At DARE 2 TRAVEL CONSULTANTS, we will work with you to enable your travel party to experience all of the adventures and opportunities of interest to you in Tanzania and Kenya.

We have many suggestions, however, beach holidays are the most popular option after trekking expeditions and wildlife safaris. After the hustle and bustle of a wilderness experience, or as a much deserved rest after your climbing adventure, the beach can be an excellent way to end your trip in East Africa.

Introducing Zanzibar and Pemba

Highlights

  • Cultural history
  • Beautiful architecture
  • Water sports
  • Rest and rejuvenation

Zanzibar

Introduction
Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of 51 small islets surrounding two main islands:

Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island)

Pemba

Shortly after independence, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. Never-the-less, Zanzibar continues to function as a partner state with a semi-autonomous status to the mainland.

The name Zanzibar is derived from a combination of two Arabic words, ‘Zenj’, meaning black, and ‘bar’, meaning land, resulting in the ancient title ‘Land of the Blacks’. As early as the 1400s, the area became known as a base for spice, ivory and slave traders voyaging between Arabia, India and Africa.

Activities on Zanzibar Island (Unguja)

Historic Stone Town
This is a guided historical tour to the old town of Zanzibar City, formerly known as Stone Town. The tour is covered mainly on foot providing the opportunity to experience the architectural and cultural sites of the beautiful old town. You will stroll through the narrow winding streets lined with stores selling local crafts, antiques, jewelry, clothes and spices. The tour stops at many historical sites, the bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded Arab doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques.

Spice Tour
No trip to Zanzibar is complete without a visit to one of Spice farms. Spice tours offer you the opportunity to indulge your senses with an array of smells, tastes and textures – from the zing of a chili to the refreshing taste of the green coconut flesh – this this tour will awaken your senses!

Ocean Safari
Take a traditional Dhow boat trip (handcrafted from African mahogany wood) to the nearby islands of Kwale and other beautiful islands and sandbanks in the Menai Bay conservation area, across stunning turquoise waters! There is a good chance that you will see humpback whales or bottlenose dolphins. You can stop at a sandbank, where sunshades can be set up, and you can explore the surrounding reefs by snorkeling. The reefs are teeming with tropical sea life. Or, you just relax and enjoy the solitude of being on a sandbank in the middle of the ocean…!

Jozani Forest Safari
Jozani Forest, 45km southeast of Zanzibar, boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna making it a most magical place. A huge variety of wildlife lives in and around the forest. Most notable among the wildlife viewing is the opportunity to observe troops of endemic Red Colobus monkeys – a very rare species and only found in Zanzibar. This delightful forest has a with a swamp in the middle and small streams flowing into the ocean.

Prison Island
“Prison Island” is the nickname for Changuu Island. It is a small island situated approximately 20 minutes by boat west of Zanzibar. It was formerly used by slave owners as a private detention for disobedient slaves. In 1892, it was bought by the first British Minster of Zanzibar who constructed a jail on it, thus giving the island its name. However, the prison was never put into use. In the early 1900s, the prison was converted into a hospital and used to quarantine sailors with yellow fever. It is now home to the critically endangered Aldabra Giant Tortoises (originally from the Seychelles Islands) and a walk around the island can bring you face to face with one of these giant creatures. Off the shores of Prison Island, people are able to enjoy swimming and snorkeling.

Pemba Island

Introduction
Pemba Island is the second largest Island of the Archipelago, named Al-khudra “The Green Island” by the Arabic mariners. It is famous for its clove production and its channels offer some of the best diving experiences in East Africa.

Activities on Pemba Island

Relaxing
The favorite activity is relaxing and doing nothing! Enjoy the sunrise at the start of the day and the sunset at the end. Stargazing is excellent here away from city lights and pollution – the sky seems to come to life with stars and planets not normally viewed.

If relaxing is not enough for you, there are quite a few more options for you to enjoy around the Island; they are designed to get you as close as possible to natural treasures without disturbing them.

Water Sports
Kayaking (Note: the waters here are very calm); snorkeling; and deep sea fishing

Getting Close to Nature

  • Reef walks – Guides can explain everything you want to know about the marine ecosystem around the island
  • Hiking Trail – Cross the island on a trail that gets you up close and personal with the abundant flora and fauna of this undisturbed ecosystem
  • Bird Watching – keen ornithologists and amateurs alike will enjoy watching the birdlife around the island. Sightings include black and white hornbill, paradise fly catcher, rollers, sacred ibis, herons and eagles, pied kingfisher, sunbirds, terns……and much more!
scuba div

Scuba Diving
A word on Scuba Diving: – Due to the Pemba’s spectacular reefs rated among the world’s top dive sites, DARE 2 TRAVEL CONSULTANTS are happy to make arrangements for you with reputable dive companies on the main island of Pemba. Please let us know in advance if you want to go diving so we can get everything in place for you