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Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a delightful destination where visitors can enjoy a refreshing break amidst the wonders and beaches that boast a favorable climate and weather. The Spice Island, located on Africa’s east coast, is a stunning location that is rich in culture and history, which contrasts with its idyllic geography of white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees. This makes Zanzibar an ideal place to explore and unwind.

The island’s heritage is a fusion of African, Arab, and Colonial History, providing a unique escape. The main island of Zanzibar, Unguja, has a fauna that reflects its connection to the African mainland during the last Ice Age. Endemic mammals with continental relations include the Zanzibar red colobus, one of Africa’s rarest primates, with only 1500 remaining. Isolated on this island for at least 1000 years, the Zanzibar red colobus (Procolobus kirkii) is recognized as a distinct species with different coat patterns, calls, and food habits than related colobus species on the mainland.

The Zanzibar red colobus can be found in a variety of drier areas, including coastal thickets, coral rag scrub, mangrove swamps, and agricultural areas. Approximately one-third of them reside in and around Jozani Forest. The best place to observe the colobus is on farmland adjacent to the reserve, where they are accustomed to people and the low vegetation allows them to come close to the ground. Rare local animals include the critically endangered and possibly extinct Zanzibar leopard and the recently described Zanzibar servaline genet.

There are no large wild animals in Unguja, and forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by monkeys, bush-pigs, small antelopes, civets, and the elusive leopard. Various species of mongoose can also be found on the island, and there is a wide variety of birdlife and butterflies in rural areas.

A secret beach close to Zanzibar

Unwind on an idyllic deserted beach which is only a short flight away from Zanzibar. Licaons Tours and Safaris is also only a 2 hour drive away from Saadani National Park.

Getting to Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an International Airport. It is also conveniently situated in easy reach of Licaons Tours and Safaris. We can arrange a charter a plane to the island – approx time 30 minutes.

A wealth of history

Zanzibar has a rich mixture of cultures. It was first colonized by Bantu speaking people. Eventually trading developed with Arabia, Persia, India and Asia. Zanzibar has also been ruled by the Portuguese, the English and the Omanis prior to its independence.

Trading history

Gold, wood, ivory, and cloves were some of the main exports. Unfortunately many slaves were also traded.

Stone Town

Stone Town is a maze of narrow streets. These house a mixture of small shops and a fruit and fish market. There are museums and other places of interest to explore. The architecture is a rich mix reflecting the various cultures. There are over 500 ancient doors in a variety of styles.

Guided Tour of Stone Town

Unfortunately there are lots of street touts in Stone Town. They may also carry false identification claiming to be guides.

If you want to explore safely we would recommend you to ask your hotel to organise a guided tour. To find out more about Stone Town please visit the Zanzibar official website.

Half day Spice Tour

The lush tropical conditions have made Zanzibar famous for its spices. A guided tour can be organised by your hotel.

What you will experience

Travelling on the Spice Tour is visually stimulating. You will see:-

  • Small shops selling fruit and hand carved furniture
  • Bullocks drawing carts
  • Men on bicycles transporting their wares
  • Women dressed in a wide variety of costumes
  • Small overcrowded richly decorated dalla dallas (small buses)
  • See spices growing

Some grow on trees and some are harvested from the roots. This is your chance to find out more about exotic spices and fragrances.

Test your sense of smell

It is surprisingly difficult to identify some of the spices from the smell of the crushed leaves.

Jozani Forest

Is about 35km southeast of Zanzibar Town. It can be reached by taxi or you can book an organised tour (which may be part of a Dolphin tour). You will see:-

  • the rare red Colobus monkeys,
  • bushbabies,
  • and a host of butterflies and birds.

There are various walks. One of the nature trails takes about 45 minutes to walk.

Beaches

The beaches on Zanzibar tend to be very busy. Unfortunately there are also lots of aggressive beach boys trying to sell their wares.

This is why the deserted beaches at Beyond Africa Safaris and Safaris Lodge are so refreshing and relaxing.