Introduction
Zanzibar Islands are a group of numerous small islands and two large ones, located in East Africa (as part of Tanzania) in the Indian Ocean. It has a fascinating historical town known as Stone Town, and some of the most amazing beaches thus making Zanzibar vacations popular among the tourists all over the world. In the early times, this region was often visited by Arab and Portuguese traders. Zanzibar was under the control of Omanis in the 18th and 19th centuries. The capital of Zanzibar is located on the island of Unguja and is known as Zanzibar City. It’s a famous world heritage site. Zanzibar’s main industries are spices, the Raffia Palm, and tourism. The island particularly produces cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg and cloves. For this reason, sometimes the Zanzibar Islands are known as “Spice Islands”. World class water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sea surfing and waterskiing are the highlight of Zanzibar vacations.
History
Zanzibar is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, colorful and lively coral reefs, and the inspiring history of the Stone Town. The Stone Town is the only functioning ancient town in East Africa and hence the main attraction for tourists during their Zanzibar vacations. The East Coast is surrounded by coral reefs rich in diverse marine life. That is why scuba diving and snorkeling are very much enjoyed by the tourists, and is described by them as a life changing experience. The islands are near the equator; hence the climate remains warm throughout the year. However, the sea breeze compensates for the warm weather, and the windy conditions allow for sailing and other water sports. Summer season peaks in December, while in June, the temperature drops to the minimum. There are short showers in November, and long rains usually occur in April and May.
Features
Zanzibar vacations are not complete without exploring the beautiful flora and fauna of the islands. The Red Colobus Monkey is a rare species of Africa and is found in Zanzibar’s drier areas and swamps. Many of these monkeys live in and around the Jozani Forest. The best way to see them is to visit farms and reserves that are frequently visited by people and rich in vegetation. Another rare native animal is the Zanzibar Leopard, which is possibly an endangered species and on the verge of extinction. There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar as the forests are inhabited by wildlife such as monkeys, antelopes, pigs, mongoose etc. In the rural areas, there is a wide variety of birds and some really amazing butterflies can be seen fluttering about. The people of Zanzibar belong to different ethnic origins and mostly live in small villages. Their main occupation remains farming and fishing. Besides Zanzibar City, the other prominent towns ideal for tourism are Chaani, Mbweni, Mangapwani, Chwaka and Nungwi.
Tips and comments
Zanzibar has only one kind of public transport known as Daladala. These are privately operated mini vans. Now, there is also an improved and successful sea transport network comprising of public ships and private speed boats. Most people in Zanzibar are familiar with English language. The most famous event here is the Zanzibar International Film Festival that is organized every July. It showcases many art related activities including Zanzibar’s favorite music called Taarab. Zanzibar vacations can be planned accordingly to ensure participation in this colorful event. Important architectural attractions include the Livingstone House in Stone Town, the Old Dispensary of Zanzibar, the Giuliani Bridge, the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the ancient Persian Baths. Football is the most popular sport in Zanzibar. Zanzibar Islands allows the visitors to find their inner peace and tranquility. The rich spicy culture and the untouched white beaches will always remain awe-inspiring.
