numerous small islands and two bigger ones, Ungula (the main island informally referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba. At one point in time, Zanzibar was in fact a completely separate state with a lengthy trading history within the Arab world. However, it merged with Tanganyika to create Tanzania in 1964 and still maintains a high level of independence within the union. Zanzibar City is the capital of Zanzibar, situated on the island of Unguja, and its historic centre known as Stone Town is a World Heritage Site.

The main industries of Zanzibar are spices, raffia and tourism. In addition to this, Zanzibar is also home to the extremely endangered species of the Red Colobus Monkey. The word ‘Zanzibar’ was derived from the Persian term ‘zangi-bar’ meaning ‘coast of the blacks’. However, it is believed that the name could have also originated from the Arabic ‘Zayn Z’al Barr’ meaning ‘fair is this land’. “Zanzibar” frequently refers specifically to Unguja Island and is also known as the Spice Islands, though this term is more often associated with the Indonesian Maluku Islands.

Meals: Breakfast X3
Accommodation: Two per room: Ocean View Hotel , Two per room: Amaan Bungalows
Facilities: En-suite per room, hot showers, coffee shop, laundry services, wireless internet, bar
Route: Bagamoyo to Zanzibar by Ferry/ Stone Town to Nungwi Beach +/-70 kms
Travel Time: +/- 2-3 hours (Day 7) +/-2 hours (Day 9)
Optional Activities: Lunch and dinner, Motorbike hire, Spice tour, Walking city tour, Swimming with dolphins, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have not purchased the Activity Package, you will be staying at the accommodation in Dar es Salaam for these three days.