"Karibu" (welcome in Swahili) to Zanzibar where Swahili Culture and Architecture meet tropical seas.
Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of the main islands of Unguja and Pemba and fifty or so smaller islands, including Tumbatu, Kibandiko, Changuu (Prison), Chapwani, Bawe, Chumbe, Mnemba, Uzi and Latham making for idyllic day trips from Zanzibar. Lying off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, 6 degrees south of the equator Unguja Island (commonly referred to as Zanzibar) is the main island in the group. It is 83 kms long by 38kms at it's widest point, with an area of approximately 1500 square kms.
Seperated from the African continent by the shallow Zanzibar Channel, which is 35 kms wide at it's narrowest, it is 76kms by boat ride or 15 minute flight from Dar es Salaam. The main centre of population is Zanzibar Town, which includes the ancient Stone Town, now a World Heritage Site filled with historical architecture. The eastern side of the island is mainly coral rag, remnants of ancient reefs, long since raised above the sea. The central and western regions are more undulating, with abundant vegetation consisting mainly of coconut and clove plantations interspersed with small fields and spice gardens.
The romance of a history of sultans, spices, ivory and a huge trading empire must be seen against a background of slavery and the poaching of countless elephant and other animals from mainland Africa. The income from ivory, slaves and taxes was the foundation of the wealth of the Swahili Nation. Locally grown spices only became big business during the reign of Sultan Seyyid after he ordered all the landowners in Zanzibar to plant clove trees (two for every palm they owned) or face the confiscation of their land. This resulted in a hugely lucrative trade that ultimately consisted of three quarters of World clove production. Although the unique history and culture are reason enough to visit, the majority of visitors will be drawn by the tropical climate and the beaches.
Zanzibar has some of the most picturesque beaches imaginable. Long stretches of palm fringed white sands and the warm aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean make this the perfect place to relax after a Safari - or to escape that northern hemisphere winter. Most beaches are protected by the offshore coral reef and have fine, white coral sand. Depending on the season, they may also have a lot of seaweed which the locals harvest for export. Except for Nungwi in the north, swimming at all beaches is tide dependent. The east coast, in particular, has a very low tide.
The climate is dominated by Indian Ocean Monsoons, Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate. The Kaskazi winds from the North bring the short rains in November and December. The long rains known as Mwaka arrive mid April and last until late May. January to March is hot and dry with little rainfall. July and October are ideal months for visiting as the average temperature is 25 degrees Celsius with little rainfall.
Visitors to Zanzibar should remember that they are guests in a foreign land and must observe the following guidelines in this conservative Muslim Culture : Swimsuits and skimpy dress are inappropriate for visiting towns or villages. Beachwear should be kept to the beach. Nudity and topless bathing are prohibited. Ask residents for permission before taking a picture - photographs of Government Buildings, Police Stations, Army Bases and the Airport are prohibited. Kissing or drinking alcoholic beverages in public is not customary to Zanzibar and may offend residents. Do not buy sea turtle products, Coral or seashells as these are protected species. In Stone Town or visiting villages please ensure that your shoulders and knees are covered (Bermuda shorts and T-Shirts are perfectly acceptable).
Diving in Zanzibar is extremely rewarding with a variety of prime divesites including the fabulous Mnemba Atoll and Stone Town Reefs. Sightings can include Whale Sharks (March, August & Sept), Leopard Rays, Turtles, Clown Fish, Moorish Idols, Lionfish, Pilot whales and Dolphins. The variety of corals is excellent and reef fish abound.
Hotels in Zanzibar
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