Zanzibar Trip
The islands off Tanzania are part of a coral reef that stretches along Africa’s Indian Ocean coast. As early as the 10th century, Persian merchants migrated to Zanzibar and the Portuguese secured a foothold with Vasco da Gama’s visit in 1499. Later came the Germans and the British. Over the centuries Zanzibar shipped out fortunes in ivory, rhinoceros horn, gold, copper and spices. But to its infamy, it also provided the market for the great slave route that ran from Ujiji on Lake Tanganyika.
Still today, these islands exude their own blend of African, Arab and European colonial influences, a rich blend offering great contrast to mainland Tanzania. This juxtaposition of ancient and modern culture is clearly seen in the characteristically relaxed pace of modern life where elements remain unchanged since the 18th Century.
Zanzibar is a beautiful island, relatively unspoiled by tourism and it offering the combination of isolated beach resorts with the mystery and romance of historical Stone Town.
Zanzibar Trip
Stone Town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways crammed with old houses, mosques and shops and you can easily spend a day exploring. The main attractions include the Museum, the Arab Fort, the Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the old slave market, the Sultan’s Palace the clove market and the Indian Bazaar. At the markets you can buy spices for which the island is famous. These days Pemba and Zanzibar still produce 75% of the world’s cloves. This area of the island is all about people and culture, both ancient and modern and there are some great restaurants where you can sample the Zanzibari cuisine.
The best beaches are really on the opposite side of the island and particularly on the north and eastern coasts there are beautiful white sandy beaches. Be as lazy as you want or get into all the water sports available – from diving to snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing and water-skiing. The best beach areas are a good 2 hours drive from Stone Town.
A traveller to Zanzibar will need to consider if they want to see Stone Town or stay on the beach or if they will enjoy a little of both? The best plan is to spend 1 or 2 nights in Stone Town (perhaps with a pre-booked guided walking tour) and then have 3, 4 or 5 nights at a beach resort.
No matter how long you stay, from the heady fragrance of the spice groves to the restful sight of a dhow’s triangular sails billowing in the wind, the charms of Zanzibar will ensure that you find it a most fascinating island!
