Who hasn’t heard of the island of Zanzibar, although few would know where to place it on a world map?
Zanzibar is a small misunderstood island, the island where reality is not the one we expected. It has built its reputation on tourist beaches, but it is for its history it deserves your visit. We have already forgotten that this island has seen bloodshed, sweat and tears of those who had been uprooted from their land and forced to embark in Bagamoyo (nearest mainland port of the island) to work on plantations . Who knows that the spice trade was flourishing in the seventeenth century and spices were as coveted as oil today!
Wars, invasions, intrigues of the clans and slavery have created a unique and rich history on such a small territory.
Today, it is regrettable that there are only some near-abandoned ruins, beautiful doors poorly preserved and the tourist pressure suppresses its past every day a little more.
Zanzibar is an independent island (in theory, because the big sister Tanzania is pulling almost all the strings), we do not provide tourism service in the island apart from hotels. Local agencies are numerous, making the right choice…
The unavoidable
How to go to Zanzibar without staying at least one night in Stone Town? It is the memory of the island and the soul of his past. Let your steps guide you, lose yourself at the nightfall on the narrow alleys of the old town, eat seafood on the Forodhani square in the glow of oil lamps or haggle some trinkets in a tiny shop.
You think you know all about the spices? Get surprised in the company of a good guide who will fascinate you with the story of these little things that have almost changed the face of the world… The discovery of spices allowed to cover up the gamey taste of the food, to better preserve meat and fish or open the door to emerging gastronomic food in the royal kitchens of the old world.
Have fun watching the most adorable little monkeys that are the “red Colobus” in the Jozani forest and capture the charming expressions of these little clowns with your camera. For too long, they were captured for the selfish pleasure of a few notables. It remains a few hundred of them, and only effective protection funded by friendly tourism can prevent their extinction.
If you are familiar with the manual work, go to the northern tip of the island, east of the city of Nungwi, to observe how the famous dhows of the Indian Ocean have been built for centuries . No blueprint, no measuring, no workshop, antediluvian tools… But a talent that borders on a gift!!!
Sea sports (such as kite surfing) lovers will choose the beaches of the east of the island, especially the long shores of Jambiani. For diving or snorkelling Nungwi area will offer a wide range of possibilities. One can also build a dhow, to spend the day in small islands, etc…
To avoid
Avoid the street touts that are sure to harass you when arriving by ferry or in the city. Serious agencies do not use these methods. Prefer to give your attention to those with storefront, or those recommended by your hotel.
Do not succumb to the temptation of swimming with dolphins in the south of the island… in Kizimkazi. This activity is not supervised (moreover it is very expensive…) And this is more of harassment than observation. Dolphins are relentlessly pursued by speedboats to fall back towards tourists who wait swimming. It is also dangerous for both…
The hotel industry
It is generally quite expensive compared to the quality of service… As for the “nice little cheap hotel” where we desire to sleep. We are still looking!
We work mainly with the following hotels:
Safari Lodge Hotel in Stone Town
http://safarilodgetz.com/index.php
Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town
http://www.dhowpalace-hotel.com/dhowpalace-hotel-brochure.pdf
Flame Tree Cottages Nungwi Beach
http://www.flametreecottages.com/web/
Mnarani Beach Cottages Nungwi
http://www.mnarani-beach-cottages.com/
These hotels in which we guarantee the quality of services also offer impeccable booking service.
We are available to book at other establishments of your choice. But be aware that some hotels only respond for partner agencies, or do not respond if they are fully booked for the requested period.
