Zanzibar airport raises airport tax.

Zanzibar airport taxes will be raised from $35 to $40 with immediate effect.


For more information on travel to Zanzibar please call: 01227 753180

Tanzania voted as 'Best Safari Destination in Africa'.

A few days after the Deputy Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Mr Lazaro Nyalandu declared that the country was now aiming at attracting two million tourists annually; Tanzania has jusat been voted the best Safari Destination on the continent.

The votes were cast by more than 1,000 safari travellers and industry experts who took part in the largest survey of its kind to reveal the best safari country in Africa.

The results are now out and Tanzania came out the outstanding winner. The Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Lazaro Nyalandu, said that Kenya's days as the leading tourism destination in the region were numbered and that "very soon Tanzania will take the lead."

It was just a matter of hours and now Tanzania has been voted in the lead, followed by Botswana. Kenya came third, Zambia fourth and the best of the victory was derived from the fact that South Africa, the best known country in Africa, finished in the fifth position.

"SafariBookings.com," an online marketplace for African safari tours, had conducted a two-year-long study, gathering reviews from more than 1,000 safari-goers and reputable industry experts to see which African country is best for African safaris. With a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars, Tanzania took the spotlight as the most outstanding winner, beating Botswana by about a tenth of a point.

Rounding up at the top five were Kenya, Zambia and South Africa. The study was based on 2,305 reviews from safari travellers and 756 reviews from industry experts, most of whom are reputable guidebook writers working for Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer's, Bradt and Footprint.
"More than half of the safari travellers have undertaken multiple safaris and have a good idea about what's offered. This secures the fact that Tanzania deserves this top spot," reads a release from "Safari-bookings" which was sent to Arusha over the weekend.

"Tanzania was rated the best tourism spot because it is home to two of the most famous safari destinations in the world, the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater," reads the release. Ngorongoro and Serengeti were both declared the new Seven Wonders of Nature early in February when Tanzania produced three out of the Seven winning features the third being Mount Kilimanjaro.
"Both parks offer stunning scenery and some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Serengeti National Park is primarily known for the annual migration of more than 2.5 million wildebeest and zebra." The Ngorongoro Crater is a popular safari destination because the wildlife viewing in its immense volcanic caldera is superb throughout the year and sightings of game species such as lion, hippo and rhino are almost guaranteed.


For more info on this or any other African Safari destination please follow the links or call: 0044 (0) 1227 753180

Client Feedback: Chumbe Island and Essque Zalu

Hi Bruce

The service we got from you was exemplary. From when we were first in touch by phone, your timeliness, suggestions and clarity of communication was excellent. You were always upfront and clear about prices, and helped us put together a great itinerary to match our budget.

What particularly impressed and pleased me was that when we needed to switch the order of our Zanzibar holiday, you arranged this all for us, at no cost. This was a huge relief; given all the planning that had gone in to our honeymoon, only to have it potentially scuppered by 1time going bust, it was a great relief that you replanted things so we could still enjoy both locations of our Zanzibar break.

Everything worked absolutely perfectly in terms of logistics. The only exception being that there was no one waiting for us or to take us from International arrivals to Domestic Departures at TNZ. Not the end of the world, we just hopped in a taxi but you might want to contact your local supplier about that FYI.

The flight to Zanzibar was smooth and fine, as were all other connections. The Drivers were all on time and very friendly and nice. The cars are not exactly luxurious but they're fine for their purpose, so long as like us, expectations aren't for a brand new Merc or suchlike.

Chumbe Island was just amazing. 2 nights was the right amount of time for us. Though if you really do just want to relax 'in paradise' you could enjoy longer. The staff were excellent and the food was some of the best we had on our honeymoon. Great snorkelling, and interesting walk round the island, and some fun spotting the Snow crabs. It was really the perfect way to start our Honeymoon.

Only point for you to note about the Island was the interesting 'transfer' at the end. I think it was because the tide was out, but we had to wade a fair distance in the sea that was above our waists. Although the staff carried our bigger cases, it was still quite difficult carrying our smaller bags and having dressed ready for the drive, we weren't really expecting to be soaked! It wasn't a  problem for us, but I can imagine that some guests (thinking for example of my parents) would really struggle with this. It probably needs to be better explained on the morning of departure, and the staff should arrange to help carry all bags so you can just focus on not falling over in the sea!

Essque Zalu is amazing, truly spectacular. Staff all fantastic, and just an incredible Hotel. The food was excellent. Dinner was literally Michelin standard every evening. We went to the town for dinner one night and whilst it was nice, we wished we hadn't missed dinner at the Hotel for it. There is a turtle sanctuary 3 minutes walk from the entrance to the Hotel. It's not advertised though and we happened on it by chance.  But you can swim with the turtles and they are very friendly and inquisitive. It was one of the highlights of our Honeymoon and would recommend you mentioning this to anyone visiting Zanzibar and certainly who are staying at Essque.

We used a dive company called Poisson Divers I think. They're on TA if that name isn't quite right. They were also excellent and arranged a taxi to pick us up each morning which was good as cheaper than if arranged through the Hotel.

Eithopia airlines were OK, no concerns on that front and got us to SA just fine.

All in all it was a brilliant holiday and the perfect start to our Honeymoon. Wouldn't have changed a thing and would do it all again tomorrow!

