Tuesday 21 December 2010

Special Offer

We have a fantastic special offer on our sister site at Kasha Boutique Hotel in Zanzibar.

Stay 7 pay 5.

Valid for stays until Oct 2011. Call 01227 753180 for more details, or visit the website: http://www.purezanzibar.com/Zanzibar/Hotels/Kasha-Boutique-Hotel

Monday 20 December 2010

Travelling during the snow.

If you suspect that your winter travel plans might be affected by the snow or other adverse weather conditions we would recommend your first port of call be the airline. They will be able to advise you if your flight is indeed running on time or not. We would recommend staying in regular contact with the airline in case the situation changes and certainly confirming all is well prior to setting off to the airport.

Please find further flight information on the following link: www.baa.com

Additional info can be obtained through our flight agent on: 01732 597010 – please ask for Neil or Ross.

If your flight is cancelled you are entitled (under Regulation (EC) 261/2004) to the following;

1. Refund or re-routing

1. If you decide not to travel you are entitled to a refund, within seven days, of the parts of the tickets not used. If it is a connecting flight and you have already made part of the journey and do not want to continue with it, reimbursement of the total price of the ticket (including parts of the journey not made if the flight is no longer serving any purpose in relation to your original travel plan) within seven days and a free flight back to point of departure.

You are not entitled (under Regulation (EC) 261/2004) to reimbursement of any other components of your trip such as hotel and transfer costs.

or

Re-routing to your final destination as soon as possible or, if you agree, at a later date. (If the airline flies you to another airport in your destination city then they must pay for the transfer to the airport you were booked for or to another close-by point of your choice).

2. Compensation

The airline is not obliged to pay compensation if it can prove that the cancellation was caused by "extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken".




3. Assistance at the airport

· Meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to waiting time

· Two free telephone calls, emails, telexes or faxes

· Overnight hotel accommodation and transfers

Regulation EC261/2004 states circumstances under which airlines must pay compensation to their passengers when their flights are disrupted. But it also says that airlines do not have to pay compensation when an event "has been caused by extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken".

The Regulation also gives the following examples of such circumstances:

  • political instability
  • bad weather
  • security risks
  • unexpected flight safety shortcomings
  • strikes that affect the operation of an air carrier
  • air traffic management decisions

One of the most common reasons for delays and cancellations is what airlines call "technical problems". And airlines took the view that technical problems were "unexpected flight safety shortcomings". So they did not pay compensation when disruptions were caused by technical problems.

However, in December 2008, the European Court of Justice made a ruling that, as a general rule, airlines should not refuse to pay compensation when a flight is disrupted due to technical problems. They would only refuse to pay if the problem "stems from events which, by their nature or origin, are not inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier concerned and are beyond its actual control".

To receive reimbursement for components of your trip other than that detailed above you will need to contact your travel insurance company. Individual policies will vary in the level of cover and the circumstances they protect, much like your car insurance. Unfortunately neither we nor our suppliers will be able to reimburse on any unused components of your trip or refund any additional purchase you might make.

We will however be happy to assist you, when possible, in making alternative arrangements to meet up with / cancel your trip should you suffer from a delayed departure, a reschedule or cancellation. Any additional costs will need to be met by you and later claimed from your insurance where applicable.

If your flights are delayed or cancelled due to adverse weather please let us know so that we can inform our ground teams and your accommodations not to expect you as scheduled. This will prevent cancellation should you arrive a few days later than planned and stop us worrying that you are lost in transit.

Should you need further advice please call us on 01227 753180. Please note; our sales office will be seasonally closed from 23rd Dec 2010 until the 3rd Jan 2011. In the event of an emergency during this time please contact: 07793 573238

Friday 26 November 2010

Tanzania to get new Tourism Minister

Tanzania, an upcoming African tourist destination, has a new tourism minister, Mr. Ezekiel Maige, who is taking over from the former counterpart in the same portfolio, Mrs. Shamsa Mwangunga.

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete appointed Mr. Maige to hold the full tourism ministerial portfolio in his newly-formed cabinet, which he announced Wednesday this week in Tanzania’s capital of Dar es Salaam.


Before his new appointment, Mr. Maige was a deputy minister in the same ministry before dissolution of the cabinet in August this year to pave way for general elections and the formation of a new government.


The new tourism minister will oversee challenges in Tanzania’s fast-growing tourist industry at the time that vigorous marketing campaigns to attract more tourists are taking place across the world.


Mr. Maige will be responsible to oversee daily activities affecting his ministry's departments, including wildlife and forest resources. His ministry is also responsible for controlling key tourist sites, including the 15 tourist wildlife parks, Ngorongoro Conservation Area where the famous Ngorongoro Crater is located, and Selous Game Reserve – the biggest and most natural wildlife reserve in Africa.


It is the home of the tallest mountain in Africa, the legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, the world-acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, Ruaha wildlife park - now the second largest National Park in Africa, and the spice islands of Zanzibar.

