Visit Zanzibar, tourism Zanzibar
Zanzibar (Tanzania)
The Spice island of Zanzibar lies off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. It is famous for once being the commercial centre of East Africa and the last place to abolish the slave trade. Today it combines ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses with miles of white sandy palm fringed beaches and coves.
The ocean offers warm clear blue waters, idyllic islands excellent reefs for snorkelling and diving, fantastic deep sea fishing, water sports and of course delicious fresh fish. And if you thought that wasn't enough, visiting the Spice plantations (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom and others) or haggling for carvings in the Central Market is great fun too.
Mapa de Zanzibar
The name Zanzibar is derived from a combination of two Arabic words, 'Zinj', meaning black, and 'barr', being the Arabic word for land, resulting in the ancient title 'Land of the Blacks'. As Zanzibar absorbed peoples from as far as The Orient and Iberia, Assyria and India, so the tapestry of Zanzibar cultures became more diverse in its range, more unique in its expression.
Zanzibar is the birthplace of Swahili, a lingua franca forged from global dialects, upon which legends were carried, trade routes opened and a Sultan’s empire prospered.
The strident laments and exultant overtures of Swahili taarab were born, their rhythms and melodies carried and honed between Zanzibar and the Arabian Gulf until they became the sounds of the islands’ own musical narrative.
The architectural styles of Stone Town were borne of the social convergence, while the tangled mass of stories, woven from centuries of lives lived, bestow a folklore and legacy that permeate life on the archipelago.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar is a small archipelago consisting of Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island), Pemba and several small surrounding islands. It is located in the Indian ocean, just off the coast of East Africa, lying at 39 degrees East of the prime meridian and 6 degrees south of the equator. The islands have a total of 2,332 square kilometres.
Pemba: Pemba is the second largest island of the Archipelago, named Al-khudra "The Green Island” by the Arabic mariners. It is famous for its clove production and its channels offer some of best diving experiences in East Africa.
Population: The population of Zanzibar is estimated at about One million people.
Time: Zanzibar is 3 hours ahead of GMT
Electricity: 230/240 volts AC
Value Added Tax (VAT): 20%
Religion: 98% Muslim, other religions include Christian, Hindu and traditional beliefs.
Playa de Zanzibar, Tanzania
During Ramadhan, the holy month, Muslims fast from morning to evening. You may find it difficult to find food during the daylight hours. However some specified restaurants are allowed to serve the tourists. Obtain further information from the Commission for Tourism (link to enquiry form)
There are churches and temples that hold regular services available.
Language: The official languages in Zanzibar are Swahili and English
Staple food and special foods: Seafood is a favourite in Zanzibar.
Major income activities: Small-scale farming, clove growing and fishing are the main activities carried out on the island.
Currency: Tanzanian shillings are the local currency. Notes are in denomination of 500, 1000, 5000, and 10,000 shillings. Coins are in the order of 10,20, 50, 100 and 200 shillings.
Currency can be changed at banks and the widely available bureaux de change as well as other accredited points such as hotels. It is illegal to change money on the streets. Exchange rates vary; check the current exchange rates (link to opening page) for guidance.
Puesta de sol Zanzibar
Activities
Spice Tours, diving, dhow trips, deep sea fishing, sailing, bird watching, dolphin safaris, visiting historical ruins such as Mbweni Palace, visiting Jozani Forest, visiting Chumbe Island and most watersports can all be arranged from Stown Town and from most good coastal resorts. Also see the activities page.
Where to stay in Stone Town
• Mbweni Ruins Hotel
• Zanzibar Serena hotel
• Tembo
• Dhow Palace
• Emerson and Green
Where to stay on the coast
• Ras Nungwi
• Breezes Beach Club
• The Palms
• Matemwe Bungalows
• Mnemba Island
• Sunrise
• Mtoni Beach Resort - excellent for larger families
• Chumbe Island Coral Park Hotel
Where to eat
The following restaurants are all well worth a visit -
• Fisherman Restaurant in Stone town - excellent fresh fish
• Restaurant on the roof of the Chavder Hotel.
• The Pagoda Chinese restaurant.- excellent sea food
• Pichy's restaurant - pizzas etc. on the harbour
• The Raintree restaurant at Mbweni ruins hotel - friendly bar and international cuisine with Zanzibar flair and spice
• Mangapwani Beach restaurant - newly opened by the Aga Khan, worth taking a day out to visit.
• Sunrise Hotel restaurant - consistently good food
Zanzibar International Triathlon and Marathon
This is another annual event that takes place in early November and attracts a big number of international participants.
Tourists and other visitors also get the chance to participate in the races, which conform to Olympic regulations and distances.
Canoe Racing
Canoe racing is held every January and form some of the exciting water sports available in Zanzibar, the canoes and dhows start at Forodhani in Stone town and the participants are fishermen, tourists and other boating enthusiasts.
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