Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Cruise ID: 22096
Ecodesign is at the centre of our reflection. The latest innovations available at the time of its creation were deployed on board this vessel. Since then, PONANT has regularly improved its environmental performance at each technical stop.
Minimal and transitory impact
Modern ships, cutting-edge technologies, strict landing protocols, environmental impact studies, crew training: find the environmental commitments that guide us on a daily basis, with the greatest respect for both the marine andterrestrial ecosystems that we take you to.
Bonuses for the staff is one of the customs of cruise ships and are left to your discretion. An anonymous envelope is left in your stateroom at the end of your cruise. You can leave it at reception in a box provided. This sum is generally in the range of €10-12 per day per passenger. It is then divided between the members of the crew.
Date | Time | Price * | Booking |
---|---|---|---|
31 January 2025 | 19:00 | €9,203 | Call us to book |
12 February 2025 | 18:00 | €9,203 | Call us to book |
24 February 2025 | 19:00 | €10,228 | Call us to book |
02 February 2026 | 19:00 | €11,165 | Call us to book |
* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
Services provided
Services provided
Services provided
Services provided
Services provided
Services provided
Day 1 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Day 2 La Digue, Seychelles
La Digue Island is an island like no other. It is the smallest of the three populated islands in the Seychelles, but the tranquillity will make it feel like you're the only one there.The stunning surroundings should be soaked up from cycling through the vanilla plantations to lying on the white-sandy beaches, your time on La Digue should be cherished.There is a little more to do on La Digue compared to the smaller, uninhabited islands where you can enjoy full moon tours, surfing and snorkelling with a local.
Day 3 Saint François Island, Seychelles
Day 4 Cruising
Day 5 Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
A hidden gem in a faraway archipelago, Aldabra Atoll is one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth.Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra Atoll is formed by 4 large coral reef islands and 40 smaller islands and rocks. It is one of the world's most wild and remote regions with the larger reefs surrounding a shallow lagoon teeming with black-tipped sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the centre of the atoll. Aldabra Atoll truly is a spectacular wonder that is rich in wildlife with Aldabra giant tortoises outnumbering the human population in Seychelles.
Day 6 Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
A hidden gem in a faraway archipelago, Aldabra Atoll is one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth.Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra Atoll is formed by 4 large coral reef islands and 40 smaller islands and rocks. It is one of the world's most wild and remote regions with the larger reefs surrounding a shallow lagoon teeming with black-tipped sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the centre of the atoll. Aldabra Atoll truly is a spectacular wonder that is rich in wildlife with Aldabra giant tortoises outnumbering the human population in Seychelles.
Day 7 Astove Island, Seychelles
Astove is the southernmost island in the Seychelles that is bursting with an abundance of coral life. Renowned for the richness of its seabeds, Astove Atoll is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The “Astove Wall”, where the sea floor drops to a depth of about 40 metres, is highly popular with divers wanting to explore this flourishing area where you can often find fish and green sea turtles.
Day 8 Assumption Island, Seychelles
Day 9 Cruising
Day 10 Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania
Day 11 Pemba Island, Tanzania
Day 12 Pemba Island, Tanzania
Day 13 Zanzibar, Tanzania
