Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOURS
Spice Tours
While spices no longer dominate Zanzibar's economy as they once did, plantations still dot
the centre of the island. It's possible to visit them on 'spice tours', learning what cloves,
vanilla and other spices look like in the wild. These half-day excursions from Zanzibar
Town take in some plantations, plus some of the ruins described earlier and other sights of
historical interest. Along the way you'll be invited to taste many of the spices, herbs and
fruits that the island produces, including cloves, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nut-
meg, breadfruit, jackfruit, vanilla and lemongrass.
Organise tours through your hotel, a travel agent or through the long-standing
Mr Mitu's
office
( 024-223 4636; off Malawi Rd) , signposted just in from Ciné Afrique. Costs for
all tours are about US$12 per person in a group of about 15, and include a lunch of local
food seasoned with some of the spices you've just seen. They depart about 9.30am and
return by about 2.30pm (later, if a stop at Mangapwani beach is included). Book a day in
advance (you'll be collected from your hotel), though it's usually no trouble to just show
up in the morning. If you want your own private spice tour, make this clear when booking.
It will cost from US$5 to US$15 more per person, depending on how many are in your
group.
Dhow & Island Tours
All the listings under Travel Agencies & Tour Operators (
Click here
)
arrange excursions
to the offshore islands near Stone Town. Sunset dhow cruises can be arranged by the tour
operator listings, and by many midrange and top-end hotels.
Safari Blue
DHOW CRUISES
( 0777-423162;
www.safariblue.net
)
organises day excursions on well-equipped dhows
around Menai Bay. The excursions, which leave from Fumba, include a seafood and fruit
lunch, plus snorkelling equipment and time to relax on a sandbank. The dhows can also be
privately chartered for honeymoons or groups. Before booking, check weather conditions,
as some months, notably April/May and July/August, can get quite windy or rainy.
Black Pearl
DHOW CRUISES
( 024-223 9283;
www.blackpearlzanzibar.com
; Shangani St) Organises dhow cruises.
Located opposite Tembo House Hotel.
