Zanzibar Island evokes thoughts of dreams, romance and mystery. Zanzibar – the name includes the main island, Unguja, and its sister island Pembas – has for centuries attracted sea farers and adventurers form around the world. Zanzibar is a marvel of rich heritage, reflected in the architecture and the culture of the people. Visit Zanzibar historic stone town another of seven UNESCO world heritage sites in Tanzania.
Relax on the white dazzling palm fringed beaches where the azure waters of the Indian ocean beckon swimmers, divers, fishermen and water sports enthusiasts alike. Breathe in the fragrant scent of cloves, vanilla, Cardamom and nutmeg, and discover why Zanzibar is known as the Magical Spice Island. Explore the Zanzibar forests with their rare flora and fauna. Or visit some of the ancient archeological sites. Spend a few days here before or after your Tanzania Safari and immerse yourself in the magic that is Zanzibar.
Zanzibar has the stone town as the cultural capital and heart. A labyrinth of winding alleys, bustling bazars, mosques and grand houses whose extravagance is reflected in their brass-studded, carved wooden doors. The national museums a great starting point for finding out more on the history and culture of Zanzibar. North of Stone town are the former palaces of Maruhubi and Mtoni. The ruins of Maruhubi offer a tantalizing glimpse of the former grandeur of this palace, built by Sultan Barghash. The palace of Mtoni suffered a similar fate.
Touring Zanzibar Island
The Zanzibar tours are a rewarding experience. You will travel past fragrant plantations of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices on the way to places of historical interest. From unique flora and fauna of the Jozani forest to the picturesque fishing villages and to one of the many white sandy beaches.
Dhow Cruises
Cruise around the islands on a traditional Arabic dhow while enjoying seafood of grilled fish and lobster with an exotic fruit juice, ice cold soda, chilled beer or glass of wine. All followed by coffee and liqueurs as the sun sets over the shimmering ocean.
Dophin Cruises
Watching or swimming with Dolphins in their natural habitat can be both exiting and educational. The most common seen Dolphins in Zanzibar are the bottle nose and the humpback varieties although spinner dolphins are also seen north of the island.
Jozani Forest
South of stone town is the Jozani forest Chwaka bay reserve. With an area of 50sq Kms, whose dense forest with trees some over 100 years old are the last remaining sanctuary of the Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Other residents include the Sykes Monkey, bush baby, and bush pig, Chameleon, civet, genet mongoose and the tree hyrax. The forest is also home to over 40 different bird species as well as over 50 different butterfly species. South of the park is an elevated boardwalk that runs through the mangrove providing easy sightings to hundreds of tropical fish.
Zanzibar Spice Tours
An organized Zanzibar spice tour is probably one of the best ways of seeing the island. While taking tourists on a walking tour, local guides will pluck bunches of leaves from various bushes and ask visitors to guess what they are. Most of the spices are found in the average kitchen spice rack – Black pepper, Chilies, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coconut, Garlic, ginger, lemon grass, nutmeg, saffron, turmeric and vanilla.
