About Zanzibar:
Situated in the Indian Ocean, 36 km off the
coastline of mainland Tanzania lies Zanzibar. Zanzibar
officially refers to the archipelago that include
Unguja and Pemba, surrounded by about 50 smaller ones.
Covering an area of 1464 sq km, Zanzibar is a mainly
low lying island, with it's highest point at 120 meters.
Zanzibar is an island state within the United Republic
of Tanzania, and has its own semi-autonomous government
made up of a Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives.
Once the trading centre of the whole of East Africa,
Zanzibar attracted Sumerians, Assyrians, Phoenicians,
Arabs, Chinese and Malays. The great explorers, Burton,
Speke, Livingstone and Krapf continued their journeys
from these shores.
It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with
fringing coral reefs, warm clear blue waters, idyllic
islands, excellent reefs for snorkelling and diving,
fantastic deep sea fishing and water sports activities.
The historic Stone Town with its narrow winding streets,
vivid markets and colourful bazaars makes for an interesting
cultural visit.
Commonly known as the "Spice Island"; famous
for spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla,
cardamom, peper and others). Spice tours are a popular
excursion.
CLIMATE:
The coolest and driest time to visit is between late
June and October. From late December to February or
early March temperatures are a little higher. April
and May which are seasonally subject to the long rains.
Short rains can occur in November but are characterised
by short showers which do not last long. The island
is blessed with an average of seven to eight hours
of sunshine daily.
VISAS & IMMIGRATION:
Visas are required by almost all visitors to Tanzania,
and should be obtained before arriving in Tanzania.
If you are arriving from a country without a Tanzanian
embassy or consulate, visas are issued at Dar es Salaam
international airport and at Zanzibar airport. Tourist
visas are valid for three months from the date of
issue.
Visa requirements are likely to change so please check
with your local Tanzanian embassy or representative.
Passport must be
valid for at least six months.
MONEY:
Official Currency:
Tanzania Shilling=100 cents
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate
Mastercard, Access and Diners Club have a limited
acceptance. Travellers cheques can be exchanged with
authorised deals and bureaux de change and are best
taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Many hotels
may require you make payment in foreign currency either
in cash or by Travellers Cheque.
LOCAL TIME:
Tanzania/Zanzibar is three hours ahead of GMT
ELECTRICAL POWER:
Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz. The Plug types
used are :
Round pins with ground
Rectangular blade plug
Excursions
and places to visit
Stone town: The stone town is a unique
architectural and cultural mix that has formed over
a millenia of interaction between people from the
East African mainland, Arabia, the Persian Gulf, India,
China, Portugal and beyond. A guided tour may be organized
to take you through the narrow twisting gully into
the market where you may catch the fish auction.
In light of its historical significance and value,
the United Nations has declared it as one of the World's
Cultural Heritage sites. This has further sparked
an architectural restoration effort after many years
of neglect.
The architecture of Zanzibar and its historical significance
is a vast topic. You may wish to refer to the following
texts for further information.
References
"Zanzibar Stone Town: An Architectural Exploration",
Prof Abdul Sheriff and Javed Jafferji, The Gallery
Publications, Zanzibar, 1998
"Slaves, Spices and Ivory in Zanzibar",
Prof Abdul Sheriff, James Currey, London, 1987.
Beit-Al-Ajaib (House of Wonders): Admired
for its high ceilings and towering pillars, this used
to be the Sultans Palace until 1911.
National musuem: Here can be found
a collection of portraits of past Sultans and their
documents, and relics of early explorers - including
Dr. Livingstone's medicine chest and local arts and
crafts. Livingstone house: This house was once placed
by the Sultan Seyyid Majid for use by the European
explorer David Livingstone, while in preparation for
his expedition to the mainland in 1866.
Slave market:
Zanzibar was the hub of the slave trade in East Africa,
until 1873 when it was abolished. On this site now
stands a church.
Changu island: This small island
used to be known as prison island, where slaves used
to be kept pending transportation to other markets.
Remains of underground slave chambers can still be
seen. One of the main attractions today are the giant
tortoise.
Marhubi ruins: This palace was built
by Sultan Sayyid Bargash for his harem in the 1880's.
It was however accidentally burnt down in 1899 and
now stands as ruins.
Spice tour:This tour enables one
to see, taste and smell various spices and fruit that
are cultivated on the Island.
Also to see: Town Market, Tippu Tip
House, Portuguese Fort, Dunga Palace, Kidichi Persian
Bath, Mangapwani Caves, Kizimkazi Mosque, Mtoni Palace,
Jozani Forest.
