Tailor Made Itinerary

12 Days
Susan’s Ultimate East African Safari & Beach Vacation

3 nights Volcanoes National Park | 3 nights Serengeti | 2 nights Lake Manyara | 2 nights Ngorongoro Crater | 3 nights Zanzibar

Tour Highlights

  • Base Camp Masai Mara
  • Kenyan Wildlife Spectacular
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Serengeti Migration Experience
  • Big Five Game Viewing
  • Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy
  • Magical Tanzania
  • Zanzibar Beach Days
  • Zanzibar Sight Seeing
  • Ultimate East African Safari

Client Review

“Hello from down under!

I sent your questionnaire from the airport. In case you didn’t get it, I want to thank you for all help in planning what was one of the most rewarding and stress free holidays.

Once again your attention to detail was the best I’ve encountered, so much so when meeting a couple of Scandinavian travel operators I had to boast the way you handle and show them the itinerary with maps,  pics etc etc. They were in awe!  Next time we want to go to Zimbabwe.  We will be back in touch next year!”  

 

Judy & Don

Tour Consultant's Overview

This is truly the ultimate East African safari and beach vacation as it combines the Masai Mara in Kenya with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania and ends with some island relaxation in Zanzibar.  Judy and her family first travelled with Pembury Tours in 2015, when I arranged a safari to Chobe and the Okavango Delta for them.  I knew that they would find the great plains of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti a wonderful contrast to what they saw on safari in Botswana.  As Don had recently been very ill, I thought some downtime on a tropical beach would do him good.  Judy is a real livewire and there are so many water sports available in Zanzibar, so I knew she would be kept busy while Don relaxed on the beach.  I chose 4-star hotels and lodges because Judy and Don like a certain level of comfort but prefer to spend their money on seeing more rather than staying in 5-star establishments.
Susan Pattison-Wait
Day 1 Arrival in Nairobi

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel on the edge of the Nairobi National Park. The rest of the day is at leisure to recover from your international flights.

Day 2 Nairobi to Masai Mara

This morning you are transferred to Wilson Airport for your shuttle flight to the Masai Mara. Upon arrival at Ol Kiombo Airstrip, you are met and are transferred to Basecamp Masai Mara, your safari camp on the edge of the Masai Mara Park.

Day 2 to 5 Masai Mara (3 nights)

The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya covers an area of 1 510 square km. This vast protected landscape is one of the top wildlife destinations in Africa, and is Kenya's flagship conservation area. It has fenceless borders with a number of private conservancies, as well as with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, forming the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The lack of fences allows one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth to make place unfettered – the great migration.

The Masai Mara was named for the Maasai people who inhabit the area, and for the Mara River, which flows through this great reserve. In addition to the abundant wildlife in the reserve, no Masai Mara safari would be complete without a cultural experience with the Maasai people.

Game viewing in the Masai Mara is excellent all year around thanks to the diverse population of resident game, including the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – plus popular species like zebra, giraffe, hyena, eland and gazelle. The Mara’s big cats are even the stars of a popular wildlife TV series.

From July to November, the wildebeest migration, reaches the Mara - the sheer number of wildebeest arriving in the area is staggering. The migration is a dramatic mass movement of almost 2-million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle in a seasonal annual cycle driven by rainfall. To reach the Mara’s fresh grazing, wildebeest make dramatic river crossings, facing enormous crocodiles to feast on the Mara plains and regain their strength. November's short summer rains trigger the last leg of the migration, when the wildebeest move south to their Serengeti calving grounds. The calving season also happens in the Mara between December and January. Known as the green season, it’s a time when surface water is plentiful and wildebeest, zebra and antelope give birth to their calves, foals and fawns. With so much easy prey around, it is also a good time for predators to raise their cubs and pups, making for wonderful photographic opportunities.

Day 5 Masai Mara to the Serengeti

Today you are transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Tarime and then onwards to the Serengeti. Upon arrival at Seronera Airstrip, you are met and are transferred to your safari camp in the central Serengeti.

