Zanzibar historic Stone Town and Prison Island private tour

Jozani Chwaka Bayn kansallispuisto ja maustetilakierros Sansibarilla

Tällä kokopäiväretkellä vieraillaan Jozani Chwaka Bayn kansallispuistossa ja maustetilalla. Kierros alkaa Jozani Chwaka Bayn kansallispuistosta. Paikallisopas Juma kertoo: "Täällä voit nähdä harvinaisia sansibaringueretsa-apinoita – joten pidä silmäsi auki, kun vaellat viidakossa. Nämä vaikeasti tavoitettavat kädelliset voivat hyvinkin vilahtaa galagojen, perhosten ja lintujen seassa." Paikalla on myös metsänvartija, joka varmistaa, ettet missaa mitään.Seuraavaksi suuntaamme Chakon kierrätyskeskukseen. Täällä näet, miten lasipulloista tehdään käsityönä valmistettuja astioita ja lamppuja. Hankkeen painopisteenä on kestävä kehitys ja paikallisyhteisön voimaannuttaminen. Sen tehtävänä on sisällyttää kierrätys osaksi saaren jokapäiväistä elämää.Sitten matka jatkuu maustetilalle, jossa näet, miksi Sansibar tunnetaan maustesaarena. Näet, miten vaniljan, pippurin ja kardemumman kaltaisia kasveja viljellään, ja voit jopa maistaa niitä suoraan puusta. Juma lisää: "Maustetilat ovat yhteisöpohjaisia pientiloja, joilla eri mausteita viljellään yhdessä. Nämä pienet tilat ovat osoitus vuosisatojen viljelytaidosta, joka on periytynyt esi-isiltämme." Lounas valmistetaan tilalla kasvatetuista mausteista, ja opit myös sansibarilaisesta ruoanlaitosta ja saaren mausteiden monista lääkinnällisistä ominaisuuksista.

Sansibarin kulttuurikierros ja vierailu merileväkeskuksessa

Ei ole parempaa tapaa tutustua lomakohteeseen kuin tapaamalla paikallisia ihmisiä. Tällä kulttuurikierroksella matkustat perinteiseen kylään ja opit yhteisöltä Sansibarin maaseutuperinteistä, ennen kuin suuntaat Pajen merileväkeskukseen. Omar, yksi paikallisoppaistamme, kertoo: "Yhteisöllisyys on Sansibarilla tärkeää. Ymmärrät saarestamme enemmän, kun olet tutustunut kylään ja vieraillut merileväkeskuksessa, joka voimaannuttaa paikallisia naisia ja myy hyvinvointituotteita – käytä niitä kotona, ja tuoksu vie sinut takaisin Sansibarille."Ensimmäiseksi suuntaat opastetulle kierrokselle Muyunin kylään Sansibarin etelärannikolla. Tutustut paikallisiin ja seuraat maaseudun elämänmenoa yhteisössä. Sen jälkeen vierailet Ngongan luolassa, pyhässä paikassa, jolla on historiallista ja kulttuurista merkitystä ja joka kertoo paikallisten uskomuksista. Sitten on aika suunnata päivän seuraavalle pysähdyspaikalle – Pajen merileväkeskukseen. Tämä sosiaalisesti vastuullinen yritys tukee paikallisia naisia, jotka saavat elantonsa kasvattamalla ja keräämällä merilevää läheisiltä rannoilta.Ennen kierrosta sinulla on vapaata aikaa nauttia lounas. Sen jälkeen tutustut tehtaaseen, jossa paikalliset merilevänviljelijät työskentelevät. Voit myös ostaa täältä erilaisia kauneus- ja hyvinvointituotteita. Lopuksi käymme maineikkaassa The Rock -ravintolassa, joka on kuuluisa sijainnistaan keskellä Intian valtamerta. Näet sen ulkopuolelta ja sinulla on mahdollisuus ottaa valokuvia.

Zanzibar spice farm and Prison Island private tour

Learn why Zanzibar is nicknamed the Spice Island on this full-day private tour. You'll kick things off with a private tour of the spice farms, wandering through fields of vanilla, nutmeg and cardamom. Plus, you'll get to taste these bursts of flavour straight from the source as your guide tells you how these spices are used to give local cuisine that extra kick. You'll hear about their medicinal qualities and their role in cultural ceremonies, too.Next, you'll head to Stone Town for a short boat ride to Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island. Here, you'll meet the island's famous residents, the Aldabra giant tortoises, at the foundation that takes care of them. Then, head to Prison Island Museum and delve into this place's past – the island was actually used as a quarantine station for yellow fever patients, rather than a prison. After soaking up the island's history, there's time to check out the island's scenic views before heading back to Stone Town.

Zanzibar historic Stone Town private tour

You'll find African, Indian, European and Arabic influences all muddled together in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town. On this half-day private tour, you'll weave through the narrow streets lined with markets, mosques and monuments, with your guide leading the way and pointing out all the historic landmarks.You'll begin at the Christ Church Cathedral, built in the 1870s on the site of a former slave market. There are many layers to the town's history and involvement in the slave trade, and your guide will explain more as you go on to visit a memorial and museum dedicated to it. You'll have some free time to see the Forodhani Gardens, where you'll get a great view of the Old Fort and the modestly named, House of Wonders – it is a former sultan's house, after all! There's a quick stop at the Tanzanite Museum where you'll see the country's prized, violet gemstone. Top tip, if you have any loved ones with a December birthday, then Tanzanite is their birthstone – just in case you need any gift inspiration. Then, it's time to polish your haggling skills at Darajani Market, Zanzibar's main bazaar, where your guide can help you snag local crafts and souvenirs.

