Discover Zanzibar

Discover Zanzibar ZANZIBAR IS AMONG THE MANY BEAUTIFUL ATTRACTIONS WORLD WIDE, IT HAS LOT OF ATTRACTIONS SUCH AS NICE SELECT ZANZIBAR TOURS AND SAFARIS.

Select Zanzibar Tours and Safaris is an Inbound Tour Operator and Destination Management company specialised in designing and organising luxury tailormade itineraries in the TANZANIA and ZANZIBAR. Our know-how on lifestyle and the tourism business makes us capable of ensuring the best possible trip to all of our clients. We have our own manpower and infrastructure in our destinations providing lux

ury and not Luxury ground service based on our extensive local knowledge. These services include transportation, accommodation, restaurants, activities, excursions, conference venues, dinners, meetings, shopping, as well as helping with overcoming language barriers. ZANZIBAR AND TANZANIA
ZANZIBAR offers travelers an amazing history, rich culture, beautiful beaches, incredible nature and scenery, magical cities and delicious cuisine … With all these attributes, it is not hard to believe that Zanzibar received about million visitors in 2013, making the country a world touristic power. Zanzibar is the perfect combination if you want to visit two countries in one holiday. These neighbour countries share the Tanzania and are both members of the East Africa Community. Zanzibar comes up with precious ancient cities, wonderful beaches, excellent hotels. TANZANIA
TANZANIA is one of the most important destinations in the world. We offer all kind of services from safaris, accommodation, transportation and any other thing you may demand

15/04/2015

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT ZANZIBAR ??

• The people of Zanzibar are known as Zanzibaris and their native language is Kiswahili, commonly known internationally as Swahili.
• Zanzibar used to be the world's largest producer of cloves, and its history was heavily influenced by the this activity.
• Zanzibar's paradise beaches are fringed by an abundance of coconut palms. Unlike most tourists, the local people see these trees as more than aesthetically pleasing flora! Nothing goes to waste, and apart from the famous nut, the coconut palm yields an impressive variety of products, among them materials for weaving, building, eating and drinking. The roofs of many houses in Zanzibar (particularly in rural areas) are constructed using makuti palm thatching, made from palm leaves. Its many uses makes the coconut palm one of the most versatile of all plants.
• The late Freddie Mercury, who was lead singer and front man for the band Queen, was born in Zanzibar on 5 September 1946. His name then was Farouk Bulsara, and his father was an accountant working for the British government in the House of Wonders in Zanzibar Town. His family had emigrated to Zanzibar from India but were originally of Persian extraction.
• The rare Kirk's Red Colobus monkey is only found in Zanzibar, predominantly in Jozani Forest. More on this in Touring Zanzibar.
• Zanzibar had the first steam locomotive in East Africa. A tiny two foot gauge engine to haul the Sultan to and fro from his summer palace in the 1880's. Zanzibar also boasted a seven mile railway to Bububu, built in 1905, which became notorious for setting the countryside alight.
• Stone Town has been designated one of the world's few heritage sites by the United Nations.
• The Shortest War in History was fought in Zanzibar in 1896. On 25 August, Sultan Hamid bin Thuwaini died, and two hours later, an usurper broke into the Palace and declared himself ruler. In a show of Victorian Gunboat Diplomacy, the Royal Navy was asked to evict him. At precisely 9 o' clock on the 27th, three warships opened fire and in 45 minutes reduced the Palace to rubble, and deposed the usurper. The bombardment has since been called the "Shortest War in History" as verified by the Guinness Book of Records.
• At last count, there were 560 carved doors in Zanzibar. The oldest door discovered in Zanzibar is dated AD 1694. When a house was built in Zanzibar, the door was traditionally the first part to be erected. The greater the wealth and social position of the owner of the house, the larger and more elaborately carved his front door. Many doors are studded with brass spikes. This may be a modification of the Indian practice of studding doors with sharp spikes of iron to prevent their being battered in by war elephants. In 915 AD, an Arab traveller recorded that Zanzibar island abounded in elephants, and around 1295 Marco Polo wrote that Zanzibar had 'elephants in plenty'. However, there are no elephants here now, and the brass studs seen today are purely for decoration!