This ancient isle once ruled by sultans and slave traders served as the stepping stone into the African continent for missionaries and explorers. Today it attracts visitors intent on discovering sandy beaches, pristine rain forests, or colorful coral reefs. Once known as the Spice Island for its export of cloves, Zanzibar has become one of the most exotic flavors in travel, better than Bali or Mali when it comes to beauty that'll make your jaw drop.Separated from the mainland by a channel only 35 km (22 miles) wide, and only 6 degrees south of the equator, this tiny archipelago—the name Zanzibar also includes the islands of Unguja (the main island) and Pemba—in the Indian Ocean was the launching base for a romantic era of expeditions into Africa. Sir Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke used it as their base when searching for the source of the Nile. It was in Zanzibar where journalist Henry Morton Stanley, perched in an upstairs room overlooking the Stone Town harbor, began his search for David Livingstone.The first ships to enter the archipelago's harbors are believed to have sailed in around 600 BC. Since then, every great navy in the Eastern Hemisphere has dropped anchor here at one time or another. But it was Arab traders who left an indelible mark. Minarets punctuate the skyline of Stone Town, where more than 90% of the residents are Muslim. In the harbor you'll see dhows, the Arabian boats with triangular sails. Islamic women covered by black boubou veils scurry down alleyways so narrow their outstretched arms could touch buildings on both sides. Stone Town received its odd name because most of its buildings were made of limestone and coral, which means exposure to salty air has eroded many foundations.The first Europeans who arrived here were the Portuguese in the 15th century, and thus began a reign of exploitation. As far inland as Lake Tanganyika, slave traders captured the residents or bartered for them from their own chiefs, then forced the newly enslaved to march toward the Indian Ocean carrying loads of ivory tusks. Once at the shore they were shackled together while waiting for dhows to collect them at Bagamoyo, a place whose name means, "here I leave my heart." Although it's estimated that 50,000 slaves passed through the Zanzibar slave market each year during the 19th century, many more died en route.Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged in 1964 to create Tanzania, but the honeymoon was brief. Zanzibar's relationship with the mainland remains uncertain as calls for independence continue. "Bismillah, will you let him go," a lyric from Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," has become a rebel chant for Zanzibar to break from Tanzania.Zanzibar Island, locally known as Unguja, has amazing beaches and resorts, decent dive spots, acres of spice plantations, the Jozani Forest Reserve, and Stone Town. Plus, it takes little more than an hour to fly there. It's a popular spot to head post-safari.Stone Town, the archipelago's major metropolis, is a maze of narrow streets lined with houses featuring magnificently carved doors studded with brass. There are 51 mosques, 6 Hindu temples, and 2 Christian churches. And though it can rightly be called a city, much of the western part of the larger island is a slumbering paradise where cloves, as well as rice and coconuts, still grow.Although the main island of Unguja feels untouched by the rest of the world, the nearby islands of Pemba and Mnemba offer retreats that are even more remote. For many years Arabs referred to Pemba as Al Khudra, or the Green Island, and indeed it still is, with forests of king palms, mangos, and banana trees. The 65-km-long (40-mile-long) island is less famous than Unguja except among scuba divers, who enjoy the coral gardens with colorful sponges and huge fans. Archaeology buffs are also discovering Pemba, where sites from the 9th to the 15th century have been unearthed. At Mtambwe Mkuu coins bearing the heads of sultans were discovered. Ruins along the coast include ancient mosques and tombs. In the 1930s Pemba was famous for its sorcerers, attracting disciples of the black arts from as far away as Haiti. Witchcraft is still practiced, and, oddly, so is bullfighting. Introduced by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the sport has been improved by locals, who rewrote the ending. After enduring the ritual teasing by the matador's cape, the bull is draped with flowers and paraded around the village.Beyond Pemba, smaller islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago range from mere sandbanks to Changu, once a prison island and now home to the giant Aldabra tortoise, Chumbe Island, and Mnemba, a private retreat for guests who pay hundreds of dollars per day to get away from it all.
