Live.Love.Africa: An Exclusive Tour of Stonetown, Zanzibar

Zanzibar, known locally as Unguja, is part of Tanzania.

Zanzibar Island
Lying off Tanzania's coast, the Zanzibar Archipelago consists of more than 50 islands, most of which have a long history and a rich cultural mix. The best known island here is Zanzibar (or 'Unguja Island', as it is more properly known). It is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, which entered into a political union with the mainland after independence. This website treats it separately.

The larger islands in the archipelago are highly fertile, with many agricultural resources. They're covered with small farms and everywhere the air is thick with the aroma spices – it's an exotic atmosphere. The beaches on these islands are often stunning: many are powdery white sand, shaded by palm trees. The sea is shallow and tropical, and the reefs are great for snorkelling and diving.

We've split Zanzibar up into the following areas:-
Stone Town
The heart of Zanzibar Town, Stone Town, is a labyrinth of narrow alleys complete with palaces, mosques, and tiny shops. Come here for a night or two to stay in a small hotel or converted merchant's house – and soak up the atmosphere.
The heart of Zanzibar's capital, Stone Town, was constructed during the 19th century and remains largely unchanged. Labyrinths of narrow alleys lead to palaces, mosques and old Arab houses; tiny shops sell dotted tinga-tinga paintings, Zanzibari clocks and heavily adorned chests. The early-morning market on Creek Road is fabulous, as determined Zanzibaris haggle over fragrant spices, exotic fruit and enormous fish.

Stone Town is an easy place to explore on foot. You never need to travel by vehicle and indeed it's virtually impossible to get around the alleys in any other way than on foot – though determined locals wobble through on bicycles, and more recklessly on the occasional motorbike.

You should be aware that Stone Town can be noisy and there is nowhere to stay where we can guarantee silence. Five-times-daily calls to prayer from the mosques (including at dawn, and two hours before dawn), along with the hustle and bustle of town, are part of everyday life here. It's a lively, vibrant atmosphere, but don't expect tranquility.

Of the many options for staying in Stone Town, we've chosen a few of the best for you to consider in the menu on the left of this page. Some standouts include:

For a good-value hotel of reasonable quality with local flavour, start by looking at sister-hotels the Tembo Hotel and Dhow Palace Hotel; both offer good standards and value for money.
For a little more style, and still bags of authenticity, several old merchant houses have been beautifully restored: sister hotels Emerson on Hurumzi and Emerson Spice are very popular, especially with honeymooners, while Beyt al Chai is a small but bright rising star and Jafferji House is another fine conversion, with enchanting décor.
The Zanzibar Coffee House and Zanzibar Palace Hotel are small guest house full of character. The café linked with the Zanzibar Coffee House is worth a visit just to sample the delicious coffee.
For a larger hotel, with a more cosmopolitan mix of visitors, locals and the odd expat in the bar, try the Africa House Hotel. At the top of the scale, the Zanzibar Serena Inn has genuine sea front views, but it has recently been overtaken by the huge presence of the new Park Hyatt Zanzibar which now utterly dominates the seafront at the western-most part of town.
If you want to stay outside town, and perhaps just travel in for a day, then Mbweni Ruins Hotel is a possibility – a reasonable small hotel in extensive gardens by the beach.

We think a two-night stay in Stone Town is perfect, and if this is your last stop in Africa, then ask us about flights from Zanzibar airport to Dar, Nairobi or hubs in Europe or the Middle East.

East Coast Zanzibar
The east coast of Zanzibar is lined with long, powder-white beaches; it's very sow and relaxed. We've included here the best small resorts; all quite different! Or travel offshore to the magical Mnemba Island - for the ultimate private island getaway!
The east coast of Zanzibar is lined with powder-white beaches which look out towards a long barrier reef, about a kilometre offshore. Inland there's a coastal strip of coconut palms within which there are small fishing villages and a variety of places to stay.

