Zanzibar Situated in the Indian Ocean only 40 kms off the coast off the coast of East Africa , is the island of Zanzibar , also known as the “ Spice Island ” due to its export of cloves and a wide variety of the most commonly known spices.
Zanzibar has a very colorful and exciting history. Visitors to its shores in the centuries gone by included explorers like Burton, Speke, Livingstone, and Vasco da Gama in 1502 en-route to India, Summarians, Egyptians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Arabs and the British, each leaving behind a legacy of their stay. It was from this island that the great European explorers set off their voyages of discovery in the uncharted mainland. For many years, it was part of the powerful Oman Empire and Sultan Sayyid Said moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar in 1840 to exploit the flourishing slave trade. Zanzibar remained under the Oman sultanate until 1946, when Zanzibar and Pemba joined Tanganyika to become the United Republic of Tanzania.
Today, the island is steadily developing and offers a unique combination of history, culture and friendly people and beautiful unspoilt beaches. Due to the generally slower pace of life, its tranquility has survived. Zanzibar can be reached from Dar es Salaam either by 30 minutes air flight or 1 1/4 hour hydrofoil or catamaran ride
Stone Town
The old quarter of Zanzibar is known as Stone Town and look s much the same today as it did two centuries ago, with its winding lanes and Arabian style stone houses. These are known for their extravagant front doors, elaborately carved and studded with brass. A stroll through the alleys filled with bazaars of carpenters, jewelers, hawkers, tailors and coffee sellers is absolutely worthwhile. Many Zanzibar 's historic buildings are situated in Stone Town and therefore a highly recommended area to visit. The East Coast With several good hotels to choose from, the best beaches are to be found on the East Coast, which is easily accessible by road and is only a few hours away through small villages and fertile countryside. |
