Zanzibar

The very name conjures up the exotic!

Whether your safari has been, or will be in Kenya or Tanzania, Zanzibar is the perfect extension. It is a place to relax and yet for the culturally adventurous it is also a place with so much to explore. Zanzibar is not ‘just another beach resort’.

Zanzibar is where the museums themselves are the exhibits, and the fishing boats sail right out of history books.

Location and size:

Lying some 39 degrees East of the Greenwich Meridian and 6 degrees south of the equator, Zanzibar is a small archipelago, consisting of Unguja ( Zanzibar Island), with a total of 2,332 square kilometres with  Pemba Island  and some  50 smaller surrounding islands and islets. They are all around 30 miles off the Tanzanian coast.

This collection rises out of the Indian Ocean , a mere stone’s throw from the East African Coast. Although part of Tanzania, Zanzibar retains its individuality with pride and time honoured tradition.

The Zanzibar Archipelago has been inhabited for well over 200 years. Shiraz traders from Persia made their way to East Africa and by the 10th century had established settlements at several places in the islands, including Pemba and Unguja.

Getting to Zanzibar:

The Zanzibar Islands are easy to reach as they are well served by international carriers ; including Kenya Airways; Gulf Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Other airlines like ; KLM, British Airways, Swiss Air and South African Airlines fly to Dar es Salaam, where connections to Zanzibar are easily made by local airlines, air charters or by sea.

Climate:

A warm tropical climate, with an average temperature of 25 degrees centigrade that can go as high as 39 degrees centigrade. February is warmest and August the coolest. There are two rainfall seasons, the longest and heaviest occurring between March and June. The short rains in September to November.             

Population:

About one million inhabitants

Attractions:

Traditional music, dances, water sports, clear azure seas, sea food, marine life, modern discotheques in Stone town, ancient history, incredible coral reefs and rare terrestrial wildlife.

Visits to ancient ruins and buildings, trips to spice plantations and lazy days on the ocean, inviting beaches bordering the Indian Ocean all add to the magic that is Zanzibar. 

Zanzibar Excursions include:

Stone Town

This tour takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), Dr Livingstone's House and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will see Zanzibar's bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! A trip to the site of Sultan Barghash's harem at Marahubi should also be included and rounds off an insight into Zanzibar's huge history and vibrant culture. Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from.

Spice Plantations

The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and a good tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices, and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. Visitors will be fascinated by the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and spice oils.

Jozani Forest

The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is located in the central east region of Zanzibar island and is home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey (pictured opposite), which is endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character, and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve's perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkey's, small buck and bushpigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard (last sited several years ago) is said to feed here at night - perhaps this is why the reserve is only open during the day?! Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative.

North Coast

Tours to the unspoilt north coast always end up at Ras Nungwi, a sleepy fishing village on the northern tip of Zanzibar island. It is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar, so you will be able to see the traditional methods of dhow construction in action. This area of Zanzibar has some fantastic beaches and nearby coral reefs which are ideal for diving and snorkeling. The local villagers have built a turtle sanctuary where injured turtles and other marine animals are nursed back to health before being released back into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Kizimkazi Mosque & Dolphin Tour

Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to the dolphins which can be a very rewarding experience. Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both natural and cultural reasons.

Prison Island

Once the site of a goal for misbehaving slaves, the island lies just off the old stone town. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkeling, and has a lovely white beach for sun-bathing.

It is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. This island is ideal for a day-trip with refreshments available throughout the day. It also has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish.

Travel Tips:

All the visitors are required to have a valid passport and entry visas. The visas can be obtained from Tanzania Diplomatic Missions abroad, or for some Nationals , at the point of entry. Please check your status before departing you’re your home country.