Day Trips in Zanzibar
Our Day Trips in Zanzibar for a perfect vacation is an excellent way exploring Zanzibar’s astounding history, bursting culture and breathtaking beaches.
Zanzibar, Known as the Spice Island, (Swahili Unguja), a beautiful island on Africa’s east coast is bursting with culture and history, seemingly at odds with its idyllic geography of white-sand beaches with palms swaying lazily in the sea breeze. Together this makes Zanzibar a fabulous place to explore as well as a dream to relax and unwind.
Zanzibar Beaches
Stone Town – the vibrant and enchanting capital
Nungwi – at the northern tip of the island. Very popular with tourists since swimming in the ocean is possible even at low tide. Quite overcrowded with tourists in season.
Kendwa – a few km south of Nungwi, also very popular with tourists.
Matemwe – a small traditional village in the North East.
Paje – the liveliest village on the South East coast known for excellent Kitesurfing and SUP trips, Great diving, a stunning beach and excellent restaurants.
Jambiani – a small fishing village on the southeast coast, 10 km south of Paje, with lots of small guesthouses and hotels – a quieter option than Paje with plenty of restaurants to choose from
Michamvi – the remotest village on the South East coast, a small picturesque fishermen village with Zanzibar’s greatest sunset beach.
Makunduchi : at the south east tip of the island. The village is famous for the “Mwaka Kogwa” festival which happens in July. The beaches are some distance away from the village and are quiet, away from it all. For travelers who are looking for peace.
Kizimkazi : small fishing village famous for the Dolphin tours. The most antic mosque in Africa is to be found in Kizimkazi Dimbani.
Sima Safari Day Trips in Zanzibar.
*THE SPICE FARM or JOSANI PARK – PRISON ISLAND AND TOUR IN STONE TOWN.
*THE SPICE FARM or JOSANI PARK – THE PRISON ISLAND AND TOUR IN STONE TOWN.
*TURQUOISE SAFARI.
*EXPLORE NORTH OF ZANZIBAR.
*ATV tour (via Cool Quads).
*STAR FISH, JOZANI FOREST AND PAJE BEACH TRIP.
*SNORKELLING IN MNEMBA ISLAND.
*SNORKELLING IN TUMBATU.
*SUNSET DHOW CRUISE.
*DEEP SEA FISHING.
*OUR SHORT SAFARI FROM ZANZIBAR
For More Guidance On Day Trips in Zanzibar, Please Contact Us.
STONE TOWN / THE MOST COMMON OF OUR DAY TRIPS IN ZANZIBAR
The inner city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, is a most unique city. Blending Moorish, Middle Eastern, Indian, and African traditions and architectures, it is possible to spend days winding through Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleys. That said, a day will give you plenty of insight. The inner city is small and can easily be explored by foot.
While in Stone Town, you can shop for souvenirs, drink the occasional tea, or visit the few city’s historic sites. Former Slave Market. This is the site of the old Slave Market. The museum only consists of slave chambers (one for 50 men and one for 75 women and children), a memorial, and an Anglican Church built on the site of the tree that served as whipping post.
Africa house in Stone Town was the old English club and explorers like Livingstone and Stanley relaxed in the bar and billiards rooms before exploring the main land. The billiards room now is an Arabic shisha smoking lounge.
Old town but very lively. Take a tour of the city’s enchanting alleys with a local guide who will enrich you with knowledge of the city today and fascinating history (according to your wishes). No time will be given. Lunch at one of the restaurants you choose.
Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years.It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.
This is a walking tour that takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders,the former slave market for East African Slave trade, and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar.The architectural style of Stone town buildings is a unique mixture of various influences and culture.
You will see Zanzibar’s bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques!
Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from.
A guided walk through this colorful and alternating city with tour knowledgeable tour guides, who knows not only funny of Stone town, but also cruel stories to tell about life of the old times in Stone town.
