Inter-University Council for East Africa

Zanzibar (Various Sites), Tanzania

 

ITINERARY: 8TH - 11TH MARCH, 2025

A:    Stone Town

Stone Town is a fine example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa which is UNESCO World Heritage Site. It retains its urban fabric and townscape virtually intact and contains many buildings that has brought together and homogenized disparate elements of the cultures of Africa, the Arabian, Indian, and Europe over more than a millennium. The tour of the Stone Town will pass through major historic and well known landmarks:


i.  The House of Wonders:

Built in 1883 and was the first building to have electricity in Zanzibar and the first in East Africa to use lift.

 

ii.  Old Fort:

Built in 1669 and was originally used as a garrison. It was later used as prison and as the terminal for Zanzibar railway.


iii.  Old Slave Market:

The old slave market is now situated at The Anglican cathedral of Christ Church, which was built at the end of the 19th century by Edward Steere, third bishop of Zanzibar. The site contains a monument to the slaves and the museum on the history of slavery.

iv.  The Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph:

Built in 1897 by French missionaries with the design based on Marseille Cathedral.

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Zanzibar

 

v.  The Old Dispensary:

Built in 1894 by a wealthy Indian trader as a charity hospital for the poor. Facing the historic Zanzibar harbor, the old dispensary is one of the most finely decorated buildings of Stone Town with large carved wooden balconies, stained-glass windows, and neo-classical stucco adornments.

The Old Dispensary, Zanzibar



vi.  Royal buildings:

Several buildings used by Zanzibar royals are situated at Stone Town including Palace Museum and Sayyeda Selme house.

vi.  Forodhani Garden Park:

This historic garden is at the sea front in front of major historic buildings and sites. The garden has a “floating” restaurant and a vibrant night life with great choices of local and sea foods.

 

Forodhani Garden Park, Stone Town



B:    Jozani National Park


i.  Jozani National Park:

The largest indigenous forest in Zanzibar with unique plants and species. It constitutes groundwater forest, coastal forest, and grassland, with mangroves and salt marsh at the coast.

 

Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkeys: found only in Zanzibar


Apart from more than 40 species of birds, the forest is home to fantastic wildlife including:

- Aders's duiker: only found in Zanzibar and Kenya
- Zanzibar servaline genet: found only in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar leopard


C:     Spice Farm

The spice farms originate from Zanzibar historic position as “spice islands”.  The spice farms include the fusion of spices from Swahili people, Indian, Persian and Arabian.

A spice plantation in Zanzibar


Although the spice exportation has a diminished role in recent years, it is still one of the major economic activities in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar Spice Farm tour


D:    Mangapwani caves


The coral caves are one of the major historic and tourist attractions in Zanzibar. The Coral Cave is a profound natural cavern in the coralline rock with a thin passageway and a pool of freshwater which is situated at the lowest level. Water was presumably gathered from here by early occupants of the area.

Mangapwani caves


The caves are close to Mangapwani Slave Chambers built around 1880 from the cave and connected to the seaside 2kms away. It was an important transit point for the captured slaves to be sold to the outside world at the time of the abolishment of slavery in 1873 especial in the middle East. Between 1880-1905, the Slave chamber was being used as a place of concealment of the human cargo pending their disposal.

Mangapwani caves


E:    Kizimkazi Dolphin View

This half a day to full-day tour is one of the most exciting and adventurous tour for Zanzibar visitors. This tour will enable the visitors to experience dolphins in their natural habitats and playful nature.

 

Swimming with Dolphins in Zanzibar


The brave visitors can even experience playing and swimming with dolphins.


F:    Prison Island

Also known as Changuu Island, it is a 30-40 minutes journey via traditional wooden boats from Stone Town.

The island was used as a slave point and later a prison was built (hence the name) but not utilized. The once intended prison is now a beautiful resort.