Day 5 to 7 Serengeti (2 nights)

The Serengeti is unequalled for its beauty and contains more than three million large mammals spread over the vast endless plains. It is here, at certain times of the year, that we may encounter the breathtaking spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration, where one and a quarter million wildebeest trek in columns of up to forty kilometres long in search of grazing, drawing with them their predators and numerous other species of game. From January to March the herds can largely be found in the southern area, proceeding north through the centre and Western Corridor during June and July before heading into the northern Serengeti eco-system. They return south in November to repeat this amazing instinctive procession all over again. Africa’s most famous national park covers an area of almost 15000 sq km (5,700 sq miles) and is world- renowned for its dense predator population and the annual wildebeest migration. The park is part of the much large Serengeti eco-system, including neighbouring Masai Mara and surrounding Grumeti Reserves and Maswa – combined with Ngorongoro Conservation area it’s an impressive region. The greater part of the park is open grassland, patches of acacia woodland and isolated areas of granite rock outcrops called kopjes.

Animal migration is linked to the annual rainfall patterns and its effect on their feeding habitats. Formerly the home of the Maasai tribe who displaced the Datoga pastoralists in the 17th century, the name Serengeti is derived from the Maasai word serengit, meaning ‘endless plain’. Huge herds of wildebeest and zebra can be found here along with smaller concentrations of Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, impala, kongoni, Kirk’s dik dik, klipspringer and small numbers of roan, oryx, oribi, eland and waterbuck. There are also significant numbers of buffalo, giraffe and warthog. Elephants are relatively scarce on the open plains, and more common in the northern areas and the western corridor.

The few remaining black rhinos are restricted to an inaccessible part of the park – so one doesn’t often see them. But the most popular animals to be found here in greater abundance than elsewhere are the predators. Lions, cheetahs and leopard may all be seen here along with other predators, such as the spotted hyena, golden and black-backed jackals, wild cats and servals.

Day 7 Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

This morning you are transferred to Sereonera Airstrip for your shuttler flight to Manyara Airstrip. You are met upon arrival and are transferred to your safari camp perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 7 to 9 Ngorongoro Crater (2 nights)

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a world heritage site situated in the Crater Highlands of northern Tanzania. The jewel in Ngorongoro's crown is a deep, volcanic crater, the largest un-flooded and unbroken caldera in the world. About 20kms across, 600 meters deep and 300 sq kms in area, the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder. Had it not become the world's sixth-largest unbroken caldera, then what is now known as the Ngorongoro Crater could have been a towering volcanic mountain, as high as Kilimanjaro. It is a large, unbroken, un-flooded caldera, formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed some three million years ago. The Ngorongoro crater sinks to a depth of 610 metres, with a base area covering 260 square kilometres. The height of the original volcano must have ranged between 4,500 to 5,800 metres high. Apart from the main caldera, Ngorongoro also has two other volcanic craters: Olmoti and Empakai, the former famous for its stunning waterfalls, and the latter holding a deep lake and lush, green walls. On the leeward of the Ngorongoro highlands protrudes the iconic Oldonyo Lengai, an active volcano and Tanzania's third highest peak after Kilimanjaro and Meru. Known to local people as the Mountain of God, Mount Lengai's last major eruption occurred in 2007. At the mountain's foot is Lake Natron, East Africa's major breeding ground for flamingoes.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area contains over 25,000 large animals including 26 black rhinoceros. There are 7,000 wildebeests, 4,000 zebras, 3,000 eland and 3,000 Grant's and Thomson's gazelles. The crater also has the densest known population of lions, numbering 62. Higher up, in the rainforests of the crater rim, are leopards, about 30 large elephants, mountain reedbuck and more than 4,000 buffalos, spotted hyenas, jackals, rare wild dogs, cheetahs, and other felines.

