Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of the largest butterfly enclosures in East Africa, with a netted garden and tours where
you can see the life cycle stages of the butterfly, including some beautiful cocoons. Profits
support local conservation and community projects. The best time to see the butterflies is
between 11am and 4pm.
Also along the main road near Pete village, and signposted shortly before the Jozani
Forest entrance, is the small Moto Handicrafts workshop and showroom ( Click here ) ,
where you can buy crafts and watch the artisans at work.
Menai Bay & Unguja Ukuu
Menai Bay, fringed by the sleepy villages of Fumba to the west and Unguja Ukuu to the
east, is home to an impressive assortment of corals, fish and mangrove forests, some idyllic
sandbanks and deserted islets, and a sea-turtle breeding area. Since 1997 it's been protected
as part of the Menai Bay Conservation Area . The main reasons to visit are to enjoy the
placid ambience, to take advantage of some good sailing around the islets and sandbanks
offshore, and for the chance to see dolphins . Unguja Ukuu is notable as the site of what
is believed to be the earliest settlement on Zanzibar, dating to at least the 8th century, al-
though there is little remaining today from this era.
The lovely Fumba Beach Lodge ( 0777-860504; www.fumbabeachlodge.com ; s/d
half- board from US$217/366) , 18km south of Zanzibar Town next to Fumba village, has
accommodation in 26 spacious cottage-style rooms set in expansive grounds. There's a
small spa built around a baobab tree (including a great Jacuzzi up in the tree) and a resident
dive operator. It's also the base for Safari Blue ( Click here ) . Although the beach at Fumba
isn't the picture perfect sort found to the east and north, and has a considerable amount
of coral rock, the setting is beautiful and uncrowded, and the lodge makes an enjoyable
change of pace.
Eco Culture Tours ( Click here ) in Stone Town also organises trips to Unguja Ukuu and
the offshore islands.
Offshore Islands
The offshore islands are popular day snorkelling excursions. All also have hotels, although
if you base yourself here, keep in mind that it's not possible to travel between Stone Town
and the islands after dark, and factor in the costs of transport to/from Stone Town.
CHANGUU
Also known as Prison Island, Changuu lies about 5km and an easy boat ride northwest of
Zanzibar Town. It was originally used to detain 'recalcitrant' slaves and later as a quar-
antine station. Changuu is also known for its large family of giant tortoises , who were
brought here from Aldabra in the Seychelles around the turn of the 20th century. There's
a small beach and a nearby reef with snorkelling , as well as the former house of the
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