SPICE FARM
Spice Farm Tour: This is the tour to the village farm where we can see, taste and smell all the magic of nature. You will be asked to guess from the sense of smell which spice or fruit grew from every tree and bush, flaunted with palm leaf jewelry and enjoyed a sumptuous fruit meal.
Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which are essential ingredient in a Zanzibari’s everyday life, it is the island’s connection to spices and herbs. Zanzibar and Spice is a romantic entanglement that dates back to the 16th century.
Apart from being an important commodity on the trade routes, they can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, this is also a fantastic opportunity to see the countryside and rural areas of Zanzibar, connect with local people and it is the best place to buy fresh spices directly from the source.
This tour include the followings
Guided walking tour passes through villages and spice plantations, a walk through the farms as spice farms workers climbs trees, seek out specific plants and cuts off various barks, letting you see, feel and taste everything.
You will be decorated with palm-leaf accessories such as ties, rings, bracelets and glasses. At the Spice farms you will have an opportunity to taste some of theexotic fruits of Zanzibar.
After the tour we invite you for an opulent traditional Swahili lunch served in a local house, here you will get a really taste of the spices in the food. The tour includes visiting the kidichi Persian baths built in 1850 by the first Sultan of Zanzibar as a gift for his Persian wife.
PRISON ISLAND BOAT TRIP
The Prison Island: The island of prisoners is also called a turtle island, where land turtles arrived from the Seychelles, weighing about 100 kilograms and reaching the age of 150 years. It seems a very large amount of giant deer, which can also be fed.
Earning its name as a former prison for slaves and a quarantine station for Zanzibar and the mainland, nowadays the island gives you the chance to escape for some peace and quiet.
The island lies just off the Old Stone Town, it is also a home to giant land tortoises that were imported from Seychelles in the late 19th century. Now it is more commonly known as a home of Zanzibar’s Giant Aldabran 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.
Once on the island, you have the opportunity to feed and pet the tortoises; if you have time you may also like to take a stroll through the forested interior where you will see a wide variety of birds, colorful peacocks, bats, and beautiful butterflies. Keep your eyes peeled too for the shy and elusive Duikers – an unusual tiny antelope species.
JOZANI FOREST TOUR
Josani Park: This is the only nature reserve in Zanzibar where there are beautiful mahogany trees, a very impressive tropical forest, where the colossus is grown only here in Zanzibar. Later on we will reach a forest of mangroves. In this forest there are three types of this tree, all groa very impressive sight.
We will also be able to see many types of crabs living in this unique ecosystem. The tour is guided by a government certified instructor.
This forest is one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the world of the red colubus monkey. The forest is 2,512 hectares (6,207 acres) in size and was declared a nature reserve in the 1960′s.
Wonderful photo opportunities and sightings of these rare creatures living in the forest reserves are possible on the pathways. Our guides are also naturalists and nature lovers will have a wonderful time in the nature reserve.
They were an endangered species, but numbers have increased in recent years thanks to conservation work by the nature reserve working closely with the local people. It is estimated that there are now between 2,000-2,500 monkeys. The monkeys are wild, but it is possible to get close to them and they carry on their normal activities as though human visitors do not exist.
Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative. A walk through this impressive flora and fauna is one of the highlights Zanzibar has to offer.
At Jozani, you will also visit the Mangrove swamp and walk around the Mangrove forest.
KITESURFING
Surfing. The Southeast Coast offers a variety of surf spots for different level surfers. Guaranteed uncrowded surf in crystal clear warm waters with a consistent waist high wave for beginners and shoulder to head high wave for advanced can be found on the island. The reefs are flat and beginner friendly in some sections and can be gnarly with sea urchins if you do not know the spots.
Kitesurf is a popular sport in Paje Beach, where the crystalline lagoon waters and reef protection offer ideal conditions for both advanced and beginner kitesurfers. At full moon the lagoon maybe very full and conditions may be suboptimal.
View our Sup and Kitesurfing Tours here..
