Travel Agent Mokopane

My journey started on a Saturday morning at 05h00 am, yes I know what you are thinking, you are going to an island and that is the time that you have to get up! Well, it was absolutely worth it.

We took a short 3 hour flight from Johannesburg directly to Zanzibar Airport where we were met on arrival by loads of smiling faces and some local entertainers.

After a quick refreshing drink we were off to visit Planhotel Dream of Zanzibar. This hotel is not finished yet so we were very lucky to get a sneak preview. Once finished, I think this will be an absolutely stunning hotel with the most beautiful beach.

From there we proceeded to Mapenzi Beach Club. Situated about 45 km’s from the airport this hotel blends into the natural environment of the surrounding landscape covering an area of 4 hectares blessed with a long white sandy beach and a tropical garden of palms and colourful bougainvillea. This resort included everything you could possibly think of to eat and drink. You have to try the local SERENGETI beer but be careful of the KILIMANJARO beer!! Water sports are offered, however I would suggest that you take your own snorkelling equipment with you. Some of the water sports on offer (are at an additional cost) which include: Windsurfing, Blokart, Wakeboard, Waterski, Banana and Tube Riding, Bicycle hire and a floodlit Tennis Courts. They also offer tours and excursions like snorkelling trips to Mnemba Island, swimming with dolphins and turtles and of course a trip to Stone Town.

I think that it is really worth your while going with a local guide to Stone Town, you can go on your own but there is so much history you would not get to know if you go by yourself. This three & a half-hour tour starts with a visit to Zanzibar's colourful market. Alive with the buzz of locals bartering fresh vegetables and baskets of tropical fruit, amongst the heady smell of Jack Fruit (and many other exotic fruits). We continued on to the site of the Cathedral built in 1874. The Cathedral signifies an important time in Zanzibar's history and stands on the site of a past slave market. Its high altar stands on the exact site of the whipping post. Slavery was abolished in 1873 through a decree passed by the, then current Sultan of Zanzibar. From here we visited the residence of the late Sultans of Zanzibar, Tip Tip House, the Old Fort, Peoples Palace and the House of Wonders, full of intrigue and vivid history from a bygone era. The tour ends with a stroll through the narrow streets of the old Stone Town, the heart of Zanzibar's vivacious history.

Some tips: On arrival you have to pay US$50 in cash for your entry visa, this must be the exact amount as the airport officials will not give change. On departure you have to have US$30 once again in cash the exact amount for airport departure tax. Do not take photographs of the local women if you have not asked for their permission, they do get very offended. Women are frowned upon for wearing revealing clothes; try to keep the shoulders and knees covered when walking in towns and villages. Remember to get your Yellow Fever certificate at least 10 days prior to departure. Do not drink the tap water!

Zanzibar is a colourful place filled with the most amazing sounds, sights and smells. You cannot help but fall in love with it. Will I go back? Most definitely!

If you need any more information or would like to make a booking please contact me and I will gladly assist you.