ZANZIBAR TOURS & EXCURSIONS PEMBA & MAFIA ISLAND ADVENTURES

Transcription

1 ZANZIBAR TOURS & EXCURSIONS PEMBA & MAFIA ISLAND ADVENTURES

2 ZANZIBAR ISLAND A leisurely walk through the colourful bazaar of Zanzibar s Stone Town, rich with the fragrance of exotic spices and bristling with life, eventually leads the distinguished visitor to the harbour, where the 19th century residences of the British Consul and the Chinese Doctor still stand today, door to door and restored to their original glory to accommodate a luxury hotel. Back in the heydays of African exploration, led by adventurers such as Dr. David Livingstone, Henry Morton Stanley, Samuel Baker, Richard and Isabel Burton, every expedition into the heart of Tanzania and beyond set out from the harbour front of Zanzibar island, with the usually calm and glistening waters a deceptive allusion to the adventures to come. Just outside Stone Town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site stands Livingstone House, built in 1860 and aptly named for the famous missionary and explorer whose exploits on the continent are forever linked to the island paradise of Zanzibar. During his extensive safaris on the dark continent beyond the shorelines of Tanzania, Dr. David Livingstone used his island retreat as a base and equally distinguished explorers soon followed his lead to utilise his residence as the staging point for their own expeditions into the interior of Africa. Today, Zanzibar is an autonomous state within the United Republic of Tanzania and the name itself was originally derived from a combination of two Arabic words: Zenj meaning black and bar, meaning land, hence the ancient title Land of the Blacks. The tropical climate of this island paradise, its golden beaches, turquoise waters and colourful bazaars, are a temptation the perceptive traveller will find difficult to resist. Walking on endless beaches with tall coconut palms casting their long shadows over the white sands and hammocks swaying in the warm breeze, while tropical birds flit about the lush green leaves and pendulous fruits high above. And for the more action oriented visitor, favoured beach activities range from volleyball to horse riding, windsurfing, kite surfing and scuba diving; with the channels between Zanzibar and Pemba Island recognised to offer some of the most dramatic scuba diving opportunities in the world: coral reef pillars dropping away into the abyss below and dolphins splashing about on the surface above, this is a diving enthusiasts wonder world realized. Wether one travels to the northern popular Nungwi Peninsular with its dhow building yards, coral lagoons and turtle aquarium or to the southern end of the island with its remote and rugged beaches, picturesque villages and the dolphin safari at Kizimkazi, there are adventures and activities in Zanzibar to suit all tastes. Here our selection of tours and excursions on Zanzibar Island. 2

3 TOURS & EXCURSIONS Zanzibar Stone Town Tour This is a leisurely two to three hours tour through the colourful bazaar of Zanzibar s Stone Town, rich with the fragrance of exotic spices and bristling with life, the air buzzing with locals bartering fresh vegetables and baskets of tropical fruit and fish. The tour takes you past the site of a cathedral built in 1874 over the former slave market and on to the Zanzibar Museum, Tippu Tip's House, the former British Club, the Old Fort and the recently renovated Indian Dispensary. Considered by many to be the heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is the only functioning historical city in East Africa and remains much the same today as it was 200 years ago - alive with a bustling crowd of bui bui' veiled women, travelling tea sellers, old men chatting on the baraza' (benches) of the alleys, skulking cats and laughing children. And its tortuously twisting lanes also present you with a fascinating cross-section of Zanzibar s history - the Portuguese Fort, the Sultan's Palace, the old Dhow Port, the Old Slave Market, the House of Wonders, to name but a few. Cultural sights in and around Zanzibar Stone Town include: Your tour continues with a stroll through the narrow streets of Stone Town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest section of Zanzibar City and is made up of a labyrinth of winding lanes, ancient stone houses, Arabian arches, carved wooden doors, circular towers, narrow latticed windows, overhanging balconies and a fascinating bazaar lined with curio shops, art galleries and spice troves. The Livingstone House, the Hamamni Baths, the National Museum, the Chukwani Palace, the Mtoni Palace ruins, the Maruhubi Palace ruins, the Persian Baths of Kidichi, the Mangapwani slave caves. 3

