Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar is an Island characterised by its stunning beaches, beautiful coral reefs and the magic of the historic Stone Town. With its ocean horizons traversed by traditional style dhow boats, the landscape here is one of luscious coconut palms and clove trees, spice plantations and long, red sandy roads. From the ancient capital to the coral sand coast, this island has charisma, history, and romance in the air.
Located about 22 miles off the east coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of the main island of Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar), Pemba Island, famous for its deep-sea fishing, and about 50 smaller surrounding luxury islands and coral reefs. Zanzibar is perhaps most famous for once being the home of the slave trade, and an important trading location for spices and cloves. Cloves remain the most important export of the islands, while tourism is now the largest source of economy, which comes as no surprise, due to Zanzibar’s spectacular beauty, culture and history.
Also known as ‘Spice Island’, Zanzibar evokes images of an exotic paradise with pristine white palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters, traditional style dhows, and ancient Islamic ruins. Today’s idyllic beach resorts belie the island’s unforgettable history of slavery, and Zanzibar combines Arabic alleyways and great historic monuments with wonderful coral reefs and excellent diving/snorkelling opportunities for tourists.
Stone Town, Zanzibar's capital, is a fascinating place built by Arab and Indian merchants in the 19th century from the island's coral stone. A walk through the chaotic twisting alleys, past intricately-carved wooden doors and beneath ornate balconies, and with the lingering scent of spices in the air, takes one back in time to the days of a thriving slave and spice industry. Decaying architecture, numerous mosques, a bathhouse and old fort, cool interior courtyards and lively markets are the remaining influence