Giant tortoises of Zanzibar
Aldabra giant tortoises
The Aldabra giant tortoises of Ghanguu Island just off the coast of Zanzibar have become a major tourist attraction of the region. Ghanguu Island also known as Prison Island but never used as a prison is around 800 m (2,600 ft) long and 230 m (750 ft) wide at its broadest point. It is 5.6 km (3.5 mi) northwest of Stone Town and not more than 30 minutes per boat trip away from the mainland. The island's tortoises originated from the island of Aldabra as a gift of four tortoises in 1919 from the then British governor of Seychelles. The tortoises bred quickly, and their numbers swelled to 200 by 1955 after which it dropped again as they were sold as pets or for food and by 1996 almost went extinct on the island. The Zanzibar government with the aid of the World Animal Protection society stepped in and brought some more hatchlings to the island which resulted in the numbers growing back to well over 100 tortoises. Changuu Island's Aldabra tortoises are the world's second-largest tortoise and are only surpassed by the Galapagos tortoise in size. They can weigh up to 250 kilos and grow to a length of 1.22 meters. Their food consists mainly of vegetation, and they sometimes topple small trees to grab some leaves. They breed easily and produce new litters every year between February and May. The baby tortoises are very vulnerable and must be kept in cages for months to protect them Many of the tortoises are more than a hundred years old with their ages written on their backs. Tourists are allowed to feed them and also scratch their backs which they love. Please enquire at our reception for more information on this day trip.Yoga classes
Yoga on the beach
Experience the ancient art of yoga, or the restorative practice of pilates, as you balance mind, body and spirit in one of the most remarkable locations in Zanzibar. Among the most unique experiences available at Five Palms Zanzibar are our early morning Yoga and Pilates classes.
Sports
Volley on the beach
Enjoy sport even on vacation to stay fit or, enjoy friendly games on the beach. We have ready a Volley court, made especially for you. We also have available Kites and Surf boards if you are interested in water games. Five Palms is prepared to keep you fit and entertained.
Water activities
Snorkeling, Kiting, Surfing, and more
Enjoy a private trip with a motor boat or a traditional sail boat, or simply relax on our private beach. You can also have fun with Kites, Surfs. Snorkeling is available every day, with our experienced instructors.
Free biking in Zanzibar
Free Bikes to Explore Zanzibar
Explore Zanzibar on a bike, that is offered for FREE by Five Palms. Now, you can experience the exotic Island in a more personal way, using the bikes that you can find in our Hotel. After you serve your breakfast at Kayo Restaurant from Five Palms, you can take a ride to the village, interact with the villagers, or, just take a ride on the beach. If you want, you can use the bike the whole day and just ride until sunset.Zanzibarian monkeys
Red Colobus Monkeys
Red Monkeys are living on the property of Five Palms Zanzibar and you can enjoy them every day. You will see them in the trees of the Hotel, in the Garden, and on the beach. The Zanzibar red colobus (Piliocolobus kirkii) is a species of red colobus monkey endemic to Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, off the coast of Tanzania. It is also known as Kirk's red colobus after Sir John Kirk, the British Resident of Zanzibar who first brought it to the attention of zoological science. It is now classified as an endangered species and in the mid-1990s was adopted as the flagship species for conservation in Zanzibar.Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens
The true beauty of the coral gardens lies below the waves. To discover this magical haven of color, where tropical fish makes their homes among the fantastically shaped coral, you can go snorkeling with a member of our personal watersports team. You will go on a guided tour that will last a few hours, but the memories you gained here will last your entire life. We provide all the necessary equipment.Spice tour
Zanzibar is an island well known for its varied spices cultivated directly on the island. The local foods get their rich and diverse flavours from the colourful spices that are found on farms all over the island. We offer you the opportunity to go on a guided tour to one such spice farm in order to find out more about their history, one that is as rich as the taste that these spices give to the foods they are put in. Not only will you get to know these spices but you will also be able to sample them.Dolphin Tour
Dolphin Tour
Zanzibar Island is a lucky one with famous dolphin points specially in the south coast Kizimkazi village. Bottle nose dolphins are the popular and are often seen when settled after having had there prey.Dolphins need to be in free life , not be interrupted and harassed due to personal interests but it is good to visit them with wide mind of 'PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB'