Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.
The port city of Stone Town dominates the west coast, and although the beaches of Mangapwani, where slave caves are visible at low tide and nearby Bububu are less than half an hour’s drive away, a night or two spent on the east or north cost is well worth the extra hour it takes to drive there. That said, the Chole Island Marine Park just off Stone Town – and nearby Prison, Grave, and Snake Islands – make a refreshing day-trip and a good break from exploring the winding passageways of the old city.
On the south coast of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection area for the endangered species that come to breed on the island. Roads to the southeast coast take visitors through the Jozani Forest, home to Zanzibar’s rare Red Colobus monkeys and a number of other primate and small antelope species.
Spice tour
While spices no longer dominate Zanzibar's economy as they once did, there are still numerous spice plantations in the centre of the island, which make an interesting visit. Friendly and informed guides will escort you on a walking tour of the spice farms, picking bunches of leaves, fruit and twigs from bushes and trees, inviting you to smell or taste them to guess what they are.
Almost all the ingredients of the average kitchen spice rack can be found on this tour. Local children weave small 'gifts' from palm leaves as they follow you around and will quickly scamper up a coconut palm to cut a fresh coconut for you.
This is a great opportunity to find out why Zanzibar is known as the 'Spice Islands'
Jozani tour
Jozani is one of the last indigenous forests on the island, and well worth a visit.
The vegetation encompasses ground-water forest, mangroves, saline grassland, evergreen thickets and tracts of fern. Birdlife and butterflies are prolific. The shy Suni antelope, wild pig and Sykes' monkey all occur in the forest but most entertaining and engaging is the whimsical looking Red Colobus monkey, which is endemic to Zanzibar.
Stone town tour
Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, is steeped in history and an outstanding example of cultural fusion and harmonisation. It was recently and deservedly recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Wander around the fresh produce, fish and meat markets. Stroll down the famed narrow streets, lined with small shops. Visit the Palace Museum and the Old Fort on the seafront, the Anglican Cathedral and the old Slave Market.
One of the most striking aspects of a visit to the town is its fascinating architecture, which consists of a hybrid mix of Arabic, Indian, European and African influences. Another captivating feature of Stone Town architecture is the carved wooden door. There are over 500 remaining today!
Diving
For qualified divers there is a lot of variety available. From the deep dives at Leven Banks and the Big Wall to the shallow but incredibly beautiful dives at Tumbatu and Wattabomi there really is something for everyone. The trips are usually two dives and range from around three hours to six, depending on where you are going and what you are doing.
Deep sea fishing.
The waters between Zanzibar and Pemba are home to excellent big game fishing and are famous world wide for the exciting opportunities they provide. Further south at Mafia Island and Latham Island there are fishing grounds which are almost untouched with very few local fishermen around. With large schools of barracuda, wahoo, king fish and giant travelli in the area all year and seasonal visits from many other species the fishing off Zanzibar is an experience you will never forget.
Our locally based watersports partner offers three professional deep sea fishing boats and are all equipped to the highest international safety standards. They also have the latest fishing technology with GPS navigational aids, echo sounders and fish finders. Half and full day charters are available on all the boats and if you would like to do a longer trip then three or five day charters to Pemba, Mafia Island and Latham Island can also be arranged on the bigger vessels, which are fully set up for up to five people.
A full set of tackle is provided with Shimano, Fenwick, Harnell or KC rods and Shimano or Penn International reels, spooled with 80lb, 50lb, 30lb or 20lb mono lines. Clients who wish to use their own lighter tackle are welcome. Our experienced skippers and crew can instruct novices and talk fishermen through any procedure in the course of reeling in their catch and give hints and tips to improve your technique.
Available to book along with your accommodation or as an adjunct to a booking you already have elsewhere, obrigado safaris will happily assist you with booking this unforgettable experience!
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