Zanzibar tours and safaris
Zanzibar tours and safaris : Zanzibar island is a holiday destination that is known for its beautiful beaches and it is located off the East African coast in the Indian ocean. There are a variety of things to do during a visit to Zanzibar island and these tours involve activities such as snorkeling, swimming, visiting different historic sites on the island, diving, boat rides, dolphin tours among others.
During a tour of Zanzibar island, you can choose to engage in a walking tour or engage in biking and another alternative of exploring the town is by driving. You can use public transport means to get around the island or hire a private means of transport to take you around different places in Zanzibar.
Walking safaris around Zanzibar island give you a closer view of the island as you get to move around different sites and also interact with the locals and experience their culture and the day to day way of life of people on the island. These walking tours are popular in Stone town which is a town on the island known for its winding alleys and also different historic buildings and sites. You can also take a walk along the beach and take in the beauty of the island during your holiday.
Stone town is found at the heart of Zanzibar island and during tours on the island, you can visit the town and move around the narrow alleyways and historic buildings which have a mix of different cultures such as the Arabs, Persians, Indians, Portuguese and also the British.
Different travelers including children of all ages can engage in various activities during Zanzibar tours and safaris. The island is also a perfect destination for a getaway and also for a honeymoon destination where you can wake up to amazing views of the Indian ocean with your loved one.
You can also choose to visit the spice farms found on the island and enjoy exploring Zanzibar island which is also known as the spice island. Visiting the spice farms involves getting to know more about the spices grown on the island and their uses. You can also have a taste of food prepared using these local spices grown on Zanzibar island such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla among others.
Zanzibar island is also known for its cultural mix and this has greatly contributed to the variety of delicacies which are prepared on the island. A Zanzibar tour can also involve learning how to prepare these different dishes with the help of a local chef. The various delicacies can be prepared at the hotels and also along the streets where a number of foods are prepared.
Another activity which you can engage in during a Zanzibar tour and safari is visiting the Jozani forest which is home to the rare red colobus monkeys. You can also engage in a nature walk during a visit to Jozani forest national park which is also the only national park on Zanzibar island.
Prison island is another destination on Zanzibar island which can be visited during a holiday on the island and it is a destination where you can see the giant tortoises. Getting to this Prison island can be done by a 30 to 45 minute boat ride from Stone town. After the experience on Prison Island, you take a boat back to Stone town. The Prison island is also known as Changuu island.
The currency used during a Zanzibar tour is Tanzania shillings (TSH) and US dollars are also used during transactions on the island. Accommodation and activities on Zanzibar island for foreigners is also charged in dollars.
The forms of accommodations on Zanzibar island include budget lodges, midrange accommodation and also luxury lodges which are located on different parts of the island.
How to get to Zanzibar island
A tour to Zanzibar island can start with a flight to the airport on the island which is known as Abeid Amani Karume international airport. This is for the flight option of accessing the island during a holiday. Many other safari destinations of Tanzania offer flights directly to Zanzibar island which makes it easy to combine a wildlife safari with a holiday on the island.
Another way to access Zanzibar island during a tour is by using a ferry from Dar es Salaam. This is a more affordable option for those who would like to visit the island and the ferry operates daily and these services are provided by different ferry companies. Locals and foreigners use the ferry from Dar es Salaam to get to Zanzibar island and it can take about 2 to 3 hours to get there.
When to visit Zanzibar island
Zanzibar island can be visited at any time of the year the best time being June to October which is the dry season. March to early May, November and December is a time when rains are received on Zanzibar and January and early March are also hot.
For snorkeling during your tour on Zanzibar island, you can visit during the months of September to December, January and March.
Zanzibar island can be visited for as many days as you want depending on the activities you will engage in and your budget for the Zanzibar island safari. You can also visit the island as part of a group tour or as an individual. The island is also safe for solo travelers during their tours on Zanzibar island.
You can also organize your all inclusive Zanzibar island tour using a tour operator. By taking a trip to the island eating at the local restaurants you are contributing to the income of the locals who have over the years benefited a lot from tourism on the island.
During your Zanzibar tour, it is also recommended that you dress decently especially female travelers as a way of respecting the culture of people on the island.
Book a tour to Zanzibar island with us and explore different sites and enjoy relaxing on the white sand beaches of the Indian ocean.