Dolphin safari: Duration-Full Day
This full day guided excursion begins at 9h00 when
you are picked up from your hotel and transferred
by minibus to the fishing village of Fumba, 18 kilometres
away. Here you will be provided with a life jacket
demonstration followed by a briefing on the days excursion.
You will then board the dhows and set off in search
of the dolphins (85% chances). The species frequently
found at Menai bay are spinner and bottlenose dolphins.
You will swim with dolphins if they stay close to
the boat, but are unlikely to be able to touch the
dolphins as they are of course wild animals.
You will then go on to one of the selected snorkeling
locations. Here you will snorkel while accompanied
by a snorkeling guide to show points of interest and
to assist with beginners. Snorkeling equipment will
be provided. You will then move on to the another
island or sand bank for lunch. Lunch is a traditional
Zanzibar meal and typically includes a selection of
barbecued fish, rice, lentils and fish curry. Chilled
fresh fruit juice, mineral water and bottled soft
drinks are available throughout the day. You will
spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing, swimming
or snorkeling.
Return to Fumba by sail, if wind permits; setting
off around 16h00, the journey takes approximately
one hour. You will be transferred back to your hotel.
Please bring: Comfortable waterproof
sandals, sun protection items, bathing suits &
towels.
Bad Weather Conditions: Visitors
may get wet, delayed or the trip canceled at a short
notice as your well being is our prime concern.
Dhow cruise: Description of the Dhow
Lunch - Prison & Bawe Islands:
(Open Bar with assorted drinks available).
The Dhow will cruise first to Prison Island to explore
the island for one hour - photographic giant Tortoises
which came across from Seychelles more than one hundred
years ago and the Prison which was used as a hospital.
This historical Island was formerly owned by an Arab
and used for the
confinement of refractory slaves. It was bought by
General Mathews and the jail (gaol) which still stands
was built in 1893 and hence the name "PRISON
ISLAND".
Leave for Bawe Island where a powder soft beach awaits
you. The crew will prepare sensational seafood BBQ
for you while you snorkel the reef close to the island.
Clown Fish, Parrot Fish, Moorish Idols and the occasional
Lion Fish all dance to the music of the waves through
their majestic ballroom made coral. After a lunch
of fresh fish, crabs, cigal, prawns, salads and fruits
of the season, there is time to relax on the beach
and to swim and snorkel some more. Late afternoon
as the sun starts to sink lower in the sky you will
depart for seafront of Stone Town where your transportation
awaits you. The Coral rag building are their most
picturesque from the sea, as the fading sun throws
shadows between the buildings and sets a pastel glow
to its walls.
Jozani forest: The Jozani Forest
Reserve in Zanzibar is home to most of the world's
remaining 2,000 Red Colobus Monkeys (National Geographic
Vol.194 No.5).
These monkeys once found all over the island, are
now concentrated in the forest area. A half day tour
consists of a walk into the forest and mangrove swamps
where one may have a close encounter with these endangered
species.
Pemba
Pemba consists of gentle, undulating hills and deep
verdant valleys which are all covered with a dense
cover of clove, coconut and mango plantation. A more
fertile land it is difficult to imagine. But it is
not just the landscape that gives Pemba its magical
reputation.
Pemba is brilliant and renowned for deep sea diving
and snorkeling. We offer three hotels on Pemba Island
- the Manta Reef Lodge, Funduu Lagoon and Misale Beach
Bungalows. Both offer great locations, and great beaches.
See Hotels, Lodges & Campsite section of our website
for details on these two properties.
Whilst on the island, one can make day trips to the
following places of interest:
Pujini Ruins
These are the ruins of a fortress, dating from the
13th century, constructed in a style otherwise unknown
on the East Coast of Africa. There are many conflicting
stories relating to the founder of this town, but
most name him as Mohammad bin Abdulrahman. He is said
to have exerted his influence on the mainland from
Pate to Kilwa and out into the Indian Ocean as far
as the Comoros.
He was a great boat-builder, favouring the matempe
style, a prodigious builder of mosques and a fine
bowman. During an extremely successful life as a merchant
and pirate in the region, he decided to site his capital
at Pujini, in a location on top of a hill, with only
distant access to the sea, in order that he might
defend his great wealth from raiders. The citadel
was constructed with a massive earth rampart and moat
and the walls were built with stone carried 40 km
by porters from the North of the island. The site
could be reached by sea, but only after careful navigation
through the reefs and then up a twisting mangrove
creek and a narrow canal.
The line of the outer walls of the fortress, which
were about one metre thick by five metres high, can
still be discerned. A large stairway can be seen at
the location of the access point to the sea canal.