Day 1 Zanzibar, Tanzania
This ancient isle once ruled by sultans and slave traders served as the stepping stone into the African continent for missionaries and explorers. Today it attracts visitors intent on discovering sandy beaches, pristine rain forests, or colorful coral reefs. Once known as the Spice Island for its export of cloves, Zanzibar has become one of the most exotic flavors in travel, better than Bali or Mali when it comes to beauty that'll make your jaw drop.Separated from the mainland by a channel only 35 km (22 miles) wide, and only 6 degrees south of the equator, this tiny archipelago—the name Zanzibar also includes the islands of Unguja (the main island) and Pemba—in the Indian Ocean was the launching base for a romantic era of expeditions into Africa. Sir Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke used it as their base when searching for the source of the Nile. It was in Zanzibar where journalist Henry Morton Stanley, perched in an upstairs room overlooking the Stone Town harbor, began his search for David Livingstone.The first ships to enter the archipelago's harbors are believed to have sailed in around 600 BC. Since then, every great navy in the Eastern Hemisphere has dropped anchor here at one time or another. But it was Arab traders who left an indelible mark. Minarets punctuate the skyline of Stone Town, where more than 90% of the residents are Muslim. In the harbor you'll see dhows, the Arabian boats with triangular sails. Islamic women covered by black boubou veils scurry down alleyways so narrow their outstretched arms could touch buildings on both sides. Stone Town received its odd name because most of its buildings were made of limestone and coral, which means exposure to salty air has eroded many foundations.The first Europeans who arrived here were the Portuguese in the 15th century, and thus began a reign of exploitation. As far inland as Lake Tanganyika, slave traders captured the residents or bartered for them from their own chiefs, then forced the newly enslaved to march toward the Indian Ocean carrying loads of ivory tusks. Once at the shore they were shackled together while waiting for dhows to collect them at Bagamoyo, a place whose name means, "here I leave my heart." Although it's estimated that 50,000 slaves passed through the Zanzibar slave market each year during the 19th century, many more died en route.Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged in 1964 to create Tanzania, but the honeymoon was brief. Zanzibar's relationship with the mainland remains uncertain as calls for independence continue. "Bismillah, will you let him go," a lyric from Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," has become a rebel chant for Zanzibar to break from Tanzania.Zanzibar Island, locally known as Unguja, has amazing beaches and resorts, decent dive spots, acres of spice plantations, the Jozani Forest Reserve, and Stone Town. Plus, it takes little more than an hour to fly there. It's a popular spot to head post-safari.Stone Town, the archipelago's major metropolis, is a maze of narrow streets lined with houses featuring magnificently carved doors studded with brass. There are 51 mosques, 6 Hindu temples, and 2 Christian churches. And though it can rightly be called a city, much of the western part of the larger island is a slumbering paradise where cloves, as well as rice and coconuts, still grow.Although the main island of Unguja feels untouched by the rest of the world, the nearby islands of Pemba and Mnemba offer retreats that are even more remote. For many years Arabs referred to Pemba as Al Khudra, or the Green Island, and indeed it still is, with forests of king palms, mangos, and banana trees. The 65-km-long (40-mile-long) island is less famous than Unguja except among scuba divers, who enjoy the coral gardens with colorful sponges and huge fans. Archaeology buffs are also discovering Pemba, where sites from the 9th to the 15th century have been unearthed. At Mtambwe Mkuu coins bearing the heads of sultans were discovered. Ruins along the coast include ancient mosques and tombs. In the 1930s Pemba was famous for its sorcerers, attracting disciples of the black arts from as far away as Haiti. Witchcraft is still practiced, and, oddly, so is bullfighting. Introduced by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the sport has been improved by locals, who rewrote the ending. After enduring the ritual teasing by the matador's cape, the bull is draped with flowers and paraded around the village.Beyond Pemba, smaller islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago range from mere sandbanks to Changu, once a prison island and now home to the giant Aldabra tortoise, Chumbe Island, and Mnemba, a private retreat for guests who pay hundreds of dollars per day to get away from it all.
Day 2 Pemba Island, Tanzania
Day 3 Pemba Island, Tanzania
Day 4 Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania
Day 5 Cruising
Day 6 Assumption Island, Seychelles
Day 7 Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
A hidden gem in a faraway archipelago, Aldabra Atoll is one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth.Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra Atoll is formed by 4 large coral reef islands and 40 smaller islands and rocks. It is one of the world's most wild and remote regions with the larger reefs surrounding a shallow lagoon teeming with black-tipped sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the centre of the atoll. Aldabra Atoll truly is a spectacular wonder that is rich in wildlife with Aldabra giant tortoises outnumbering the human population in Seychelles.
Day 8 Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
A hidden gem in a faraway archipelago, Aldabra Atoll is one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth.Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra Atoll is formed by 4 large coral reef islands and 40 smaller islands and rocks. It is one of the world's most wild and remote regions with the larger reefs surrounding a shallow lagoon teeming with black-tipped sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the centre of the atoll. Aldabra Atoll truly is a spectacular wonder that is rich in wildlife with Aldabra giant tortoises outnumbering the human population in Seychelles.
Day 9 Astove Island, Seychelles
Astove is the southernmost island in the Seychelles that is bursting with an abundance of coral life. Renowned for the richness of its seabeds, Astove Atoll is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The “Astove Wall”, where the sea floor drops to a depth of about 40 metres, is highly popular with divers wanting to explore this flourishing area where you can often find fish and green sea turtles.
