How to get there
There are International Airports clients can fly in and out of directly or via Dar Es Salaam or Nairobi. Visitors can also arrive at Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam by Luxury boats available daily. Local flights from all over Tanzania are also available daily to fly into Zanzibar.
History
The history of Zanzibar can be traced back prior to the times of colonialism. The Portuguese began occupying Zanzibar in the late 15th century. Traders of slaves found a harbor in Zanzibar where slaves, ivory, and spices could be transported from Zanzibar to the Far East and India. This was followed by merchants from Oman and other parts of the Middle East who moved their families to Zanzibar after establishing their administrative offices there once the Sultan of Oman moved to Zanzibar in the late 17th century. During this period, Stone Town became its main city.
Culture and Natural Highlights
The beauty of Zanzibar is fueled by the hospitality of its people. Evidence of its Arabic culture roots are everywhere. This includes its Arabic style architecture, its mosques, the Arabic language, clothing, and general way of life. Most of the people farm coconut and cloves which are mainly the economic cash crops for foreign exchange. Travel to Zanzibar is highly rewarding. You will visit spice plantations where you will see cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg growing. Zanzibar travel also includes various historical sites sand unique forests.
When traveling to Zanzibar today, you will first enter Stone Town, the main city on the island with a charm that attracts visitors to its historic locations, plantations, and beaches. It is a relaxing center in a tropical climate that offers various activities such as Swahili fishing villages, snorkeling, and diving. Zanzibar is mainly composed of various islands but its two major islands are Ungula and Pemba. Many visitors to Pemba appreciate its luxurious accommodations.
Activities and Main Features
Jozani Forest Reserve
Jozani Forest is located 21 miles from Stone Town in southeastern Zanzibar which covers 6 square miles. Within it grows fascinating trees such as mangrove trees, spices and diverse species such as the red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, chameleon, bushpigs, and Adders duikers. This unique forest habitat and the specific species that live together in it are one of the last remaining eco-cultures of its kind in the world.
Dolphin Tour and Swimming with the Dolphins
You will be taken to natural habitats where dolphin migrate and you can watch them from your boat or put on snorkeling gear and swim right alongside them in the Indian Ocean.
Canoeing Safaris
Canoeing safaris provide the opportunity to go beyond the vehicle’s reach. You will be accompanied by guides who will direct you and take control of the canoe, if necessary. By canoe, you will see unusual aquatic flora and fauna on seldom seen small islands that are inaccessible to most people.
Dhow Cruise
Another memorable experience is cruising around the island on traditional vessels used to carry merchandise in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean dating back to Other Locations and Activities You Can Visit While in Zanzibar.
Bwejuu Beach
Bwejuu beach is located in the heart of Zanzibar. It is known for its white sands, beautiful scenery along its coastline and aquatic sports activities such as snorkeling, swimming, boating, and fishing.
Jambiani
Location and Climate Jambiani is located on the southern cost of Zanzibar and is close to the equator making its temperature moderately warm throughout the year (82F).
Features and Activities Jambiani is not highly developed which gives it its local charm. There are several activities of interest including its local culture with women selling handcrafts, visiting its spiritual forest where people used to pray and pilgrimage, and learn how the local residents use herbs from the forests to treat skin diseases and stomached ailments. It is an ideal place if you want to experience the Swahili culture and ecotourism sites. Visitors can walk safely along its scenic beach. While visiting you can have soft drinks commonly used before Pepsi and Coca Cola became worldwide brand names.
Kiwengwa Village Location and Climate Kiwengwa is a small village located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar.
Features and Activities Kiwengwa is ideal for water sports such as swimming and fishing as is all of Zanzibar due to its unique annual moderately warm climate. Its attractions include its pristine scenic views, indented coastline, and sandy beaches.
Mangapwani
Location and Climate Mangapwani is located in northern Zanzibar about 9 miles from Stone Town. It is Located close to the equator its weather moderately warm year round.
Features and Activities
A main attraction at Mangapwani is its coral caves formed naturally through its narrow entrance. Its historical interest is its structures that are still preserved from the days of the slave trade. It has a slave chamber built by the Arab commonly known as the Slave Cave. This square building has a roof on top where slavers stayed prior to taking slaves to the slave market in Stone Town to be sold. There is a pool of fresh water at its lower end which only Arab slavers could use as the water was safe and fresh to drink.
Changu Island
Getting there and Climate Changu is commonly known as Prison Island j21 miles off the coast of Zanzibar. It can be reached by way of boats from Stone Town.
Historical Features The name Prison Island was the result of Arab slavers sending the feistier slaves on Zanzibar there so they could not escape before being sold.
Aquatic Life
Changu is famous for its large tortoises which cannot be found anywhere else in Africa. Its trees attract exotic birds so it is a great place for birding.
Recreational Activities Tourists can walk safely anywhere on the island and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, fishing and other water sports as well as relax while viewing Changu’s beautiful scenic coastline and sandy beaches.
