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Overview
The island is one of the two states that make up Tanzania. The other is Tanganyika where the mainland is. Zanzibar is still semi-autonomous.
The highlights of Zanzibar include
Prison Island: this former prison is now an excellent site to go sun bathing & snorkelling. Other attractions include a family of giant tortoises that were imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century.
Spice Plantations: the plantations are obviously one of the main corner stones of Zanzibar which can be seen just outside Zanzibar town. The plantations include nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and many other spices which have been a part of the island’s heritage. You will be given a tour by an experienced tour guide who will be able to answer all your questions.
Jozani Natural Forest Reserve: The reserve is home to the famed & red Colobus Monkey. These monkeys can be see everywhere. The reserve is also home to bush pigs, Syke's monkey's etc and is also a perfect place to go on nature trails.
Stone Town: taking a tour down through the stone town is to experience the rich culture and history that Zanzibar posseses. From the arab fort, dr livingstone’s house, the palace museum to the site of Sultan Barghash's harem at Marahubi. During your tour you will also get an opportunity to interact with the locals on the normal day to day activities such as going to the market and going through the winding alleyways & arab architecture.
Ras Nungwi: This is a quiet fishing village on the northern part of Zanzibar. It is however more famous as being the nerve centre of dhow building. Here you will be able to see how the dhows are actually built and the traditional methods used to do it. Another attraction is the beaches which are more than ideal for water sports
Kizimkazi dolphin tours: on the southern part of the island is the fishing village of Kizimkazi. Here you will be able to see several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins. You may also be able to swim quite close to the dolphins presents an unforgettable experience
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Safari Blue
The original and the best, Safari Blue is a full day excursion on locally made, traditional sailing dhows. Safari Blue starts from the fishing village of Fumba, 30 minutes drive from Stone Town. Fumba is situated in the southwest corner of the island and is an ideal starting point to explore Menai Bay, officially designated a Conservation Area in 1998. The Bay has a number of beautiful uninhabited islands and sandbanks and is frequented by humpback and bottlenose dolphins.
On arrival at Fumba, clients are given a briefing on Safari Blue and a life jacket demo. We then board the dhows and set off to explore the bay and spot the dolphins. We are lucky enough to see dolphins on at least 90% of our trips. Later in the morning we drop anchor by a sandbank where we set up sunshades and fit our clients with snorkelling equipment. We have a large range of sizes and high quality equipment.
Safari Blue guides, who can safely lead the snorkeling session and show points of interest, accompany our clients. For beginners or less confident swimmers, we have inflatable snorkelling vests and our guides are always on hand to teach and assist.
After snorkelling we offer fresh green coconuts (madafu) and serve some delicious snacks before we move to our desert island restaurant located beneath the shade of large tamarind trees on Kwale Island.
Lunch is a traditional Zanzibari buffet and includes slipper lobster, calamari, chicken or beef, rice and freshly-made sauces - all served hot from the grill.
A gastronomic fruit tasting follows with a selection of between 10 and 15 different tropical fruits. Cold drinks are available throughout the day and include mineral water, homemade iced tea, sodas and beer. Coffee and Amarula liqueur are also served after lunch.
Safari Blue includes a visit to a beautiful mangrove lagoon to swim through a mangrove forest (tide permitting). We also offer the chance to join our crew and sail in an “ngalawa”, a local outrigger canoe. Our traditional dhows return by sail arriving back in Fumba by about 17h00. Safari Blue starts from Fumba beach at 09h30 where there will be an introduction and excursion briefing, along with a life jacket and safety demonstration.
Clients then board our traditional dhows. After 30 minutes cruising there is a snorkelling stop on Kwale sandbank (subject to marine conditions) with:
- All equipment included (masks and snorkels, fins, buoyancy aids)
- Guides for experienced snorkellers and instruction and assistance for beginners
- Rescue boat on stand-by
- Sunshades erected for clients
- A cool box with chilled soft drinks and mineral water, fresh coconut (madafu), local snacks and fresh fruit
At around 13.00 we go to our “desert island” restaurant on Kwale Island where clients sit under the trees at tables and wooden benches and enjoy a buffet seafood lunch comprising:
Slipper lobster
Two types of grilled fish
Chicken or beef
Grilled calamari
Vegetarian/non-fish dishes by prior request
Rice
Two sauces – tomato with tamarind and coconut with coriander
Large selection of tropical fruits (10-15 types)
Beverages: soft drinks, mineral water and beer
Coffee and Amarula liqueur
Field toilets are available on the island.
The trip also includes a short walk to a huge baobab tree on Kwale Island, a swim in a mangrove lagoon and forest (subject to tides and other marine conditions) and sailing in an “ngalawa” with our experienced crew. Life jackets are on board and a safety boat on hand.
We return to Fumba by traditional lanteen sail with sundowners served en route. Safari Blue ends at around 17h00. Safari Blue dhows are between 8 and 10 m in length and are equipped with:
Mobile communication devices
Mercury and Yamaha commercial outboard engines
Gas inflatable life jackets complying with EC regulations for passengers and crew
Sunshade and waterproof rain tarpaulin
Sturdy boarding ladder
Safari Blue has been operating in Zanzibar since 1996 and many of our crew have worked with and been trained by us, since inception. Our guides and many of our crew are able to speak between them the following languages -English, Italian, Spanish and French.
Our boats and engines are well maintained and great attention is paid to safety aspects and providing quality service to our clients. We have marine and public liability insurance. Our crew receive training in safety procedures and some have completed a Medic First Aid course.
Our excursion is fully inclusive of guided snorkeling (and equipment), all food and drinks (including beer) and activities.
Safari Blue has considerable experience in handling groups and can accommodate parties of up to 150 pax. We can offer private charters, weddings and a range of other extras to tailor-make the day to suit a client’s needs.
We advise our clients to wear swimwear under their clothes (there are no changing facilities at Fumba) and to bring waterproof footwear for boarding the dhows, beach towel, hat and sunscreen.
