Excursion An evening in zanzibar tour at Zanzibar

Depart from the pier and drive to the nearby Forodhani waterfront. Enjoy the evening atmosphere here as the locals gather to socialize and watch Forodhani gardens come to life as the sun sets. Various people set up their open-air food tables and open-air barbeques.

Hamamni Persian Baths

Walk behind the House of wonders to see the Hamamni Persian baths. Hamamni, which means simply 'the place of the baths' from the Arabic hammam (bath-house). This was the first public bath-house in Zanzibar, commissioned by Sultan Barghash and built by an architect called Haji Gulam Hussein. It is one of the most elaborate on Zanzibar, and is constructed in the Persian style. (Such baths are found in many Arab and Islamic countries, and are commonly known by Europeans as 'Turkish baths'.) Today the baths are no longer functioning, but it is still possible to go in and look around. Inside, the bath-house is surprisingly large, with several sections including the steam room, the cool room and the cool water pool.

Continue on a short journey in the narrow streets of Stone Town, stopping to admire the various types of carved doors and old buildings you will see along the route. See the unique centre of Stone Town where a church, a mosque and a temple coexist as neighbors, sending a resounding message about religious tolerance in the spice Islands.

Freddie Mercury Museum

Your guide, dressed in a traditional Omani gown walks you to the Freddie Mercury Museum where you spend some time browsing through a unique selection of photographs which showcase the old Zanzibar, as well as relive the story of Queen's lead singer Freddie Mercury who was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar. The museum is located in the heart of Stone Town. It is located in the same house where Freddie and his family stayed until they moved to England in 1963.

Carved Doors of Zanzibar

Continue on a short walk up the main street of Zanzibar, past the post office, the Dhow Palace Hotel and admire the wood carved Zanzibar chests before arriving at the Serena Hotel. The walk may take you past the famous trader Tippu Tip's house which is said to have the largest carved door in Zanzibar. Pass the Africa House gardens and arrive at Kelele Square and onwards to your last stop which is the Serena Hotel.

Serena Hotel

It was created by restoring and rehabilitating two historic buildings, The 19th century old Extelcoms building and the 18th century "Chinese doctor's residence". In so doing, the original architectural integrity of the buildings and their decorative finishes both exterior and interior were meticulously protected and where necessary, restored. These interior and exterior spaces reflect a blend of early 19th century cultural influence typical of the Sultans of Zanzibar.

A stunning oceanfront setting with interiors adorned in Arabic and Swahili opulence is your setting for tonight's dinner. With a traditional taraab band playing live for you with the ocean in the background, enjoy your dinner under the stars. Taarab is a music genre popular at the Swahili Coast and is influenced by the musical traditions of the African Great Lakes, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: City Highlights, Freddie Mercury Museum, Sundowner and Dinner at the Serena Hotel

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate to extensive amount of walking of approximately 1.5mile or 2km. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. As Zanzibar is predominantly a Muslim Island; all guests should be conservatively dressed, with shoulders and knees covered during the tour.Guests are advised to ask locals for their permission to take their photo. No photography is permitted at Government installations or of uniformed officers.