Optional Zanzibar Extension August 24 – 28, 2024 A study tour presented by The AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund, Inc. (ACREF) in association with The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) Program Design: Flag of Zanzibar Page 1
Stone Town, Zanzibar Photo Credit: Paul Brockmeyer 2024 Travel Accommodation Meals Included Sat 24 Aug JKIA – ZIA STT Maru Maru Hotel D Sun 25 Aug Stone Town Maru Maru Hotel BLD Activities Evening Flight to Zanzibar Transfer to Hotel Stone Town Walking Experience Freee Afternoon Mon 26 Aug Stone Town Nungwi BLD Prison Island Transfer to Nungwi Free Evening Amaan Bungalows Tues 27 Aug Amaan Bungalows BLD Free day *Optional Activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and other watersports can be arranged through the hotel Wed 28 Aug Nungwi - ZIA BL Spice farm visit and lunch Transfer to Stone Town for International departure Abbreviations: JKIA: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), ZIA: Zanzibar International Airport, STT: Stone Town, B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner Page 2
EDU Africa has been selected as the primary program designer and local program facilitator. All EDU Africa programs are implemented by trusted program facilitators and/or guides. The organization’s program facilitators and guides undergo an intensive 12-module training series. The training modules include details on EDU Africa’s transformation goals, reflective practices, emergency procedures, child protection policies and communication skills, among other elements. EDU Africa sources and carefully selects facilitators and guides from the region to ensure that they can effectively meet specific program themes and needs. Their embodiment of EDU Africa’s values of friendliness, collaboration, innovation, stewardship, and learning helps them to holistically support both leaders and participants throughout their program. This guarantees that the planned itinerary and activities come to life. The assigned program facilitator/s and/or guides will be available at all times to assist with any program participant and/or educator needs, thus ensuring the smooth running of the program. ACCOMMODATION Maru Maru Hotel Situated at the heart of Zanzibar’s Stone Town, The Maru Maru Hotel rests in a traditional Zanzibar House with a touch of modern facilities. It is a 2-minute walk from the Old Fort, a 6-minute walk to Darajani Market, and only 5 miles from Zanzibar International Airport. The Hotel has a rooftop terrace with a bar and offers amazing ocean and city views. Maru Maru Hotel, Zanzibar Photo: MaruMaruZanzibar.com With a number of single, twin, double, and family rooms, each room features a seating area with TV, mosquito nets, air conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom. The hotel offers an international restaurant and a cafe, a swimming pool, a courtyard with a fountain, and free Wi-Fi access. Maru Maru Hotel is an excellent spot for groups that seek to explore the historical sites of Stone Town and be surrounded by local shops with remarkable products and restaurants with exquisite local cuisine. Page 3
Amaan Bungalows is a laidback hotel located in Nungwi, a beachfront on the northwestern tip of Zanzibar. It offers a wide range of facilities and leisure options. Set amidst a landscaped tropical oasis of coconut palms, shady trees, and sweet-scented flowers, its traditional architecture utilizes local materials from the island. With 86 rooms available with a sea view, pool view, or standard garden view, there is a choice of king-size, twin, or triple beds, all with en-suite bathrooms. All rooms are complete with airconditioning, ceiling fans, and mosquito nets. Guests can enjoy the best sunsets in Zanzibar. Photo: Booking.com ACTIVITIES Stone Town Walking Experience Stone Town, also known as Mji Mkongwe, is located on the easternmost coast of Zanzibar. Its location and accessibility made it an opportune locale for trade and a plethora of markets. Formerly a Swahili town with Arabic influences, it is now a cultural and historical attraction. It retains a lot of its original townscape with massive buildings primarily made of coralline ragstone and mangrove timber, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Stone Town was also one of the last open slave hubs in the world, closing only in 1873. Many of the monuments still in the town today were, in fact, built by slaves. Stone Town was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. Participants can embark on a guided walk through Stone Town where they will be shown various sites such as the former slave caves and slave market, the Anglican Cathedral, the Sultan’s Palace, the Old Arab Fort, the Freddie Mercury House, and many more. Prison Island Prison Island gets its name from the prison built to condemn Zanzibari citizens to the isolation of the island. Previously owned by an Arab to house his rebellious slaves, the prison was never actually used, and the island is now home to a tortoise sanctuary and a hotel. Prison Island is 20 minutes away from Stone Town by boat and has spectacular coral reefs that participants can enjoy. Giant tortoises shuffle through the trees, with the infinite patience that old age brings. Originally thought to be from the Comoros Islands and Seychelles, some of these tortoises are thought to be over 100 years old. A visit to Prison Island entails a visit to the tortoise sanctuary and a guided exploration of the island. Page 4