At the North West corner a pile of rubble is all that
remains of the watch tower. Inside the defensive walls
the mosques and houses have mostly disintegrated,
although the remains of an underground chamber and
shrine can still be seen. A two-chambered well can
be seen, reputedly divided so that his two wives,
who were incredibly jealous of one another, could
fetch water without meeting. This well seems to get
easily filled in with silt and may not be visible.
Whilst a visit to this site will always make an enjoyable
trip, the visitor will be generally disappointed by
the state of disrepair of the ruins, especially after
having read the stories of its history. The site is
regularly cleared, but still it takes some imagination
to envisage what the place must have been like in
its heyday. There is little left standing and no information
or relics on show.
Chake Chake
The largest town on Pemba, its capital and its administrative
centre is Chake Chake, located about half way down
the Western coast of the island at the head of a narrow
creek. The old town is set on a ridge, from where
it is possible to look down through the early morning
mists over the rusty tin roofs to the silted creek
below, where only the occasional dhow now ventures
when the tides will allow.
Chake Chake Fortress
The oldest surviving building in the town is the Old
Fortress, which is thought to date back at least to
the eighteenth century and possibly as far back as
the Portuguese occupation (1499 to 1698). Records
dating back to the early 19th century describe the
fortress as being rectangular in plan, with two square
and two round towers at the corners, topped by thatched
roofs. Round towers are typical of the Arab and Swahili
architecture of the time, but the square towers are
unusual and indicate possible Portuguese influence.
The fortress stands by the gate of the main hospital
in town, overlooking the creek. It is unfortunate
that at the beginning of the 20th century the most
part of the building was demolished to make way for
the new hospital. The section that remains were used
firstly as a prison and then as a police barracks
until the 1950's. More recently it has been used as
an extension to the hospital.
Ras Mkumbuu
The ruins of the ancient town of Ras Mkumbuu are located
at the head of the peninsula to the North of Chake
Chake creek. Sited just above the beach, the town
must have commanded a wide panorama of the surrounding
area and the sea out past Mesali Island to the mainland
beyond.
The town of Ras Mkumbuu is referred to in Arabic writings
as being one of the major trading cities on the East
African coast from at least the 10th century (Yakut
bin Abdulla al Rumi, an Arab geographer of the 13th
century), although the ruins that occupy the site
date from the 13th and 14th centuries. The remains
tell of a substantial mosque, with an arched mirhab,
minaret and a ceiling supported by 12 pillars and
of 14 tombs, also pillared and many decorated with
Chinese porcelain (a testament to the range of early
trading networks). There are also remains of houses
and wells. Excavations on the site revealed earlier
remains below the surface, including those of a 10th
century mosque.
Mesali Island
Whilst visiting Ras Mkumbuu by boat, it is just a
short diversion to Mesali Island, allegedly a hideout
of the legendary pirate Captain Kidd, who is said
to have left buried treasure here in 1698. The island
has an idyllic beach and is famed for the quality
of its diving. It is claimed that 40 of the 60 coral
genera are represented, along with around 240 different
species of fish.
Recent attempts to develop the island as an exclusive
tourist resort have been rejected and it is hoped
that the island and surrounding reef will be made
a marine park in the near future.
Chwaka Ruins
The ruins of an 18th century town thought to be the
capital of Pemba during a period when the island came
under the control of the Mazrui Arabs of Mombasa.
The town included a substantial mosque and fort and
the remains of six tombs of members of the Mazrui
family including one inscribed with the name "Mbarouk
bin Khatib" and a date of 1807. The Mazrui were
overthrown by Seyyid bin Said and his Busaidi Arabs
during the early 19th century and the town fell into
decay.
A path around the edge of the valley, leads to the
20 hectare site of a 15th century town. This place
is said to have been the seat of Harun bin Ali, who
was either a Nabahani Arab from Paje (in modern Kenya)
or was the son of the legendary Mkana Ndune of Pujini
(see page 214). Tradition tells of this connection
and claims that Harun was as cold-blooded as his father,
being known as 'Mvunja Pau' or 'the breaker of the
pole'.
Tradition also claims that in this town there was
a fort, reception halls, mosques and an iron works,
with a harbour in the small creek nearby. All that
remains today are the lower walls of the large Friday
mosque, with some interesting architectural features,
including a fine mirhab and a long central area, originally
supported on square columns. Amongst the ten tombs
to be found is a single pillared structure, claimed
to be the tomb of Haroun himself and with glazed tiles
and plaster reliefs. A second smaller mosque is known
as the 'Msikiti Chooko' or 'mosque of the green grain',
a name that relates to stories of it having been built
by Harun's wife Mwana wa Chwaka with mortar mixed
with green grain, to make the mortar harder.