Lodges here generally have more space than those in the Nungwi area, but like the north, the beaches here slope very little. This means that when the tide is out, the water retreats a long way and swimming from the beach is difficult – although paddling to the top of the exposed reef with the right local guide is fascinating!

There's good diving and snorkelling here, and both Matemwe and Shooting Star have nearby dive centres for easy diving and snorkelling trips. (Such trips often visit the reefs around Mnemba Island.)

To the north of this long coast, Matemwe Lodge occupies an isolated spot above a long sandy beach. It's a reliable choice; with stylish upgraded rooms, plenty of space and it has a very well-established atmosphere. It's exclusive sister lodge Matemwe Retreat has only 3 villas, each with their own private plunge pool.

In a class of its own, Tanzania's top beach destination is Mnemba Island – a small island about 5km off Zanzibar's east coast with one, small exclusive lodge on it taking just 20 people. You really can go barefoot all day here. Mnemba's costs are very high, but then it is very good, and it's almost always full! But with a visitor list including Bill Gates, cost of the rooms isn't the issue to many of Mnemba's guests.

A firm favourite is the simple and very popular Pongwe Beach Hotel. (Don't be misled by the name: it is more of a lodge than a resort!) It stands in a shady cove of its own and is a simple, and very good value good-value spot.

Above the stunning Kiwengwa Beach, Shooting Star has been a firm favourite for years. It's run by a charismatic Zanzibari man, Elly, and it's perhaps due to him that it attracts a youthful crowd into its lively social mix. It's a sociable place in spite of the number of honeymoon couples!

Northern Zanzibar
Two or three hours' drive from Stone Town, Nungwi has long been a magnet for visitors seeking their slice of paradise. Come for good diving and beaches, and a lively village atmosphere; there's a lot going on here.
The village of Nungwi has traditionally been the centre of Zanzibar's dhow-building industry. However, over the last decade the coastline here has turned it into one of Zanzibar's busiest beach areas. What was a ramshackle fishing village has become an increasingly busy place as various guesthouses, bars, shops and restaurants appear. The setting is beautiful, but the number of people in Nungwi town, the noise and the constant stream of apparently uncontrolled development do take the exclusive air off its charm.

That said, a visit to the turtle sanctuary is very worthwhile here, and for our traveller who love night-life, we've included the lovely Essque-Zalu. It's a larger resort a short walk from Nungwi's centre. It's near enough to take part, but far enough away for you to get a good night's sleep even when there are still revellers on the beach.

On the east side of the island's tip, the Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel has always been at the top end of Nungwi's lodges. It's a popular small hotel with high standards of service; really excellent food; compact, well-kept gardens, a swimming pool and a lovely small stretch of beach.

One of the latest additions to the north of the island is the new and unique Kilindi. The vast and breezy villas are simple yet intriguing in design, and we expect the service and food here to be some of the best on the island.

Michamvi Peninsula
Zanzibar's southeast, the Michamvi Peninsula is very similar to the East Coast – small lodges, and the odd larger hotel, on long, stunning, powder-white beaches and palm trees.
In the southeast corner of Zanzibar, the Michamvi Peninsula and south-east Zanzibar is very similar in character to the east coast which stretches north of Chwaka Bay – and is covered on this site under East Coast Zanzibar. It has the same powder-white stunning beaches, barrier reef, palm trees and significant tidal change.

In fact, that area south of the peninsular, around Paje, Bwejuu and Jambiani, used to be the busiest part of Zanzibar's beach scene – especially for backpackers. But in recent years low budget travellers have moved more to northern Zanzibar, around Nungwi and Kendwa, leaving this south-east stretch relatively quiet. This leaves the south-east as more of a low-key, low-impact beach retreat.

Meanwhile the 10km-long Michamvi Peninsula's, there are just a handful of high-quality beach retreats; so come here for the pristine, palm-fringed beaches, good diving opportunities and plenty of space.