The legendary annual wildebeest and zebra migration also passes through Ngorongoro, when 1.7 million animals move south into the area in December then move out heading north in June. The migrants passing through the plains of the reserve include 1.7 million wildebeest, 260,000 zebra, and 470,000 gazelles. Over 500 species of bird have been recorded within the NCA. These include ostrich, white pelican, and greater and lesser flamingo on Lake Magadi within the crater, Lake Ndutu, and in the Empakaai Crater Lake, where a vast bird population can be observed.

Day 9 Ngorongoro to Zanzibar

This morning you are transferred to Manyara Airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. You are met on arrival at Zanzibar and transferred by road to your resort on the north east coast of the island.

Day 9 to 12 Zanzibar (3 nights)

Zanzibar’s colourful history is an epic saga of travellers and traders, raiders and colonisers. To its shores came Sumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Malays, Persians, Portuguese, Arabs, Dutch and the British, each leaving behind a legacy of their stay. Just the name Zanzibar evokes dreams of romance and mystery, and the reality will not disappoint the traveller seeking an enlightening and enjoyable holiday experience. Zanzibar – the name includes the main island, Unguja, and its sister island Pemba – has for centuries attracted seafarers and adventurers from around the world. Now it welcomes a new generation of explorers – those who have come to marvel at the rich heritage, reflected in the architecture and the culture of the people.

Visit Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town which is now another of Tanzania’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Relax on the dazzling white, palm-fringed beaches where the azure waters of the Indian Ocean beckon swimmers, divers, fishermen and water-sports enthusiasts alike. Breathe in the fragrant scents of cloves, vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg, and discover why Zanzibar is called “The Spice Island”. Explore the forests, with their rare flora and fauna, or visit some of the many ancient, archaeological sites.

Day 12 Zanzibar & Departure

Today is at leisure to enjoy some final relaxation before you are transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your flight to Nairobi, where you connect with your international flight home.

Nairobi: Ole Sereni Hotel

Ole-Sereni Hotel is amongst the leading hotels in Nairobi. With the stunning greens and golds of Nairobi National Park’s landscape punctuated by giraffe, zebra, antelope and buffalo lounging near the waterhole, the views alone make Ole-Sereni one-of-a-kind. Added to that is the convenience of the location, between Nairobi’s international and regional airports.

Ole-Sereni’s Superior Rooms boast a beautiful design, with an African feel complemented by stunning dark wood accents and all the modern amenities you’d expect from a world-class hotel. Offering a serene base for your explorations of Nairobi, all 58 of these rooms feature exciting views of the city streets. Ole-Sereni also has 48 Deluxe Rooms, which feature inviting warm colours and a modern, uncluttered feel. However, their real appeal is the incredible views, with each one offering a unique perspective of Nairobi National Park, letting you watch giraffe, buffalo and antelope in the comfort of your own room. All rooms have an LCD flat screen TV, a minibar and 24-hour in-room dining services. They also come equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and wired internet

Each of Ole-Sereni’s four dining options capitalises on the unique location along the national park, whether looking out over the infinity pool or from the fourth-floor at Eagle’s The Steakhouse. Enjoy fresh seafood flown in from Kenya’s coast or hand-picked, aged steaks; specialty sandwiches or a range of international cuisines – all with breathtaking views.

However you like to relax – poolside, with a massage, manicure or hair styling session, or by sweating it out at the gym – Ole-Sereni has state-of-the-art amenities to make your stay as rejuvenating as possible. The health club has everything you need to stay in shape and the spa and salon will have you looking your best, while the pool is one of the hotel’s best spots for lounging.

Naboisho Conservancy: Base Camp Masai Mara

Lovingly run by Maasai staff, Base Camp Masai Mara is as much a home as it is a tourism destination. Here guests become more than visitors, they become part of the Maasai community. Basecamp Masai Mara is situated in the Naboisho Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara National Reserve.

At Basecamp Masai Mara there are 14 Double Riverside Tents and 1 Family Riverside Tent, all built along the banks of the Talek River, the natural border to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The dense riverbed foliage allows for maximum privacy and comfort, without compromising the view of the Masai Mara National Reserve. With more than 286 identified bird species, you are certain to wake to a symphony of birdsong.

