Rainmakers Zanzibar Extension

Overview

Onward to Zanzibar, where numerous beautiful beaches abound and in-depth history can be found. It was a port for the ivory and slave trade route, and it also has many ancient ruins of mosques, a historical museum, and sites of German colonial interest. After Zanzibar, venture to one of Tanzania's newest national parks, the awesome Saadani National Park. This park is also the only park in East Africa that borders the Indian Ocean, where you may actually see the elephants in the ocean. Also, there are many species of mammals here that are not found in other parts of Tanzania. Frolic on the gorgeous white sandy beaches of Saadani and enjoy a Boat Safari that is the best in Africa! This extension is a perfect relaxing compliment to your days on safari and in the villages.

Day 1

Onward to Zanzibar

Day 2

Morning city tour and afternoon Spice tour

Day 3

Jozani Forest

Day 4

Onward to Saadani

Day 5

Saadani boat safari

Day 6

A farewell to Africa

Stone Town City Tour

Enjoy a guided historical tour to the old town of Zanzibar, fondly known as Stone Town. The tour is covered mainly on foot, providing the guests the opportunity to stroll through the narrow alleys, sighting splendid artifacts like carved Arab doors with brass studs, carved balconies, and the old post office. The highlights of the tour are:

• The central market, built in 1904, a bustling place where fish, fruits, vegetable and spices are sold.
  
  
• The Anglican cathedral (1873) built on the site of the former slave market.
  
  
• The national museum opened in 1925.
  
  
• Tippu Tip House residence of a famous slave trader.
  
  
• House of wonders Palace museum, (1883) formerly residence of the Sultan.
  
  
• Maruhubi palace ruins. Built in 880-1882, and accidentally burnt down in 1889.

Spice Tour

Include a trip to the lush green gardens of innumerable species of spices and tropical fruits trees. Many of these spices have medicinal properties and are still used by the local purpose to cure certain maladies, taste a variety of fruits ranging from the rose apple to the guava. savor different spices in their aromatic state, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, black pepper, you name it! You get to see rare plants used for their value in preparing cosmetics: henna, lipstick tree, perfume trees etc. the ruins of the Kidichi Persian baths are also visited en route. From the spice farms the tour will proceed to Mangapwani beach about 25 km from Zanzibar town driving through typical Zanzibar villages, and a visit to the slave caves.

Jozani Forest

Jozani the only remaining wetland forest intact on the island. About a 45 minute drive from city center, it is home to the surviving members of the Red Colobus monkeys (procolobus kirkii), a very rare species and only found in Zanzibar. The forest is a delight, with a swamp in the middle, and small streams flowing into the ocean.

Sadaan

Mkwaja Saadani National Park contains distinctive and rare habitats. Unique in East Africa is the beach and salt grass flats along the Indian Ocean. At least 24 species of large mammals are found here, including the rare Roosevelt sable antelope. African buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and several antelope species and lions are all found in the southern portion of the national park, which is dominated by the Wami River and its delta.

Wami River

At the Wami River mouth, there is large and still well preserved mangrove swamps. The river is also home to a large number of water birds including the greater flamingo and has a high concentration of cetacean and an impressive population of crocodiles and hippos. It is possible the best boat safari experience in all of East Africa.

The North

The northern part, formally a cattle ranch, is dominated by coastal lowland mosaic, presenting an exceptional variety of habitats, such as woodland, forest, coastal thicket, semi-arid scrub, grassland, wetlands, salt marshes, mangroves and beaches. The vegetation supports a considerable number of elephants, buffaloes, large antelopes, and the rare Giant brown bat.

Zaraninge Forest

The main and much recognizable natural feature of the park is the Zaraninge Forest; 200 square kilometers (50,000 acres) of closed canopy tropical forest. It is one of the larger coastal forests in Tanzania. The forest dominates the western part of Mkwaja Saadani National Park.

Beach-life

On the coast of the Indian Ocean the park has several unique landforms, such as several pristine sand dunes with interesting vegetation. Furthermore the beach areas contain one of the last significant East African breeding beaches in for the green turtle. Bottled-nosed dolphins are common off the South coast of the reserve and whales pass through the Zanzibar channel in October and November.

Itinerary subject to change.

If local prices increase beyond our control, rates could be affected.

Includes:

All accommodations, meals as indicated, flights from Arusha to Zanzibar, Zanzibar to Saadani, and Saadani to Dar es Salaam, local guides, transportation, park fees, drivers, pre-departure kit, pre-trip consultation, and membership to the Flying Doctors Society.

Does not include:

All purchases of personal nature, international airfare, visas, insurance, tipping, and laundry and bar tabs.