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15/04/2015

ZANZIBAR STONE TOWN

It may not have a particularly romantic name, but Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.

Stone Town was recently and deservedly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. More information can be found at the UNESCO website.

Most of the houses that can be seen today were built in the 19th century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centres in the Indian Ocean region. The coraline rock of Zanzibar was a good building material, but it is also easily eroded. This is evident by the large number of houses that are in a bad state of repair. Several buildings have already been renovated and the Stone Town Conservation Authority has been established to co-ordinate the restoration of the town to its original magnificence. Pictured opposite is a 'before and after' look at the restoration work done on the Old Dispensary. As a result of sensible policy, nearly all of the major hotels built in Stone Town are housed in renovated buildings.
Hotels in Stone Town include the Zanzibar Serena Inn, Tembo House Hotel, Dhow Palace Hotel and Hotel International.

As you walk through the town, please remember that Stone Town is very much a real community, where real people live and work. It is not a museum piece or theme park created for tourists, and sensitivity should be shown to the local people.
If you want to learn more about Stone Town, there are various ways to do it. You can either wander through the narrow streets by yourself armed with a map, or you can embark on a tour with one of the local tour operators. But first, take a look at our list of places to visit in Stone Town.

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15/04/2015

Tours of Zanzibar island are a rewarding experience with cultural sights and natural beauty on the itinerary. There are a number of quality local tour operators, such as SELECT ZANZIBAR TOURS AND SAFARIS Zanzibar who can arrange visits to points of interest with knowledgeable, and often multilingual, guides. Popular tours of Zanzibar Island include:
Stone Town
This tour takes you through fabled 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! A trip to the site of Sultan Barghash's harem at Marahubi should also be included and rounds off an insight into Zanzibar's huge history and vibrant culture. Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from.
Spice Plantations
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. Visitors will be fascinated by the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. 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 (pictured opposite), which is endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character, and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve's perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkey's, small buck and bushpigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard (last sited several years ago) is said to feed here at night - perhaps this is why the reserve is only open during the day?! Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative.

North Coast
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.
Kizimkazi Mosque & 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.
Prison Island
Once the site of a gaol for misbehaving slaves, the island lies just off the old stone town. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling, and has a lovely white beach for sun-bathing.
It 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.

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15/04/2015

Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.

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15/04/2015

Zanzibar's brilliant white beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and take a break from some busy sightseeing.

The beaches in Zanzibar are a paradise, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages, where the people live a simple way of life, unchanged over the years. There are more than 25 fantastic beaches in Zanzibar, and some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean.

At the northern tip of the island is Nungwi, approached by a road lined by banana palms, mangroves and coconut trees. This is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar island, so it is a good place to see traditional craftsmen at work.

On the west coast of Zanzibar, Mangapwani beach is worth a visit, and to the east are the beaches of Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Uroa, Bwejuu and Jambiani, all with stretches of beautiful white sands.

Zanzibar also boasts several small offshore islands which are ideal for a day-trip. Prison (or Changu) island is the most popular with tourists because it is only a short trip from Stone Town. Originally, it was used by Arabs to detain recalcitrant slaves, and then a jail was built by the British, but it was never actually used. Visitors to Zanzibar will notice a large population of ancient Aldabra tortoises. Other islets near to Stone Town are Chapwani, Chumbe and Bawe.

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10/04/2015

Short sharp introduction into Tanzania’s wonderful variety of landscapes will make your African dreams come true. Enjoy seeing huge pods of hippo, migrating herds of wildebeest and zebra, before moving into the cool breeze and hot sun of Zanzibar. Based on small intimate camps and lodges, this is a private wildlife focused itinerary ending with a few days of relaxation at the
Contact us: [email protected], +255772654583, +255714514608

1 night at Moivaro Coffee Lodge, Arusha
The lodge has superb views of Mount Meru and is an ideal place in which to relax for a night or two either before or after a safari.

