ZANZIBAR
In Zanzibar Island you can find beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs. Zanzibar Island is said to be “best-kept secret in the Indian Ocean” and it’s definitely worth to pay a visit!
Zanzibar is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, about 25–50 km (15– 30 miles) from the Tanzanian east coast. Archipelago of Zanzibar consists of numerous small islands and two large ones Unguja and Pemba. Unguja is the main island and more informally referred to as “Zanzibar”.
Zanzibar was once a separate state with a long trading history within the Arab world until it united with Tanganyika and became a part of Tanzania in 1964. Still today it enjoys a high degree of autonomy.
The capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town, is the old city and cultural heart of the main island. Stone Town is a place of winding lanes, bustling bazaars, circular towers, carved wooden doors, raised terraces and beautiful mosques. Stone Town was recently and deservedly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Zanzibar is still sometimes referred to as “the Spice Islands” because of its wide range of different spices. Spice Tour is one of the things you have to do while visiting Zanzibar. There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar but the island is known to be the home of the endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus and the elusive Zanzibar Leopard.
At the northern tip of the island is Nungwi, approached by a road lined by banana palms, mangroves and coconut trees. This is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar island, so it is a good place to see traditional craftsmen at work.
Zanzibar’s local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. While visiting Zanzibar remember to respect local people’s culture and religion and ensure that you dress modestly when off the beach.
