Zanzibar Excursions - Prime Safaris

Sandbank Picnic

FULL DAY – INCLUDES LUNCH, DEPARTS STONE TOWN 0900

Come on board our traditionally crafted dhows, put your feet up and allow our staff to pamper you as the Sultans of Zanzibar were once upon a time. Enjoy a guided tour of Stone Town by sea, being shown the famous historical sites of this enchanting town. Snorkel with our guide around the reef and discover a whole new underwater world filled with marine life and coral of brilliant colours Tables are set on the golden sand where a five star lunch, prepared by talented chefs will await you.

After lunch relax on the sandbank listening to the hush of waves lapping against the shore or discover more underwater life around it and listen to stories from our crew about sailing the seven seas. Hop back on board and sail to Prison Island to see the remains of the prison built to condemn Zanzibari citizens to isolation and watch the giant tortoises shuffle through the trees, with the patience that old age brings. Returns to Stone Town by 1600.

Prison Island Tour

3 HOURS DEPARTING MORNING AND AFTERNOON – EXCLUDES LUNCH
DEPARTS 0900 AND 1430 FROM STONE TOWN

The island was formerly owned by an Arab and used for confinement of refractory slaves. It was bought by General Mathews and the jail (gaol) which still stands was constructed in 1893 and hence the name “PRISON ISLAND”. While on the island you will be able to see massive land tortoises, swim, sunbathe and snorkel.

Sunset Dhow Cruise

3 HOURS DEPARTING LATE AFTERNOON – EXCLUDES MEALS, DEPARTS STONE TOWN 1600

The sounds of the bustle of busy people in Stone Town grow faint in the distance until they seem only a memory. Music takes over, the sounds of taarab, songs of love and loss, on violin and oud, as your guide serves canapés and keeps your glass topped up with your choice of beers, wine, cocktails or sodas, encouraging you to sink back into the cushions and enjoy the romance of Africa while watching the scenery drift by.
On board our dhow you are provided a personal guide who will accompany you on your cruise and give you a tour of Stone Town from the water as well as be able to answer any questions that you may have for him. Then, as the sun sinks into the horizon of the Indian Ocean, gentle breezes guide the dhow back to shore.

Stone Town Tours

3 HOURS DEPARTING MORNINGS (RECOMMENDED) AND AFTERNOONS
EXCLUDES LUNCH
DEPARTS STONE TOWN AT 0830 AND 1430

Departing your Stone Town hotel, this excursion combines road travel and walking. A driver and guide accompany participants and visit The House of Wonders, Arab Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace, Anglican Cathedral, Slave Market, City Market, Old Dispensary, and National Museum. This fascinating trip provides a true insight into the history and culture of this magical island.

EVENING STONE TOWN WALK, 2 HOURS DEPARTING EVENINGS – EXCLUDES MEALS
DEPARTS STONE TOWN AT 1830

In the company of a guide, with the sounds of the evening call to prayer echoing through the narrow streets, this 2 hour walk includes many interesting shops and Forodhani Gardens where street vendors sell a variety of goods including fresh sea food and kebabs cooked on open grills.

Zanzibar Dining Experiences

MERCURY RESTAURANT, STONE TOWN
2 HOURS DEPARTING STONE TOWN HOTELS*

Departing your Stone Town hotel, you first pass the house where famed musician Freddy Mercury was born. You then continue to the restaurant for a lunch with views of the Indian Ocean. You then transfer to your hotel or the airport.

6 DEGREES SOUTH, STONE TOWN
2 HOURS DEPARTING STONE TOWN HOTELS*

Offering idyllic views of the Indian Ocean at the edge of the historic Stone Town, this restaurant provides fresh seafood and good service. Includes return transfers from your Stone Town hotel or on to Zanzibar’s airport.

Archipelago Restaurant, STONE TOWN
2 HOURS DEPARTING STONE TOWN HOTELS*

Located in the heart of historic Stone Town, Archipelago Restaurant has become one of Zanzibar’s most popular meeting and dining points. A perfect way to immerse yourself into the Swahili culture. Includes return transfers from your Stone Town hotel or on to Zanzibar’s airport.

MTONI MARINE, NEAR STONE TOWN
2.5 HOURS DEPARTING STONE TOWN HOTELS*

Departing your Stone Town hotel drive to this oceanfront restaurant and sports bar. Mtoni Marine is a popular gathering place for locals, residents and visitors. You then transfer to your hotel or the airport.