Breezes Beach Club is a large, international-style, resort that's long been a favourite with honeymooners and families. It has 70 rooms with all the amenities of a good hotel, including several restaurants, a large swimming pool, oodles of resources for activities, a good dive centre, and even a disco.

Immediately next to Beezes Beach Club, The Palms is the more exclusive, more costly sibling of Breezes. It has six modern, luxurious villas and a small outdoor pool. Palms oozes exclusivity and appeals most to a young, monied crowd.

The newer sister property to Breezes and Palms is Baraza. This high quality, luxurious resort has a selection of one and two bedroom villas, and with fantastic facilities and high attention to detail, it appeals to both couples and families.

Robinson's Place is really more of a family home than a lodge. It's got a handful of rooms but we recommend the en-suite master bedroom, which is a huge room with a double and a three-quarter bed, bright fabrics and a spotless en-suite bathroom. Expect a very friendly welcome, food cooked on open fires, and no electricity!

Echo Beach is a small mid-range lodge on a beautiful stretch of beach. It has a laid back atmosphere, stylish rooms, and a dive centre on site.

Kikadini Villas is right by the friendly Jambiani Village. Run like a boutique hotel, each villa has its own chef and housekeeper, allowing you flexibility and the chance to set your own schedule.

South-west Zanzibar
South of Stone Town, the Fumba Peninsula is one of the most relaxed and friendly corners of the island – and its very quiet, with few visitors. There are two beautiful lodges here – and offshore is an award-winning eco-resort on Chumbe Island.
South of Stone Town airport is the Fumba Peninsula. It's probably the most relaxed and friendly corner of the island, but until recently it has really only been used as venue for short few day-trips, to see dolphins from Kizimkazi or the red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest.

Several years ago, in 2005, a lodge opened up here: Fumba Beach Lodge. Complete with 40 acres of private land, including three lovely sandy coves. Its just 30 minutes' drive south of Stone Town's airport and one of the few lodges in the Menai Bay Conservation Area.

Another favourite is Unguja (the Swahili word for Zanzibar). Run by the very friendly Ralph and Elies, it's a lovely peaceful lodge where you can snorkel from the beach by day, and enjoy the sunsets by night.

Meanwhile a few kilometres offshore, Chumbe Island is a tiny coral island about six miles southwest of Zanzibar Town. It is surrounded by the protection of a marine park, and under the water's surface you'll find some of the best coral gardens anywhere in the world.

Chumbe Island Lodge is at the heart of the tiny island – a remarkable, trail-blazing, award-winning example of a place to stay that is genuinely ecologically sensitive, and has a real message of education and community development.

Zanzibar day-trips
See here for day-trips that are possible from virtually anywhere to the island. Talk to us to integrate one or more of these into your time on Zanzibar.
On a spice tour, a friendly and knowledgeable guide will escort you on a walking tour where you will pick leaves, fruits, berries and more, and invite you to smell and sometimes taste them to guess which spice they are.  Many of the spices are truly beautiful to behold, and rarely does the leaf or berry visually resemble what’s on your spice rack at home.  Depending on the season, you may see, smell and sometimes taste between 25-50 different spices, fruits and other plants.

Your guide will give detailed descriptions of what each plant is used for, and not all are for food.  Some are medicinal in purpose while others such as the henna tree produce a dye used to elaborately decorate the hands and feet of women on celebratory occasions. 

And as an added attraction, local children will follow you around while weaving palm leaves into animals, hats, purses and more in the hopes that you will purchase them for a small amount.

After the tour we invite you for a delicious lunch, where you can taste some of the many spices and fruits you learned about on the tour.  You will also have the opportunity to purchase high quality and plantation fresh spices and spice oils at unbelievably low prices.


