Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar Holidays, Zanzibar Safaris, Travel in Zanzibar

Although Zanzibar and its neighboring tropical island of Pemba do not have reserve or park status, they are worth mentioning here for the aquatic life, some rare primates and a fascinating history. Zanzibar is a common post-safari destination that adds a relaxing, exotic element to a hectic holiday.

These islands lie at the top of Tanzania's Indian Ocean coastline, which over the centuries have been influenced by numerous cultures which have blended together to create the Zanzibar of today. The confusing mix originates from an African Asian combination created by a touch of Persian, Arabian, Indian and Chinese influences with some Dutch, Portuguese and English thrown in for good measure. Slaves and spices made these islands famous.

Shirazi Persians and Omani Arabs settled and ruled the Zanzibar Sultanate, which explains the Arab influences and Muslim religion which endures today. Heavily carved and studded Zanzibar doors relieve the plain exteriors of many houses, many of which are peeling and disheveled. The Indian influence produced colored glasswork and ornamental fretwork balconies and today Gujarat traders sell just about anything from cloves to curios. The English legacy is a number of solid imperial buildings occupying the more select parts of The Stone Town.

The islands conjure up everything one could want from a tropical escape. Spectacular beaches, simple fishing villages, relaxing resorts, silence and solitude if you wish or the hustle and bustle in the narrow streets of an ancient town.

BAASZ 10 - Kizimkazi Fishing Village

This is Full Day Tour, the main Attraction being able to swim close to the dolphin, actually its swimming with the Dolphin. Being very social themselves, if you are luck you even get to play with them. Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins and Humpback dolphins, which are sighted following a short boat trip from the village.

*Please note that this tour is subject to Weather Conditions; if the weather is not appropriate for the tour we will inform you on the morning of the Tour and postpone it to the next day.

Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both natural and cultural reasons. The trip includes transport from either Stone Town or Hotel in the East or North Coast, guide, boat, snorkeling equipment and lunch.

KASZ 24 - Dolphin Tours to Fumba Village

The trip is a full day trip on locally constructed sailing dhows, fitted with outboard motors, marine VHF radios, life jackets and other security requirements. Clients are transferred from Stone Town (East/North Coast) to Fumba village, approximately 11 miles from town to board the dhow. The trip explores mainly Menai bay inhabited by humpback and bottlenose dolphins, which is a conservation area. The dhow anchors in a safe and shallow area to allow for snorkeling. High quality snorkeling material is provided, and a large range of sizes is available. Lunch is served on a sand bank or on one of the many uninhabited island in the region. A traditional dish of barbecued fish, rice, lentils and fish curry is serves. Chilled fruit juice, mineral water, and bottled soft drinks are available throughout the tour. After lunch, clients can sail on an outrigger canoe carved out of a single mango tree, snorkel and swim or just relax. Return to Fumba is by sail, wind permitting, and clients arrive back at their hotel at about 5.30 pm. full day.