Zanzibar Extension

Fly today to Zanzibar’s international airport on Unguja, the largest and most populated island in the archipelago, where a transfer to your hotel awaits. Located in the Indian Ocean 20 miles off the coast of Tanzania, this vibrant island is renowned for its natural beauty, rich history and diverse culture. Beyond white sand beaches and azure waters lie historic sites, spice plantations and a culinary scene that fuses African, Arab and Indian flavors. The island’s Jozani Forest offers a unique opportunity to encounter the rare and endemic red colobus monkey, and its coral reefs offer premium snorkeling with more than 400 species of fish, sea turtles and coral gardens. Whether you seek relaxation in nature, an immersive cultural experience, or both, Zanzibar delivers.

Experience Zanzibar’s rich history through guided tours of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a spice plantation. Stone Town’s narrow alleyways and bustling spice markets showcase the convergence of Arab, Indian, African and European cultures, and the tour explores the intertwined history of the spice and slave trades that shaped the archipelago. Arab traders began cultivating spices in Zanzibar as early as the 8th century, focusing on cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. The Portuguese arrived in the late 15th century, introducing new crops like garlic, cacao and chili. They were ousted by the Omanis in 1698, who made Zanzibar the capital of their empire before British colonization. Key Stone Town landmarks include the Old Fort, Zanzibar’s oldest building, the Palace Museum, showcasing the Omani sultanate’s history, and the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, built on the former open-air slave market where a somber memorial outlines the violent history of enslaved Africans. After your tour of Stone Town, engage your senses on a tour of a shamba, or spice plantation, learning about the cultivation and diverse uses of various spices, herbs and fruits. Try samples of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and more, with the option to purchase using local currency.

The entire day is unscripted, allowing you to enjoy what Zanzibar has to offer at your leisure. While you may choose to relax on the beach, Zanzibar is also ripe for a range of adventures that can be booked on-site at your hotel or in advance. Explore Jozani Forest, home to rare red colobus monkeys, Sykes monkeys, bush babies and the elusive Ader’s duiker, a small antelope. The forest also shelters more than 160 species of birds, and various reptiles. Mangroves are also an important ecosystem on Zanzibar's coasts, and a guided tour will reveal the ecological functions these semi-submerged forests play. Examine the network of interlocking roots that rise above water, providing wildlife habitat and acting as a natural barrier against storms and erosion. Guided snorkeling trips are also available.

After breakfast, transfer to the Zanzibar's airport for onward travels.