| Isaria Kwayu | ||
| P.O. Box 78146, | ||
| 383 Heritage Dr SE, Calgary, AB, | ||
| T2H 1M8. | ||
| Phone | : | 1 403 667 4497 |
| 1 888 608 1888 | ||
| Fax | : | 1 403 457 8403 |
| : | ||
| Isaria.Kwayu@impactafricansafaris.com | ||
| Aikande.Kwayu@impactafricansafaris.com | ||
| info@impactafricansafaris.com | ||
ZANZIBAR
ITINERARIES
Zanzibar's coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you're on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.
COASTAL TOURISM
The paradisiacal shores of Zanzibar are exotic as its name. Rugged coral and limestone scarps form a sheltered backdrop to tranquil, caster sugar beaches that slope gently down into crystal - clear waters, abundant with marine life. Tall coconut palms and stalking Pandanus cast their wondering shadows over the white sands and swaying hammocks, while Green Wood Hoopoes and Weaver birds flit and flutter between the green leaves and pendulous fruit high above.
Mangapwani is rather remote and therefore more peaceful and less visited, and its golden sands - fringed with palm trees and screw Pines - have the tranquil atmosphere of a lost paradise.
Further up, on the northern tip of the island, is the popular Nungwi Peninsular, with its boats building industry, coral lagoons and Turtle Aquarium.
On the southern tip of the island are some remote and rugged beaches, yet there are adventures and activities here to suit all tastes - including Dolphin watching at Kizimkazi, which lies within the Menai Bay Conservation Zone.
Beach activities within the hotels and range from volleyball to horse riding, while many have dive schools, windsurfing schools, kite surfing, pentanque and skittle.
Unguja and Pemba are endowed with some of the best and most varied dive sites in the world, with diving courses catering for the novice up to Dive Master Standards. Steep wall dives; drift dives and world - class coral formations make this area a prime location for the experienced deep water divers. Diving from a boat in the clear, blue ocean off Zanzibar is one of the most exhilarating experiences to be had on a holiday in this part of East Africa.
TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE
The Jozani Forest Reserve located in the central east region of Zanzibar Island is the home of rare Red Colobus Monkey, which is only endemic to Zanzibar. A red colobus monkey, unlike their more widespread and adapted cousins, the Black and White Colobus, are a rain forest species which are now confined to very small areas of equatorial forest in tropical Africa. It is therefore a rare treat to be able to see them here in Zanzibar. The reserve also accommodate a large mangrove swamp and a tract of natural forest that is home to a few unique species including the Sykes monkey, bush babies, duikers, hyraxes, over 50 species of butterfly and 40 species of birds.
The Ngezi Forest Reserve is located in Southern of Pemba Island. This equatorial forest reserve, containing rare trees, some not found anywhere else in the world. The wildlife includes indigenous flying foxes, blue duikers and several varieties of owl.
The Kiwengwa/Pongwe Forest Reserve is located in the north east coast of Unguja just a walking distance from the beaches. The reserve provides an excellent memory to visitors. In this reserve you can really proof Zanzibar as Exotic Island. The forest has a high biodiversity of plant, invertebrate and bird species. Different species of mangroves can be found in this forest. It is the stop over destination for botanic and forest tourists.
The Kidike Root Site is located in central region of Pemba just few kilometers from Chake Chake. It is the ideal place to discover the endangered Pemba flying Fox, endemic to the Island. Kidike Root Site provide a natural habitat for a large number of other animals including Vervet Monkies, Mozambique Cobras, Tortoises, Bush Crabs, Red eyed Doves, Mangrove King Fishers and many others. ZALA Park is a small nature reserve and field study center set under the shade of a variety trees, including orange, lime and grapefruit, nutmeg and banana, Ginger, chilies, black pepper and cinnamon are all grown here too. The captive animal exhibits include Tree Hyraxes and a variety of reptiles, such as Green Tree Snakes, Mambas and some big Pythons. Chameleons, Geckos, Tortoises, Striped Lizards and Monitor Lizards are included amongst the legged reptiles. The Park is approximately 5km southern from Jozani Reserve. HOW CRUISING AND SMALL ISLAND TOURS
Dhow cruising has become very popular in Zanzibar. A dhow is a traditional wooden sailing boat: although most dhows have inboard or outboard engines for safety should the wind drop. Cruising around the small islands on a dhow is a fantastic and memorable experience. The sunsets viewed from the dhow are evocative and timeless. Lunch and refreshments served on the dhow are usually part of package.