2 nights at Crater Forest Camp, Ngorongoro Crater
Be met by your private driver and guide and after a short introduction depart by road for the Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its birdlife, huge herds of elephant and buffalo and crazy tree climbing lions. After a full day’s game viewing you will drive up the escarpment to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Popularly known as the eighth wonder of the world, the remarkable Ngorongoro crater is the largest intact crater in the world. Measuring 16 kilometers in diameter and enclosed in walls over 600 meters high – it surrounds a spectacular wildlife hotspot of over 25,000 large mammals.
2 nights at Ikoma Bush Camp, Serengeti
Drive to the Serengeti where you will hopefully catch the wildebeest migration, where hundreds and thousands of mad wildebeest gallop the plains and migrate in search of lush pastures. The predator prey interaction surrounding the wildebeest is exceptional.
1 night at Migunga Forest Lodge, Lake Manyara
Stretched along the base of the Rift Valley Escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its huge elephant population and tree climbing lions. Perhaps the most picturesque of the Northern Circuit safari national parks, the stunning views of the flamingo-filled lake and Rift Valley escarpment will especially appeal to photographers.

1 night at Swahili House, Stone Town
Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar – a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. Spice and walking tours are a great way to get to know this vibrant and culturally colorful town.
3 nights at Fumba Beach Lodge, Zanzibar
Situated on one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful and secluded beaches, Fumba Beach Lodge is a luxurious and peaceful hideaway, offering a perfect blend of casual elegance and friendly first class service. Fumba Beach is within the Menai Bay conservation area – an area of outstanding natural beauty..
Includes:
Meals, accommodation, park and conservation fees, Ngorongoro Conservation Fee, private driver guide and safari vehicle, all transfers, all domestic flights.

10/04/2015

Zanzibar (/ˈzænzɨbɑr/) is the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site.
Zanzibar's main industries are spices, raffia, and tourism.[5] In particular, the islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. For this reason, the islands, together with Tanzania's Mafia Island, are sometimes called the Spice Islands (a term also associated with the Maluku Islands in Indonesia). Zanzibar is the home of the endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, the Zanzibar Servaline Genet, and the (possibly extinct) Zanzibar Leopard.

10/04/2015

History
Zanzibar is a unique coral island lying in the Indian Ocean a short distance from Tanzania. With Pemba, and about 50 other islands, Zanzibar originally was an independent country until 1964 when it was united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania under President Julius Nyerere. Presently it has its own President and a degree of autonomy.
The island's history goes back many centuries. Its heyday came in the early 19th century when the Sultan of Muscat moved his court to Zanzibar. Spice cultivation was developed (particularly the clove tree), and the slave trade was at its height - Zanzibar became the most important town in East Africa.
The Town
Zanzibar town is located midway along the West Coast of the island. The old part of the town, known as Stone Town, is composed of a network of shady, winding narrow alleys between old stone buildings with ornately decorated entrances and balconies. Numerous tiny shops here sell everything under the sun. Along the seafront are located several luxury hotels, the old Sultan's Palace (House of Wonder), the old fort, restaurants and the docks.
Access
Zanzibar may be reached by speedboat from Dar es-Salaam, (about 2 hours), daily departures. There are also several flights every day from Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es-Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports. A luxury, air-conditioned coach leaves Moshi (Kilimanjaro) at 6am arriving in Dar-es-Salaam in time to catch the last ferry.

