The aromas of Zanzibar consist of spices, jasmine and cloves. Each spot on its coast transports us to magical worlds whilst the easterly breeze attracts our senses to the aromas of the East.

An archipelago made of Unguja, Pemba Island and several islets, Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, about 35km off the Coast of mainland Tanzania and 6 C south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as “Unguja” but as Zanzibar International) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles it is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic stone Town – said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.

Zanzibar is an Island state within the republic of Tanzania and has its own semi – autonomous government made up of a Revolutionary council and House of Representatives.

Fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities of the local people. Zanzibar was once the World’s largest producer of cloves and her economy was based on large incomes thus derived. Although cloves are still a major export a long with coconut products and spices, tourism has been ear-marked as the primary foreign exchange earner, with more visitors coming to Zanzibar each year.

It is known as a jewel of the Indian ocean, and once, a city ruled by sultans, Zanzibar has been as connected to Arabia and other regions along the Indian Ocean as it has to Africa.

Just the name, Zanzibar evokes dreams of romance and mystery and is a preferable tourist destination alive and thriving where anything can happen and it does happen. That is its biggest attraction as the reality will not disappoint the travelers who are bored with mass tourism and seeking an enlightening and enjoyable holiday experience.

Little known about Zanzibar’s early history other than that its first inhabitants, fishermen from the African mainland, arrived almost six thousand years ago. Its later history is one of the most turbulent and fascinating in East Africa, with more than its fair share of invasions, conquests, empires, intrigues and fluctuating fortunes, all of which the Arabic town possesses interesting relics, including – the former Sultan’s palace set in gardens on the front near the Arab fort and Beit el Ajaib, the Sultan’s House of Wonders, the Maharubi palace, built for the harem of a Sultan prince, the Kidichi

Baths, a gift from an early Sultan to his Persian wife, and the houses where Livingstone and Burton lived.
Zanzibar’s local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colorful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibar’s although the are also Christianity and Hinduism. Population is estimated at 800,000, with the largest concentration being Zanzibar city which has approximately 100,000 inhabitants.

Few places evoke such romance as the fabled exotic Spice Islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia places of great wealth and power in turbulent history of East Africa; they are today sleepy Islands with the sparking waters of the Indian Ocean washing up on the shores of Virgin White Sandy beaches. Lush tropical vegetation, redolent of the cloves, cinnamon and other spices flourish every where.

The most famous event is the Zanzibar International Film Festival also known Festival of the dhow countries. Every July this even showcases the best of the Swahili coast arts scene, including Zanzibar’s favourite music Taarab.

It is known as a jewel of the Indian ocean, and once, a city ruled by sultans, Zanzibar has been as connected to Arabia and other regions along the Indian Ocean as it has to Africa.

Just the name, Zanzibar evokes dreams of romance and mystery and is a preferable tourist destination alive and thriving where anything can happen and it does happen. That is its biggest attraction as the reality will not disappoint the travelers who are bored with mass tourism and seeking an enlightening and enjoyable holiday experience.

The History

Zanzibar commonly known as the “The Spice Islands” has a colourful history and saga of the seafarers, explorers and traders. To its shores came Summerians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Malays, Persians, Portuguese, Arabs, Dutch and the British, each leaving behind a legacy of their stay. From the island the great European explorers – Burton, Speke, Livingstone, Stanley – set off for their voyages of discovery into the vast, uncharted wilderness of the great African hinterland.

Zanzibar was famous for once being the center of East Africa and the last place to abolish slave trade. Today it combines ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses with miles of white sandy palm fringed beaches, where the azure waters of the Indian ocean beckon swimmers, divers, fishermen and watersports enthusiasts alike. Breathe in the fragrant scents of cloves, vanilla, Cardamom and nutmeg, and discover why Zanzibar is called “The Spice Islands”. Explore the forests with their rare flora and fauna or visit some of the ancient, archeological sites.

The Interesting Places to Visit in Zanzibar

Stone Town, the National Museum, Livingstone House, House of Wonders, Peoples Palace, Old Fort, Hamamni Baths, Cathedral Church of Christ, Tippu Tip House, Kizimkazi, Maruhubi and other ruins at Chuini, Dunga, Kidichi, Kizimbani and Bungi, Jozani forest reserve, Changu or Prison Island, spice plantations etc.
People, Religion & Language

Zanzibar’s local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colorful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and is practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Population is estimated at 800,000, with the largest concentration being Zanzibar City which has approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak swahili (known locally as Kiswahili), a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birth place of the language.

Climate

Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year, with the exception of April and May which are seasonally subject to the long rains. Short rains can occur in November, but, do not last long.
The heat of summer is seasonally often cooled by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and east coasts. Being near to the equator, the islands are warm all year round, but officially, summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Zanzibar is blessed with and average of 7-8 hours of sunshine daily.

Wildlife

There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by monkeys, bush-pigs and small antelopes. Civets (and rumour has it, the elusive Zanzibar leopord!) and various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. There is a wide variety of birdlife, and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. The coral reefs that surround the east coast are rich in marine diversity, and that makes Zanzibar an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Economy

Catch of the day fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities of the local people. Zanzibar was once the world’s largest producer of cloves, and her economy was based on the large incomes thus derived. Although cloves are still a mojor foreign export along with coconut products and spices, tourism has been ear-marked as a major foreign exchange earner, with more visitors coming to Zanzibar each year hence the potential for tourism is relatively untapped. Zanzibar is dedicated to sensitive tourism that benefits both visitors and the community, without losing the romance and magic that is Zanzibar.

Government

Zanzibar is an island state within the United Republic of Tanzania, and has its own semi-autonomous government made up of a Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives. The present government is led by the island’s president, Mr. Amani Abeid Karume

Zanzibar by Air – From the Rest of the World

Gulf Air, Ethiopian Airlines and KLM (together with Kenya Airways) offer international scheduled flights to Zanzibar. Several large carriers fly into Dar es Salaam, which is only a short trip by air or sea from Zanzibar. Amongst them are British Airways, Emirates Airlines and Swiss.There are also several domestic flights from the Safari Capital of Tanzania Arusha