Friday 22 October 2010

Client Feedback

Bruce,

Thanks for your email.

The honeymoon was wonderful - thank you so much for all your help and answering the endless questions.

We loved Manta - there were only about 6 - 8 other guests so we felt very well looked after. Unguja was so idyllic and delightful too.

thank you also for the day trip when we stayed at Unguja - it was fantastic.

We didn't use the car service other than to and from the airport but knowing we could was a source of great comfort.

all in all the fortnight was so memorable and coming back has been a big culture shock.

cheers

joe

Thursday 21 October 2010

Client Feedback

Hi Bruce,

I just wanted to say thank you for your advice and organising everything in Zanzibar. It all went like clockwork, from the driver arriving (45 minutes early) to pick us up to go to Arusha through to the flight on ZanAir. Kasha was great, and perfect to get over Kilimanjaro, and the food and service was very good - the staff really made such an effort. I very much enjoyed 236 Hurumzi (although our room was changed from Crystal to Amber upon check-in). I'd also really recommend dinner at Swahili House.

Thanks again for putting this all together, you did a great job.

Best,

Hugo

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Mnemba Island - Special Offer

We have a stunning special offer for Mnemba Island.

Stay 5 and pay only 4

Mnemba Island Resort is arguably one of the most beautiful resorts found anywhere in the Indian Ocean and this offer is too good to miss. Mnemba Island is the perfect place to rest up after a safari or as a destination in its own right. Not only is it perfect for a honeymoon but also attracts divers keen to explore the pristine atoll surrounding this world class resort.


Please call: 01227 753180 for further information and reservations.



Wednesday 11 August 2010

Save the Serengeti

The government of Tanzania has approved a major commercial highway across the Serengeti National Park, linking the Lake area Victoria with eastern Tanzania. The decision was made public and reported in the Tanzanian press.

This ill-conceived project changes all the rules, and would destroy the integrity of a priceless world heritage that has been protected by the people of Tanzania since the birth of their country. It would also cause grave danger to their entire tourist industry.

Read more: http://www.savetheserengeti.org/issues/stop-the-serengeti-highway/#ixzz0wI4f7cuF

Friday 30 July 2010

Basic Swahili

Once chatting these phrases might help you keep the pace to a more manageable level:

could you speak more slowly? = sema polepole zaidi

could you repeat that? = waweza kusema tena?

could you write it down? = waweza kuiandika?

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Client Feedback

Hi Ed,

just a quick e-mail to tell you what a fantastic holiday we had with yourselves,everything was super.

Please find attached some photos of us on safari and one of Guy co-piloting us to Zanzibar, what a treat that was for him.
We did the jeep, walking and boat safaris, Guy got to hold the rangers gun at the end of the walking safari. Everything went like clockwork and the staff at Breezes were lovely.

We didn't want to come home, what a great time we all had, thank you for arranging such a perfect holiday for us.

When you get info on Mozambique would you please forward on.

Thanks again Ed.

Gill, Mike and Guy

Wednesday 21 July 2010

Client Feedback

Hi Ed,

I just wanted to drop you a little email to thank you and everyone else who helped myself and my wife have a fantastic honeymoon! We both had the time of our lives and it couldn't of been made any easier with your help.
Thanks once again from Mr and Mrs Baldwin!

Kindest Regards

Pat Baldwin
(Tanzania and Zanzibar)

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Basic Swahili

Once on Zanzibar your bound to pick up a few phrases, but its also good to go armed with a few:

Most people will understand several European languages and maybe speak a few, this could help avoid some confusion.

Do you speak English? = unasema Kiingereza?

Monday 19 July 2010

Client Feedback

To Nick at Pure Zanzibar:

Having recently returned from a 12 day holiday to Zanzibar, Matemwe beach village, we are delighted to report that this proved to be all we had hoped for and so much more!

We have been impressed by the diligent and knowledgeable travel administrator, Nick, at Pure Zanzibar. He advised with care and thought, his hotel / destination suggestion was perfect, 100%. He clearly assessed our needs and requirements, carefully judging our criteria and personalities with patience and genuine interest and consideration.

We could not fault the Hotel and totally support Nicks thoughts about the establishment, the staff being ‘great, really friendly and relaxed’ – ‘no shoes, no news’ motto also helps.

Nick and his colleagues at Pure Zanzibar, provided concise, thorough information and support prior to our departure to Zanzibar. We were grateful for this attention for detail and their level of enthusiasm for the destination was also quite infectious.

The Zan Air representative, Ami, was also excellent and provided us with a warm Zanzibar greeting, setting the tone for what would be an amazing holiday we will never forget. We will most definitely be going back!

An excellent service all round, something that continued throughout the holiday.

With grateful thanks and best wishes

Michel and Jan

Friday 9 July 2010

Basic Swahili

Swahili (or Kiswahili to its speakers) is the most important language of comunication in a vast area of East Africa and is the National language of Tanzania and Kenya.

