ZANZIBAR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TOUR:
June 21 - June 30, 2011
The 14th Zanzibar International Film Festival, to be held June 18 - June 26, 2011 has as its theme: A SEASON OF VISIONS.
" The Aha phenomenon " is experienced when the solution to a problem suddenly presents itself, when we least expect it. The creation of life-changing ideas, dreams, understanding, meaning, presents possible solutions and give way to fence-mending dialogue. "
- Martin Mhando, Festival Director.
This year's Festival includes a series of Film Workshops appealing to everyone - from local children to industry professionals.
British doc. maker Nick Broomfield will be doing a Master Class. Also, British film journalist Donald Ranvaud and indie film maker Danny Schecher will be presenting at the Festival. In all, some 60 films from the Dhow countries and from around the world will be screened at this year's Festival!
Chosen by Wanderlust magazine as one of their
" 50 best new trips for 2011 "!
"MY FIRST TRIP TO AFRICA AND HAD A REALLY GOOD TIME. NICE HOTEL ROOMS AND THE FRESH FOOD WAS GREAT. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! " - Joyce Varga
10 Nights. Land Only. Fully hosted and all inclusive with tour leader. Small Group.
Day 1 Meet and greet at Zanzibar International Airport. Transfer to hotel in Stonetown. Check-in.
Day 2 Breakfast. Meet in lobby as tour group 9 a.m. Walking tour this morning of this fascinating Swahili town with its winding alleyways and iconic carved doors. Includes House of Wonders (National Museum), the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), as well as the Anglican Cathedral which was built over the site of Africa's last slave market - closed down in 1873 by a reluctant Sultan at the insistence of the British. Lunch at local restaurant. This is opening day of the Festival and we will be there for opening ceremonies, etc. Dinner at hotel. After dinner attend Festival event/performance.
Day 3 Breakfast. Zanzibar's climate has always been ideal for the cultivation of spices - cinnamon, cardamom, nutmet and cloves to name a few. This morning we go on a tour of a local spice farm or shamba. Useful medicinal/culinary information plus the chance to taste and smell each spice. Afterwards, a real " spice of life " lunch. After lunch back to hotel and afternoon free - to attend Festival event. Each guest receives a V.I.P. Festival pass to all Festival events and performances. Dinner at local restaurant featuring Swahili cuisine. After dinner, Festival event/performance.
Day 4 This morning we head out to the east coast to Jambiani for our village culture tour. A village guide will show us around to see how villagers survive on what they grow and fish from the ocean. The village healer will show us traditional Swahili folklore - eg. the medicinal uses of local herbs and plants. Fascinating! Afterwards, the villagers prepare us a home-cooked lunch. Back to Stonetown and rest of afternoon free. Dinner at local restaurant.
Day 5 Breakfast. Head out to Prison Island for a day trip for some time at the beach for snorkelling, etc. Lunch included. This is where we may see some of the famous tortoises, some of whom are a century old! Return to hotel late afternoon. Late dinner at local restaurant.
Day 6 Breakfast. Free day, with lunch on own. Dinner on own today.
Day 7 Breakfast. On the coach for visit to the Jozani Forest which is the largest piece of indigenous forest on the island. Nature reserve is home to varied wildlife including red colobus monkeys, Syke's blue monkeys, antelopes and varied birdlife. Next we head for the famous Mbweni ruins, south of Stonetown. The Anglican Mission School was built in 1875 and educated girls freed from slavery. The school's first headmistress was Caroline Thackeray, cousin to novelist William Thackeray. Sir John Kirk was Britain's first Consul General to Zanzibar and had accompanied Livingstone (who spent some time on Zanzibar) up the Zambesi as chief botanist. Kirk built a botanical garden full of exotic palms, sausage trees and exotic flowers. Lunch at the nearby clifftop restaurant at the Mbweni Ruins Hotel. Return to hotel - last day of Festival today. Closing ceremony and award presentations. Dinner.
Day 8 Checkout of Stonetown hotel. Transfer to beach at the Sultan Sands Resort. While here, breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 9 B & D.
Day 10 B & D.
Day 11 Breakfast. Checkout and airport transfer for flights back home. End of services.
INCLUDED: Airport and resort transfers on Zanzibar, all breakfasts and most meals (except where indicated in itinerary), hotel accommodations, V.I.P. pass.
NOT INCLUDED: International Air, airport departure taxes (see TRAVEL TIPS), extra alcoholic drinks at meals, tips for driver, guide and restaurant service. Tanzanian tourist visa (see CONTACTS).
COST: (LAND ONLY) £1600 p.p. based on double occupancy
£1950 p.p. based on single occupancy
$2450 p.p. based on double occupancy
$2950 p.p. based on single occupancy
1830 Euros p.p. based on double occupancy
2230 Euros p.p. based on single occupancy