4 Zanzibar Safari Blue This exotic tour takes you on a full day epic sea adventure on locally constructed sailing dhows, fitted with outboard motors, marine VHF radios, life jackets and other security requirements. The dhow anchors in a safe and shallow area to allow for snorkelling. High quality snorkelling equipment is provided, and a large range of sizes is available. A lunch of traditional barbecued fish, rice, lentils and curry is served on a sand bank of one of the many uninhabited islands in the area. Jozani Forest Tour Zanzibar's first and only National Park is situated around Jozani Forest, the largest area of mature forest found on Zanzibar island, situated Chilled fruit juice, mineral water, and bottled soft drinks are available throughout the tour. between the mangrove filled bays of Chwaka and Uzi. Seasonal flooding, and a high ground water table has led to the development of a unique eco-system which is flanked by mangrove forests and salt marshes. About a kilometre south of the National Park Centre, the mangrove boardwalk begins under the shade of an old tamarind tree. Tour includes: Transport to location, local boat tour, entrance fee, snorkelling equipment, tour guide, drinks (water, soft drinks, local beer, Amarula liquor), sea food lunch on barbecue. Perhaps one of the most famous residents of the Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey, found only on the main island, this type of Red Colobus is recognised as a separate species and is endemic to the island only. Tour includes: Entrance fee Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, tour guide, mineral water, transport to location. 4

5 Zanzibar Spice Tour The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which are essential ingredients in a Zanzibari s everyday life. The island s connection to spices and herbs dates back to the 16th century and the spice plantations can be found just outside Zanzibar town with the further opportunity to also experience the rural areas of this island paradise. The guided walking tour passes through villages and spice plantations with the chance to taste some of the exotic fruits of Zanzibar. Prison Island Tour Sharing its name as a former prison for slaves and a quarantine station for Zanzibar and the mainland in general, Prison Island today offers the opportunity to escape the city for some peace and quiet. The island lies just off Stone Town and is more commonly known as a home of Zanzibars Giant Aldabra Tortoise colony, some of which are over a hundred years old! This endangered species came to Zanzibar as a gift from the government of the Seychelles. Kizimbani is among the areas our spice tour will be visiting and the further opportunity to savour fruits and spices which you have probably never seen on the supermarket shelf: cloves, star fruit, tangerine trees, lemon grass, mango trees, 'lipstick trees', to name but a few examples of what you can expect to experience. This is also the cheapest place to buy locally made perfumes and oils. Tour includes: Entrance fee, tour guide, mineral water, transport. Once on the island, you have the opportunity to feed and pet the tortoises and time permitted, you may also take a stroll through the forested interior where you can see a wide variety of birds, colourful peacocks, bats, and beautiful butterflies. Keep your eyes peeled for the shy and elusive Duikers - an unusual tiny antelope species. The islands minor beach is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling and also offers a stunning view of Stone Town especially at night. Tour includes: Entrance fee, tour guide, mineral water, transport. 5

