Africa 2019-21 Brochure

84 Somak Holidays 020 8423 3000 Zanzibar Zanzibar boasts pristine, sun-drenched beaches with stunning backdrops and calm waters. It is the quintessential tropical island; in fact when Dr Livingstone first set foot on Zanzibar he imagined he was “in paradise”. Perfect for an idyllic retreat, with its world-class beaches and popular diving spots, it is easy to visit Zanzibar and do nothing but embrace the beach culture, but there is also plenty to see and do on the island. Zanzibar is also known as “The Spice Island”, with spice tours, cooking classes and dining experiences to excite any foodie. Quaint fishing villages and historic Stone Town are popular haunts for those looking to learn about the island’s culture. Whist visiting Zanzibar, we strongly recommend you spend a few nights in Stone Town before heading to your beach hotel. Stone Town is picturesque during the day, inviting relaxed strolls through the winding streets. At night the town comes to life, with popular street food stalls at the Forodhani Square, a favourite being ‘Zanzibari Mix’. Pemba Island is part of Tanzania's Zanzibar Archipelago, off the coast of East Africa. The Pemba Channel, with its coral reefs and abundant marine life, separates the island from mainland Tanzania. Tour of Stone Town Begin with a visit to Zanzibar’s colourful market, alive with the buzz and smell of locals bartering fresh vegetables and baskets of tropical fruit. Continue to the site of a cathedral built in 1874, a potent time in Zanzibar’s history. It stands on the site of a former slave market with the high altar standing on the exact position of the whipping post. From here visit the residence of the late Sultan of Zanzibar, Tip Tip House, the Old Fort, People’s Palace, the House of Wonders, full of intrigue from days of long ago. The tour ends with a stroll down the narrow streets of the old Stone Town, the heart of Zanzibar’s chequered history. From: £20 per person Full Day Safari Blue ‘Safari Blue’ is a full-day excursion using locally made traditional sailing dhows of between 8 to 10 metres in length, carrying up to 22 passengers plus crew. The excursion starts at the fishing village of Fumba, where you will board the dhows and set off to explore the bay in search of dolphins, stopping on a sandbank for some snorkelling. Lunch is a traditional Zanzibari meal served with cold drinks. Return by late afternoon. From: £110 per person Tour of Prison Island A trip to Prison Island in a small wooden motorized boat is a must when visiting Zanzibar. The island was once used for the detention of recalcitrant slaves but is now watched over by giant tortoises, some over 100 years old. The beach is superb and the crystal clear sea excellent for swimming, snorkelling, fishing and diving; a perfect way to relax. From: £20 per person Tour of Stone Town Safari Blue Tour of Prison Island Serena Inn • Tembo House • Zanzibar Airport Fumba Beach Lodge • The Residence • Z Hotel • Kilindi • Diamonds La Gemma Dell’Est • Riu Palace Zanzibar • Royal Zanzibar •• Zuri Zanzibar • Bluebay Beach Resort • Ocean Paradise • Sultan Sands • Pongwe Beach Hotel • The Zanzibar Collection Hotels • Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa • Dream of Zanzibar • Ras Nungwi • Essque Zalu Resort • Fundu Lagoon ! Map locations are approximate and are not intended to be definitive. Below are a few of our best selling Zanzibar experiences, all of which are based from Stone Town hotels, prices vary from beach hotels.