Zanzibar- African Spice Island
Stonetown, House of Wonders, Spice Plantations and Paradise Beaches
Zanzibar is an island paradise for anyone who just wants to get away from it all. The facilities are great, the atmosphere deeply exotic and the people are very friendly.
The fragrant journey to the African Spice Island begins when the traveler steps off the quay in Dar es Salaam. There are several boats to Zanzibar and Pemba from Dar. Choose – ferry or hydrofoil. (You can fly, but this is way is much more fun).
On approach you read in the guide book that Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar (known locally as Unguja) is an island state within the United Republic of Tanzania.
Zanzibar is a mix of Arabic, Indian and African cultures
The arrival in Zanzibar is quite magical. From a distance you see the white city with all the dhows bobbing up and down and gracefully moving around. Even before tourists are settled into their lodgings they are already aware of this unique mix of Arabic, Indian and African cultures.
To truly savor the laid back, exotic Zanzibar experience, spend some time in Stone Town and then some at a resort or hotel at one of the beaches around the island. The island is fairly flat, and the distances manageable, making it ideal for cycling and long walks in the cooler parts of the day.
Stone Town, locally known as Mji Mkongwe, meaning old town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has many monuments and churches, bazaars, markets, mansions, but its main attractions are the labyrinth of narrow streets where people always get lost.
So just relax and enjoy the local life and admire famous decorated doors of Zanzibar, the awesome balconies, the tiny shops and street stalls and meeting the friendly local people on this African Spice Island.
Snorkel and dive off Zanzibar's many beaches
Sunbathe on one of the postcard beaches, snorkel, dive, admire the Colubus Monkeys in the Jozani Forest Reserve; go searching for dolphins at the southern end of Zanzibar or visit some of the many ruins on the island.
As this is an African Spice Island, no traveler to Zanzibar can pass up visit to the spice plantations.
In Stone Town, check out the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace; the Old Dispensary; the old Slave Market and The Omani Fort.
Zanzibar has excellent hotels and resorts. In Stone Town, nearly all of the major hotels are housed in renovated buildings. Along the beaches you’ll find accommodation ranging from small and intimate to larger resort type facilities.
The beaches are a paradise, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages. There are too many to mention, but Jambiani is a quiet palm studded beach village on the East Coast. While tourists are investigating the great guesthouse style accommodation, they can take a break and get an authentic Swahili henna tattoo.
The best thing to do on Zanzibar is nothing at all.
Here on the African Spice Island visitors let every day stresses melt away as they enjoy sundowners on a traditional Arab dhow or a beach massage.
Tourist information can be obtained from the Zanzibar Tourist Corporation located in the Livingstone House on the Bububu Road just outside of Stone Town.
Blog about your holiday and share your experiences. See how others have done it. Most of these pics are from Travelblog.org
More African beach/lake holidays:
African Beach Holiday Destinations
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