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  • 10 Best things to do in Zanzibar

    Flight Centre Independent - Dirk Ross

    Welcome to Zanzibar, a beautiful island located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, Zanzibar offers visitors a wealth of experiences to enjoy. In this article, we'll explore the 10 best things to do in Zanzibar, from relaxing on the beach to exploring the island's historic sites.

    1. Visit Stone Town. Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful architecture, winding alleyways, and bustling markets. Take a walking tour of the town to discover its many hidden gems, including the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Sultan's Palace.

    2. Explore Jozani Forest. Jozani Forest is the last remaining natural forest on Zanzibar and home to a number of unique species, including the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Take a guided tour of the forest to learn about its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.

    3. Relax on the Beach. Zanzibar is known for its stunning beaches, with crystal-clear waters and white sand. Whether you prefer to relax on the beach with a good book or take a dip in the sea, Zanzibar's beaches offer something for everyone.

    4. Go Snorkeling or Diving. Zanzibar's coral reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colorful fish. Take a snorkeling or diving tour to explore these underwater wonders and see the vibrant coral up close.

    5. Visit Prison Island. Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is a small island off the coast of Stone Town. Once used as a prison, it is now home to a number of giant tortoises and offers visitors the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters and relax on the beach.

    6. Take a Spice Tour. Zanzibar has long been known as the "Spice Island" for its production of cloves, cinnamon, and other spices. Take a guided tour of one of the island's spice plantations to learn about the history of the spice trade and see how spices are grown and harvested.

    7. Learn About Zanzibar's History. Zanzibar has a rich and complex history, shaped by its position as a hub of trade and commerce. Visit the Zanzibar National Museum of History and Culture to learn about the island's past, from its early settlements to its role in the slave trade.

    8. Take a Sunset Cruise. Watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean on a sunset cruise off the coast of Zanzibar. Many of these cruises include dinner and drinks, making for a romantic and unforgettable experience.

    9. Visit a Local Village. Take a guided tour of a local village to learn about daily life on Zanzibar. Meet local residents, visit a traditional market, and learn about the island's culture and traditions.

    10. Try Zanzibari Cuisine. Zanzibari cuisine is a blend of African, Indian, and Arabic influences, with a focus on seafood, spices, and fresh produce. Sample some of the island's delicious dishes, such as grilled octopus, coconut curry, and pilau rice, at one of its many restaurants and cafes.

    Zanzibar offers visitors a wealth of experiences to enjoy, from its beautiful beaches to its rich culture and history. Whether you're interested in relaxing on the beach, exploring the island's natural wonders, or learning about its past, Zanzibar has something for everyone.

    So what are you waiting for? Book today with Flight Centre Independent - Dirk Ross!!

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  • Get Ready for an Unforgettable Touring Holiday in 2023!

    Start Planning Now!

    Get Ready for an Unforgettable Touring Holiday in 2023!  

    A tour is a great way to see more of your holiday destination than you otherwise might.  From day tours to month-long tours, from walking tours to cooking tours, let the local experts share their secrets of their city on a tour. 

    Trafalgar is the world’s leading and most awarded travel brand, dedicated to bringing to life the unique moments that inspire you to leave with your own stories to tell. From our carefully-crafted trips and exclusive Be My Guest experiences to our tribe of passionate Travel Directors and Local Specialists, we enable you to discover the rich diversity of the world so you’re free to just be; be happy, be inspired, be in the moment.We consider how we can positively impact the communities we engage with. Through our JoinTrafalgar initiatives powered by our TreadRight Foundation, we aim to inspire people to connect worldwide through a series of rich, local experiences that you won't find anywhere else.

    Insight Vacations collection of award-winning itineraries showcase the most outstanding destinations and curated experiences in Europe and North America. Guided by a highly-skilled Travel Director, guests can look forward to travelling in smaller groups, savouring authentic dining and enjoying a range of immersive Insight Experiences.

