Luxury Travel to Africa Just Got More Affordable

Zanzibar Music Festival Provides a Luxury Escape to Exotic Africa
Price reduced until December 11th--No single supplement! Singles will just pay the same rate as doubles

Looking for a totally cool and unique way to beat the economic and winter doldrums? How about whiling away your evenings dancing to African vibes under a clear night sky while spending your days exploring the magic and mystery of exotic ZANZIBAR? Think it can’t get any better? After spending a week at the famous Sauti za Busara (“Sounds of Wisdom”) music festival you will enjoy 5 glorious days relaxing (or not) at a 5 star resort and spa on the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.

One With Africa www.onewithafrica.com, an African travel specialist company based in Western NC is offering a 13 day/12 night small group luxury tour built around the Festival in February 2009. If you prefer to travel independently a custom itinerary can easily be arranged.

On February 11 you will be met at the Zanzibar airport by the Festival’s North American representative who will be your personal guide throughout your journey. With his extensive knowledge of Zanzibar and the Festival, Graham will keep you abreast of all festival activities and can suggest other activities that suit your specific interests.

So what can you expect? A carnival and street parade kicks off festivities on Thursday, February 12th, featuring a beni brass band, drummers, wanandege (umbrella women), dancers, stilt walkers and acrobats. The parade arrives at Forodhani Gardens around 5pm and continues into the Old Fort where the Festival gets under way with an eclectic mix of African and world music.
.Each day big names are joined by upcoming artists. Altogether, thirty of the best groups from Zanzibar, Tanzania and around East Africa are scheduled to perform, featuring traditional, modern and acoustic music. Another ten groups, from Comoros, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mali, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and UK will also take the stage. Here is what the BBC had to say about the Festival:
"There the music blended and grooved, dancers felt moved to do spontaneous improvisations, drummers went flying in search of new rhythms and the singers explored new harmonies and sounds together. There were a few of those really magical moments, when different musicians find that common place where it 'clicks' and everything works in harmony to produce a truly exciting new sound". - BBC

The main stage of the festival is situated within Stone Town’s historic Old Fort under open skies. The venue explodes with color as stalls sell food, refreshments, African clothing, music and local handicrafts. The atmosphere is unique, special and the Festival has a reputation as “the friendliest festival on the planet!”

Included activities while in Stonetown feature a visit to a local spice farm, a day trip to Prison Island (where the century-old turtles lay their eggs on the beach), a walking tour of ancient Stonetown and a visit to nearby Jozani Forest (home to red colobus monkeys) followed by a tour of the Mbweni ruins. You will also have a couple of days at leisure to do what you please. Of course, you will enjoy VIP passes to all festival events. On your last night of the festival you will leave town behind and head for Kendwa Rocks, a beautiful beach location on Zanzibar's north coast. There will be DJs, acrobats, and live performances evolving into a fantastic Festival Finale Party - and dancing till dawn.


While in Stonetown you will stay at the historic and elegant 236 Hurumzi Hotel, a World Heritage Site situated in the heart of town and an easy walk to the Festival. After the Festival, head to the beach for some serious down time, staying at the 5 star Breezes Beach Resort and Spa for the remaining 5 nights of your journey. You can opt to relax in their fully equipped spa, enjoy a romantic dhow cruise or just laze on their beautiful white sandy beach. For the more adventurous the resort offers a range of marine activities including beach volleyball, pedal boats, canoeing, daily snorkeling trips to the lagoon, windsurfing and sailing. Up for a bit of diving or always wanted to learn? The resort features a fully certified PADI dive center which caters to both advanced divers and those requiring one on one instruction.

This is an ideal trip not only for music lovers but also for fun-loving travelers who appreciate culture, history and rare architecture - not to mention wonderful Swahili cuisine. It is a unique and fun opportunity to meet the local people in a truly authentic atmosphere while mixing with fellow international travelers.

Now for the best part. If you book your journey by December 11, 2008 the cost of this 13 day, 12 night adventure is only $3250 and includes all breakfasts and most meals, hotel accommodations, airport and resort transfers on Zanzibar and a V.I.P. Festival pass to all events/performances. This price is good for either single or double occupancy! After December 11th the price increases to $4900 and is based on double occupancy. This is a LAND ONLY price. Airfare to Zanzibar, airport departure taxes ($30/person) and any personal expenses are extra. Mary Ann Merrill, owner of One With Africa will be glad to provide a detailed itinerary, assist you will all travel arrangements and answer any questions you might have. Pre and post safari extensions can be easily arranged. Email Mary Ann (maryann@onewithafrica.com) or call her toll free at (866) 250-5790.

Rather travel on your own and/or don’t want to spend a week at the Festival? Please contact Mary Ann who will be happy to design a private itinerary for you with a pre or post safari extension according to your particular interests and time allowances. February is a great time to go on safari in Tanzania. This is typically the time of year when the wildebeest drop their calves and predator action is plentiful. What an exciting way to chase away the cold weather blues!