8 Days Slave Trade & Colonial History including Zanzibar

Detailed Overview

Overview

On this tour we explore three cities rich of historical interest, but relaxation on the beach is not neglected either. The small town of Pangani was a major hub of the slave caravans during the slave trading years. Presently, Pangani is a quite village, well known for its untouched beaches which are off the beaten track since very few tourists venture this way. The town of Bagamoyo, the original capital of German East Africa, is full of historic monuments of ancient Arab and Portuguese architecture as well as historic German buildings and British colonial history. And finally, Stone Town the main city on Zanzibar. The architecture of Stone Town has a number of special features that result from the mixing of Arab, Persian, Indian, European and African traditions. The name "stone city" comes from the ubiquitous use of coral stone as the main building material. This stone gives the city its characteristic, reddish-warm color. Not to forget the Zanzibari houses with their finely decorated wooden doors. Near Stone Town you can visit a small island called "Prison Island" which is a short 20-minute boat ride away. Dozens of giant tortoises (turtles) live on the island, some of which are over 200 years old.

Tour Highlights

• Let yourself be transported back in time
• Explore places rich of Arabic, German, Asian and British colonial history
• Places where Swahili, Arab, colonial traditions and modern hospitality blends together
• Relaxation on the beach
• Explore Zanzibar’s exotic city “Stone Town”
• See the Giant Turtles on Prison Island

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam / Arusha or Moshi – Pangani

Pick up from your hotel in Dar es Salaam / Arusha or Moshi and drive to Pangani with lunch on the way. Once Pagani was a centre of Swahili trade with the African mainland. It is situated 50 kms South of Tanga at the Pangani River which flows from Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. After check-in at your accommodation, you can enjoy the sun and the beach.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Peponi Beach Resort or Bahari Pori Resort (mid-range)

Day 2: Pangani

Walking tour through the Pangani ancient centre to see some buildings that are more than 200 years old, like the old German administrative boma, the former prison and you can explore former slave labour camps and a slave market site. Lunch in town and then return to your beach resort for relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Peponi Beach Resort or Bahari Pori Resort (mid-range)

Day 3: Pangani – Bagamoyo

After breakfast, we depart for the historic coastal town of Bagamoyo, the original capital of German East Africa, once the first and most important trading ports along the East African coast. Your accommodation is a unique place within the ancient coral rock wall of Abdun’s Palace. This hotel is decorated in an old Arabic “shabby-chic” style

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Firefly Lodge

Day 4: Bagamoyo – Dar es Salaam

Historical Sightseeing Tour through the narrow streets of Bagamoyo. You will visit the German Colonial Administrative block, Art market, Old post office, 1st Tanzania Primary School, Old Mosques, Hanging tower, Caravan Serai Museum, the fish market and the first Roman Catholic Church in East Africa and the Mission Museum. The day ends with a visit of an old Arab settlement, the “Kaole Ruins”, dated back to the 13th Century, where immigrants from Arabic countries landed on East Africa’s coast. Optional: you can also visit the Bagamoyo School of Arts for a Ngoma (traditional dance) session (we can arrange this if given prior notice, but an extra cost applies). In the late afternoon we drive down to Dar es Salaam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Tiffany Diamond Hotel

Day 5: Dar es Salaam – Zanzibar

After breakfast we transfer you to Dar es Salaam Harbor to get the fast ferry to Zanzibar. Arrival at Zanzibar in the midday and transfer to the accommodation for check in and lunch. Afternoon at leisure in the Hotel or at the beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel

Day 6: Stone Town and a free afternoon

After breakfast you depart for a 2 – 3 hours tour through the historic Stone Town. As you walk the narrow streets your guide will explain and answer your questions. He will take you to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People’s Palace), Dr Livingstone’s House and the Arab Fort and Freddy Mercury’s birthplace. You will also see Zanzibar’s bustling market, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! If time permits, you will also visit the site of Sultan Barghash’s harem at Marahubi. Your guide will also show you some excellent gift shops with lots of souvenirs and handicrafts. After lunch at your hotel you are free to do your own sightseeing or you only relax. Optional: Interesting excursion to one of the numerous spice farms. In the evening, our guide takes you to a lively night market in Forodhani Gardens, which brings locals and tourists together over a wide variety of seafood and grilled meats. Forodhani Park in Stone Town in the evening is definitely a must see.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel

Day 7: Prison Island Tour

In the morning leave your hotel for a half day tour of Prison Island. Prison Island is a beautiful island just off Zanzibar Town. Throughout history this island has served various purposes. Although it was originally built as a prison it was never used for that purpose. Instead, it was later used as a quarantine for slaves from across East Africa. The remnants of the buildings are still visible. There is a beautiful small sandy beach with wonderful crystal-clear water that is ideal for swimming. The coral reefs arround the island provide an opportunity for snorkeling. Here is also the home of the giant turtle, which is now under strict conservation. A short, guided tour around the island will show you all these areas of interest. At noon you return to Stone Town for lunch. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. There is so much to do and see here.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel

Day 8: Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam

Rest and relax at the resort’s beachside. After lunch walk down to the harbor to catch your fast ferry to Dar es Salaam. On arrival we will pick you up and transfer you to the agreed drop off point (airport, lodgings, bus station etc.)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Possible Accommodation: no accommodation on this day

Best Travel Time

• Tropical monsoons with long rain falls from March to May
• Short rains fall in November and December
• January and February are hot and humid months with sporadic showers with lots of sunshine
• June to September are cooler, But sunny
• For Zanzibar there is a weak Rainy season in November and December and a stronger one from around mid-March to the end of May.

Inclusions

• Transport from and to your hotel/residence or airport/seaport
• Ferry Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam
• 4×4 vehicle and/or saloon car
• Professional, English-speaking driver/guide
• Guided tours at Bagamoyo/Pangani/Stone Tone and Prison Island including admission fees
• All accommodation and meals as mentioned in the itinerary or as agreed. N. B. accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is dependent on availability at the time of booking; alternatives of a similar class may be booked instead
• All camping gear (if applicable)
• Complementary bottle of mineral water daily
• Driver’s salary and allowances and entrance fees for vehicle and driver

Exclusions

• International/national flights and visa fees
• Extras, personal expenses i.e. soft
• and alcoholic drinks, telephone, souvenirs, laundry etc.
• Travel, medical, injury and luggage insurance
• Flying doctor rescue services
• Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park entrance fees
• Tips to the driver & guide
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions
• Optional activities not outlined on the itinerary

Optional Add-ons

• Visiting the Bagamoyo School of Arts for a Ngoma (traditional dance) session
• Interesting excursion to one of the numerous spice farms
• Flights Zanzibar – DAR or Zanzibar – Arusha Domestic Airport or Kilimanjaro Intl. can be arranged.
• On request other tour languages possible
• Accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Extension of stay or additional program is possible i.e. beach vacation on Zanzibar / or have a look at our other offers.

Important Notes

• Usually our tours require a minimum of 2 persons to run. Single travelers can join a tour or ask us for a tailor-made safari.
• We offer discounted prices for children.

What to Bring

• Lightweight clothing
• Swimwear
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sandals and walking shoes
• Insect repellent
• Personal medication
• Travel documents