Ngesi Forest Reserve
Three kilometres past Konde, the tar road quite suddenly
comes to an end at the Ngesi Park Ranger Post and
a dirt track enters a tunnel of dense forest. Immediately
the air cools and the sounds of the jungle echo and
reverberate around about. The forest is true double
canopy, with an upper layer of majestic mgulele (antiarus),
mwavi (erythrophloem), mtondoo (Alexandrian laurel)
and mvule (milicia) trees towering up to 30 and 40
metres. From the junctions on their huge trunks grow
tropical lianas and parasitical plants, whilst high
up in the canopy, troupes of the Pemba vervet monkey
bark and play. Below this is a second level of vegetation,
mainly consisting of smaller immature trees and large
shrubs. Everywhere there is the tangle of a true tropical
forest.
Ngesi is the last significant area of moist forest
surviving on Pemba and although the reserve covers
1440 hectares, only 550 hectares are actually forest,
the remainder being evergreen thicket. Nevertheless
it constitutes an invaluable resource, for it contains
a number of unique and endangered species. Mammals
of interest include the Pemba vervet monkey, the Pemba
blue duiker and the Pemba flying fox. The latter is
actually a large fruit-eating bat and a roost of over
200 is known to exist deep within the forest. Also
present is a large troupe of Kirk's colobus monkey,
which were settled here from Josani in the sixties
in an attempt to increase their range.
The most interesting trees are the three globally
rare species of mjoho (odyendea zimmermanni), chrystalido
pembanus and ensete proboscoideum. It is also thought
that there are likely to exist a number of unique
small plant and insect species, which have not yet
been recorded. Ngesi will hopefully be soon upgraded
to the status of National Park in order that this
pool of unique genes will be saved for future generations.
In the meantime, the forest seems quite well protected,
although there are reports of limited raiding by local
people in search of firewood and other forest products.
The staff at the ranger post run a nature trail, but
it's the sandy road that passes through the best sections
of the forest.
Mkia wa Ng'ombe
The track leaves the forest as suddenly as it entered
and passes into an area of light cultivation, of cassava
fields planted under shady trees. Immediately a right
turn leads to the village of Tondooni, so named after
the mtondoo or Alexandrian laurel tree, which is common
in the area. From here a small track leads cross-country
to the site of Mkia wa Ng'ombe, where there are the
remains of a mosque, thirteen tombs and a number of
houses, dating from the 12th to 15th centuries. The
site is more easily reached by boat from Wete.
Mafia
Mafia Island is the quintessential scuba divers retreat.
A small island just off the mainland, it was rather
inaccessible until recently when scheduled charter
flights began. With only two tourist lodges on the
island, you can rest assured that you will not be
confronted with an influx of tourists fighting for
space on the beach! It is an island retreat for beach
lovers, diving enthusiasts and big game fishermen
alike.
The Chole Bay is Mafia's protected deep water anchorage
and marine park. Just outside the bay, along the length
of the island, runs an unbroken reef boasting some
of the most spectacular and colourful coral gardens
in the world. The Mchangari vertical wall just outside
the bay drops from 5 meters to 25 meters, and is famous
for its range of big fish and sharks (especially between
the months of November and January for sharks).
The variety of areas to explore on the Island make
it ideal for seasoned and novice divers alike.Big
game fish caught here include marlin, shark, kingfish,
tunny, dolphin and wahoo which are one of the finest
fighters. Then there are the brightly colored damsel
angel and lion fish. Under water life also includes
crabs, squirts, starfish and shells in their iridescence.
Mafia is the ideal place for those wishing for perfect
tranquility added to big game fishing, deep-sea diving
or snorkeling.
Pangani
The name Pangani owes to the river that runs through
northern part of this Historical Town. Pangani is
an ancient town, and is believed to have been established
before the 6th Century BC and played an important
role during the slave trade era. It was a trading
port dealing mainly with slaves and ivory. Several
historical sites in and around the town serve as reminders
for the strong Arabic influence and the later German,
British colonial era in Tanganyika
Nowadays it is mainly a fishing town dotted with coconut
trees, providing beautiful beaches for quiet vacation.
Pangani is situated about 50km south of Tanga on the
mouth of River Pangani that flows from the slopes
of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Attraction:
Pangani Falls, a water fall that provides electricity
for Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi. Pangani
River hosts birds and crocodiles. Maziwi Island is
a nature reserve which provides ground for snorkeling
opportunity and dolphin tour. A walking tour though
the town allows one to see some of old buildings that
are over 200 years old, as well as visits to a former
slave labor camps and slave market site.
