East Coast Zanzibar Experience - Independent

Welcome to Zanzibar. This Independent Expreience begins on arrival at Zanzibar Airport, where you’ll be met by our local operator and transferred to the Tembo Hotel (approximately 15 minutes) in the atmospheric and historic centre of Stone Town. Just the name Zanzibar conjures up images of a remote island paradise where the water is transparent and the air is filled with the heady scent of spices. Only 40 kilometres off the mainland coast of Tanzania lies this beautiful island, known to the locals as Ungudya. It has an area of 1,400 square kilometres and a population of about 100,000, of whom more than half reside in the capital, Stone Town. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the winding alleyways and streets of Stone Town. Your local guide can advise you on the range of activities available in the area. This evening, maybe get a toast of local flavours at Forodhani Night Markets along the seafront.

Notes: The Tembo Hotel, once an American Consulate, is located in the heart of Zanzibar on the sea front and is fully equipped with first class facilities. The spacious hotel rooms are fully air-conditioned with hot and cold water, television, phone and mini bar at your disposal. To cool off during the heat of the day there is also a swimming pool at the hotel.

Today is a free for you to explore Stone Town’s maze of narrow streets with whitewashed coral stone buildings, magnificently carved, brass-studded teak doors, quaint shops and bazaars that all reflect a unique blend of architectural traditions. The market and bazaars are fascinating and are ideal spots for topping up your spice collection at home or shopping for souvenirs. Zanzibar was also one of the headquarters for slave trading and the starting point for many of the famous explorers such as Speke, Livingstone, Burton and Grant. From here they ventured into the vast interior of east Africa. Perhaps learn more about the island’s history at the Old Fort, the Slave Markets, or at the House of Wonders (so-called because it was the first building on the island to have electricity and running water), which houses the Zanzibar National Museum of History and Culture. This afternoon you'll embark on an afternoon tour of the spice plantations, where you'll have the opportunity to see and taste a variety of spices (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, etc.), as well as tropical fruits. Your guide may also introduce you to some rare plant species, including the henna bush and lipstick tree, before driving you back to Stone Town. Later, maybe enjoy a dawa cocktail as you watch dhows sail along the Zanzibar coastline.

In the morning you will exchange the narrow lanes of Stone Town for the beaches of the east coast (approximately 1.5 hours drive). The interior of the island is covered with clove and spice plantations as well as groves of tropical fruit tree, and the coral reefs, sandy beaches, mangrove and coastal forests are home to rare and endangered species such as the red colobus monkey, the green sea turtle and the blue duiker. On the coast you can run your hands through the perfectly fine white sands and enter the warming embrace of the Indian Ocean – deep blue in colour, filled with marine life, and perfect for swimming and snorkelling. This is the perfect place to climb into a hammock with drink and a book, watch a gorgeous sun set and then relax underneath a blanket of glowing stars.

Notes: Your accommodation on the east coast is at Breezes Beach Resort, where each tastefully decorated room has private facilities and air-conditioning.

During your time on the coast you can enjoy swimming or simply relax on the beach – your wonderful resort is situated along beautiful white sands. There are a number of optional activities to take advantage of, from full or half-day deep sea fishing expeditions, sailing trips on a dhow ship, snorkelling, or a visit to Prison Island (named for its former use, but now home to giant land tortoises). There is a fitness centre at the accommodation for those who want to exercise to work off all the excellent meals that are served in the restaurant. There’s also a swimming pool, water sports, restaurants, bars and shopping bazaar. It's a perfect place to unwind.

Today you’ll be transferred back to Zanzibar airport by a representative, and your tour will end on arrival (approximately 1.5 hour drive).