Untitled Document

Back to:

DESTINATION OVERVIEWS

MAP OF AFRICA

  

Africa - Overviews:

SOUTHERN AFRICA
Botswana
Zambia & Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
Namibia
South Africa
Cape Town

EAST AFRICA
Tanzania
Serengeti
Mt Kilimanjaro
Zanzibar
Kenya
Maasai Mara
Rwanda
Uganda
Seychelles

 

  

ZANZIBAR & THE MAFIA ARCHIPELAGO OVERVIEW

The islands off the coast of Tanzania are a wonderful adjunct to a safari. Steeped in history, this region is where Africa meets Arabia. Zanzibar is famous for its spice trade and infamous for its slave trade. Stone Town is definitely worth a visit to really appreciate its history. Ordinarily we suggest just the one nights stay in Stone Town itself before escaping to the beach for a few days rest and relaxation.

One option definitely worth considering is extending your stay to Chole Island, part of the Mafia chain and 40 minutes flight south. It is what Zanzibar was 30 years ago; authentic and undeveloped. Chole is located within the World Heritage listed Mafia Island Marine Park. It has superb beaches and great diving and snorkelling, not to mention wonderful cultural interaction with the locals. A little known secret is a resident population of whalesharks on the northern tip of Mafia. The peak months for swimming with them is September to March.

Cooler months

April - October

Hotter months

November - March

Rainy season

mid March - early June
November

Epic suggests

5 days / 4 nights
 

Sample itinerary

For a complete east Africa experience, combine with::