    Luxury Gold sets an unmatched standard with its collection of award-winning journeys. Guided by a Travelling Concierge, Luxury Gold is a journey beyond the ordinary, where guests enjoy exclusive VIP Experiences, savour exceptional dining and relax in luxury hotels on every curated itinerary. As global leaders in luxury travel with expertise accumulated over nearly 100 years, Luxury Gold epitomizes extraordinary exploration to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

    Lasting travel memories don’t have to cost the earth. These value tours cover all the essentials, while providing you the building block to tailor your dream holiday. Every tour is carefully crafted with our guests in mind, so you can just get going without the hassle of logistics.  We ensure you have all you need covered so you can just focus on enhancing your tour, your way.  You choose from our carefully selected optional experiences and tour extensions, or simply create your own adventures

    Contiki is so much than just a tour company. It’s a globetrotting juggernaut. As the world’s leading youth travel company with over 55 years’ travel expertise, they know how to show young, adventurous travellers a good time wherever they go. Where do we begin? First off, all Contiki Tours are designed for travellers between the ages of 18 and 35. No more, no less. This means you’re always surrounded by like-minded people who are keen on the same kind of destinations and experiences as you are. Who knows, you might even meet your new best friend en route? Contiki knows what you want from your travels and they know how to give it to you. From local insights and secret hotspots to great value, comfy accommodation and plenty of WiFi – your holiday is totally sorted from start to finish.

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  • Club Med – Crafting Remarkable All-Inclusive Holidays

    Club Med has been crafting remarkable all-inclusive dream holidays for South Africans for over forty years with the notion of “ peace of mind is a destination”. At Flight Centre, our partnership with Club Med has enabled us to create amazing travel experiences that are taken to the next level.

    When you stay at a Club Med resort that’s been booked through one of Flight Centre’s travel experts you can expect:

    - The most beautiful destinations
    - Supervision for the young ones from 4 months to 17 years
    - Expertise for children and families
    - Wide choice of sports and entertainment
    - Gourmet cuisine, bar and snack bar 24/7
    - Lift passes, group lessons and après-ski on the slopes

     

    club med sun

    Sun or snow, you’ll have fun wherever you go, with Club Med

    Club Med boasts a wide range of resorts for beach-loving holidaymakers and amazing winter wonderland ski experiences. If you are looking for white powder beaches or white snowy mountain tops, there’s only one place to go…a Club Med resort.

    Top Tip #1: Club Med also offers a 15% discount to those who book in advance.

    Why go all-inclusive?

    You can be sure that you are getting value for your money with everything being included. Look forward to full-board gourmet cuisine, premium drinks and open bar, and a wide range of activities and sports with quality equipment and entertainment for the whole family. Minimise the stress of planning that perfect holiday with Club Med's all-inclusive holidays!

    All-inclusive holidays are exactly that - they include everything! One booking takes care of every detail including your flights and transfers to the resort, beautiful accommodation, meals, drinks, entertainment, sports and recreational activities. It even includes free Wi-Fi, taxes and tips.

     

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    Fun for all ages

    All-inclusive holidays are tailored for couples, families, winter sports and summer sun holidays. Whether you are planning a long stay in a far-flung destination or want a short break closer to home, Club Med has the perfect holiday just waiting for you.

    For the love of the beach

    We love the island vibe, there’s no denying that. It’s no secret that South Africans flock to the islands of the Indian Ocean year on year and with so many on our doorstep, it’s no wonder either. Club Med has some spectacular properties in Mauritius, Seychelles and the Maldives.

    It’s worth adding up the cost of one night’s accommodation, meals throughout the day including a gourmet multi-course dinner in the evening, soft drinks throughout the day, speciality sundowners and perhaps an after-dinner liqueur or brandy.

    Then add the cost of a couple of hours of water sports activities, beach chair rentals and ice creams and you will quickly appreciate that all-inclusive holidays offer unbelievable value for money. Going all-inclusive means you can give your wallet a break as everything is already paid for upfront. This means there’s no danger of losing your cash and valuables, and your credit card gets a holiday too!