All tents have an en-suite bathroom with eco-friendly bio-flush toilets, solar-heated safari showers (one inside the tent and one outdoors), and a private balcony where you have a direct view of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Rates include full board accommodation, mineral water, airstrip transfers, shared game drive safaris and Masai Mara Park fees. Children 3-12 years sharing a tent with adults pay 50% of the full rate.

At Basecamp Masai Mara, guests enjoy game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve as well as night drives and bushwalks in the Naboisho Conservancy.

In an effort to revive the natural habitat, Basecamp has planted about 115,000 indigenous trees around the Talek River. Consequently, Basecamp Masai Mara has turned into a tree lover’s paradise and a haven for birdlife. Not far from the camp you will find the thriving village of Talek, whose community has been a close partner of Basecamp since the beginning. In and around Talek you will encounter authentic rural life, with all its mesmerizing vibrancy and cultural components. In the surrounding areas, Basecamp has initiated several community programmes with the aim of empowering local people through capacity building, awareness raising, and vocational training.

Serengeti National Park: Nimali Central Serengeti

Nimali Central Serengeti is set in the heart of the Serengeti plains in northern Tanzania, near to Makoma Hill. This luxury tented camp offers seclusion in a hidden area but in the heart of the National Park. With breathtaking views over the hills and plains and perfectly situated on the path of the renowned migratory route, it is a place where you can expect the unexpected. Even when the migration is not passing through, the Makoma Hill area is well known for its vast herds of buffalo and elephants, giraffe and of course many predators including lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Numerous small hills and kopjes dot the landscape and lions are often found warming themselves on the smooth surface of the rocks.

This charming and intimate tented camp has only eight rooms and has been designed for a truly authentic safari experience. Spacious and inviting, the rooms are furnished with a richness of colours, natural woods and lush Persian carpets with large, comfortable beds, fixed wooden doors and a private verandah. The en-suite bathrooms have invigorating rain showers, vanity units with double basins and flush loo, fixed bathroom walls and wooden doors. The wide verandahs are perfect for private dining and in-house spa treatments and the deep, colonial planter chairs provide an ideal setting to unwind and sip a chilled glass of wine as the sun slips below the horizon. To keep cool, the tents have fans and open windows (with mesh) to allow the air to circulate freely during the heat of the day. Two of the tents are connected with an enclosed walkway that allows easy access between the tents while maintaining complete privacy, which can accommodate a family or couples travelling together or can be used individually.

The lounge and dining tents are wide open to make the very most of the breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains, furnished to offer a cosy and relaxing area in which to look through your photographs or read a book. Sundowners are sipped under the broad canopy of a large acacia tree with lanterns hanging from every branch and chairs surround an open fire where flames dance to the stories of the night. Here, guests are immersed in nature and have the unforgettable experience of being under canvas in the middle of this vast wilderness as the sun begins to slip over the horizon and the stars start to make their mark in the night sky.

Game viewing can be done from camp, on guided game drives or possibly from up high in a balloon (at a supplement) and whichever method is experienced, guests leave transformed for a lifetime with unforgettable memories and stories to share.

Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy: Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp

Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp is an intimate camp set in a delightful ancient acacia forest on the rim of the crater, next to the quiet Lemala access route. The camp is set back from the crater rim, in a grove of red thorn acacia trees and has more of a bush feel than many camps in the area. The camp has a peaceful location, plenty of birdlife, and frequent visits by buffalo and elephant at night. Although the camp doesn't have direct views over the crater itself, it does have views – mist and clouds permitting – through the forests in the opposite direction.

The camp has 9 spacious canvas tents to ensure intimacy and minimal impact on the pristine forest environment. The tents accommodate two queen beds with winter weight duvets and hot water bottles. The tents are warmed in the evenings by a gas heater, ensuring a cosy night's sleep. The roomy en-suite bathrooms contain a dressing area, flush toilet and a large safari shower. The mess tent is beautifully furnished with grand sofas, lamps, bookshelves and corner cabinets in old wood, chests and rugs. In the evening, guests gather around the campfire to exchange tales of the day's safari followed by a sumptuous hearty meal.

