Daily Departures

  Zanzibar is the most historical places in East Africa. It was from here that the great Omani sultans controlled all of the East African coast for more than 1300 years. Zanzibar was the principal and largest of the Omani island settlements (in addition to Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa, Pemba and Mafia) and it was here that the Sultan himself lived in magnificent splendor. Under Omani rule the ivory trade was created and developed into an extraordinary world commodity. Slaving began here as well, and then finally the extensive spice trade that still continues today.

The Omani reign came to an abrupt end in the late 1800s when the British conquered the island with a single canon shot from a naval vessel. Britain gave Zanzibar independence in 1962 but two years later the Zanzibaris federated with the then independent country of Tanganyika to form modern day Tanzania.

Today Stone Town is a bustling metropolis with enterprise that nearly rivals its much large sister city only 20 miles away in the mainland, Dar-es-Salaam. Its beautiful Arabian and Hindi architecture draws artisans and painters from around the world, and many of the independent boutique stores in the winding maize of stone streets are run by foreigners. Perhaps the most classic image of coastal Africa is a sunset in Zanzibar behind an ancient dhow, many of which continue to sail today.

The prices include: ** Private transfers and sightseeing; ** Meals as detailed in brackets following each day's description below; ** All park entrance fees, VAT and other government taxes; ** Comprehensive pre-trip material with discount coupons for travel gear and equipment. Additional expenses not included: - Meals not included; - All beverages; - Requisite visas and other travel preparations like inoculations; - Tipping.

Contact EWT for the best international air fares and for recommendations on how to use your frequent flyer miles.

Whenever you arrive in Zanzibar, you'll be met and privately transferred to Stone Town's best hotel, The Zanzibar Serena Inn located in Stone Town on the Indian Ocean. Scheduled touring begins tomorrow, but there are many additional sightseeing trips available if you arrive early. And your hotel is right in Stone Town, where visitors can safely wander the maize of stone streets browsing the many artisan shops. There is a wide variety of excellent dining available in Stone Town.  [no meals]

This morning you'll be privately guided on a tour of the busy city food market, and if you can begin early enough, the exciting fish market and auction. In the great hustle and bustle of these colorful markets you'll see why Zanzibar has been the center of so much East African commerce for so long. You'll also visit Livingstone's House, see the Palace of Wonders, and tour the solemn Anglican Church built over the ancient slave market. Return to your hotel for an independent lunch, and in the afternoon you'll be guided outside the city to the fascinating little spice farms. Spices remark Zanzibar's most important source of foreign currency. You'll learn how a great variety are grown and harvested, from cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, maize to cloves. Zanzibar is the world's second largest producer of cloves and it remains a capital offense to smuggle them. Return to the Zanzibar Serena Inn for your independent evening.  [b- - ]

After breakfast you'll be privately transferred to the airport for your departure.  [b- - ]

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