Zanzibar: Spice Island
Known as the Spice Island, the beautiful island of Zanzibar on Africa’s east coast is bursting with culture and history, seemingly at odds with its idyllic geography of white-sand beaches with palms swaying lazily in the sea breeze. Together this makes Zanzibar a fabulous place to explore as well as a dream to relax and unwind.
Located just 40 kilometres off the coast of Tanzania and just six degrees south of the equator, Zanzibar Island is referred to locally as ‘Unguja’ and is known internationally as the ‘Spice Island’. An important trading centre of the Indian Ocean region in the nineteenth century the island became famous for spices and fresh produce, and supposedly boasts the sweetest pineapple in the world. The island is characterized by the magic of historic Stone Town and beautiful sandy beaches fringed with coral reefs.
Stone Town is said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa and it is the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Little has changed here over the last 200 years here. It boasts a labyrinth of walled streets, winding alleys, bustling mosques and grand Arab architecture. You can spend many idle hours simply wandering the streets, shopping at the bazaars and admiring the intriguing elephant-proof doors. Or you could just sit and watch the sun set over a cold beer and a sumptuous seafood feast. If food is your thing, make sure you also check out the brilliant night market that serves traditional local fare. Females should note that Stone Town has a high Muslim population so remember to cover up and bring appropriate clothing.
To the north and east of Zanzibar Island lie the island’s beautiful, isolated beaches with sparkling blue waters and golden sands fringed with palm trees. There are plenty of activity options for you at the beaches. You can go diving, snorkelling, swimming with dolphins or simply relax and take it easy with a massage.
Any visit to Zanzibar would not be complete without a visit to a spice plantation to dazzle the senses with fresh cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper. The sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments will fascinate you.
A spice tour is included on all Tucan Travel tours that visit Zanzibar.
A visit to Zanzibar is a rewarding experience with vast natural beauty and a plethora of cultural sights on the itinerary.
Tucan Travel offers 28 Overland group tours that visit Zanzibar year round. The tours either start or end in Dar es Salaam or travel through this area as part of a tour from Kenya in the north or Malawi in the south.
Did You Know?
- Freddy Mercury, the late lead singer of the band Queen, was born in Zanzibar.
- The island had the first steam locomotive in East Africa.
- Stone Town has been designated one of the world’s cultural heritage sites by UNESCO.
- The shortest war in history was fought in Zanzibar in 1896 and lasted two days.
- There are around 560 carved doors in Zanzibar, with the oldest dating back to 1694.
Enquire About This Tour Code RTSCP Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Package
Duration: 3 Days Route: Arusha to Arusha Style: Add-ons Level: Comfort Price: US$1,369.00
Tanzania
Beginning in Arusha, this package takes in Tanzania’s most famous wildlife refuge, Serengeti National Park, world renowned for its wealth of leopard and lion. At nearby Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wildlife sanctuary, you have a good chance to view the rare black rhino.
Enquire About This Tour Code RTZP2 Isles of Zanzibar
Duration: 4 Days Route: Stone Town to Stone Town Style: Add-ons Level: Comfort Price: US$299.00
Tanzania
Beautiful palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs, sparkling turquoise waters and warm African sun – the spice island of Zanzibar offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Treat yourself to a few days of rest and relaxation, beginning in the historic Stone Town.
Enquire About This Tour Code RTKCM Mt Kilimanjaro Trek – Marangu Route
Duration: 5 Days Route: Arusha to Arusha Style: Add-ons Level: Standard Price: US$1,569.00
Tanzania
Close to the northern Tanzanian city of Arusha, the majestic ice-capped Mount Kilimanjaro sits on the equator towering 5,896 metres above sea level. Eagerly conquered by hundreds of reasonably fit people every year, this trek offers you the chance to ascend Africa’s highest mountain following the Marangu route and enjoy spectacular views of verdant farmlands, forests and heather moorlands in the national park below the three volcanic peaks.
Enquire About This Tour Code RTKCH6 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route 6 Day
Duration: 6 Days Route: Arusha to Arusha Style: Add-ons Level: Standard Price: US$1,769.00
Tanzania
Close to the northern Tanzanian city of Arusha, the majestic ice-capped Mount Kilimanjaro sits on the equator towering 5,896 metres above sea level. Eagerly conquered by hundreds of reasonably fit people every year, this trek offers you the chance to ascend Africa’s highest mountain following the Machame route and enjoy spectacular views of verdant farmlands, forests and heather moorlands in the national park below the three volcanic peaks.
