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 Island (known
locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long
and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square
miles. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing
coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the only
functioning ancient town in East Africa.
Stone town is the old and cultural heart of Zanzibar. It’s a town of
bustling bazaars, mosques and grand extravagant Arab houses. Most of the
houses were built in the 19th century. You will be able to see two
cathedrals and numerous mosques. Stone Town was recently and deservedly
declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
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| beaches in Zanzibar |
The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the spice
plantations. Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and other spices are among
the finest quality in the world. Zanzibar used to be the world’s
largest producer of cloves! These spices were the ones that attracted
the sultans of Oman and thereafter started the infamous slave trade.
Zanzibar is reputed to have some of the best diving in the world and
the coral reefs around the island ensure that the marine life is
abundant. There are several dive centers and most run courses using the
international PADI system.
Make sure that you visit the Jozani forest where you will see the
rare red colobus monkey that is endemic to Zanzibar, the spice tour, the
prison island, the Kizimkazi mosque and the dolphin tour.
Get Tours to ZANZIBAR from FOOTPRINT SAFARIS.
Get Tours to ZANZIBAR from FOOTPRINT SAFARIS.