A key advantage of staying at Lemala Ngorongoro is the quick and easy access into the Crater floor. Game drives from the camp may start as early as 6.15am and there is no time wasted at the gate as you can drive straight down to the floor within 10 to 15 minute. Lemala guests usually have an hour's head start over others in the morning, which is crucial for photographers who demand the best light conditions. Escorted walks are also available into the forest and along the crater rim with an armed ranger and a Maasai.

Zanzibar: Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa

This stylish resort is situated in the heavenly location of Kendwa, a secluded spot on the Northwestern coast of Zanzibar that is not affected by the tides nor seaweeds, granting calm and clear waters all day. White sand, azure blue sea water, warm weather all year round provide an idyllic setting.

The 67 elegant rooms, suites and villas boast their own veranda, either ocean or garden views, some offer direct access to the beach and even feature a privy outdoor pavilion. At Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa there are seven exclusive Beach Suites for those guests who wish to take full advantage of the resort’s spectacular beach. Just a few steps from the beach, in a prime spot with easy access to the pool, the suites boast elegant interiors and wide rooms covering an area of 90 square metres, with a master bedroom, a lounge with two comfortable sofas, a fully equipped bathroom and a veranda with table and chairs. Ample spaces, delicate white and golden tones and diffused natural light convey a sense of peace and harmony. The carved wooden furniture adds an exotic Zanzibari touch.

There are two 5-star restaurants and two bars serving a la carte menu or buffet-style delicious fresh food, as well as private beach dinners for those special occasions you wish to celebrate with a tropical sunset view of Zanzibar. For real beach lovers, snacks and meals are served directly under your parasol. With an impressive surface of 900 square metres, the outdoor pool has stylish mosaic floors and a designer deck surrounded by palm trees,

The resort’s Healing Earth Spa is a heavenly corner. Here professional therapists will rejuvenate your body and spirit with our selection of treatments. A wellness area with a jacuzzi and a fully equipped gym are also at disposal to regain energy in total peace.

This beach resort features the widest swimming-pool in Zanzibar, shops, wi-fi, as well as a dive centre and an excursion desk. If you like water sports, you must check out the programme at the nearby Zanzibar Watersports centre which includes big game fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, and sunset cruises among others.

Included in price Masai Mara National Park: Daily Safari Programme at Base Camp Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is home to some of the most abundant wildlife populations in the world. Sightings of the “big 5” on game drives are almost guaranteed, while from camp the horizons are always busy with plains game. There are several prides of lion in the area, and it is even possible to see the more elusive leopard, who have established their territories around the camp. The Maasai driver-guides are professional with excellent local knowledge.

Naboisho Conservancy consists of 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) of pristine wildlife territory and spectacular scenery. Naboisho has become renowned for its bountiful biodiversity and breathtaking beauty. The density of lions within Naboisho is one of the highest in the world, with a population of more than 70 identified lions who use Naboisho as their home territory. Naboisho has become a haven for elephants, a vital sanctuary in a dangerous time.

Your day will be planned by your driver-guide, who is in the best position to know where the animals are that day, including where the last crossings were made, whether there are new resident lions in the area or nomad lions passing through. Working in the area they love and know so intimately, they are the experts. An average day on safari is based on the following programme. After an early morning wake-up call, you set off on a game drive, searching for wildlife and learning about animal behaviour and the environment around you. You head back to the camp where you will have a hearty breakfast served under spreading acacia and fig trees. The rest of the morning provides you time to relax and, perhaps, record your morning’s adventures in your safari journal or join one of the guides on a Camp walk. Lunch is usually served between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. After lunch, it is usually siesta time, or you can do some bird watching from your private deck. Your afternoon game drive provides the opportunity to witness the bush in action. You’ll spend a few hours watching the wildlife and exploring the vast savannah further and as you continue to tick off wildlife on your mammal and bird lists. As the sun sinks lower in the sky and conditions begin to cool, gaze at the vivid African sunset. Enjoy sundowners at a scenic spot served under an acacia tree. Afterward, depending on where you are, you’ll either do a night-drive or be whisked back to camp for dinner and a gathering around a campfire with the Maasai. On the night game drive your guide will equip the vehicle with red-filtered UV light and spotlight to help you to spot a range of nocturnal wildlife from the elusive Aardvark to fierce predators like lions. You return to camp where a 3-course dinner will be served, before you wind up the day at the campfire in the company of Maasai.

