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Stone Town Zanzibar coast from the water
Aerial rooftop view of houses and buildings in Stone Town
Barrels of colorful spices on display at market
Spices stacked on display in local market
Street food on display in Stone Town
African Slave trade statues in Stone Town
House of Wonders national museum built in 1883
Zanzibar harbor from the water
Outdoor stage and theater in the Old Fort
Stone Town Muslim Fortress
Red colobus climbing on stone wall looking directly at the camera
Wood pathway in Jozani mangrove
Zanzibar red colobus monkey
Two red Colobus Monkey in a rainforest of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Duration
12 Days
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
24

Zanzibar

Known as Spice Island and overflowing with influences from Africa, Arabia, India and Europe, Zanzibar is a fascinating destination with a dramatic history, endless coastlines and a magical atmosphere.

Itinerary

Day 11: Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
Following this morning's game drive and flight from the Serengeti Grumeti airstrip to Arusha, board the quick flight to Zanzibar—the Spice Island.
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel (L,D)

Day 12: Zanzibar | Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Awake to your spectacular view over the Indian Ocean.

After breakfast set out on a walking tour of Zanzibar's old town, Stone Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and its market, which exists today much as it did in the days when Zanzibar was a popular trading center known throughout the world for spices and timber.  

Following the winding streets notice the serene atmosphere and neighborhoods dotted with whitewashed houses, ornately carved wooden doors and balconies studded with brass. 

Visit the House of Wonders, which displays exhibitions dedicated to Swahili culture, as well as the Palace Museum, highlighting its ties to Zanzibar's Omani history. 

At the Zanzibar Old Fort discover the fortification's colorful history, from its development in 1698 to how the structure is still being occupied today.  

After lunch travel across the island through quaint villages and lush vegetation to enchanting Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park—the only national park in Zanzibar and home to the unique red colobus monkey. Enjoy time to explore the forest before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel (B,D)

Day 13: Zanzibar | Optional Spice Plantation Tour | Depart for U.S.
The morning is at leisure to wander Stone Town or enjoy the beach. 

Or, depending on departing flight times, you may choose to join the optional spice tour excursion. This walking tour and tasting through organic spice plantations reveals why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. The bounty of cloves, nutmeg, ginger, chilies, black pepper, vanilla, coriander and cinnamon have found their way around the world for centuries. (You may purchase this optional excursion in advance from our Guest Services team. Space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.)

Relax in your room at the Zanzibar Serena Hotel until taking the complimentary transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for flights home. 
Day Room: Zanzibar Serena Hotel (B,L)

Day 14: En Route | Arrive in U.S.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Post-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

This post-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.

(Itinerary subject to change.)


Activity Level: 3

Moderate

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.


Accommodations

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Zanzibar Serena Hotel is in a stunning location—directly on Zanzibar's idyllic waterfront, flanked by an exotic mix of sultan's palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient harbors and bright bazaars. It's a tranquil setting just a short walk from the bustling city center. Antique clocks, crystal chandeliers, Persian rugs and brass-studded doors enhance the hotel’s gracious tropical colonial décor. 

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, mosquito nets, satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, minibar, safe, 240V/3 pin (square) sockets and shaver sockets, tea and coffee maker, bathrobes and slippers, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Zanzibar Serena Hotel exterior from the water
Zanzibar Serena Hotel standard guest room
Zanzibar Serena Hotel restaurant with water views
Zanzibar Serena Hotel outdoor pool and patio
(Accommodations subject to change.)

Post-Tour Rate***

Double: $2,399
Single: $3,099
------------------------
Optional Zanzibar Excursion
Spice Tour: $79 per person

Post-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare from Arusha to Zanzibar and from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam is included in the post-tour rate. Airfare otherwise not included.

What's Included

  • Internal airfare from Arusha to Zanzibar
  • 2 nights at Zanzibar Serena Hotel (or similar) plus a day room on departure day
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Guided panoramic city tour
  • Admission to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum and Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
  • All excursion transportation
  • Airport transfer for guests departing at the suggested times