Zanzibar Archipelago: the islands of Unguja, Pemba and Mafia
2024
Highlights of the trip
During your stay you can enjoy the following highlights: Culture / Heritage, Faune and flora, Adventure / Sports & Leisure, Free time, Relaxation / Well-being.
Best times to go
The best time(s) to go is/are : Printemps, Eté, Automne, Hiver.
Where to stay - Stone Town ?
The map of your stay "Zanzibar Archipelago: the islands of Unguja, Pemba and Mafia"
Detail of the stay : Zanzibar Archipelago: the islands of Unguja, Pemba and Mafia
How to get there - Stone Town
Arrival in Zanzibar
Arriving in Zanzibar after a challenging journey, you discover the old town of Stone Town. Discover the labyrinthine streets and fantastic architecture of the old city, with its Indian, Arab and African influences. Passage to the market of Forodhani, dinner in a good restaurant in the city of Swahili specialities
Visit of Stone Town
Steps: Stone Town
A full day is dedicated to visiting Stone Town. Unmissable: the Old Dispensary, the old fort, the Anglican church, the slave prison, Mtoni's palace, Jaw's corner, the central market... Soak up the authentic atmosphere that reigns in the old town. In the evening, go out and see a concert of taarab music
Places of interest : THE OLD FORT THE OLD DISPENSARY MARCHÉ CENTRAL JAW'S CORNER
Visit Prison Island and a spice farm
Steps: Stone Town
In the morning, take a boat to Prison Island to visit the hundred-year-old giant tortoises that live there. Stop above a magnificent coral reef colonized by starfish. In the afternoon, embark on the " spice tour ", a guided tour of a farm where "the island's spices are grown: cloves, vanilla, cashews, coconuts, pepper, chili...".
Places of interest : SPICE TOUR
Nungwi and Kendwa
Steps: Nungwi
Take a transfer to the north of the island, to spend a few days relaxing on the beaches of Nungwi or Kendwa in the north of the island, among the most beautiful beaches, because without coral reefs. Here, you can swim at any time in the turquoise water. Landscape of a postcard in which one invites oneself to a nap under the palm tree
Dhow making and sunset stroll
Steps: Kendwa
New day of rest and beach. We take the opportunity to soak up the lively atmosphere of Kendwa, the second largest city on the island after Stone Town. Visit the turtle aquarium, and beach session followed by a massage on the deckchair, as there are many outdoor spas here. In the evening, enjoy a sunset on a dhow, the traditional boats of Zanzibar
Mnemba and Matemwe
Steps: Matemwe
The jewel of the northern coast is called Mnemba, an island surrounded by a huge coral reef that dives into a wall, and can be discovered both diving and snorkeling. Located opposite Matemwe, boat trips depend on the tide. In the afternoon, go to the Matemwe fish market (around 4pm), walk around this authentic village. Sleep on site
Pajé and Jambiani
Steps: Jambiani
Pack your bags for the southeast of the island, Pagé or Jambiani the most touristic villages. Here the wind blows enough to kitesurf or windsurf. Great entertainment on the beach for women harvesting cultivated seaweed. The coral reef is wide and the lagoon magnificent. In the evening, dinner at the famous restaurant The Rocks in Michamvi
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Zanzibar has only one national park, the one that includes the Jozani forest and the wild mangroves of the preserved coast of the park. The forest is home to the adorable Colobus monkeys that can easily be approached. The visit of the park with a forest ranger takes a good half day. In the afternoon, enjoy the beach
Kizimkazi and dolphins
Steps: Kizimkazi
Go to Kizimkazi, at the southern tip of the island, where there is a colony of dolphins that can be observed by boat. We can swim with them. On the way, don't miss the village's 12th century mosque). In the evening, return to Stone Town for one last night on Unguja Island
Places of interest : KIZIMKAZI MOSQUE
Arrival in Pemba, discovery of the centre of the island.
Steps: Chake Chake
To get out of the beaten trails, go to the island of Pemba, very little tourist. It discovers a preserved mangrove on the coast. In the morning, visit the vibrant market in the centre of Chake Chake. In the afternoon, there are the famous foxes, the largest bats in the world, which are very impressive in the colonies.
Missali, the jewel of the Pemba coast
Steps: Misali Island
The next day, take a boat to Missali Island, a real jewel of the underwater world. Snorkeling or diving for 2 hours, then rest on the beach and picnic with fish and seafood. The beach is heavenly and unspoilt, a real paradise. Return in the afternoon to the mainland via the port of Mkoani where you can see the boats disembarking.
Ngzei Primary Forest and the North Coast
The crossing of the island is in itself an adventure as the relief and climate have damaged the roads. You will cross authentic villages in palm groves. Cloves dry on large canvases stretched in front of the houses. Take a walk with an eco-guard through the beautiful Ngezi primary forest to discover the local flora and fauna. Continue your journey to the beautiful beaches of the Kigomasha Peninsula
Mafia, the unknown and virgin island of tourism
Steps: Kilindoni
In the morning you take a plane to Zanzibar, then another to Dar Es Salaam, and finally a third to Mafia, quick flea jumps, but essential, because the islands are not very well connected. The island is famous for its diving spots, but it will seduce adventurers and lovers of robinsonnades in unknown lands. Arriving at Kilindoni Airport, you rest and enjoy a beautiful beach near your lodge
Mafia diving and cultural discovery
Steps: Utende
Half a day will be devoted to diving or snorkeling on the island's most beautiful coral reefs, which you can explore by boat from one spot to another. Pass by the beautiful beach of Utende Beach, asleep under the palm trees. Go to the island of Jibondo to see the manufacture of traditional dhows