Basecamp Masai Mara also offer visits to a Maasai village (additional cost) as well as visits to a Maasai women’s craft centre and the Obama reforestation project where you can plant a tree.

Included in price Serengeti National Park: Daily Safari Programme at Nimali Central Serengeti

Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the most renowned wildlife parks in the world and is well known for its great migration. The variety and sheer numbers of wildlife in the Serengeti is unmatched to anywhere else in Africa, which is why it is such an integral part of a Tanzanian safari. The Serengeti is vast and beautiful and guarantees an exceptional year-round safari experience, but it is the great migration, in which tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra take part, that is the most well-known and considered the greatest wildlife show on earth. The Serengeti is made up of vast, open savannahs located in the north west of Tanzania and is approximately 14,763 sq. km in size.

Guests enjoy game drives with highly experienced guides. Huge herds of wildebeest and zebra can be found here along with smaller concentrations of Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, impala, kongoni, Kirk’s dik dik, klipspringer and small numbers of roan, oryx, oribi, eland and waterbuck. There are also significant numbers of buffalo, giraffe and warthog. Elephants are relatively scarce on the open plains, and more common in the northern areas and the western corridor. The few remaining black rhinos are restricted to an inaccessible part of the park – so one doesn’t often see them. But the most popular animals to be found here in greater abundance than elsewhere are the predators. Lions, cheetahs and leopard may all be seen here along with other predators, such as the spotted hyena, golden and black-backed jackals, wild cats and servals.

Included in price Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy: Daily Safari Programme at Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp

The 8292-sq-km Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is an extensive highland region along the eastern arm of the Rift Valley, with the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater as its focal point. It shares a boundary with the Serengeti National Park to the west, but the NCA is not itself a national park in the strict sense of the word. It was established in 1959 as a multi-use area, to conserve wildlife and other natural resources and also safeguard the interests of the Maasai pastoralists who graze their livestock. As such, guests on safari have the unique experience of seeing the Maasai herding their cattle alongside the tremendous variety of wildlife found in the area.

With its vast expanses of grassy plains, savannah woodlands, highland forests and volcanic craters and calderas, Ngorongoro is unmatched for its natural diversity and there are few places on earth where such a tremendous variety of landscapes exist inside a region of this size. Apart from its wildlife riches, the NCA is also of great archaeological importance, with the remains of some of mankind's earliest ancestors discovered in the area. In 1978 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its outstanding natural beauty and its importance for archaeological research. A descent on to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, which is in fact a caldera (a collapsed volcanic cone), is a main draw for tourists coming to Tanzania. With steep protective walls, plenty of fresh water and good climate, it contains everything necessary for its abundant wildlife to thrive.

Game drives from camp may start as early as 6.15am and guests can be down among Ngorongoro’s abundant wildlife on the crater floor within 10-15 minutes of leaving camp - crucial for photographers who demand the best light conditions. Escorted walks are also available into the forest and along the crater rim with an armed ranger and Maasai guide.

Included in price Stone Town: Full Day Guided Town & Spice Tour

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, grew out of Zanzibar's historical trades, a metropolis built to harbour secrets in its labyrinthine alleyways. Emblems of a rich and tumultuous history survive today, depicted through Arabian Nights palaces, mournful Slave Markets, aromatic spice bazaars, ornate cathedrals and an historic fort that was the scene of the worlds' shortest war, survive today. A walk through the narrow alleyways, past ornately carved doors and serene courtyards, is a journey along the paths of past existences.

