8 days/ 7 nights Authentic Zanzibar | Stone Town & Mangapwani Beach
Overview
This tour offers a combination of Zanzibar’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town or Mji Mkongwe in Swahili meaning “ancient town” – the capital and cultural heart of Zanzibar, where little has changed in the last 200 years – and Mangapwani Beach on the southwest coast of Zanzibar Island – in a pleasant village area that offers a wide range of marine and cultural experiences.
Tour Features
This is a private mid-range tour using hotels
This tour can start on any day, subject to availability
The accommodations and destinations of this tour can slightly be customized
This tour is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families and small group of friends
This tour accepts children who are 6 years and older. Children under 16 receive a discount
Special Features
Stone Town Historical Walking Tour
Spice Tour
Experience a cooking lesson on authentic Swahili cuisine
Situated on the western coast of Zanzibar’s Unguja Island, UNESCO-listed Stone Town is the oldest part of Zanzibar City and is the cultural heart of the island. The town’s photogenic winding alleys are fringed by grand historic buildings, bustling bazaars, a glorious sultan’s palace, and the intriguing House of Wonders – named as such for exhibiting running water and electricity as never before in 1883. Stone Town also boasts numerous sacred buildings – over fifty mosques, six Hindu Temples, a Catholic, and an Anglican Cathedral – all of which are beautiful in unique ways. Other highlights include sunset dhow cruises; spice tours to aromatic distilleries; and neighbouring Changuu Island, home to stunning sandy beaches, a historic prison, and dozens of giant, ancient tortoises.
Details
Day 1-3 Stone Town
Situated on the western coast of Zanzibar’s Unguja Island, UNESCO-listed Stone Town is the oldest part of Zanzibar City and is the cultural heart of the island. The town’s photogenic winding alleys are fringed by grand historic buildings, bustling bazaars, a glorious sultan’s palace, and the intriguing House of Wonders – named as such for exhibiting running water and electricity as never before in 1883. Stone Town also boasts numerous sacred buildings – over fifty mosques, six Hindu Temples, a Catholic, and an Anglican Cathedral – all of which are beautiful in unique ways. Other highlights include sunset dhow cruises; spice tours to aromatic distilleries; and neighbouring Changuu Island, home to stunning sandy beaches, a historic prison, and dozens of giant, ancient tortoises.
Day 3-7 Mangapwani
Situated on the northwestern coast of the beautiful Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, Mangapwani, meaning Arabian Shore, has a deep history of the black market slave trade. History enthusiasts can visit the Mangapwani Slave Chamber, or Slave Cave, a structure built to keep slaves until they were sold. Visitors can also look forward to exploring the Mangapwani Coral Cave, a deep natural cavern said to be a secret hiding place for the illegal slave trade after it was abolished; and stroll along the small but pristine beach along the coast and enjoy a drink under the trees at the beach bar.
Day 3-7 Mangapwani
Situated on the northwestern coast of the beautiful Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, Mangapwani, meaning Arabian Shore, has a deep history of the black market slave trade. History enthusiasts can visit the Mangapwani Slave Chamber, or Slave Cave, a structure built to keep slaves until they were sold. Visitors can also look forward to exploring the Mangapwani Coral Cave, a deep natural cavern said to be a secret hiding place for the illegal slave trade after it was abolished; and stroll along the small but pristine beach along the coast and enjoy a drink under the trees at the beach bar.
What an enjoyable and informative experience! It far surpassed my expectations, providing a fun interactive guide and loads of Zanzibarian spices to learn about. Not only was I able to… read more see the numberous spices, but I was able to taste them as well! Not to mention the bountiful fruit that was served at the end. This is definatly a must go to tour, if you’re in the area or not. Make your way over to this little slice of Zanzibar culture.