Includes:
Guide fees
Transport to the tour
Entrance fees
Swahili spicy lunch
Swimming at Mangapwani Beach


Excludes:
Accomodation
Free souvenir spices

Itinerary:
Pick up at your Hotel in Stone Town at 09:00
13:00 spice Lunch
13:30 Transfer to Mangapwani Beach
14:00 Transfer to Stone Town
Rates (All the rates below are PER PERSON in a group):
1 - 3 people     4 - 6 people 7 - 10 people
$25                  $20                 $15  

         Zanzibar Dolphin Swim

On the Southern point of the Island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed and Humpback dolphins, which can be seen on a short boat trip from the village.  If you are lucky, and the dolphins are feeling cooperative, they may let you swim very close to them which is a truly memorable and 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.

Includes:
Guide
Transfer to and from your destination in Zanzibar
Entrance fees
Diving gears
Drinking water 500ml
Excludes:
Accommodation
Lunch

Itinerary:
Half day tour
Pick up from stone town 8:00am
Return to stone town at a time of your convenience (not later than 2:00 pm)
Rates (All the rates below are PER PERSON in a group):
1 - 3 people 4 - 6 people 7 - 10 people
$40                 $35                 $30

Zanzibar Stone Town Tour

Inquire About Zanzibar Stone Town Tour

Stone Town is Home to famous Zanzibar Destinations. You can visit the Old Anglican Church, Old Arab Fort, Beit al Ajaib Museum, Livingstone House, Old Indian Dispensary, St Joseph's Cathedral and Slave monuments. 



Includes:
Guided Historical tours
Entry fees
Excludes:
Accommodation
Meals
Soft drinks

Itinerary:
At any time of your convenience
Rates (All the rates below are PER PERSON in a group):
1 - 3 people 4 - 6 people 7 - 10 people
$20                 $15                 $12

Ufufuma Forest Zanzibar

The name “Ufufuma” is derived from the 13th century chief, Mzee Ufufuma, and this historic forest is located only 45 minutes drive from Stone Town.   It is a truly exotic and unique place to visit.  It is home to some of the rarest wildlife in Africa, sacred caves and to this day still serves as the location for traditional healing practices performed by witch doctors. 

The forest is well protected by the Zanzibar government and is home to a wide variety of plant and birdlife, insects (especially butterflies) and animals including wild pigs, bush babies, adders duikers, tree hyraxes, Sykes and red colobus  monkeys and bats.  With a population estimated at fewer than 2,000, the red colubus monkey is one of the rarest monkeys in Africa and can only be found on the main island of Zanzibar.  Ufufuma Forest is also where the last evidence of the Zanzibar leopard was encountered.  Although not seen since 1970, prints and droppings have been found as recently as 1994.  The unofficial conclusion in the scientific community is that the Zanzibar leopard is now extinct. 

The forest contains several sacred caves that once served as homes to 13th century indigenous people.  Visitors will have the opportunity to enter the caves, and visit some of the old homes that today are used as traditional spiritual and healing centres where special ceremonies are held for people looking for talents, blessings, richness, cures and protection against diseases and evil spirits.  Visitors will have the opportunity to observe local people in their traditional affairs including explanations of the healing instruments, how traditional medicines are made and used, the unique preparations and practices surrounding childbirth and the first forty days after birth, as well as direct interviews with a local witch doctor. 

Depending on the day, visitors may get to observe a witch dance where a local witch doctor speaks with spirits that have entered the body of an afflicted person.  A site to behold, musicians play mystical tunes on traditional instruments while the group dances and sings the sacred healing songs. 

Includes:

• Transport to and from stone town in Zanzibar
• Guide
• Entrance fees

Excludes:

• Accommodation
• Lunch

Itinerary:

• Pick up from stone town at a time of your convenience
• Three hour tour around the forest
• Return to your destination in Zanzibar 

 Rates (All the rates below are PER PERSON in a group):

1 - 3 Pax	4 - 6 Pax	7 - 10 Pax	11+ Pax
$50	$45	$40	$30

Zanzibar Stone Town Tour

Stone Town is Home to famous Zanzibar Destinations. You can visit the Old Anglican Church, Old Arab Fort, Beit al Ajaib Museum, Livingstone House, Old Indian Dispensary, St Joseph's Cathedral, and Slave monuments.  