Day 10 Cruising
Day 11 Saint François Island, Seychelles
Day 12 La Digue, Seychelles
La Digue Island is an island like no other. It is the smallest of the three populated islands in the Seychelles, but the tranquillity will make it feel like you're the only one there.The stunning surroundings should be soaked up from cycling through the vanilla plantations to lying on the white-sandy beaches, your time on La Digue should be cherished.There is a little more to do on La Digue compared to the smaller, uninhabited islands where you can enjoy full moon tours, surfing and snorkelling with a local.
Day 13 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Day 1 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Day 2 La Digue, Seychelles
La Digue Island is an island like no other. It is the smallest of the three populated islands in the Seychelles, but the tranquillity will make it feel like you're the only one there.The stunning surroundings should be soaked up from cycling through the vanilla plantations to lying on the white-sandy beaches, your time on La Digue should be cherished.There is a little more to do on La Digue compared to the smaller, uninhabited islands where you can enjoy full moon tours, surfing and snorkelling with a local.
Day 3 Saint François Island, Seychelles
Day 4 Cruising
Day 5 Assumption Island, Seychelles
Day 6 Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
A hidden gem in a faraway archipelago, Aldabra Atoll is one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth.Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra Atoll is formed by 4 large coral reef islands and 40 smaller islands and rocks. It is one of the world's most wild and remote regions with the larger reefs surrounding a shallow lagoon teeming with black-tipped sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the centre of the atoll. Aldabra Atoll truly is a spectacular wonder that is rich in wildlife with Aldabra giant tortoises outnumbering the human population in Seychelles.
Day 7 Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
A hidden gem in a faraway archipelago, Aldabra Atoll is one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth.Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra Atoll is formed by 4 large coral reef islands and 40 smaller islands and rocks. It is one of the world's most wild and remote regions with the larger reefs surrounding a shallow lagoon teeming with black-tipped sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the centre of the atoll. Aldabra Atoll truly is a spectacular wonder that is rich in wildlife with Aldabra giant tortoises outnumbering the human population in Seychelles.
Day 8 Astove Island, Seychelles
Astove is the southernmost island in the Seychelles that is bursting with an abundance of coral life. Renowned for the richness of its seabeds, Astove Atoll is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The “Astove Wall”, where the sea floor drops to a depth of about 40 metres, is highly popular with divers wanting to explore this flourishing area where you can often find fish and green sea turtles.
Day 9 Cruising
Day 10 Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania
Day 11 Pemba Island, Tanzania
Day 12 Pemba Island, Tanzania
Day 13 Zanzibar, Tanzania
This ancient isle once ruled by sultans and slave traders served as the stepping stone into the African continent for missionaries and explorers. Today it attracts visitors intent on discovering sandy beaches, pristine rain forests, or colorful coral reefs. Once known as the Spice Island for its export of cloves, Zanzibar has become one of the most exotic flavors in travel, better than Bali or Mali when it comes to beauty that'll make your jaw drop.Separated from the mainland by a channel only 35 km (22 miles) wide, and only 6 degrees south of the equator, this tiny archipelago—the name Zanzibar also includes the islands of Unguja (the main island) and Pemba—in the Indian Ocean was the launching base for a romantic era of expeditions into Africa. Sir Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke used it as their base when searching for the source of the Nile. It was in Zanzibar where journalist Henry Morton Stanley, perched in an upstairs room overlooking the Stone Town harbor, began his search for David Livingstone.The first ships to enter the archipelago's harbors are believed to have sailed in around 600 BC. Since then, every great navy in the Eastern Hemisphere has dropped anchor here at one time or another. But it was Arab traders who left an indelible mark. Minarets punctuate the skyline of Stone Town, where more than 90% of the residents are Muslim. In the harbor you'll see dhows, the Arabian boats with triangular sails. Islamic women covered by black boubou veils scurry down alleyways so narrow their outstretched arms could touch buildings on both sides. Stone Town received its odd name because most of its buildings were made of limestone and coral, which means exposure to salty air has eroded many foundations.The first Europeans who arrived here were the Portuguese in the 15th century, and thus began a reign of exploitation. As far inland as Lake Tanganyika, slave traders captured the residents or bartered for them from their own chiefs, then forced the newly enslaved to march toward the Indian Ocean carrying loads of ivory tusks. Once at the shore they were shackled together while waiting for dhows to collect them at Bagamoyo, a place whose name means, "here I leave my heart." Although it's estimated that 50,000 slaves passed through the Zanzibar slave market each year during the 19th century, many more died en route.Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged in 1964 to create Tanzania, but the honeymoon was brief. Zanzibar's relationship with the mainland remains uncertain as calls for independence continue. "Bismillah, will you let him go," a lyric from Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," has become a rebel chant for Zanzibar to break from Tanzania.Zanzibar Island, locally known as Unguja, has amazing beaches and resorts, decent dive spots, acres of spice plantations, the Jozani Forest Reserve, and Stone Town. Plus, it takes little more than an hour to fly there. It's a popular spot to head post-safari.Stone Town, the archipelago's major metropolis, is a maze of narrow streets lined with houses featuring magnificently carved doors studded with brass. There are 51 mosques, 6 Hindu temples, and 2 Christian churches. And though it can rightly be called a city, much of the western part of the larger island is a slumbering paradise where cloves, as well as rice and coconuts, still grow.Although the main island of Unguja feels untouched by the rest of the world, the nearby islands of Pemba and Mnemba offer retreats that are even more remote. For many years Arabs referred to Pemba as Al Khudra, or the Green Island, and indeed it still is, with forests of king palms, mangos, and banana trees. The 65-km-long (40-mile-long) island is less famous than Unguja except among scuba divers, who enjoy the coral gardens with colorful sponges and huge fans. Archaeology buffs are also discovering Pemba, where sites from the 9th to the 15th century have been unearthed. At Mtambwe Mkuu coins bearing the heads of sultans were discovered. Ruins along the coast include ancient mosques and tombs. In the 1930s Pemba was famous for its sorcerers, attracting disciples of the black arts from as far away as Haiti. Witchcraft is still practiced, and, oddly, so is bullfighting. Introduced by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the sport has been improved by locals, who rewrote the ending. After enduring the ritual teasing by the matador's cape, the bull is draped with flowers and paraded around the village.Beyond Pemba, smaller islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago range from mere sandbanks to Changu, once a prison island and now home to the giant Aldabra tortoise, Chumbe Island, and Mnemba, a private retreat for guests who pay hundreds of dollars per day to get away from it all.
Day 1 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Day 2 La Digue, Seychelles
La Digue Island is an island like no other. It is the smallest of the three populated islands in the Seychelles, but the tranquillity will make it feel like you're the only one there.The stunning surroundings should be soaked up from cycling through the vanilla plantations to lying on the white-sandy beaches, your time on La Digue should be cherished.There is a little more to do on La Digue compared to the smaller, uninhabited islands where you can enjoy full moon tours, surfing and snorkelling with a local.
Day 3 Saint François Island, Seychelles
Day 4 Cruising
Day 5 Astove Island, Seychelles
Astove is the southernmost island in the Seychelles that is bursting with an abundance of coral life. Renowned for the richness of its seabeds, Astove Atoll is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The “Astove Wall”, where the sea floor drops to a depth of about 40 metres, is highly popular with divers wanting to explore this flourishing area where you can often find fish and green sea turtles.
Day 6 Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
A hidden gem in a faraway archipelago, Aldabra Atoll is one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth.Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra Atoll is formed by 4 large coral reef islands and 40 smaller islands and rocks. It is one of the world's most wild and remote regions with the larger reefs surrounding a shallow lagoon teeming with black-tipped sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the centre of the atoll. Aldabra Atoll truly is a spectacular wonder that is rich in wildlife with Aldabra giant tortoises outnumbering the human population in Seychelles.
Day 7 Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
A hidden gem in a faraway archipelago, Aldabra Atoll is one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth.Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra Atoll is formed by 4 large coral reef islands and 40 smaller islands and rocks. It is one of the world's most wild and remote regions with the larger reefs surrounding a shallow lagoon teeming with black-tipped sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the centre of the atoll. Aldabra Atoll truly is a spectacular wonder that is rich in wildlife with Aldabra giant tortoises outnumbering the human population in Seychelles.