Please = tafadhali

Thank you / thanks = asante

Friday 2 July 2010

Migration Update from LLA

As previously mentioned in our last update, the herds are totally split, with some of the zebras and wildebeest already having entered Maasai Mara. The rest of the herds are being seen around the far tip of the Western Corridor and are expected to heading north to cross the river soon so that they can visit our Kenyan neighbours for a couple of months.

To book your trip to see the Wildebeest Migration please follow the link or call 01227 753180

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Client Feedback

Hi Tarquin

I hope you are well,

Please see below feedback from our recent trip to
Unjuga Lodge. We had an amazing time and will be recommending Zanzibar as a destination and Pure Zanzibar as a travel agent in the future.


Unguja Lodge was absolutely fantastic! Architecture, Room, pool, food, staff all excellent. Great attention to detail. Ralph and Elies were very friendly and interested in our honest (very positive) feedback. I would not hesitate to recommend Unguja Lodge to anyone. They had really thought of everything with small personal touches that really made the stay special. Nothing ever felt like it was too much trouble. We'd love to go back and were sad to leave.

Many thanks,

Jack

Monday 7 June 2010

Lake Manyara canoeing Safari from LLA


With the heavy rains fallen in Northern Tanzania since December 2009, the Lake Manyara is enjoying the highest water levels in the last few years. Taking this opportunity, it is possible to have canoeing activities in the Lake at the moment: 2 – 3 hours guided canoeing safaris, either morning or afternoon.

For more information, please contact: info@purezanzibar.com

Migration Update from LLA

The wildebeest and zebra, due to the unusual weather patterns, are dispersed around various areas of Serengeti National Park. Our guides inform us that some groups can be seen still around the Gol Kopjes Areas but also as far north as Lobo and Mbuzi Mawe. We are keeping in close communication with our guides in the field to see where they will go next since these patters are really quite extra ordinary. We will keep you posted to watch this space!


To book your trip to see the Wildebeest Migration please follow the link or call 01227 753180

Friday 4 June 2010

5 Endangered Black Rhinos arrive back in the Serengeti

History was made over the last few weeks with the repatriation of five endangered Eastern Black Rhinoceros who were moved from South Africa back to their rightful home in East Africa.

The animals arrived at Singita Grumeti Reserve in the Serengeti National Park in the first phase of a joint venture which has been cited as the most ambitious wildlife relocation in East Africa over the past 50 years.

Wednesday 2 June 2010

Client Feedback

Hi Tarquin

First off Anna and i would like to thank you for organising a wonderful and unforgettable trip for our honeymoon! We arrived back this morning fully relaxed and with many great memories.

Suffice to say that without exception our hosts at Vuma, Kono Kono and Kilindi were fabulous! The locations, accommodation, service and food were superb. We were looked after at highest level and each resort made extra effort to make our stay special.

If you would like more detailed feedback from any of our trip please feel free to give me a call.

Chris & Anna

Thursday 13 May 2010

All Systems Go

I am please to say we have successfully moved into our new larger office without any problems. All our contact details have moved with us, so business as usual.

Many thanks for your patience.

Kind regards

The Pure Zanzibar Team

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Temporary Number

Pure Zanzibar is moving to a new larger office over the 11th and 12th May. During this time we have a temporary number: 01227 752883

We expect to revert back to our usual number shortly. Many thanks for your patience and understanding.

Kind regards

The Pure Zanzibar Team.

Tuesday 4 May 2010

Tanzania - Another world heritage site?

It is understood that Dar es Salaam has applied to UNESCO for the declaration of the Udzungwa Mountains National Park as a World Heritage Site. The park, referred to as an ‘undiscovered gem' offers a wide range of mammals, the red colobus monkey, 400 bird species, numerous butterflies and the highest waterfall in Tanzania (the 170m Sanjes Falls). The park also offers extended walks and hikes through rain forest. At present no formal accommodation exists within the park.

Migration Update from LLA


Despite having received a lot of rain showers in and around the various areas of Serengeti National Park, the wildebeest herds have remained in and around the Moru Area throughout the month of April. Only now have they started moving north west but very slowly.

Clients have had excellent sightings throughout their safaris not only have they seen the ‘big 5’ but one group even witnessed a couple of hungry lioness’ kill a zebra for their afternoon tea!

Therefore the saying to avoid Tanzania in the rainy season is a myth and in our personal opinion one of the best times to come to the destination.

Friday 23 April 2010

Manta Resort - Diving Update


We went diving at a new site close to the resort. Water temperature 25C, visibility about 20m. We were about to decent, and saw a group of dolphins, approximately 60 swimming towards the boat. Then while we were descending, the dolphins swam right past us! They were about 10m from us! We went to down to about 40 meters, as we had a group of experienced divers. Firstly, we saw three Manta Rays swimming towards us, and after about 5 minutes a group of 30 Manta Rays swam right over us! They were less than 10 meters above our heads!

For more information and booking please visit our main Manta Reort Page.