THE ROAD TO ZANZIBAR Local flavor takes an exotic turn in Zanzibar, where fragrant spices combine with scenic beauty to make heads turn and mouths water.
THE SPICE OF LIFE
An Omani sultan first introduced cloves to Zanzibar in the 1800s, after falling in love with the lush tropical island and moving his court and palaces there. By 1860, the archipelago was the largest producer of cloves in the world when, it was said, sailors were greeted by their scent on the wind as they sailed into port. Soon, other spices, including cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, saffron, nutmeg and vanilla, added more flavor to the mix, and Zanzibar became known as the Spice Island. A guided walk reveals the source for many popular spices as your local host digs up roots, opens nuts and scrapes bark fragrant with familiar aromas.
BY THE SEA
The Swahili Coast has welcomed sailors since 600 BC, fast becoming a stop-off port for all of the great naval forces in the Eastern Hemisphere. But it was the Arabs who really made their mark in Zanzibar. Stone Town still boasts a skyline soaring with minarets and its harbor is dotted with traditional Arabian boats called dhows, characteristic lateen sails afurl. Dhows dominated the Indian Ocean for two millennia, carrying all manner of goods on board for trading, including mangrove poles, ivory, fabrics, whole cloves and slaves, and plying the water for fish.
The warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean are home to a dizzying array of tropical fish who feed along the coral gardens. A cruise to a lovely beach gives you the opportunity to spot dolphins and swim and snorkel near the stunning reefs.
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5. NGORONGORO CRATER Explore Ngorongoro Crater, long regarded as Africa’s “Garden of Eden.” Within the crater lie grasslands, forests and a saltwater lake, inspiring a continual migration of animals. From the comfort of your four-wheel-drive vehicle, you’ll have a chance to spot the “Big Five” – buffalo, elephant, leopard, the black-maned lion and the rare black rhinoceros. Today’s picnic in the heart of the crater and local entertainment back at the lodge make this day one to fondly remember! Meals BLD
6. OLDUVAI GORGE / MAASAI VILLAGE Over fifty years ago, famed archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered fossilized remains of some of the earliest humans ever found – 1.8 million years old – at Olduvai Gorge. Learn more about the site’s important archaeological digs on a docent-led tour, after visiting a Maasai village. Then set off for the Serengeti over unpaved roads. You’ll have many opportunities for wildlife viewing en route to your safari lodge. Meals BLD
7. HOT AIR BALLOON ABOVE THE SERENGETI A hot air balloon flight* at dawn soars over the Serengeti savanna giving you the unique opportunity to observe the morning rituals of the reserve’s wildlife as they wake up to a new day – a champagne breakfast in the bush awaits to help bring you back down to Earth! Look for hyena, leopard, cheetah, zebra, elephant, and hippos on an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti; it’s also the best place to find prides of lions. Return to the lodge for lunch, then enjoy an evening game drive before dinner. Meals BLD
8. KIRAWIRA TENTED CAMP Travel to the Western Serengeti for a two-night stay at the luxurious Kirawira Tented Camp. This afternoon’s game drive with your experienced guide explores the open, undisturbed plains of the Serengeti for exclusive wildlife encounters. Be sure to capture the moment with your camera or sketchbook! Meals BLD
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