Photo by Rutger Geerling

View more of Rutger Geerling's photos at www.fotograferen.net

Zanzibar Festival Tours is a member of the African Travel Association.

Zanzibar. The very name conjures up images of ancient markets, fragrant spices and romantic dhows sailing upon the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

The Omanis, who ruled the Spice Island of Zanzibar for centuries, called the island ZAYN ZAL BARR which is Arabic for "fare island". In Swahili it became simply Zanzibar. The capital city of Stonetown, with its winding alleyways and distinctive Swahili architecture, has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Our small group tours are a terrific way for the discriminating traveller to savour the Swahili culture, with its eclectic blend of African, Arabic, Indian, Persian and European influences that is today's Zanzibar. And what is more - to experience all of this with style in luxury accommodations.


SOUNDS OF WISDOM (Sauti za Busara)
MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR: FEB.11 -23,2009


Sauti za Busara in Swahili translates as "Sounds of Wisdom". The first Festival in 2004 was held in Stonetown, Zanzibar and since then has grown into one of the premier musical/cultural events in all of Africa.

The 2009 Zanzibar Busara Music Festival will be held Feb. 12 - 17, featuring a potpouri of African and international artists with an emphasis on African and world music.

Its major aim is to promote and nurture Swahili music and also to raise the consciousness of Swahili culture world-wide. The main stage for the Busara Music Festival is held in the atmospheric and visually stunning Old Fort in Stonetown - built by the Omanis around 1700.

Confirmed artists for 2009 include the amazing 90-something lady singer BI KIDUDE ( pictured top right ), the classic Congolese dance band SAMBA MAPANGALA & ORCHESTRE VIRUNGA, leading mbalax band OMAR PENE & LE SUPER DIAMONO as well as Zanzibar's very own taarab super group CULTURE MUSIC CLUB.

We will be staying at the top-rated 236 Hurumzi Hotel in Stonetown (the beautifully restored former Emerson and Green Hotel) and while at the beach we stay at the luxurious Breezes Beach Club & Spa.

Come along with us on our deluxe Zanzibar odyssey - a fascinating mix of Swahili culture and serious chill time on some of the world's most pristine white sand beaches. 12 nights - fully hosted and all inclusive. LAND ONLY. Canadian tour leader.

As they say in Swahili for " welcome " - karibu!

Click here for TOUR ITINERARY

CONTACT US TOLL FREE
U.S. & CANADA: 1-877-818-6877
GLOBAL TOLL FREE: + 800-8186-8770


For international prefix numbers that have to be dialed PRIOR to the 800 number, please see: CONTACT US.

or with your booking request. Space is limited on this small group tour, so book early.


*EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT*: Save $1000 U.S. per person, as long as you book on or before NOVEMBER 30th!!

 

Zanzibar Festival Tours is a Canadian tour operator registered in Canada.

 

VIDEO of Sounds of Wisdom Music Festival from February, 2008