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04/04/2015

SUNSET DHOW CRUISE:

After you step on-board the vessel, the skilled crew on board take the dhow about 1km away from the shore by means of an engine, once out in the sea the engine is shut off and during a tense moment the skillful crew put up the sail, once the sail is in favor of the wind, the guest can sit back, relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the ocean as you hear the ripple of water on the sides of the dhow as it glides swiftly through the clear turquoise water.
Our sunset cruises leave Stone Town in the late afternoon to cruise along the coast, slicing through the clear turquoise water.
The sounds of the bustle of busy people in Stone Town grow faint in the distance until they seem there, only in a memory, as the dhow sail you will be served with sodas drinking water, and Zanzibar light snacks which will encourage you to sink back into the dhow bench and enjoy the romance of Zanzibar Island while the sun sets down with its beautiful orange colors.
30$ pp include dhow, soft drinks, snacks

04/04/2015

SPICE TOUR PLANTATION

The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which are essential ingredient in a Zanzibari’s everyday life, it is the island’s connection to spices and herbs. Zanzibar and Spice is a romantic entanglement that dates back to the 16th century. Apart from being an important commodity on the trade routes. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, this is also a fantastic opportunity to see the countryside and rural areas of Zanzibar and also connect with local people.
We have developed a special Spice Tour with in-depth information not only about spices, but also organically grown herbs and detailed descriptions about their uses in traditional dishes, as cures for ailments and even for dyeing traditional ceremonial outfits for weddings and festivals. We have knowledgeable guides trained by a famous herbalist in Zanzibar Mr. Madawa.
You will be decorated with palm-leaf accessories such as ties, rings, bracelets and glasses. At the Spice farms you will have an opportunity to taste some of the exotic fruits of Zanzibar.
20$ pp car transport, guide

04/04/2015

SANDBANK PICNIC: 09:30am – 02:30pm

Daily scheduled trip (Subject to Tide of the Day and Weather Conditions)
This wonderful excursion is suitable for anyone, from those who wish to completely relax to those who want adventure and excitement.
We board the dhow and then set sail towards Bawe Island ; here we will do some snorkeling with a guide to see the stunning array of colored corals and tropical fish of the islands. Then hop back on-board and let us sail you away to a sand bank where brilliant birdlife exists.
A seemingly uninhabited and quiet bank in the ocean suddenly comes to life with millions of birds flying overhead and ghost crabs scurrying across the golden sands. After lunch relax on the sandbank listening to the bird life around you and the hush of waves lapping against the shore. For the more active discover more underwater life around the sandbank and listen to stories from our crew about sailing the seven seas.
50$ pp full day ,include boat, soft drink, lunch, seafood

04/04/2015

SAFARI BLUE TOUR

Safari Blue starts from the village of Fumba a 20-minute drive from Stone Town. Fumba is the most convenient location for exploring the wildlife, isolated sandbanks and rugged island scenery of the Menai Bay Conservation Area.
Our aim is to provide our customers with a truly memorable experience using the best Zanzibar has to offer, while making a positive difference to Zanzibar and it’s people.
This trip starts from the village of Fumba in South West Zanzibar and we will take you to see the dolphins, sandbanks, islands and coral reefs of Menai Bay, a beautiful conservation area.
In the morning we set down on one of the beautiful sandbanks where one can relax, swim or snorkel. There are plenty of good quality snorkeling equipments and the experienced snorkeling guides will show you the pristine coral reef, which teems with tropical sea life. Instruction is also available for beginners, fresh coconuts and local snacks are available through out the day.
After snorkeling we go to Kwale island where we have our “desert island” restaurant. The buffet lunch includes fish, slipper lobster, calamari, rice and sauces all served hot from the grill. The crews also prepare and present a gastronomic fruits tasting with a large selection of delicious tropical fruits, ice cold sodas, mineral water and beer, a delicious Zanzibari seafood lunch with grilled fish and slipper lobster, coffee and Amarula liqueur.
When the tide permits we explore the natural lagoon found on Kwale island. The lagoon is surrounded by a mangrove forest and we will take you swimming in the lagoon for an unforgettable experience
The dhows are traditional sailing boats, hand-built from African mahogany and finished to the very highest standards. They are comfortable and well equipped with outboard engine, VHF marine radios, gas inflatable life jackets, sunshade, boarding ladder, waterproof bags and first aid kit. We hold marine and public liability insurance.
50$ pp full day, include lunch, seafood, soft drink, boat

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AMAAN STADIUM
Zanzibar

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