Tanzanian Islands - Zanzibar Destination Guide

Zanzibar

The Spice Island of Zanzibar is blessed with glorious beaches, coral reefs and fragrant clove plantations and steeped in reminders of a former wealth and splendour. Here you can stroll through the winding streets of the capital, Stone Town, where Arabic buildings are graced with intricately carved doors and admire the ruins of the Sultan’s Palace built with the riches of the spice, ivory and slave trades. You may like to head out of town to see a little more of this scenic island or perhaps spend time at a spice plantation.

Examples of our Optional Excursions

Old Stone Town and Spice Farm (half day) - £25 approx
A chance to get a real flavour of this fascinating island. Included in your tour will be a visit to a traditional market, the Anglican Cathedral, Old Stone Town, the House of Wonders and the Sultan’s Palace, followed by a drive to a typical spice plantation.

Panorama Tour (half day) - £25 approx
You first visit the ruins of the Mahurubi Palace and then observe the local craftsmen who build and repair the traditional dhow boats. After a visit to a local woodcarving workshop you drive through the countryside of the Kiboje area with its small villages and plantations. A short stop is made at a copra factory before arriving at Chuini Beach where refreshments are served.

Jozani Dolphins and Monkeys (full day) - £36 approx
In the morning we will drive to the south of the island, to Kizimkazi where boats take you to an area where dolphin are usually found. You then drive to the Jozani Forest to see the rare Red Colubus monkeys and continue to a restaurant on Chiuni beach for lunch with time to swim and sunbathe on the beach.

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Mesali

The palm-fringed slopes and glorious white sand beaches of the tiny Mesali atoll rise from the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean evoking images of Robinson Crusoe’s desert island. Exclusive to African Safari Club, this really is the epitome of a tropical island paradise. A quiet place, far away from everyday life, where you can walk barefoot through the sands, enjoy the delights of a beach barbecue, swim or paddle in the warm shallows or spend time snorkelling around the beautiful coral formations. Dolphins, tuna, sailfish, giant Napoleon wrasse and mantas are all frequent visitors here and you may well be lucky enough to spot a few. If you prefer, you can simply relax in the sun, soaking up the unique island atmosphere.

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Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city and economic capital. It boasts one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Many influences of its history are still in evidence with an Asian district with its Hindu Temples, the German occupation in the early 20th century has left a Bavarian-style railway station and the flower-filled parks denote the British occupation. The National Museum, the Village Museum and the busy Kariakoo local market selling fish, fruit, vegetables and livestock are all worth a visit.

Example of our Optional Excursions

City Tour (half day) - £27 approx
See the main sights of the city which include the National Museum, Botanical Gardens and St. Josephs Cathedral. You also visit the Mwenge Carvings Market and the Village Museum with its traditional houses of the different tribes of Tanzania.

Bagamoyo (full day) - £41 approx
You drive north to Bagamoyo. One of Tanzania’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sights. It was once the centre of the slave and ivory trade. It was also the starting point for the first European explorers on their way to search for the source of the Nile. Livingstone, Stanley, Burton and Speke all passed through here! En route you visit the Kaole Ruins to see the remains of mosques and tombs, thought to have been used in the 3rd and 4th centuries. After lunch in Bagamoyo, visit the Holy Ghost Mission and Museum and the Old Fort, an impressive building dating from 1860, primarily used to hold slaves until they could be shipped to Zanzibar.

Mafia Island

Mafia Island is the largest of a small archipelago of islands and lies off the southern coast of Tanzania. Surrounded by a barrier reef, it was Tanzania’s first Marine Park and is home to over 400 species of fish, 50 types of coral and five species of turtle. Snorkel, swim or simply sunbathe on the palm-fringed sandy beaches - pure relaxation.

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Climate Information

Mauritius lies within the south tropical belt and humidity is generally high. There is a warm coastal climate (particularly between January and April) but climates and temperatures vary on different parts of the island with temperatures being slightly lower with more rain on the inland plateau. The rainy season normally occurs between January and March.

Zanzibar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
			Temperatures are in Degrees Centigrade
Average Temperature	27	27	27	26	26	25	25	24	26	26	26	27
Average Max Temperature	31	31	30	28	28	27	27	28	29	29	29	30
Average Min Temperature	24	23	24	24	22	22	21	20	20	21	22	23
Average Rainfall (mm)	89	56	152	N/A	N/A	69	48	48	51	97	226	193

The above average daily temperature and average monthly rainfall figures are given as a guide only and no responsibility can be taken for any errors or omissions. N/A means no data was available.