Tropical Island Beauty and Indian Ocean Snorkeling
Zanzibar Extension
Overview
Just 22 miles off the coast of Tanzania lies the spice-scented isle of Zanzibar, with its ancient Swahili-Arab culture. For centuries, the Sultans of Oman ruled this tiny island and the Arabic influence is still very strong. Snorkeling, diving, bicycling, windsurfing, and the amenities of the resort's spa are just a few of the many optional activities available. Accommodations in Stone Town are at the Serena Inn; on Days 2-3, enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the sounds and sights of the Indian Ocean with a stay at The Palms or the family-friendly Baraza Resort and Spa. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability.
Arrive: Stone Town, Tanzania
Depart: Zanzibar (or Dar es Salaam), Tanzania
Highlights
- Swim and snorkel from a beautiful beach resort on the Indian Ocean
- Explore Stone Town, with its fascinating Swahili-Arab culture
Itinerary
Fly to Stone Town, capital of Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you are met and driven to the lovely Serena Inn, a haven of tranquility on the seafront in Stone Town. Stone Town's architectural heritage reflects Zanzibar's position as a crossroads of trade between Africa and the Arab world. Explore the town on your own, or book an optional spice tour, or city tour (optional activities can be booked with the hotel)...B
This morning, your transfer brings you to The Palms or Baraza Resort and Spa. The Palms and Baraza Resort and Spa are both located on an exquisite and unspoiled stretch of white-sand beach on Zanzibar's east coast surrounded by azure waters, both boast gorgeous Indian Ocean sunsets. These days are free to relax and swim and snorkel in the ocean, or enjoy the amenities of the resorts, which include optional windsurfing, scuba diving, and spa treatments...BLD each day
Transfer to the airport and fly to Dar es Salaam, where you will be assisted with your homeward-bound flight. (Note: some flights depart out of Zanzibar.) A dayroom can be arranged (at extra cost) at the Southern Sun Hotel (available until 6:00 pm) to shower and relax for those travelers with late night flights...B
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.