Day 8 Assumption Island, Seychelles
Day 9 Cruising
Day 10 Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania
Day 11 Pemba Island, Tanzania
Day 12 Pemba Island, Tanzania
Day 13 Zanzibar, Tanzania
This ancient isle once ruled by sultans and slave traders served as the stepping stone into the African continent for missionaries and explorers. Today it attracts visitors intent on discovering sandy beaches, pristine rain forests, or colorful coral reefs. Once known as the Spice Island for its export of cloves, Zanzibar has become one of the most exotic flavors in travel, better than Bali or Mali when it comes to beauty that'll make your jaw drop.Separated from the mainland by a channel only 35 km (22 miles) wide, and only 6 degrees south of the equator, this tiny archipelago—the name Zanzibar also includes the islands of Unguja (the main island) and Pemba—in the Indian Ocean was the launching base for a romantic era of expeditions into Africa. Sir Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke used it as their base when searching for the source of the Nile. It was in Zanzibar where journalist Henry Morton Stanley, perched in an upstairs room overlooking the Stone Town harbor, began his search for David Livingstone.The first ships to enter the archipelago's harbors are believed to have sailed in around 600 BC. Since then, every great navy in the Eastern Hemisphere has dropped anchor here at one time or another. But it was Arab traders who left an indelible mark. Minarets punctuate the skyline of Stone Town, where more than 90% of the residents are Muslim. In the harbor you'll see dhows, the Arabian boats with triangular sails. Islamic women covered by black boubou veils scurry down alleyways so narrow their outstretched arms could touch buildings on both sides. Stone Town received its odd name because most of its buildings were made of limestone and coral, which means exposure to salty air has eroded many foundations.The first Europeans who arrived here were the Portuguese in the 15th century, and thus began a reign of exploitation. As far inland as Lake Tanganyika, slave traders captured the residents or bartered for them from their own chiefs, then forced the newly enslaved to march toward the Indian Ocean carrying loads of ivory tusks. Once at the shore they were shackled together while waiting for dhows to collect them at Bagamoyo, a place whose name means, "here I leave my heart." Although it's estimated that 50,000 slaves passed through the Zanzibar slave market each year during the 19th century, many more died en route.Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged in 1964 to create Tanzania, but the honeymoon was brief. Zanzibar's relationship with the mainland remains uncertain as calls for independence continue. "Bismillah, will you let him go," a lyric from Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," has become a rebel chant for Zanzibar to break from Tanzania.Zanzibar Island, locally known as Unguja, has amazing beaches and resorts, decent dive spots, acres of spice plantations, the Jozani Forest Reserve, and Stone Town. Plus, it takes little more than an hour to fly there. It's a popular spot to head post-safari.Stone Town, the archipelago's major metropolis, is a maze of narrow streets lined with houses featuring magnificently carved doors studded with brass. There are 51 mosques, 6 Hindu temples, and 2 Christian churches. And though it can rightly be called a city, much of the western part of the larger island is a slumbering paradise where cloves, as well as rice and coconuts, still grow.Although the main island of Unguja feels untouched by the rest of the world, the nearby islands of Pemba and Mnemba offer retreats that are even more remote. For many years Arabs referred to Pemba as Al Khudra, or the Green Island, and indeed it still is, with forests of king palms, mangos, and banana trees. The 65-km-long (40-mile-long) island is less famous than Unguja except among scuba divers, who enjoy the coral gardens with colorful sponges and huge fans. Archaeology buffs are also discovering Pemba, where sites from the 9th to the 15th century have been unearthed. At Mtambwe Mkuu coins bearing the heads of sultans were discovered. Ruins along the coast include ancient mosques and tombs. In the 1930s Pemba was famous for its sorcerers, attracting disciples of the black arts from as far away as Haiti. Witchcraft is still practiced, and, oddly, so is bullfighting. Introduced by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the sport has been improved by locals, who rewrote the ending. After enduring the ritual teasing by the matador's cape, the bull is draped with flowers and paraded around the village.Beyond Pemba, smaller islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago range from mere sandbanks to Changu, once a prison island and now home to the giant Aldabra tortoise, Chumbe Island, and Mnemba, a private retreat for guests who pay hundreds of dollars per day to get away from it all.
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