Home  >  Destinations  >  Africa  >  Tanzania  >  Zanzibar Beach Extension

Zanzibar Beach Extension

			DAYS: 4 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $1750 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Zanzibar Beaches ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

The spice islands of Zanzibar evoke an exotic island environment full of history, culture, and exotic tropical beauty. The old Stone Town is an intriguing labyrinth of narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed, coral-rag houses with overhanging balconies enshrouded in flowers over elaborately carved doors. Enjoy free time at a boutique seaside hotel on a magnificent, palm-fringed beach with warm, clear water, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE IN ZANZIBAR

Take your last looks at the African bush today before transferring to the airstrip for your flight to Arusha. After lunch, transfer to the airport for a flight to Zanzibar Island. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel on the sea front of ancient Stone Town. Overnight Zanzibar Serena. [BL]

DAY 2 :  STONE TOWN AND SPICES

Depart with your guide for the City market to experience the hustle and bustle of the morning activities, when the local busses bring in all the goods from the villages around Zanzibar Island. Stroll through the market to see and taste some of the special fruits, spices, and seafood for sale. Continue on to historic and political sites of the town including the old slave market, the Zanzibar Museum, several government buildings, a Sultans palace, and Dhow Harbor. After lunch on your own youll go inland and explore a spice farm. Zanzibar is a famous crossroads of trade in the spice and fruit industry. Journey through the countryside visiting local farms to learn how spices are grown, different uses for spices, taste seasonal fruits, and experience the unique culture that has formed on this island paradise. Overnight Zanzibar Serena. [B]

DAYS 3-5 :  ZANZIBAR BEACH RESORT

Today you will be transferred to a boutique beach hotel for a few days of relaxation. Below are some recommendations:

Ras Nungwi

Designed with great attention to detail, Ras Nungwi offers thirty-two beautifully decorated rooms with four poster beds draped with gauzy mosquito nets. Enjoy the view from your balcony as well as the network of gardened pathways connecting the rooms with the other areas of the hotel. Fresh meals served in the open air dining room feature local sea food and fruits such as mango, papaya, bananas, and passion fruit. Take a long walk on a stretch of white sand beach or snorkel in the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Kayaks, windsurfing equipment, and mountain bikes are available for rent and a PADI dive shop is located onsite for those interested in SCUBA diving. The nearby coral reef is immense, with regular sightings of dolphins, turtles, and reef sharks. Typical dive sites include Kichwani, a wall dive off the Mnemba Atoll and Leven Banks, a massive reef pinnacle 7 miles out to sea. Especially recommended for adults and SCUBA divers. [BD]

Matemwe Bungalows

Matemwe is a private resort on Zanzibar's east coast offering seaside bungalows. Spend your days in harmony with the surroundings and in co-operation with the local population. Matemwe Bungalows offers you the possibility to experience something different. Enjoy the contrasting colors of the Indian Ocean, fine powder sand, and lush vegetation. Meet the friendly villagers, experience the local fish market and don't miss the chance to explore the ocean and the coral reef on your doorstep. Leave your watch at home, the sun and moon are clocks enough in Matemwe. Activities offered include day and night SCUBA diving, dhow trips and snorkeling. (Additional activities may be booked on your own at the reception desk, to be paid direct.) Especially recommended for a romantic getaway. [BLD]

Chumbe Island Coral Park

Transfer at 9:30 am to the Mbweni Ruins Hotel for your boat ride to Chumbe Island. Designated as the first Marine reserve in Tanzania in 1994, Chumbe Island Coral Park contains over 90% of all marine species that have been recorded in East African reefs. The resort is comprised of seven eco-bungalows, each with palm thatching, hot and cold water, large living areas, and a composting toilet. Enjoy meals in the open air dining room with beautiful views over the Indian Ocean. These two days are spent exploring the reserve. Snorkel in shallow water just 3-9 feet deep looking for beautiful corals, tropical fish, and hawksbill turtles. At low tide look for smaller creatures in the tide pools just off the island, or hike in the forest reserve. For an overview of the island climb the 131 steps to the top of the Chumbe Lighthouse. Especially recommended for snorkelers and nature lovers. [BLD]

DAY 6 :  DEPARTURE
Transfer to the Zanzibar Airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam and on to your international flights. Please note: There is a $6 per person departure tax which must be paid in cash upon your departure from Zanzibar. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Julia Nesbitt 1(800)345-4453