Thank you again for your service and very best regards,

Mike






For more information on any of the properties mentioned please call: 01227 753180 and ask for Bruce.

Client Feedback: Breezes Beach Club and Spa

Hi Jennifer,

Now  back from Breezes ,Zanzibar (Monday) &thought I would get in touch to say what a marvelous holiday we had. Everything ran smoothly, save for 4 hour delay & rerouting via Kilimanjaro on the outward journey but which was just one of those things & soon forgotten when we were immersed in the beauty of Breezes resort.

So glad we were steered towards this lovely hotel with it’s wonderful ambience ,décor ,food & service. Our de luxe room was in the most perfect position right on the beach front . It was all very exotic & romantic as well as being reasonably priced for drinks/lunches.  We chose to dine at Tides on  the day of our silver anniversary  (the restaurant for two on the beachfront) and which we can thoroughly recommend for a special occasion. We were well treated & so sad to leave.

Full marks for organization your end inc pickups which ran like clockwork. We will return to Zanzibar & will not hesitate to choose & recommend Pure Zanzibar. So a big thank you to you & your colleagues.

Best wishes,

Linda

Zanzibar Towns to Have Solar Power Installations.

Zanzibar — Almost all major streets in Zanzibar towns on Unguja and Pemba Islands will have solar powered lights should the current discussion between Zanzibar and financiers (China government) succeed.

"The discussions have been progressing well on the project -- that envisages installing solar streets lights. "We expect that the stalled project will proceed soon in Zanzibar Stone Town and its suburbs before shifting to towns in Pemba," said the Minister of State for Finance, economy, and development planning.

The statement was an additional answer to the question asked by legislators who wanted to know whether the project would extended to Pemba Islands. According to Dr Mwinyihaji Makame Mwadini, the minister responsible for Municipal Development, the street lighting project supported by Chinese financiers, started as a pilot project in some parts of the Zanzibar Stone Town.

Mwadini said that since the pilot phase has shown success the government requested China to support the implementation of the entire project including Pemba towns of Chakechake, Mkoani and Wete.

He said that the project would also help the municipal council to minimize costs of using traditional lights from hydroelectricity through the National Grid. The House was informed that the Zanzibar Municipal Council owes the Zanzibar Electricity Company (ZECO) more than 200m/- for the streets lights.


For more information on travel to Zanzibar or Safari Holidays please follow the links or call: 01227 753181

US taxpayers face $76m bill for African trip.

US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have scrapped a safari during their trip to Africa because of the costs of snipers needed "to neutralise cheetahs, lions and other animals if they became a threat", it has been claimed.

The couple will end a week-long tour of Africa in Tanzania, but austerity measures in the Secret Service mean they will not head into the wilderness.

US taxpayers will foot the bill of up to €76m for the trip, only Mr Obama's second to the continent of his father's birth since he became president.

But even with the overall costs involved, their afternoon visit to a Tanzanian wildlife sanctuary was judged too expensive, 'The Washington Post' reported.

It was dropped in favour of a tour of Robben Island – where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned – during the Obamas' visit to South Africa before they fly to Tanzania.

The safari "would have required the president's special counter-assault team to carry sniper rifles with high-calibre rounds that could neutralise cheetahs, lions or other animals if they became a threat", the paper reported, citing a leaked Secret Service document.

The logistics of any presidential trip are costly, but arranging visits to three developing countries with poor security infrastructure and limited medical resources could be the most expensive foreign excursions of Mr Obama's time in office.

Military cargo planes will airlift 56 vehicles including 14 limousines, ambulances equipped for chemical and biological attacks and radio-jamming trucks to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania.
A US aircraft carrier or amphibious warship with a full medical trauma centre will be anchored just offshore in case of emergencies during the trip, between June 26 and July 3.

Steve Atkiss, the special assistant for operations to former president George W Bush, said: "Even in the most developed places of western Europe, the level of support you need for mass movements by the president is extraordinary. As you go farther afield, to less-developed places, certainly it's more of a logistical challenge."

Because the visits happen one after another, three separate security, medical and logistics teams will be dispatched, one to each country. At least 445 Secret Service and White House agents will be involved.

Mr Obama's trip comes three months after Xi Jinping, China's new premier, toured South Africa, Tanzania and the Republic of Congo.

The president is reported to be travelling with more than 500 American entrepreneurs and investors, who will discuss commercial opportunities in each of the African countries.

Mr Obama has spent less than 24 hours in sub-Saharan Africa during his time as president – a visit to Ghana in 2009. His office has stressed that his pending visit is purely business. (© Daily Telegraph, London)

For more information on African Safaris or Zanzibar Holidays please follow the links or call: 01227 753180

Client Feedback: Breezes Zanzibar

Dear Bruce

Thank you for your email.

The trip to Zanzibar was fantastic. Thank you for all of your help.

Breezes did not disappoint.

Staff were very good and service excellent.

Zanzibar Unique were great with the transfers. All on time. My only observation is that there private excursion costs are too high. We wanted to take a day trip to Prison Island and the Spice farm. There quote was some $150 more that the hotels.

Overall great trip.

Will certainly be recommending your company to all.

Regards

Reena

For more information on Safari Holidays or Trips to Zanzibar please follow the links or call:  01227 753180