     

    club med sun

    There’s snow holiday like a Club Med ski holiday

     From luxurious ski holidays in the Swiss Alps to snowboarding breaks in Italy and lavish chalet destinations in France, Club Med holidays have it all! Best of all they make the whole experience completely hassle-free. From flights and transfers to food, lessons and lift passes, it’s all included.

    Whether you want to bravely tackle fiendish black runs in France, slink through a slalom in Switzerland or take the family for pizza, pasta and perfect pistes in Italy, Club Med’s stunning resorts are kitted out with all you need for the perfect ski holiday in Europe’s most popular destinations.

    Club Med have 22 resorts across the best ski domains in France, Italy and Switzerland, each offering its own distinct personality alongside the high level of service that goes hand in hand with Club Med.

    Your package includes skiing and snowboarding lessons for all ages and standards, a 6-day lift pass (when you book a classic seven-day package) to take you wherever you need to go on the mountains, and our talented chefs preparing a wide range of dishes throughout the day, as well as Kid’s Clubs, evening activities and so much more.

    And when it comes to the slopes, they have resorts that offer the perfect environment for younger first-timers, challengingly steep black runs for the more advanced, and all points in between.

    Top Tip #2:You can hire your equipment directly from Club Med (at an extra charge). Plus their on-site ski rooms allow for the convenience of picking up and dropping everything off right at your chosen resort.

     

    club med ski

    Club Med Cares!

    Another reason that we are so fanatical about Club Med as a partner is that it’s not just about your experience, but about the impact on local communities too.

    Due to the variety of activities on offer in a Club Med Resort, the number of jobs created there is greater than in conventional hotels.

    On average, 86% of purchases (goods and materials) by a particular resort are from suppliers in the country where the resort is located.

    Although a portion of these purchases, which we aren’t able to assess precisely, comes from products imported by the local suppliers themselves, this average nevertheless shows Club Med’s wish to work with local partners, producers or distributors as far as is possible.

    If you are looking for the best hassle-free holiday you can imagine, get speaking to one of our travel experts today and discover how easy it is, when you partner with the best.

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  • The Beachcomber Experience

    If you were to soar above the clouds 100 kilometres into the air and look down over the wide expanse of the Indian Ocean, you will see many small islands lying below you. Some are fairly small, some tiny. The jewel of this wonderful sight that greets you is one island that eclipses all others, namely, the island of Mauritius. This small island rightly referred to as “Heaven on Earth”, only 2,040 square kilometres in extent, is a very welcoming destination for travellers. 

    This independent country relies largely on the growing and processing of sugar cane for its domestic gross product, but much more importantly for you when looking for a dazzling vacation experience, it has a robust and thriving tourism sector.

    Mauritius has a decades-long connection with South African holidaymakers for the simple reason that it has fabulous, protected beaches; warm, turquoise-coloured seas gently lapping its shores and stunning coral reefs just begging to be explored by snorkelers and scuba divers alike.

    Beachcomber has been a big part of Mauritius’ tourism right from the beginning. Having opened their first hotel (The Park Hotel) on the island way back in 1952 and since then they have been rightly labelled a pioneer of the Mauritian hospitality industry. 70 years since that inland establishment first opened its doors to the public, they now proudly boast eight top-class resorts and hotels, each of which offers the visitor a great experience.

    At Flight Centre we partner with the best and Beachcomber is no exception. Let’s take a journey through some of their spectacular resorts as we give you a glimpse into the Beachcomber experience.

    Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury

    Located on the sheltered northwest coast, stretching along a pure white sandy beach, this flagship hotel is a tranquil tropical haven with a unique atmosphere, natural charm and timeless elegance. Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury is also celebrated for its award-winning cuisine. Three restaurants presided over by French Chef William Girard, invite you to a tantalizing culinary experience. This property delivers excellence in every sense of the word.