SERENA MANGAPWANI BEACH RESTAURANT
4 HOURS DEPARTING STONE TOWN, NORTH OR NORTH EAST HOTELS

You depart your hotel and drive to the Mangapwani Slave Caves. After a tour of the caves you continue to the beach where Serena offers an active buffet featuring grilled seafood. There are facilities to change into swim wear and you can follow your meal with an afternoon of relaxation on the beach. You then transfer back to your hotel.

THE ROCK 4 HOURS DEPARTING STONE
TOWN, SOUTH OR SOUTH EAST HOTELS*

You transfer to the south east coast of the island where you then make your way to this small island restaurant located just off the coast. You have your meal with spectacular ocean views and then transfer back to your hotel.

Spectacular Spices

3 HOURS DEPARTING MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS – EXCLUDES LUNCH
DEPARTS STONE TOWN AT 0830 AND 1430

A look at small farms in the rural area that grow cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom and many other spices, medicinal and ornamental plants, and tropical fruits. This tour provides a rare experience to prove why Zanzibar is referred to as the “Spice Island”. It also includes a visit to the Persian Baths built in 1850 by Seyyid Said bin Sultan.

Journey Through Time

RUINS AND SLAVE SITES
HALF DAY – INCLUDES LUNCH DEPARTS MORNINGS
DEPARTS STONE TOWN AT 0800

The history of Zanzibar is interwoven with both the slave trade and the great palaces of the sultans, built by those slaves and now in ruins. Our journey starts with a visit to Mbweni Ruins. From there, we go to the Anglican Cathedral, built at the location of a slave market and see the monument in memory
of slavery that is built there. Then proceed through Bububu to the Mangapwani Slave Caves. After exploring the caves, you travel to the Maruhubi Palace Ruins and Mtoni Palace Ruins ending with lunch at Mtoni Marine Restaurant before you transfer back to your hotel. (Trips departing coastal resorts may operate in a different order.)

Mystical Forest

JOZANI FOREST TOUR
HALF DAY – EXCLUDES LUNCH
DEPARTS STONE TOWN AT 0830 AND 1430

You will walk through the nature trail of the forest, which is a habitat for many species of animals, and birds. It is famous for its Red Colobus Monkey, the rare species that is only found in a few places including Zanzibar. You then cross into the mangroves where you find some fascinating creatures.

Dolphin Adventure/Safari Blue

DOLPHIN ADVENTURE, HALF DAY – EXCLUDES LUNCH
DEPARTS 0700 FROM STONE TOWN

You transfer to the village of Kizimkazi where traces of an Old Shirazi settlement may be seen. Near the walled enclosure is an ancient mosque where an inscription records that it was built in A. H. 500 (A. D. 1107) by Sheikh Seyyid Abi Amran, who appears to have been a local ruler. Outside the mosque is a well and graves of Sheriffs (descendants of the Prophet). You will then proceed to a small fishing village where you will be taken for a boat ride (in a motorized local boat) in search of dolphins (85% chance). You transfer back to your hotel in time for lunch.

Zanzibar Pure Passion

ZANZIBAR PURE PASSION AND BUTTERFLY ADVENTURE
FULL DAY – INCLUDES PICNIC LUNCH
DEPARTS STONE TOWN 0900

You travel to the southern part of the island and visit the village of Muyuni A. This traditional village is a great opportunity to mingle with Zanzibaris as they go about their daily routines. You tour the Ngonga Sacred Caves with a maze of chambers and tunnels. After a picnic lunch, you continue to the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre. This interactive enclosure is one of Africa’s largest butterfly exhibits. Late afternoon return to your hotel.

Uzi Heritage

UZI HERITAGE (WITH JOZANI FOREST AND BUTTERFLY CENTRE)
FULL DAY – INCLUDES PICNIC LUNCH
DEPARTS STONE TOWN 0900

You travel to the southern part of the island and at low tide, travel across a coral stone causeway that connects the village with the main island. After a chance to interact with the villagers, you visit the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre and Jozani Forest. Aside from observation of the red Colobus monkeys that reside in the forest, you also explore the mangroves. A picnic lunch is provided. The order of activities is dictated by the tides as Uzi Island can only be reached at low tide. Includes return transfers from your hotel.