Surrounding the main island of Unguja are several small islands. Each island has its own merit and one can choose according to ones needs and desires. The following short summary of each will help visitors choose which is best for them.
Tumbatu Island
Tumbatu Island lies off the north-west coast of Zanzibar. There are several 14th Century mosque ruins and some 40 stone houses of the Shiraz people, built in the 12th Century. Sightseeing, sports fishing and SCUBA diving, are among some of the water- based recreations that can be organized on Tumbatu Island. The villages guard closely their culture and natural resources, however, and it is strictly prohibited to visit the island without a permit from the village elders. Therefore advance notice must be given to your tour operator so that the permit can be applied for.
Chapwani Island
This Island was formerly known as French Island and contains a cemetery, which was reserved in 1879 by Sultan Barghash for the burial of English people, most of whom were officers and men of the Royal and Merchant Navies. Amongst them are those of some British sailors who were killed in the action between HMS Pegasus and the German cruiser, Konigsberg, in 1914. There is a tourist resort on the island.
Changuu Island
About 30 minutes by boat from Forodhani area lies Changuu, also known as Prison Island. A slight misnomer, as the ruined buildings thereon were never used to house prisoners, as was the original intention of the architects. The island was, however, once used by an Arab slave trader to contain the feistier and
troublesome slaves he had brought from the African mainland. To prevent their escape before shipping them to the Arabian purchasers, or for auctioning in Zanzibar's slave market, the slaves were dumped on Changuu, from where they were unlikely to attempt escape. In 1893, a Mr. Lloyd Mathews, under the orders of the British administrators built a prison. The idea was to send violent and recidivist criminals from the Tanganyika mainland to be detained there, but the concept never became a reality. In fact, it ended up being used as a quarantine center for yellow fever epidemics that once raged through the region. The old prison's crumbling cells can still be seen today and provide occasional shelter for the giant tortoises which are conserved upon the Island.
ITINERARIES
Zanzibar's coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you're on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.
COASTAL TOURISM
The paradisiacal shores of Zanzibar are exotic as its name. Rugged coral and limestone scarps form a sheltered backdrop to tranquil, caster sugar beaches that slope gently down into crystal - clear waters, abundant with marine life. Tall coconut palms and stalking Pandanus cast their wondering shadows over the white sands and swaying hammocks, while Green Wood Hoopoes and Weaver birds flit and flutter between the green leaves and pendulous fruit high above.
Mangapwani is rather remote and therefore more peaceful and less visited, and its golden sands - fringed with palm trees and screw Pines - have the tranquil atmosphere of a lost paradise.
Further up, on the northern tip of the island, is the popular Nungwi Peninsular, with its boats building industry, coral lagoons and Turtle Aquarium.
On the southern tip of the island are some remote and rugged beaches, yet there are adventures and activities here to suit all tastes - including Dolphin watching at Kizimkazi, which lies within the Menai Bay Conservation Zone.
Beach activities within the hotels and range from volleyball to horse riding, while many have dive schools, windsurfing schools, kite surfing, pentanque and skittle.
Unguja and Pemba are endowed with some of the best and most varied dive sites in the world, with diving courses catering for the novice up to Dive Master Standards. Steep wall dives; drift dives and world - class coral formations make this area a prime location for the experienced deep water divers. Diving from a boat in the clear, blue ocean off Zanzibar is one of the most exhilarating experiences to be had on a holiday in this part of East Africa.
TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE
The Jozani Forest Reserve located in the central east region of Zanzibar Island is the home of rare Red Colobus Monkey, which is only endemic to Zanzibar. A red colobus monkey, unlike their more widespread and adapted cousins, the Black and White Colobus, are a rain forest species which are now confined to very small areas of equatorial forest in tropical Africa. It is therefore a rare treat to be able to see them here in Zanzibar. The reserve also accommodate a large mangrove swamp and a tract of natural forest that is home to a few unique species including the Sykes monkey, bush babies, duikers, hyraxes, over 50 species of butterfly and 40 species of birds.
The Ngezi Forest Reserve is located in Southern of Pemba Island. This equatorial forest reserve, containing rare trees, some not found anywhere else in the world. The wildlife includes indigenous flying foxes, blue duikers and several varieties of owl.
The Kiwengwa/Pongwe Forest Reserve is located in the north east coast of Unguja just a walking distance from the beaches. The reserve provides an excellent memory to visitors. In this reserve you can really proof Zanzibar as Exotic Island. The forest has a high biodiversity of plant, invertebrate and bird species. Different species of mangroves can be found in this forest. It is the stop over destination for botanic and forest tourists.
The Kidike Root Site is located in central region of Pemba just few kilometers from Chake Chake. It is the ideal place to discover the endangered Pemba flying Fox, endemic to the Island. Kidike Root Site provide a natural habitat for a large number of other animals including Vervet Monkies, Mozambique Cobras, Tortoises, Bush Crabs, Red eyed Doves, Mangrove King Fishers and many others. ZALA Park is a small nature reserve and field study center set under the shade of a variety trees, including orange, lime and grapefruit, nutmeg and banana, Ginger, chilies, black pepper and cinnamon are all grown here too. The captive animal exhibits include Tree Hyraxes and a variety of reptiles, such as Green Tree Snakes, Mambas and some big Pythons. Chameleons, Geckos, Tortoises, Striped Lizards and Monitor Lizards are included amongst the legged reptiles. The Park is approximately 5km southern from Jozani Reserve. HOW CRUISING AND SMALL ISLAND TOURS
TopDhow cruising has become very popular in Zanzibar. A dhow is a traditional wooden sailing boat: although most dhows have inboard or outboard engines for safety should the wind drop. Cruising around the small islands on a dhow is a fantastic and memorable experience. The sunsets viewed from the dhow are evocative and timeless. Lunch and refreshments served on the dhow are usually part of package.
Surrounding the main island of Unguja are several small islands. Each island has its own merit and one can choose according to ones needs and desires. The following short summary of each will help visitors choose which is best for them.
Tumbatu Island
Tumbatu Island lies off the north-west coast of Zanzibar. There are several 14th Century mosque ruins and some 40 stone houses of the Shiraz people, built in the 12th Century. Sightseeing, sports fishing and SCUBA diving, are among some of the water- based recreations that can be organized on Tumbatu Island. The villages guard closely their culture and natural resources, however, and it is strictly prohibited to visit the island without a permit from the village elders. Therefore advance notice must be given to your tour operator so that the permit can be applied for.
Chapwani Island
This Island was formerly known as French Island and contains a cemetery, which was reserved in 1879 by Sultan Barghash for the burial of English people, most of whom were officers and men of the Royal and Merchant Navies. Amongst them are those of some British sailors who were killed in the action between HMS Pegasus and the German cruiser, Konigsberg, in 1914. There is a tourist resort on the island.
Changuu Island
About 30 minutes by boat from Forodhani area lies Changuu, also known as Prison Island. A slight misnomer, as the ruined buildings thereon were never used to house prisoners, as was the original intention of the architects. The island was, however, once used by an Arab slave trader to contain the feistier and
troublesome slaves he had brought from the African mainland. To prevent their escape before shipping them to the Arabian purchasers, or for auctioning in Zanzibar's slave market, the slaves were dumped on Changuu, from where they were unlikely to attempt escape. In 1893, a Mr. Lloyd Mathews, under the orders of the British administrators built a prison. The idea was to send violent and recidivist criminals from the Tanganyika mainland to be detained there, but the concept never became a reality. In fact, it ended up being used as a quarantine center for yellow fever epidemics that once raged through the region. The old prison's crumbling cells can still be seen today and provide occasional shelter for the giant tortoises which are conserved upon the Island.