Enquire About This Tour Code RTKCH7 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route 7 Day
Duration: 7 Days Route: Arusha to Arusha Style: Add-ons Level: Standard Price: US$2,019.00
Tanzania
Close to the northern Tanzanian city of Arusha, the majestic ice-capped Mount Kilimanjaro sits on the equator towering 5,896 metres above sea level. Eagerly conquered by hundreds of reasonably fit people every year, this trek offers you the chance to ascend Africa’s highest mountain following the Machame route and enjoy spectacular views of verdant farmlands, forests and heather moorlands in the national park below the three volcanic peaks.
Enquire About This Tour Code FSZ Serengeti & Zanzibar
Duration: 11 Days Route: Nairobi to Dar es Salaam Style: Overland Tours Price: US$1,559.00
Kenya, Tanzania, Serengeti NP
This fun-filled tour showcases the best of East Africa's natural and cultural talents. From the vast open spaces of Serengeti National Park to the diverse flora and fauna of Ngorongoro Crater, there are wonderful safari experiences on offer. The serenity of Zanzibar Island provides a cultural contrast, with its delicious spices, controversial slave trade history and elegant Arab architecture, while its glorious sun-kissed beaches are not to be missed.
The tour that we operate in the reverse direction is Serengeti & Zanzibar (FZS).
Enquire About This Tour Code FZS Serengeti & Zanzibar
Duration: 11 Days Route: Dar es Salaam to Nairobi Style: Overland Tours Price: US$1,559.00
Tanzania, Serengeti NP, Kenya
The sprawling plains of Serengeti National Park protect the highest concentration of large mammals on Earth, including 2,500 lions, some of which you will see on this tour. The major draw card to the park is nature’s greatest spectacle, the annual great migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle take a continuous clockwise route through the park in massive herds, following the rains in search of nutritious grasses.
The tour that we operate in the reverse direction is Serengeti & Zanzibar (FSZ).
Explore Africa 20% Discount available
Enquire About This Tour Code FZV Zanzibar to Vic Falls
Duration: 14 Days Route: Dar es Salaam to Livingstone Style: Overland Tours Price: US$1,149.00
Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia
This special African tour commences in Dar es Salaam, the gateway to Zanzibar. Explore the historic centre of Stone Town - and the stunning beaches of the northern coast. Back on the mainland at Lake Malawi, enjoy the warm welcome of a traditional village in Chitimba where you can get an insight into the local culture before we reach Kande Beach. Livingstone, located near Victoria Falls, offers exciting adrenaline activities for thrill seekers.
The tour that we operate in the reverse direction is Zanzibar to Vic Falls (FVZ).
Explore Africa 15% Discount available
Enquire About This Tour Code FVZ Zanzibar to Vic Falls
Duration: 14 Days Route: Livingstone to Dar es Salaam Style: Overland Tours Price: US$1,149.00
Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania
Enjoy an exciting tour through some of Africa's most beautiful scenery including glistening Lake Malawi with its gorgeous beaches and party atmosphere. Get an insight into the customs and lifestyle of a traditional Malawian village on a visit to Chitimba. Then on the spice island of Zanzibar there's time to relax on the beach, go snorkelling, sip a cocktail and gaze over the waves or explore picturesque Stone Town, steeped in history.
The tour that we operate in the reverse direction is Zanzibar to Vic Falls (FZV).
Explore Africa 15% Discount available
Enquire About This Tour Code FNV Nairobi to Vic Falls
Duration: 19 Days Route: Nairobi to Livingstone Style: Overland Tours Price: US$2,249.00
Kenya, Tanzania, Serengeti NP, Malawi, Zambia
Africa’s national parks and game reserves offer sanctuary to diverse and abundant wildlife. Explore the vast Serengeti National Park and experience the daily drama of life and death as predators track their prey across the savannah. Witness the natural beauty of diverse landscapes and hear the thunder of millions of hooves pounding across the plains during the great wildebeest migration. On Zanzibar unwind on the beach or discover the markets and Moorish architecture.
The tour that we operate in the reverse direction is Nairobi to Vic Falls (FVN).