The beautiful island with its white sand beach is also home to huge Aldabra turtles which were presented as a gift from the British Governor of Seychelles in the early 1900s.

Prison Island

 

G:    Safari Blue Tour

A program will start in the morning at 8:30 am, you will be picked from your hotel to Fumba village where you will meet your special boat special Guided safari blue tour Safari blue tour in Zanzibar is a full-day tour that starts and ends at your hotel.

Aerial view of sandbank near Fumba beach



Safari blue Zanzibar, A unique and exclusive experience with your own traditional dhow and crew, touring the beautiful waters & islands around Zanzibar. Bespoke activities, private seafood BBQ, all the trimmings, perfect for the bucket list special occasion Safari blue trip in Zanzibar is one among the best sea adventures on the Zanzibar Island, not only sailing along with the traditional dhow but also you can have snorkeling, swim, and relaxing on a white sandy beach on a sandbank.

A sea food platter


In addition to all, there is plenty of seafood who are all waiting for you to be tested, the dhow departs from the Fumba beach at 09:30 am and we get back around 04:30 pm, with your Safari Blue guide, you will explore the mangrove lagoon hidden inside the Kwale Island. Between the snorkeling times, you can stay on the boats, taste fresh seasonal fruits, and end your trip with some fresh grilled seafood BBQ.

 

H:    Zanzibar Culture Night

A display of the rich Zanzibar culture


Hospitality is deeply ingrained in the heart of Zanzibari culture. Upon arrival, visitors are embraced by warm smiles and open arms, making them feel instantly at home. A shared meal in a local household is an invitation to partake in the island’s sense of community, where traditional dishes like pilau, biryani, and freshly caught seafood are served with pride and love. This authentic dining experience is not merely a culinary adventure but a celebration of the Zanzibari way of life.  The visit will include Zanzibar Cultural Night Event.

 

ACCOMMODATION

Delegates attending the field excursion will be hosted at the Golden Tulip Hotel, offering a comfortable and convenient stay throughout their visit. The hotel’s amenities and central location will ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

 

TRAVEL

Travel options from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar include convenient flights with several airlines, offering quick and efficient transit.

Alternatively, delegates can opt for a scenic experience by taking a sea ferry, with VIP tickets recommended for added comfort and a memorable journey across the waters.

 

ZANZIBAR EXCURSION SCHEDULE
       

Day 1     

Spice Tour     

09:00 – 13:00Hrs    Spice Tour
13:00 – 15:00Hrs    Lunch at Hotel
15:00 – 16:00Hrs    Rest time
16:00 – 18:00Hrs    Visit to Forodhani Park
18:00Hrs                Back to Hotel

Day 2

Option 1: Safari Blue Tour

08:00 – 12:00Hrs    Safari Blue Tour
12:00  – 14:00Hrs    Lunch at Changuu Island
14:00 – 16:00Hrs    Swimming at Changuu Island
16:00Hrs                Back to Hotel

Option 2: Kizimkazi Dolphin Tour

06:00 – 11:00Hrs    Kizimkazi Dolphin Tour
11:00 – 12:00Hrs    Jozani Forest Tour
12:00 – 14:00Hrs    Lunch at Jozani Park
14:00 – 16:00Hrs     Visit    Jozani Park
16:00Hrs                Back to Hotel

Day 3

Mangapwani Caves & Stone Town

09:00 – 11:00Hrs    Mangapwani Caves
11:00 – 12:00Hrs    Back to Stone Town
12:00 – 13:00Hrs     Lunch at Stone Town
13:00 – 17:00Hrs    City Tour and Shopping
15:00Hrs                 Back to Hotel

 

Fees: US$ 995

Includes meals, ground transport, accommodation and park entry fees.

Contact

Mr. Khamis Juma Khamis
Manager Public Relations Unity
Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority
P.O.BOX 4647 Zanzibar
Call:     +255 777 452670
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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25th Anniversary of the East African Community (1999 - 2024).
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