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DESTINATIONS - ZANZIBAR
   Check out all our holiday offers in Zanzibar - prices from R6 354 per person sharing
The Zanzibar Archipelago is made up of it's main island, Zanzibar(known locally as Unguja), pemba Island and about 50 smaller surrounding islands. It is characterised by beautiful beaches, it's plantations producing more than 50 different spices, ancient Islamic ruins and the historical town of Stone Town. Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of it's colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. The Population is estimated at 800,000, The local language in Zanzibar is Swahili. Fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities of the local people. Export of spices and tourism are the main sources of income for the island. The coral reef structures surrounding Zanzibar and Pemba ensure that the marine life is abundant and with an average water temperature of 27°C and great visibility , Zanzibar is a perfect destination for diving. Stone Town is a fascinating maze of narrow streets and alleyways with lively markets, cool interior courtyards, great architecture, numerous mosques and grand Arab houses with magnificent brass-studded, carved wooden doors. Stone Town has been designated a World Heritage Site. 
HOT PROPERTIES
 USEFUL INFO
Yellow fever vaccinations are compulsory. Zanzibar is a malaria area and precautions should therefore be taken. Vaccinations against hepatitis A & B are advisable. Zanzibar is three hours ahead of GMT and one hour ahead of South African standard time. The local currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted at large hotels and restaurants, travellers cheques can be exchanged at Bureaux de Change. It is advisable to travel with US Dollars. Generally shops open from 09h00 to 17h00 Monday to Saturday. Banks are generally open from 08h30 to 16hoo Monday to Friday and 09h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays. Electricity is 230/240V . British type plugs with 3 flat pins or 2 round pins are used. South African passport holders require a visa which can be obtained on arrival at a cost of USD50. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Zanzibar, passengers must be in possession of onward or return tickets and sufficient funds. 
ATTRACTIONS
Stone Town City Tour - This tour takes you through Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), Dr Livingstone's House and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will see Zanzibar's bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from. Spice Tour - The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and a good tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices, and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and spice oils. Jozani Forest - The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is located in the central east region of Zanzibar island and is home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey, which is endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character, and roam freely. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkey's, small buck and bushpigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard is said to feed here at night - Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative. Kizimkazi Mosuqe and dolphin tour - Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to the dolphins which can be a very rewarding experience. 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. North Coast Tour - Tours to the unspoilt north coast always end up at Ras Nungwi, a sleepy fishing village on the northern tip of Zanzibar island. It is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar, so you will be able to see the traditional methods of dhow construction in action. This area of Zanzibar has some fantastic beaches and nearby coral reefs which are ideal for diving and snorkelling. The local villagers have built a turtle sanctuary where injured turtles and other marine animals are nursed back to health before being released back into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Prison Island - the island lies just off the old stone town and was once home to misbehaving slaves. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling, and has a lovely white beach for sun-bathing. is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. This island is ideal for a day-trip with refreshments available throughout the day. It also has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish. Sunset Dhow Cruise - Our sunset cruises leave Stone Town in the late afternoon to cruise along the coast through the clear turquoise water. Musicians take over the sounds playing taarab, songs of love and loss, on violin and oud, as the crew serve canapés and keep your glass topped up with your choice of a selection of beers, sodas and drinking water, encouraging you to sink back into the cushions and enjoy the romance of Africa while watching the scenery drift by. Freddie Mercury Tour - Walk the streets of Stone Town and follow in the footsteps of Zanzibar's most famous son, Freddie Mercury. Lead singer of the rock band Queen, skilled musician, flamboyant showman and also a Zanzibari. Born Farouk Bulsara on the 5th September 1946 in Shangani, Freddie Mercury spent his formative years living and playing in Stone Town's winding alleyways. Wander through Shangani where Freddie Mercury was born and lived with his family. Your guide will take you to the Zanzibar Gallery shop, once home to Mercury's family. 
CLIMATE
Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year. The heat of summer is often cooled by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coasts. Being close to the equator, the island enjoys warm, tropical climate. Temperatures average 32° C, the best time to travel is July to October when temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower. Long rains normally occur in April and May, this is often referred to as the 'Green Season'.
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