Discovering Zanzibar through the History of the Land and Mystery of the Ocean
 Few places in the world still have the justification to brag about the preservation of their indigenous wildlife, forests, ancient history, and aquatic life. But on Tanzania’s neighboring archipelago, Zanzibar, nearly all its history, culture, and wildlife are preserved. Through old and extravagant Arab architecture, narrow streets and alleys, pristine beaches and reefs, and the Jozani Forest, it’s apparent that Zanzibar has kept its same charm and unspoiled natural elements for centuries.
Accommodating every preference for outdoor activities, the Zanzibar islands are home to exceptional scuba diving and snorkeling, historic and cultural sites, paradise beaches, and wildlife tours. With something for everyone, Zanzibar is the ultimate destination for families and honeymooners alike looking for the perfect, completely customized vacation.
Aside from the radiant white beaches, Zanzibar has a wide variety of land-based and ocean-based activities and tours to choose from:
Activities and Tours on Land
 Spice Plantation Tours: Zanzibar, also known as “Spice Island” thanks to its high production rate of spices, is home to a handful of bustling spice plantations that yield cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, and other delightful spices. Playing a large role in the history of Zanzibar, Spice Plantations had once attracted Sultans of Oman for their rich spice production, which eventually led to the beginnings of the notorious slave trade.
While on a spice plantation tour, you have the opportunity to learn about the medicinal and dietary uses for spices and discover how to cook and heal with them. You’ll also be able to purchase spices at a low price and taste them throughout the tour.
 Stone Town: Known as the cultural center of Zanzibar, Stone Town reflects over 200 years of history and culture through its old-world buildings and charm. As a recently declared World Heritage Site, Zanzibar reveals its past through its current existence. From 19th-century homes to historic landmarks, and annual festivities to traditional music concerts, Zanzibar has been able to preserve its rich cultural background and history for the past two centuries.
Some of the main sites to see when you’re on a tour in Stone Town include The Old Dispensary, The Market, David Livingstone’s home, The Peace Memorial Museum, The Palace Museum, The House of Wonders, and The Arab Fort.
Jozani Forest: To experience the wildlife up-close in Zanzibar, a tour through the Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is the ideal way to view some of Zanzibar’s most exotic creatures. From the indigenous and rare Red Colobus Monkey to the Syke’s Monkey, and small buck to bush pig to leopard, this elusive forest has been attracting curious travelers for decades.
Activities and Tours off the Coastline:
 Scuba Diving and snorkeling: The coastlines of the Zanzibar Islands are famous for their enchanting aquatic world of coral reefs, brightly colored fish, sharks, manta rays, and other marine life. Experienced divers have a diverse menu of dives they can take part in including wall dives, night dives, and drift dives. And beginner divers can also enjoy the fascinating coral reefs and fish, but from shallower depths.
Snorkeling is also offered throughout the islands and is a wonderful way to view the aquatic paradise from the comfort of the surface.
 Dhow Cruise: Sail to the island of Unguja via a traditional dhow and enjoy a delightful day of swimming, snorkeling, and sun bathing. At lunch time, relish in a five star seafood meal as you bask on a nearby sandbank.
Prison Island: Once the grounds for exiled slaves, Prison Island is now home to a magnificent giant tortoise sanctuary, stunning beaches, and exceptional snorkeling. Enjoy a day trip to this delightful island and relax beneath the sun or in the crystal clear Indian Ocean.
Watersports: With a handful of watersports providers across the Zanzibar Islands, you’re sure to find an activity to fit your individual needs and preferences. Choose from big game fishing, snorkeling, dhow cruises, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, kite boarding, and other water-related activities.
Mnemba Island: Celebrated for its romantic ambiance, untouched beaches, intimate setting, and underwater paradise, Mnemba Island is the ultimate romantic retreat for honeymooners, and is one of Zanzibar’s most striking islands. On land, visitors can enjoy hours of bright sunshine, beach walks, and refreshing drinks. And, while underwater, visitors can experience delightful scuba diving and snorkeling hand in hand.
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We have a tin roof on our screened in porch in South Carolina, listening to the rain on it reminds me of being on the family farm when we were kids. Rain was so important to us, I remember my Dad watching the distant thunder clouds with binoculars, either wishing them to come closer or to go away depending on how wet his crops were. 
Rain brings new life to the African bush, frogs appear from as if no where, the birdlife are busy in a feeding frenzy taking advantage of the bounty of insect life. The air smells clean and fresh after eight long dry dusty months. It always amazed me how quickly the vegetation turned a thousand shades of green and is littered with wild flowers of every color. Not a lot of people travel to Africa in the green season as you do not see the huge animal densities of the dry season, but for the true wildlife lover this is indeed the secret season, baby antelope are everywhere, lodges offer green season rates and it is a wonderful time to watch a miracle as Africa re-invents itself for another season.
Trip Name: Kruger Safari and Beaches of Mozambique
Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African safari tours.