On the Spice Tour, you will see a wide variety of spices being grown - cardamom, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, and lemongrass, among others. Your guide will explain about the spices being grown. Watch a local man spring up a coconut tree, singing at the top of his lungs the whole way. He brings down a couple of coconuts that they break open so you can drink the milk and each the coconut flesh. Various fresh tropical fruits that are in season can be sampled and local home grown spices can be bought, which help support the farm and local community.

Suggested Zanzibar: Additional Activities

Jozani Bay National Park:
Jozani Forest lies 35kms South-East of Zanzibar Town with an area of about 1,000 hectares. It is the only remaining natural forest on Unguja island where long ago you could find leopards and antelopes. At present it is the habitat for the Red Colobus Monkeys and the Blue Sykes Monkey. The Red Colobus monkey is one of the most endangered and rarest species on this planet. The Red Colobus monkeys that are found in this Forest are very friendly and love to be photographed and can be viewed at close quarters by the help of your guide. Other interesting features in this forest include the coastal evergreen bushland, mangrove forest, saline grassland and ground water forest, though these may require longer walks to reach.

Dhow Sunset Cruise:
This tour starts from the shore of Stone Town an hour before sunset.
After you step on board the vessel, the skilled crew on board take the dhow about 1km away from the shore by means of an engine, once out in the sea the engine is shut off and during a tense moment the skilful crew put up the sail, once the sail is in favour of the wind, the guest can sit back, relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the ocean as you hear the ripple of water on the sides of the dhow as it glides swiftly through the clear turquoise water. One can savour a glass of chilled wine, cocktail, beer or soft drink as you watch the magnificent Stone Town shore line as you glide by silently. Your breath will be taken away by the wonder of the fiery golden-sun setting beyond the horizon as it makes the sky a magical canvas of shades of pinks, purples, blues and orange. As you head back for stone town the wind gently blows into the Latin sail which is truly mesmerizing.

Prison Island & The Giant Tortoises:
The island is a short boat ride from Stone Town. Its buildings were designed as a prison but never actually used as such, although they were used as a quarantine hospital for a while. Four giant tortoises were brought here from the Seychelles in 1919 and there are now about 100 of them including one which purports to be 157 years old. The beach at Prison Island is especially beautiful.

Mtoni Palace Ruins & Sunset Concert:
Beit el Mtoni is one of the oldest buildings of Zanzibar and it was the largest palace on the island during the reign of Sultan Sayyid Said, who moved the capital of his Omani empire form Muscat to Zanzibar during the first half of the 19th century. But around the 1880s the palace was abandoned and fell into ruin. Although severely deteriorated, Mtoni Palace still offers visitors a glimpse into the world of the Arabian royalty once living there. Entering the palace from the coast line, one steps into the former reception hall. Most guests would not go any further when visiting Beit el Mtoni, since the women in the palace were not to be seen by stranger’s eyes. But now, visitors can step over the threshold and walk in the footsteps of the Omani household. A visit continues into the inner courtyard, the palace garden and the well preserved bathing complex. One row of baths was used by the courtiers, whereas a separate domed aisle was uniquely reserved for the use of the Sultan and his first spouse. After the tour of the Palace and baths, enjoy a Traditional Taarab Concert and Zanzibari dinner followed by Spice coffee, Lemongrass Tea and traditional sweets like Halua and Kashata. All profits go to the Mtoni Palace Conservation Project.

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This itinerary started on 1 May 2019
When this tour took place, the cost per person sharing was: USD$ 6,961
Remember, this is an actual itinerary, 100% tailor-made to meet this client's expectations. We can use this itinerary as a starting point for you.
I'm Susan Pattison-Wait
I tailor-made this itinerary for my client and can do the same for you.
Susan Pattison-Wait
My direct contact details are EMAIL ME+27 87 353 7873
Pembury Tours office details +27 41 581 2581 EMAIL US
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