6 Dolphin Trip The most popular dolphin spotting location in Zanzibar is off Kizimkazi village located on the southern coast of Zanzibar Island where you can see both bottle-nose and humpback dolphins. The shallow coastal waters around Kizimkazi are a favourite destination for dolphins that come here for food and to nurse their calves. of Islam in East Africa and is therefore worth a visit for both cultural and historical objectives. Tour includes: Entrance fee, tour guide, mineral water, transport. MAFIA ISLAND OCEAN ADVENTURES Mafia Island Diving, Fishing & Snorkelling Adventures A 30 minute flight south of Zanzibar, Mafia is the one island off Tanzania's coast that encourages visitors to explore its offshore islands and sand bars. There are very few hotels here which only adds to the attraction of Mafia Island as the beach destination for the adventurous traveller. The central main island is where most of Mafia's accommodation options can be found, although the smaller islands are also fun to explore, with crumbling historical ruins now inhabited by a variety of different animals from monkeys to wild pigs, fruit bats and bush babies. Several bottle-nose dolphins stay at Kizimkazi all year-round. The dolphin trip starts very early in the morning, because in the afternoon, as the sun rises and the sea water warms, dolphins dive deep down to escape the heat. For guests who stay in Stone Town, a pick up will be arranged from their hotels at am and am from beach hotels. Although dolphin spotting is a popular activity, sightings can not be guaranteed and actually managing to swim with dolphins is a rare occurrence as it requires time and patience. The dolphin trip may last about two to three hours with the further opportunity to explore on land thereafter. Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence Mafia is primarily known for its ocean adventures, with the marine park, created to protect its reefs, being a central attraction. The diving, fishing and snorkelling are the best in the region, definitely better than those to be found on Zanzibar, although the beaches on Mafia island are not nearly as good as Zanzibar's. Mafia has plenty to offer for the advanced diver, as well as numerous sheltered bays and coves that are great for beginners to intermediate divers. The snorkelling opportunities are also magnificent. The atmosphere on the island is one of adventure - days are spent fishing or exploring exposed sand bars and untouched reefs and the entire experience is perhaps best for those keen on making diving the central focus of their Tanzania holiday. Here below our recommendations for the best lodges on Mafia island suitable for diving, snorkelling and sea fishing adventures. 6

7 Pole Pole Pole Pole which means slowly slowly in Swahili is an Italian operated beach lodge in the Chole Bay of Mafia Island. It has been around for a while and now with its own decent swimming pool is one of the better places to stay on the island. The lodge is very chilled out, peaceful and a good spot to base yourself for diving in the nearby Mafia Marine Park. Pole Pole is considered one of the more exclusive eco-lodges in the region, is renowned for its great cuisine, unpretentious and laid-back atmosphere and warm but discrete hospitality. Boats for sightseeing trips, snorkelling and fishing are available but the diving however can be arranged from the nearby Mafia Island Diving centre, which serves a number of lodges on the island. Mafia Island Lodge The Mafia Island Lodge is the largest lodge on the island and stands amidst tall palms on a sandy beach in Chole Bay, in the heart of the Mafia Marine Park near Utende village on south coast of Mafia. The rooms in the lodge are all self-contained with air conditioning and among the 34 rooms there are 2 family suites, which are made out of 2 comfortable connecting rooms with one sharing bathroom, each one with its own veranda overlooking garden and sea. The main lodge has a relaxing atmosphere with a large open restaurant, bar and lounge area. Board games, table tennis and volleyball are also available. As is the case with Pole Pole, the nearby Mafia Island Diving centre provides and organises an extraordinary range of diving and snorkelling opportunities in the area. Mafia Island Diving Slipping just below the surface of Mafia's ocean, you find yourself in one of the greatest locations to either start or continue your diving adventure. The majority of the time you will find yourselves as the only divers on site, having a whole section of the ocean just for yourself. With one of the healthiest and diverse coral reef systems, warm waters averaging 26'C, 7

8 visibility of metres and the added security of a well governed Marine Park there is not much more to ask for! Mafia Island Diving has been in action since 2005 and is one of the longest standing dive operators on the Island. Offering land based expeditions as well as water based adventures suitable to all ages. Many of our excursions are run in conjunction with community based projects and help to raise awareness, promote sustainable tourism as well as eco-friendly practices. The aim of which is maintaining what is so special about Mafia its pure, natural environment. PEMBA ISLAND OCEAN ADVENTURES Pemba Island Diving, Fishing & Snorkelling Adventures Situated 40 km north of the main island of Zanzibar, Pemba Island is slightly smaller and much more rural than Zanzibar. While Zanzibar is comparatively flat, Pemba's hills and escarpments are green and picturesque, covered by mangoes and clove trees that have traditionally been growing on this spice island. Of the many opportunities offered by Mafia Island Diving and associated local partners, the following are considered unique Humpback Whale Watching (September & August), diving with Whale Sharks (October & March) and Turtle Hatching (June to September). All tours and excursions include water, tea, coffee and small snacks. Although Pemba is surrounded by a fine coral reef and pristine seas, its shores are also flanked with dense mangrove forests and the beaches here are nowhere near as good as in Zanzibar. Pemba has remained virtually unknown to mainstream tourism and the island is mainly visited by those who come to dive and snorkel its coral reefs and channels. Pemba Island is one of the top diving and snorkelling locations off the coast of Tanzania with the entire island surrounded by coral reef. Between the island and mainland Tanzania the Pemba Channel shelves off to 8