In days past, Zanzibar was known as a spice island, exporting cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, and cardamom across the world. The spices were originally brought from Asia and South America and flourished in the tropical climate. Now, the plantations are a tribute to the island’s past and although not a main industry anymore, they are a fascinating attraction and a wonder for the senses. Participants will take a guided walk through a spice farm and will have the opportunity to touch, smell, and taste the different spices and tropical fruits grown on the property as they learn more about them. They will learn to identify the spices from their crushed leaves, the fruit, shoots, vines, and creepers, and will learn the properties, origins, and uses of each spice. A visit to the spice farm village will also give participants some insight into local life and the opportunity to try some authentic Swahili dishes, taste the fruits in season, and try some spiced tea. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCES Program Organizers are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all our program participants by supporting functional differences, disabilities, and any other special needs. If participants have any specific needs that we might be able to accommodate during the program or have requirements for extra time or resources, please let us know in advance so that we can do our best to assist them. As part of the pre-departure processes, the Program Designers will ensure that participants complete the Participant Information Form which asks for details of any allergies, medical conditions, and other special needs. PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS EDU Africa Program Designers do the best they can to ensure that our programs are accessible to as many participants as possible. However, there may be areas in which an individual may not have access or cannot be accommodated with regard to a functional difference. This section lists some elements for participants to consider before they travel. Participants in this program should be aware of and be prepared for the following: ● Signing and adhering to the policies outlined in EDU Africa’s Participant Agreement Form, which include protocols for Notifiable Medical Conditions such as COVID-19. ● Obtaining travel insurance (compulsory) before travel. This should include adequate cover for baggage, curtailment, and provision for any forms of disruptions to travel due to Notifiable Medical Conditions such as COVID-19. Please note that participants who choose not to take out relevant travel insurance must be prepared to directly cover any such expenses as stated above should they arise while they travel. ● Obtaining medical insurance (compulsory) before travel. This should cover any potential medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should participants become too ill to participate, including helicopter rescue and air ambulance services, as well as cover any forms of medical expenses that may be incurred due to illnesses from Notifiable Medical Conditions such as Page 5
insurance must be prepared to directly cover any such expenses as stated above should they arise while they travel. ● Carrying their own luggage as much as possible to minimize cross-contamination with germs (help will be available when necessary in adherence to any Notifiable Medical Conditions protocols) ● Living in a setting away from consistent internet (Wi-Fi only available as provided by accommodations) ● Possessing an awareness of Zanzibar’s laws regarding LGBTQIA+ rights ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY AND COST The itinerary is correct at the time of submission. It is flexible and may be adjusted to meet participants’ needs. In all cases, we will do our best to preserve the quality of what is presented herein. However, we reserve the right to modify the itinerary, locations, accommodation facilities and costs if any changes dictate. All quoted accommodation is subject to availability and confirmed numbers. All prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars (USD). Cost for the program based on per person sharing (double-occupancy): Price per person: $1,070.00 Single Supplement: $200.00 What this includes: All transport, fuel, tolls, and road taxes Full use of vehicle for travel as listed on the daily program (no vehicle on day 4 of the daily program) Support of an EDU Africa Program Facilitator on all days apart from day 4 of the daily program All accommodation as listed above* All meals as specified in the daily program All meals as specified in the daily program 1 drink per person per lunch & dinner meal provided (sodas, juice, local beer, house wine) All activities as listed in the above itinerary Page 6
Wi-Fi (only available as provided by accommodations) All meals and drinks not specified above Laundry International air transportation** All optional extra activities Travel and medical insurance Items of a personal nature, personal insurances, visas and gratuities **Regional flights range from $250 - $350 per person. Flight costs are to be confirmed ahead of time and added to the total cost. REGISTRATION STEPS: Complete Online Application: https://forms.gle/k5UK9Q8uvTnMnNsVA Pay Invoice and receive receipt for payment An information package will be transmitted to you within two (2) to three (3) business days Complete Participant Agreement Form and Liability Waiver Receive final confirmation from program organizers (on or around July 8, 2024) Book air transportation (as required) Photo: pxhere.com Page 7
For those who wish to make payment by means other than via digital wallet (PayPal) or by credit card, the following alternate payment methods are available: The AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund, Inc. (ACREF) • via wire or ACH (automated clearing house) Transfer Account #: 875104441980 Routing #: 125109019 IMPORTANT: Please include “Focus on Africa Global Seminar: Kenya” in the transmittal note. • via Cashier’s Checks, Money Orders, etc. - post funds to: Coastal Community Bank 5415 Evergreen Way Everett, WA 98203 USA For Deposit in: The AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund, Inc. - FOA Trust Account Account #: 875104441980 WITHDRAWAL FROM PROGRAM: 1 The deadline for withdrawal without penalty is Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 23:59:59 GMT/UTC Penalties for withdrawal: Before July 8, 2024 No Penalty Between July 8 and July 14, 2024 60% of billed amount Between July 15 and July 21, 2024 80% of billed amount After July 21, 2024 100% of billed amount Page 8
Age - 18 years old by the program start date Passport – with six (6) months validity and at least one (1) blank page Visa – Obtain on-line via the Tanzanian Electronic Visa Application System (Evisa) https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ Vaccines and Medicines – Please confer with your personal physician well in advance of the scheduled departure date As of early April, 2024, there was a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) Global Advisory in effect – with Tanzania listed among those destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya Passport Health https://www.passporthealthglobal.com/en-gb/destination-advice/kenya/ Fort Zanzibar Photo: Wikimedia Commons Page 9
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