Deep Sea Fishing with ” Hooked on Fishing” in Nungwi in the North Coast.
CYCLING AND ATV TOURS WITH COOL QUADS.
While on Day trips in Zanzibar, Sima Safari takes you to some of the islands hidden treasures, offering cycling tours around the Northern region of Zanzibar. You get a bit of culture, history, exercise and fun…
SNORKELLING IN MNEMBA ISLAND AND TUMBATU.
Do not miss out on one of the best dives in East Africa. We can arrange daily trips to the famous Mnemba Atoll Marine Park for divers and snorkelers. Mnemba Atoll is known for having clear warm waters.
Dolphin and Green Turtle encounters are very common, though not guaranteed.
Kendwa Beach is also known for the Full Moon Party, arranged Saturdays just before or after a full moon. While not as big or extreme as those arranged in Thailand, the parties on Zanzibar attract quite a large group of people, especially when the full moon coincides with public holidays in Europe and North America (eg Easter and Christmas).
EXPLORING THE NORTH OF ZANZIBAR.
This tour starts at the aquarium, which is located at the northern most point of Zanzibar near the lighthouse, where we will see how the sea turtles are preserved, treated and kept until release once a year. Then we will take a stroll to see the fish market and how to build the local dhow boats.
We will continue to the of beautiful stalactites caves, with natural springs and swimming pools in them. We will spend some time swimming in the caves and with the rays of light that enter the cave and illuminate the transparent water greatly enhance beautiful experience! We will visit the ruins of a historic building built by the Portuguese in the 15th century, near the caves. On the afternoon go to get lunch at Villa Kiva boutique hotel along Matemwe beach.
After that we will visit a very authentic local village, meet the charming local residents and children, see and learn about their simple way of life, how to live without modern means.
Later on go to an isolated quiet and calm beach, eat fruits and stay on the beach as much as you wish.
How to Get to Zanzibar.
BY AIR.
Ethiopian Airline, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai and Kenya Airways are providing direct international connection on scheduled basis. Other Airlines such as The Royal Dutch Airline (KLM), Swiss Air, Egypt Air, Emirates Air, South African Airlines, Rwanda Air, Air Uganda, Zambian Airways, and Air Zimbabwe fly to Dar – Es – salaam, where you can connect to Zanzibar either by Sea or by small local charters, some of which operate regular schedule services. These include Air Tanzania, Auric Air, Precision Air, Zan Air, Coastal Travel, Tropical Air, Flight Link, etc.
There are als0 number of regular chatter flights from Europe traveling direct to Zanzibar. Most of them are from Italy and Germany including Air Europe, Air Italy, Blue Panorama, Lauder Air, Livingstone Air, Mery Diana, Noes, etc.
BY SEA
If you prefer access by sea a number of ferries that operate on regular base. Travelling by boat allow you to experience the sight and sound of the country up close in an unforgettable journey. Bookings and reservations can be made at the ports and in towns or from the travel agent. Normally non-Tanzanian are required to pay in foreign convertible currencies.
The most reliable ferries between Dar and Zanzibar is AZAM MARINES, The Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries.
The time taken to travel between Dar –es- Salaam and Zanzibar varies depending on the type of the vessels, while the fasten may takes 60 minutes. Note: some cruise ship anchor or dock at Zanzibar port occasionally.
Days trips in Tanzania can be done from your hotel depending on its location. It can be by Car or boat depending on your location.
Visa Information
All visitors require a valid passport and visa for the duration of their stay. Visa can be obtained from Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or alternatively at the entry points. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous state within Tanzania, although visitors won’t need a separate Visa to enter, you will need to show your passport on arrival. It is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate prior to your travel for updated information.http://www.immigration.go.tz
See also our guidelines for:
Short Safari Packages from Zanzibar
Accommodation in Zanzibar
Tanzania Tour/Safari Planning Guide
Planning a Wildlife Safari in Kenya
Zanzibar Tourism board
Destination Zanzibar Island
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