9 depths of more than meters and Pemba is famous for large sea fish populations such as barracuda, tuna, shark, humpback whales and whale sharks. Pemba is a the ideal off the chart playground for experienced divers. Visibility is generally very good and there are some spectacular pinnacles although currents are strong so it s not ideal for first time divers. Here below our recommendations for the best lodges on Pemba island suitable for diving, snorkelling and sea fishing adventures. Manta Resort The Manta Resort is a remote lodge situated in the north of the island of Pemba. Since the diving around Pemba is nothing but breathtaking with untouched coral reefs surrounding the entire island, most people come here for the diving and the remoteness charm of the area. You can only get here by light aircraft from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. The lodge is a 2 hour drive from Chake Chake, the capital of Pemba. The main area of the lodge has a great view looking North West onto the Indian Ocean, all meals are taken on the main veranda or under the large thatched roof structure. There are a 17 rooms in total, 6 superior beach front rooms, 4 superior garden view rooms and 7 garden view rooms. There is a good sized pool and a dive centre with its own beach where you can take trips out to the many great dive spots nearby. Fundu Lagoon Remote and peaceful, Fundu Lagoon has a distinct Robinson Crusoe air with charming rustic buildings nestling on the shore of the Indian Ocean, shaded by thatched roofs made from sun dried coconut palms. While crowds flock to Zanzibar, few have heard of the Pemba island, her little sister to the north, which remains largely undeveloped. Living up to the Spice Islands nickname, cloves form a major part of the local economy. Only accessible by boat, the resort extends along a natural beach, where the lush jungle meets the sea. Fundu Lagoon s staff are almost all from the local villages and bush babies, vervet monkeys and dolphins also call Pemba home. Whether relaxing by the infinity pool, wandering along the 9

10 shore and watching local women collect seaweed for the beauty industry, kayaking through the mangroves or admiring the pristine coral gardens around nearby Misali island, days here can be as relaxed or fun-filled as you make them. Dive 360 Pemba The diving around Pemba is nothing but breathtaking. The untouched coral reef surrounding the entre island makes Pemba one of the top dive sites in the world. Pemba is the perfect place to start your diving adventure. This is one of the healthiest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, a water temperature of 26 C, and the best visibility in East Africa of 30 to 40 meters in the summertime. In combination with these great water conditions Dive 360 Pemba Dive Centre has everything you will need, including a training pool in two levels and professional dive instructors to assist you with all your diving requirements. coast in near vertical walls along many of the reefs. Diving in this region is characterized by exceptionally clear, blue water drop-off s and vibrantly healthy shallow reefs. Hard and soft coral gardens support a proliferation of reef and pelagic fish and other marine life. Our commitment to furnish you with the very best in leisure travel management are defined by the objective to provide exceptional quality, intensive and unforgettable experiences as well as pleasurable moments, that in every detail and attention to superior services are a feast for the senses. Your Intek Travel Tours & Safaris Management Team Some of the dive sites around Pemba are spectacular by any standards. The deep Pemba channel rises dramatically towards the island s west Contact Details HRG Uganda - Intek Travel 25 Balikuddembe Road P.O. Box Naguru, Kampala, Uganda, EAU Telephone safari@intektravel.com fly@intektravel.com 10