We offer two hotels in Pangani - The Protea Pangani
River Lodge, and The Tides. Visit the Hotels/Lodges
section of our website for details on these properties.
Dar es Salaam
A half day trip - city tour of dar es salaam
Raised from the humble surroundings of a Fishing Village
just over a century ago, Dar Es Salaam blossomed into
one of the most beautiful sea-side capitals. Many
beautiful and unspoilt beaches are within easy reach
of Dar Es Salaam, literally translated as "The
Heaven of Peace". Our most popular excursion
in the city for tourists in transit enroute to the
game parks of the North or South, or for Business
clients with some leisure time, is the half day Dar
Es Salaam City Tour.
Here is a sample of the sights and sounds you will
experience during the tour:
Mnazi moja park:This is near Jamhuri
and Uhuru Streets. On one side is seen the Uhuru Torch
Monument erected to symbolise the Freedom Torch placed
at the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro upon Tanzania's attainment
of independence. On the other side of the park is
the Republic Fountain which commemorated the foundation
of the republic in 1962.
kariakoo market:This beautiful main market has an
interesting local colour and a diversity of peoples
as well as exotic fruits, fresh fish, food products,
handicrafts, local textile material and many other
locally made products. The market's colour, charm
and character makes it a must for every visitor.
University:The University is superbly laid
out amidst lawns and gardens on the Ubungo Observation
Hill, some 14 kms. Away from the city. The hill offers
magnificent open view of Dar Es Salaam city. The main
campus area is built on three low hills, well wooded
with cashew trees.
Village museum: This is 10 kms. Along
Bagamoyo Road and has a collection of authentically
constructed traditional houses of various Tanzanian
tribes. It displays several distinct architectural
styles with building materials ranging from sand,
grass and poles to mud and rock. Villagers demonstrate
their ancient skills of carving and weaving and offer
their products for sale.
House of crafts (Nyumba ya sanaa)
:Near the heart of Dar Es Salaam there is a unique
centre for creating and selling Tanzanian arts and
crafts. Many of the artists working here have developed
their talents through training which enable them to
transform traditional materials, designs and motifs
into contemporary forms. At 'Nyumba ya Sanaa', one
finds many exciting creative activities to become
absorbed in like painting, drawing, figurative wax
batik and etching. Carvings of ebony are made as well
as jewellery, ceramics and 'tie-and-dye' dresses for
men, women and children.
National Museum: The outstanding
attraction is the Hall of Man where Dr. Leakey's finds
from Olduvai Gorge including the skull of Nutcrackerman
(Zinjanthropus bosei) and other human fossils are
displayed. The Museum offers an outstanding ethnographic
collection of tribal ornaments, head-dresses, witch-craft
paraphernalia and traditional musical instruments
collected from various regions in Tanzania. Also,
the history of the East African Coast is well portrayed
with Chinese porcelain glazed pottery, trade wide
beads from India and a series of copper coins from
the Sultan of Kilwa.
State house: The State House accommodates
the offices of the President. It has an ornate structure
reflecting a blend of African and Arabic architecture,
partly built on the foundation of the old German Palace
in 1922.
Bagamoyo
SLZ - A day trip - excursion to bagamoyo
Bagamoyo lies 75kms north of Dar es Salaam. Bagamoyo
was the starting point of the slave caravan routes
and also the terminus of the white missionaries. While
in Bagamoyo, visit the Kaole Ruins (dating back to
the earlier part of the 15th century), and the first
Roman Catholic Church in Tanganyika built by the Germans
in the 1880's. Do not forget the museum, which houses
numerous historical artifacts. There is also a splendid
beach where one can swim and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Bagamoyo was founded towards the end of the 18th century
as a small port trading in dried fish, gum, cobalt
and salt. Bagamoyo also served as a caravan entreport,
with traders coming from distant areas of the interior,
as far as Morogoro and Usambara. Later on, the use
of this town for Ivory and slave trade increased its
importance in the 19th century.
Bagamoyo's importance began to decline when in 1940
the Sultan of Oman, Seyyid Said, decided to move his
capital from Muscat to Zanzibar, to be closer to his
dominion along the Eastern African coast.
Caravans would come to the coast from the interior
with goods like clothing, wire, beads and other ornaments,
and would return with slaves carrying Ivory. Hence
Bagamoyo became the main entreport for the slave and
ivory trade on the mainland.
Renowned European explorers like Burton, Speke, Stanley
and Livingstone all passed through Bagamoyo. The Holy
Ghost fathers established their first mission station
in Bagamoyo in 1868, and it was in its chapel that
Dr. Livingstone's body was brought from the interior
and kept before being shipped back to Europe.