allysonbeb May 1, 2021
We spent the day taking a boat out to Tumbatu Island and then took a tour of the old ruins, the school, beautiful trees, and were able to meet and… read more one of the several natural healers on the island. The healer shared how he is able to understand how chronic or acute your condition is through gathering some data about you. It was so interesting to learn about these wise healers on the island. First though, the boat ride out to the island was awesome. The water was a gorgeous turquoise and we were able to see fishermen catch octopus and many varieties of fish, from their hand-made nets, which we ended up buying for lunch right from the water after the fishermen just caught them. It was so amazing to see. Next, we were dropped off on a sandbank and were able to see so many beautiful marine life followed by beautiful snorkeling off of the sandbank. Then we walked around the island some seeing children at school studying or hearing them chant their Islamic prayers. We were then treated to our amazing vegetarian and non-vegetarian lunch after visiting some of the ruins from prior royalty. The trip was so special and Halisi tours was such a great operator. Halisi Tours attend to all the small details and are simply the best tours I have taken during my travels to Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia. I highly recommend them above all others!
Michele R May 17, 2021
I wish I can check more than one activity because Hamza was our go-to for all things while we were in Zanzibar. From the great Stone Town tour walking, to… read more the Sandbank and Prison Island Tour, and much more. He was always timely, super knowledgeable, very professional and made our trip fun! We can’t wait to be back and explore mainland activities. Thank you so much, Hamza!!
Savichach5 May 6, 2022
We wanted an authentic African experience in Zqnzibar and we decided to visit Tumbatu island. This was the best decision! We came accross Hamza and he organized everything really well.… read more He was flexible with our changing plans and has welcomed us warmly. Then we visited a local market and although we are experienced travelers we would never find small local spots Hamza and his guide have shown us. The journey to the island was pleasant and then visiting the village – OMG, we really recommend it. We ate local fruit and food, which is an important part for us. Drink home made mango juice rather then coke or fanta! I will keep some secrets so you can have an adventure as we had but you can trust Hamza as he will be right there with you, taking care and having fun at the same time. Enjoy!
spelcashantim March 2, 2022
This tour with Halisi Africa Tours is a must! It provides an in depth look at the variety of fruits and spices found in Zanzibar and our guide Hamza… read more was amazing in his knowledge and expertise on the vast array of flora grown. The knowledge we gained was unmatched as we dove deep into the numerous ways that these spices are utilized in herbal medicines and immunity enhancement. Additionally you also get to taste, smell, and experience a variety of fruits and spices, making it an integral part of the Zanzibar experience!
Michele R February 21, 2021
Loved learning about all the spices grown on the island, tour had fun interactive tasting of spices, tour guides made beautiful jewelry and baskets to carry samples out of banana… read more leaves and hibiscus flowers. Very authentic tour of history of spice use and practical cooking and medicinal application of the spices, including how the spices spice up your relationship haha!
Kira G December 22, 2021
I did more than one activity. I went for Kilimanjaro climb, Safari,snorkeling ,Beach on Zanzibar and spices tour.they we’re all well organized
Riomkn1943 February 19, 2022
Zanzibar is quite the honeymoon destination, and Halisi Africa tours mostly deal with private tours, so it is sometimes lonely. Having said that, Hamza my tour guide was fantastic throughout… read more the trip, offering competitive prices and accommodating my schedule. I would suggest contacting him through whatsapp and arranging your whole stay (other tours) with him too, he won’t disappoint.
852zakr July 30, 2021
Nature Lovers Forest Excursion – Halisi Africa Tours is the best company I have found on the island of Zanzibar. We visited Jozani Forest and mangrove with our guide Hamza for a half day… read more tour and loved it. The company goes beyond normal tour agencies and makes you feel like family. We loved seeing the Red Colobus monkeys, walking through the beautiful forests of mahogany, strangler fig, and Eucalyptus and dropping early seedlings into the mangrove. Highly recommend this lovely visit with Halisi Tours!
Michele R February 18, 2021
Halisi Africa Tours: – Hamza and his team are awesome, me and my friend had a wonderful holiday in Zanzibar and Hamza he arrange everything. Transport was always on time, guides are knowledgeable and… read more very friendly. We learned some Swahili words, Jambo, Asante Sana, Karibu and Hakuna Matata. It was absolutely fun.