Includes:

• Guided Historical tours
• Entry fees

Excludes:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Soft drinks

Itinerary:

• At any time of your convenience

Rates (All the rates below are PER PERSON in a group):

1 - 3 Pax	4 - 6 Pax	7 - 10 Pax	11+ Pax
$20	$15	$15	$10

Day Trip at Kendwa Beach Zanzibar

Inquire About Day Trip at Kendwa Beach Zanzibar

Kendwa Beach is located at North Coast Of Zanzibar and is a first good beach on Zanzibar

This Day Trip Tour will make sure you explore Kendwa beach with swimming  and relax  half  day on this beach where water never get low low tides. You will have a possibility of visiting Aquirium but is optional.

Includes:

• Transfer go and return to your destinations
• driver

Excludes:

• Accommodation
• Dinner and lunch

Itinerary:

• Pick up at Stone Town Hotels at 09:00
• Return after sunset
• Guided to the Beach
• Transfer include

Rates (All the rates below are PER PERSON in a group):

1 - 3 Pax	4 - 6 Pax	7 - 10 Pax	11+ Pax
$25	$20	$20	$20

Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise

Step onto the deck of our dhow, relax and let us sail you away on a magical sunset cruise to end your day. The sunset cruise leaves in the late afternoon from in front of the Zanzibar Serena Inn and cruises along the Zanzibar (Unguja) coast, slicing through the clear turquoise water. 

 

The hustle and bustle of busy people in Stone Town grow faint in the distance until they seem only a memory. 

 

Snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, wine and Live music encouraging you to sink back into the cushions and enjoy the romance of Africa while watching the scenery drift by. 

 

Onboard, there is a butler and personal guide who will accompany you on your cruise and give you a tour of Stone Town from the water as well as be able to answer any questions that you may have. The sun sets, changing the sky from shades of pinks and blues to magnificent golden colours as you sail back towards the glimmering lights of Stone Town in the distance with the wind gently blowing you back to shore. 

Includes:

• Guide
• Boat trip
• Fresh Zanzibar fruits, water & soft drinks

Excludes:

• Accommodation
• Any souvenir

Itinerary:

• 17:00 - 18:45: Sunset Cruise

Rates (All the rates below are PER PERSON in a group):

1 - 3 Pax	4 - 6 Pax	7 - 10 Pax	11+ Pax
$40	$35	$30	$25

Jozani Forest Zanzibar

Although most of Zanzibar’s natural forest has been lost to agriculture or construction, the Jozani Forest is a protected reserve, and is the largest conservation area in Zanzibar.  It is conveniently located in the centre of Zanzibar about 24 km southeast of Stone Town, and at 44 square kilometers the Jozani Forest covers approximately 3% of the Zanzibar main island.

The reserve contains a large mangrove swamp and natural coral rag forest that is home to over 100 different kinds of trees and species such as the rare and endangered red colobus monkey, Sykes monkey, bush babies, duikers, hyraxes, over 50 species of butterfly and 40 species of birds.   With a population estimated at fewer than 2,000, the red colubus monkey is one of the rarest monkeys in Africa and can only be found on the main island of Zanzibar.
 

The reserve is managed by the local residents who operate tree nurseries and act as rangers and guides. From the visitors' centre, visitors will take a guided 45-minute nature trail into the beautiful and peaceful forest where there is excellent opportunity to spot the red colobus monkey.

Includes:

• Guide
• Transfer to and from hotel in Stone town
• Entry fees into Jozani Forest

Excludes:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Drinks

 Itinerary:

• Two hours from any time of your convenience

 Rates (All the rates below are PER PERSON in a group):

1 - 3 Pax	4 - 6 Pax	7 - 10 Pax	11+ Pax
$35	$30	$25	$20