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    Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

    Located on the most scenic shoreline in Mauritius with the spectacular Le Morne Mountain acting as a dramatic backdrop, this elegant five-star resort offers an intimate village-style setting. Adding to its charm are cascading pools dotted with islets, terraces designed with sea views and tropical gardens planted with exotic trees. The unique spa is the heartbeat of the property and delivers unsurpassed tranquillity.

    Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

    One of the finest luxury hotels on the island this resort enjoys a superb location on the island's southwestern tip. Situated on the Le Morne peninsula, the resort (like Dinarobin Beachcomber above) is set against the backdrop of the iconic Le Morne Mountain and edges onto one of the most scenic shorelines on the island. The greatest leisure resort on the island is fringed by a pure white sand beach and boasts the island's largest lagoon.

    Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

    This resort rightly lays claim to being the most romantic hotel in Mauritius. Its location on the northwest coast of the island ensures one of the best climates and with its romantic atmosphere, the hotel’s idyllic setting is THE dream destination for your perfect wedding and honeymoon. Look forward to dining in six restaurants and savouring spectacular sunsets from one of the best beaches on the island.

    Trou aux

    Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa

    Set on a private peninsula lapped by the Blue Bay Marine Park rich in sea life, this resort has three different beaches to discover. Beachcomber’s first seaside resort (under another name at the time) is located in the unspoilt south-east region of Mauritius and is a welcoming four-star resort with a lively vibe with a plethora of activities for all ages.

    Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa

    This resort is conveniently situated between the tourist hub of Grand Baie and Port Louis, the capital city and is one of the most popular family resorts in Mauritius. The rooms are among the largest and most stylish in the 4-star category on the island, making them ideal for family holidays as most rooms can accommodate two adults and two children.

    Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

    Catering equally well to families and couples, this property occupies an enviable peninsula location five kilometres from the heart of Grand Bay. It has commanding views over the northern islands and the sparkling Indian Ocean and offers lush tropical gardens dotted with cascading pools and a string of secluded creeks.

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    Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa

    Beachcomber’s entry-level four-star cosmopolitan resort is located on the sun-drenched northern coast of Mauritius. It is within walking distance of Grand Baie, Mauritius' main tourist hub, which provides guests with a choice of restaurants, bars, and boutiques – there is no better location for those who want to be in the heart of the action.

    It goes without saying that Mauritius’ tourist focus is firmly set on water-based activities, sights, sounds and hands-on experiences like taking a trip to view whales or frolic with dolphins.

    The snorkelling is jaw-droppingly awesome while scuba divers will remember the reefs literally teeming with life for the rest of their lives!

    How about a cruise on a catamaran? Stopping off at places only accessible from the sea, you would think you are a castaway on some idyllic desert island. Your Beachcomber experience will be that much richer for having set foot on one of these yachts!

    But, Mauritius is not only about having fun at the seaside or on or within the sea, it offers the visitor so much more.

    A little-known fact is that Mauritius can rightly claim to have established the first national park in the world. This is the famous Black River Gorges National Park created by the French in reaction to the extinction of the dodo. It is a stunningly beautiful place with its dense rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails and unique wildlife like the flying fox.

    Close to the capital, Port Louis, is the 18th-century perfumed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens (also known as the Pamplemousses Gardens and the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere) with its ponds of giant water lilies and their visiting birdlife. Of particular interest to South Africans is the Ebony tree planted there by the late Nelson Mandela in 1998.

    Situated in the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths Geopark are the spectacular Chamarel Waterfalls. The Seven Coloured Earths sands are a sight to behold on their own but the waterfalls in full flow will take your breath away.

    Experience Mauritius the Beachcomber way and you’ll be delighted every time. Beachcomber remains true to the history and culture of the island and these treasured beaches. They are committed to maintaining their beauty in addition to wowing their guests.

    If you are a discerning beach-loving traveller who is dreaming of a holiday in Mauritius, speak to one of our Travel Experts and let them help you plan your Beachcomber experience, today.

    Mauricia_Beachcomber_Resort

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