Zanzibar historic Stone Town and Prison Island private tour

Dive into the cultural heart of Zanzibar with a guided tour through Stone Town, where African, Indian, European, and Arabic influences blend into a vibrant tapestry of history and heritage. Stroll past iconic landmarks like the former sultan's palace and Forodhani Gardens, bargain for treasures at Darajani Bazaar, and hear fascinating stories about some of the famous locals. You'll also visit the Tanzanite Museum to learn about the origins of Tanzania's rare and precious violet gemstone.Next, hop aboard a boat to Prison Island. Once a slave outpost, today it's home to a conservation sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises. Tour the island's museum, meet the slow-moving residents and wander past the old prison ruins surrounded by turquoise waters. With stunning coastal views, rich storytelling, and encounters with unique wildlife, this tour is the perfect mix of adventure and culture.

Zanzibar historic Stone Town and Prison Island tour

Stone Town, a UNESCO-listed site, is a place of stories. Woven with African, Indian, European and Arabic influences, every step you take traces the footprints of history, right in the bustling streets of the Zanzibar capital. Stone Town is an extraordinary place where history comes alive – from the old slave market to the Forodhani Gardens that offer spectacular views over the city. You'll also get to test your bargaining skills at Darajani bazaar and learn about famous residents such as Freddie Mercury.After touring the capital, we set sail for Prison Island, a name that belies its paradisiacal charm. Here, amidst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, you'll encounter families of giant tortoise in their natural habitat, a conservation effort that has transformed this former slave colony into a sanctuary. There's also a pitstop at the Tanzanite museum, where you'll dive into the story behind Tanzania's famous Tanzanite – a rare, blue-violet gem found only here.Finally, we return to Stone Town for some last-minute shopping or simply to soak up the atmosphere. Then, it's time to bid farewell to this melting pot of cultures as we transfer you back to your hotel.

Zanzibar historic Stone Town and Freddie Mercury Museum private tour

A melting pot of African, Indian, European and Arabic influences, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's full of stories waiting to be discovered. On this private half-day tour, your personal guide will show you around the city's must-see spots – including Darajani Market, Zanzibar's bustling main bazaar, and the historic former slave market.At Forodhani Gardens, you'll catch sight of iconic landmarks like the House of Wonders, once a sultan's palace, and the imposing Old Fort. You'll also have a chance to sharpen your bartering skills at a popular shopping area, with your guide on hand to help. There's also a pitstop at the Tanzanite museum, where you'll explore the history of Tanzania's famous gemstone, a unique treasure found only in this country.As you wander through the winding alleys, your guide will share fascinating facts about local legends such as Princess Salme, Bi Kidude and Farrokh Bulsara. You'll also drop by The Freddie Mercury Museum – the first in the world dedicated to the iconic Queen frontman – where exclusive photos trace his incredible journey.

Zanzibar Jozani Forest, cave and village adventure private tour

If you're after a day packed with nature, culture and a good dose of mystery, this private full-day tour ticks all the boxes. It kicks off at Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park – the only national park on the island – where you'll step into a world of winding trails and wild encounters. Keep your eyes on the treetops as you wander through the forest, on the lookout for rare red colobus monkeys, bush babies, duikers, birds and more.From forest to folklore, your next stop is Muyuni Village. Here, it's all about deep-rooted traditions and local life. You'll meet the community and learn how they craft rope, baskets and makuti thatch – the latter uses dried coconut palm leaves to make roofing materials.Then, things take a mysterious turn as you explore the legendary Ngonga Cave. With your guide leading the way, you'll discover a world of tunnels, vampire bat tales and ancestral spirits – plus a witchcraft healing ceremony that brings Zanzibar's rich culture to life.

Zanzibar spice farm, cave and village adventure private tour

There's more to Zanzibar than the glossy-travel-mag photos of endless white beaches. On this private tour, you'll discover the heart of the island's culture. You'll meet the local community in Muyuni Village and visit the mystical Ngonga Cave, hearing all about its history, before taking a tour around a spice farm. First up is a trip to Muyuni Village, on the south of the island. You'll be immediately struck by how important tradition is to the community here, as you're invited to watch their ancient crafts of rope making, basket weaving, and makuti plating – weaving palm leaves into a roof. You'll call in at the village school before heading to Ngonga Cave, a sacred place, where the Muyuni people connect with their ancestors. Weave through the passages of this limestone cave to reach a chamber where you'll witness a witchcraft healing ceremony. It's an uplifting mix of singing, drumming and dancing that's believed to restore harmony and spiritual wellbeing. Next, you'll arrive at a local spice farm, where you'll learn all about how exotic aromatics are grown. Vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg are three of the spices produced here, and you'll find out all about them from the experts, tasting as you go. Your guide will give you the lowdown on how these spices are used in local dishes, medicine and ceremonies, too.

Zanzibar quad bike tour

Hop on a quad bike and dive into the untouched side of Zanzibar on this fun-filled half-day adventure. Whether you're riding solo or with a buddy, you'll start by learning the basics before setting off through landscapes you can't reach by car – think narrow dirt tracks, lush rice paddies, and swaying sugar cane plantations.Along the way, you'll stop in a rural village where you'll get a glimpse of authentic daily life and meet friendly locals. It's a chance to connect with the culture in a way that goes beyond the usual tourist route – all with the wind in your hair and red dust on your boots.Your guide, a local, English-speaking expert, will lead the way and share stories about the island's traditions and history. There'll be plenty of chances to pause for photos, chat with villagers, or simply soak in the scenery. It's a unique way to explore rural Zanzibar – off the beaten track and full of character.