Zanzibar

An exquisite jewel set in the Indian Ocean, about 23 miles off the east coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar or the Spice Island is a laid-back little settlement where history whispers to you as you wander through its narrow winding streets on your dream vacation in Africa. A treat for the senses, this archipelago delights you with its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise blue ocean waters and the brilliant green of the seaside vegetation that houses diverse species of flora and smaller fauna

Simply uttering Zanzibar’s name conjures images of swaying palms and dazzling sands. The Zanzibar’s Archipelagos Largest Island is firmly on people’s radar and for good reason. Depending on where you stay on the Island, you can easily spend whole days enjoying Zanzibar beaches; swimming, sunbathing and making use of resorts pool and rental bikes. But we also recommend delving deeper to discover the islands spice-trade roots and the past lives on its extraordinary buildings, people and traditions.

Stone town consists of a fascinating mix of Persian, Moorish, sub-continent, Arabic and European architecture and its winding streets too narrow for anything but bicycles or motorcycles. The buildings fronted by long concrete benches known as bazaars, and by huge and intricately carved doors. With Darajani, its largest market, located in the center of stone town and many of the city’s museum, palaces, forts and mosques (including the House of Wonders, Forodhani Gardens and what must be the world’s most beautiful pharmacy, the Old Dispensary) occupying prime spots along the beach front, Zanzibar City is absolute delight.

What to do in Zanzibar

Wander around Stone Town; Stone Town is a place of long winding alleys, unique bazaars, mosques, old churches, and Arabic houses. When visiting Stone Town, you can simply spend time just wandering through the fascinating maze of narrow and unique streets. The inner city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Blending Moorish, Middle Eastern, Indian, and African traditions and architectures, it is possible to spend days winding through Stone Town's labyrinthine alleys.
While in Stone Town, you can shop for souvenirs, drink the occasional tea, or visit the few city's historic sites. Be aware that -being close to the equator- even the narrow alleys may offer little shade/protection from the sun. Water is also important and can be bought in plenty of stores along the way.

You can visit the House of Wonders, It carries this name because it was the first house in East Africa to have electricity, running water, and an elevator.
You can also go into the former Slave Market. This is the site of the old Slave Market. The museum only consists of slave chambers (one for 50 men and one for 75 women and children), a memorial, and an Anglican Church built on the site of the tree that served as whipping post.

Spice Tour; You can’t visit Zanzibar without making a Spice Tour on this Spice Island. A food and culture tour will expose you to the island’s remarkable role in the historic spice trade. Different kinds of trades were an intrinsic part of the island and have shaped its history for thousands of years. Zanzibar’s identity as a trading hotspot was forged by its location on the trade route from Arabia to Africa; and by its abundance of valuable spices such as vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Zanzibar was nicknamed Spice Island as a result of being one of the world’s leading producers of spices in the 19th century. Spices and herbs were originally introduced to Zanzibar by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, brought from their colonies in South America and India.

Aside from being food flavoring, you will understand that the spices have curative properties that were used in the old days when modern medicines were unavailable. The ancients also used them for coloring fabrics and they revered them in their religious rites.

Visit Jozani Forest; Jozani Forest, also known as Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, is the only national park on Zanzibar Island. It is very small (only 50 kilometers square) but beautiful and tranquil place to visit. The forest is a natural pharmacy and truly an amazing source of natural remedies. Every plant or tree cures something.
The place is also famous for rare Red Colobus Monkeys and even harder to spot – Zanzibar Sykes’ monkey, a very rare monkey species unique to Zanzibar. Apart from the Red Colobus Monkeys, you may see Bushbaby, 50 different species of butterflies and 40 species of birds are available. The forest is one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the universe of the red colobus monkeys.