Zanzibar - 7 Days Masala Package
Highlights
The Zanzibar archipelago exudes a very special charm! Our Masala package is perfect for inquisitive guests who want to learn more about the history, culture and nature of the island. Immerse yourself in history by visiting the Mtoni Palace, sail on a traditional dhow and enjoy a spice tour with all your senses. Get to know the multifaceted island capital Stonetown on a tour of the old town, while pristine nature and biodiversity await you in the Jozani Forest. You will stay in Stonetown in a hotel very centrally located in the city center. You will then spend three nights in a lodge, which enchants with a paradisiacal view of the white sandy beach and the Indian Ocean.
Depending on your arrival time, you will be picked up from Zanzibar airport. Short transfer to your hotel. The hotel is located in the heart of Stonetown and just a few minutes’ walk from the most important sights
Accommodation: Hotel in Stonetown
The tour begins at the birthplace of Princess Salme at the ruins of the Mtoni Palace; here you will go on a sightseeing tour. From the Mtoni Palace you will then take a 20-minute sailing (dhow) boat trip to Bububu, where you will take part in a traditional coffee ceremony with Kashata & Halua (traditional pastries and sweets). You will visit the beautiful Omani house that once belonged to the nephew of Sultan Said (Salme’s father). It is said that Salme always took a rest here on the way to her Kizimbani plantation. We walk along the green gardens and the impressive ruins. Then we continue from Bububu to Kidichi. We visit the spice area and do a small spice tour on a plantation. On this plantation there is a beautiful old house that belonged to Princess Salme’s brother Sultan Majid, who later sold it to Mzee Yussuf’s grandfather.
Mzee Yussuf’s wife will fry a traditional pilau (fish masala), boiled bananas, kachumbari salad, some vegetarian dishes and a plate of fresh fruit for you. Fruit juices and spiced tea are served with it. After lunch we visit the Persian baths in Kidichi, which were built for Sultan Said’s second wife Sheherazade, the daughter of the Shah of Persia.
Later we return to your hotel.
The afternoon is at your leisure and you can relax on the beach in the capital or enjoy a delicious dinner in town.
Accommodation: Hotel in Stonetown
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x packed lunch
You will go on a half-day exploration tour of Stonetown with a private guide. The old town of “Zanzibar City” is under UNESCO protection and is a world cultural heritage site. The old town was restored with international funds and now shines in its former glory. There you will see the “House of Wonders” (not accessible for monument protection reasons), the Sultan’s Palace and Museum, the Portuguese Old Fort, the Indian “Old Ithnaasheri Dispensary Palace”, the Catholic St. Joseph Cathedral, the Anglican UMCA Church as well as the slave market, Hindu temple and the main mosque with the “Holy Tree”, the historic Persian Hamam, the fish market, the Freddy Mercury (Farouk Bulsara) House, the Africa House and the historic German Consulate.
The “Stone Town” enchants with its seemingly randomly lined-up houses, many with very well-kept Swahili doors decorated with carvings. Life pulsates in the countless narrow streets, the smell of culinary specialties fills the air and small shops sell a colorful mix of goods from soap to spices to fabrics and jewelry. Your guide will show you the historic town center from all perspectives and explain interesting facts about the architecture, history and culture of Zanzibar.
Accommodation: Hotel in Stonetown
Meals: 1x breakfast
Today you travel to the east coast of the island. Before we take you to your beach hotel, you will take a wonderful trip to the Jozani Forest, the Zanzibari rainforest. Visit the red colobus monkeys that only exist here on Zanzibar. Discover the Jozani Forest with its plants, trees and fruits. The protected forest area is about 45 minutes south of Stonetown and stretches all the way to the coast. The Jozani Forest was established as a protected area in 1964 and declared a national park in 2004. Jozani is the only forest area in Zanzibar and is home to some species that only occur here. The habitats range from rainforest to salt marsh, grassland, mangroves and bushland. Nature trails meander between eucalyptus and mahogany trees and lead through the mangrove forest on specially constructed wooden walkways.
A trained park ranger will explain interesting things to you about the medicinal properties of the various plants and about the animals, birds and reptiles that are native to the various habitats of the tropical rainforest. There are over 40 species of birds and a fascinating variety of butterflies to discover here, but the most famous forest dweller is probably the endangered red colobus monkey. These monkeys are very friendly and are happy to be photographed. One of the rarest antelope species in the world can also be observed here: Ader’s Duiker, the Zanzibar dwarf antelope. On the other hand, it seems rather unlikely that you will encounter the extremely shy and mysterious Zanzibar leopard, which was last seen a few years ago and is said to hunt under cover of night in the national park.
You will then be driven to your beautiful beach lodge on the southeast coast.
Accommodation: Lodge at the Beach
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x dinner
The following two days are at your leisure.
Your beach lodge is located on the southeast coast of the island of Zanzibar in a privileged, quiet location. The lodge is located directly on the breathtakingly beautiful sea on a beautiful white tropical beach. It is a small resort with a private beach and charming bungalows, surrounded by a lush tropical garden.
Enjoy the peace and quiet in this complex and be enchanted by the crystal-clear, sparkling Indian Ocean and the white sandy beaches.
Accommodation: Lodge at the Beach
Meals: 2x breakfast, 2x dinner
You will be picked up from the hotel in the morning and driven to Zanzibar airport.
You are welcome to extend your stay on the island. We will be happy to book additional overnight stays for you.
Meals: 1x breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Zanzibar stay package (7 days/6 nights) as described
- All entrance fees
- All transport and transfers as described
- Excursions, activities and sightseeing as per program
- Airport transfers
- Local English-speaking tour guide, English-speaking driver on transfers
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Optional excursions and activities
- Personal expenses, tips
- Zanzibar infrastructure tax (US$5/day/person – payable directly to the hotel)
- Optional
- If you would like to take further excursions in Zanzibar, we will be happy to organize further activities for you.