Pemba and Zanzibar Tours & Activities

Zanzibar Tours

An outstanding example of cultural fusion and intriguing history, Stone Town is best explored on a City Tour through the bustling streets and historic sites. This half-day tour usually includes transfers, an accredited guide and admission fees.

Another exceptional guided tour takes visitors to Jozani Forest. Strolling under lush canopies, visitors follow the nature trails and observe the Red Colobus monkey in its natural habitat. This half-day tour includes transfers, admission fees, and a knowledgeable guide.

The Dolphin Tour takes visitors to Kizimkazi, at the southernmost tip of Unguja. This half-day tour includes transfers, a guide, snorkel equipment and, almost certainly, lunch.

Setting sail for Prison (or Changuu) Island, located off the coast of Stone Town, is very popular with tourists. The island is famous for its hundred year-old giant tortoises which were given to the Sultan as a gift from the Seychelles in 1920. Spend a few hours on the island's beautiful beach, with delightful swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, to complete the trip perfectly. This day trip usually includes boat transfers, admission fees, snorkel equipment and lunch.

Unguja Ukuu (or Menai Bay) is a tour which explores the lush, green and uninhabited islands of the Southwestern coast. On this tour, visitors head out to glistening bays and pristine, white beaches on islands with unique flora and fauna. The day is spent on nature walks, sunbathing and snorkeling. This most entertaining of day trips includes transfers, a dhow boat ride, a guide, snorkel equipment and a delicious barbecue with freshly caught fish.

 

Excursions in Pemba

Day trips on Pemba frequently head out to Misali Island, Matumbi Makubwa or Kwata. In addition, local fishing trips, spice tours, picnic trips and beach or reserved area excursions can be arranged.

Pemba beaches and the coral reef are so breathtakingly beautiful that they attract sun worshipers, beach combers and divers from all over the world. Here are a few of the lesser known excursions offered on Pemba Island – some of which can be organised from your Pemba Island hotel:

• Pemba Fruit and Fish Market: See traditional fishermen unloading their ox carts to stock the fish stalls in the lively village of Tumbe. Sample the mouth-watering array of fresh fruits grown on Pemba Island. If you are lucky, you will experience local music and dancing.
• Pemba Island Spice Tour: Visit a spice plantation in Bagamoyo village and taste the local dishes and delicacies, infused with delicious spices such as cinnamon, cardamon, vanilla and cloves.
• Pemba Beach Picnic: spend a day on the stunning Ras Kiuyu beach – pristine, white sand and a warm, turquoise lagoon to swim in. A secluded, blissful setting in which to relax and enjoy a freshly made, tropical picnic lunch.
• Pemba Site-Seeing: there are many ancient ruins, mosques and tombs on Pemba Island. For example, the ruins of the 14th Century fortified town of Pujini and the 10th Century ancient settlement and mosque of Rus Mkumbuu.
• Pemba Bullfighting: the Pemban version is less brutal than traditional bullfighting - the bull is respected and paraded around the villages afterwards.

 

Other Activities

In addition to Pemba & Zanzibar Tours, take advantage of the many inspirational activities (e.g. Yoga with Jo, Zanzi Yoga, Photo workshops The Beautiful Eyes) that Zanzibar and Pemba have to offer. From strenuous, adventurous (e.g. Zanzibar Car Hire, Zanzibar Car Express Hire, ZRP Air Charter, Zanzibar Quad Adventure), exciting (e.g. Zanzibar Butterfly Center), revitalising (e.g. Holistic Health Africa, Cinnamon Spa), spiritual or relaxing, there is an activity awaiting you that promises to suit your mood and fulfil your every desire.