Guide on Zanzibar Island in Tanzania
Guide on Zanzibar Island in Tanzania
Guide on Zanzibar Island in Tanzania : Zanzibar Island is a tropical paradise set in the Indian Ocean about 23 miles off the East Coast of Tanzania], Zanzibar Island often called The Spice Island is a laid back little settlement with history whispering from every corner of the narrow winding streets and parts of the Island including the Stone Town which is the capital of the Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Island is paradise perfect for a dream destination in Africa offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy its magical delights including the pristine white sand beaches, turquoise blue ocean waters and brilliant green of the seaside vegetation which is a home to diverse species of flora and small fauna.
While at Zanzibar, you will enjoy taking a walk in the crystal white sand along the beach, be caressed by the soft ocean breezes and bathe in the gentle warmth of the tropical sun while the scents of spices and fresh fruits take you back to the a passed error. In addition to the beaches and their magic, there are beautiful, carved artifacts and delicate jewelry lining the petite shops and the exquisite craftsmanship reflected in the lovingly fashioned Swahili doorways in the Stone Town which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The island is always filled with melodic sounds of Muezzin calls, church bells, amused children playing, pounding spice mallets, chirping birds and songs of the fishermen creating a lively ambience around you which is a splendid experience. You can also get a taste of the freshly caught fish seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, and also watch and observe the brilliance of the local people in their natural setting when angling in the deep, blue waters of the Ocean.
Zanzibar Archipelago is a collection of islands that is large and small island including Unguja (Zanzibar) and Pemba Islands which are the larger island among them, the smaller island in the archipelago include Chumbe, Mnemba, Tumbatu, Chapwani, Bawe and Changuu or Prison Island. Murogo. There are also Sandbank Isles that are Pange and Nyange
During your holiday to Zanzibar, you can also visit the northern most section of the Island where you can watch traditional dhows being built and lining on the beach front, Zanzibar Island’s beach fronts are located in the northern, Eastern, Southern and small parts of the western regions close to Stone Town.
Another special place to visit on Zanzibar is the Jozani Forest Reserve, the reserve is a home to several species of primates including Kirk;s red colobus and sykes’ monkeys which you will spot during your tour / visit.
Overview On The Beaches Of Zanzibar
Zanzibar Island is an enchanting beach holiday destination with idyllic natural beauty, white powdery sands and turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean. During your beach holiday on this magical Island, you will enjoy the endless views and have your feet being caressed by the white Powdery sands.
The warm waves of waters are tamed by the coral formations bringing the vital nutrients that support the brilliant rainbow colored fish and other marine creatures that dart among the reef vegetation, shores of the beaches have lofty coconut plans swaying in the breeze.
As you relax on a lounger or on a hammock strung between the trees on the beaches of Zanzibar you will enjoy succulent coconut drink, you might also spot several brilliant colored species of birds such as weaver birds and green wood hoopoe among others flitting among the branches.
Zanzibar Island has varied picturesque white beaches dotted from the Eastern to Southern seashores, these beaches rival each other in tranquility and allure. Zanzibar beaches are fascinatingly exotic and they include Kiwengwa, Pongwe, Uroa Michamvi and Bwejuu. On the west in Menai Bay, there is Fumba Beach which has surprising golden sands along a backdrop of screw pines and palm trees.
Zanzibar’s finest beaches include
- Kendwa in the northwest
- Matemwe Beach in the northeast
- Nugwi Beach on the northernmost tip and is the prime midpoint of the island
During your beach holiday on Zanzibar Island’s beaches, you will be enchanted by the sights of banana palms, mangroves and coconut trees. You will also visit The Nungwi Village which has a reputation for its traditional dhow building industry, in this village you will watch the dhows being built from scratch and also take a dhow cruise.
The Mnemba Island and its Marine Reserve Atoll (Mnemba Atoll) situated only a short boat ride from the Matemwa Beach is another amazing destination you will enjoy visiting, the Mnemba Atoll is a breathtaking site with coral reefs and pristine clear waters and is a perfect site for dolphin lovers. Traveling to the southwestern Kizimkazi region of the Island will delight you with fascinating sights of migrating whales if you are lucky, visits to all islands of Zanzibar Archipelago can be arranged by Petnah Africa Tours & Travel.
Exploration adventures around Zanzibar offer visitors the opportunity to relive the history of the island, some of the trips around Zanzibar Island any traveler should participate in include
- A trip to the Prison Island or Changuu island situated in a short distance from the Stone Town, the island is where the Omani slave traders housed their slaves. The island was also used by the British to build a jail thus the name Prison Island, in additional to the testament to the events that happen on the island. You will see the Aldabra tortoise which is 180 years old, the tortoise was a gift from the former colonial occupiers of Seychelles.
- Visits to the island of Bawe, Chumbe and Chapwani Islands.
Overview on Stone Town
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a capital township of Zanzibar, the town is a rich historical and cultural significance which has retained all its original ancient charm after hundreds of years, the town’s charm hasn’t been eroded at any time of day.
When you visit the Stone Town buzzing with tradition on your beach vacation, you will take a step back into an era where the Omani Monarch eloped through the narrow alleyways of the town, lined with coral stone houses and their peeling plaster and lichens only adding to their ancient appeal. You will also get a chance to interact with a clusters of elderly wise men who spend time reminiscing about their past days over cups of Kahawa (Coffee) bought from vendors wandering around. Children are always playing around with their laughters and giggles filling the atmosphere, spot bui bui women returning home from shopping at the local market.
Stone Town is the commercial hub of the of the island set in a yesteryear era, in the town you will find many small shops (dukas) selling wonderful entities such as colorful textiles, spices, fresh fruit and delectable seafood, carved curios, artwork and pretty trinkets. Though Stone Town is a historical Town, subtle modernization is slowly making its presence in the town and when you need to contact home or your friends during your visit to Zanzibar, you can find a little internet cafes selling postcards and mobile phone top-up cards.
The Stone Town has a number of restaurant and dining outlets where you can get a taste of the local Swahili Cuisine available at Forodhani Gardens in the evening or at local eateries, you will enjoy the meals and join the locals passing the evening while watching soccer matches.
When touring the Stone Town, you will find the colonial style buildings standing beside Swahili houses, these buildings feature intricate carved and varnished doors, medieval mosques, churches and Hindu temples constructed perfectly together in harmony, the Portuguese Fort and its cannons with the Sultan’s Palace Museum (Beit-el-Sahel) and House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib). These buildings have brightly – colored window panes that sparkle in the Sunshine, as you explore you will enjoy the soothing sounds of Kiswahili chants following you as you walk down this ancient town overlooking stylish, sleek liners cruising the vast Indian Ocean. Stone Town of Zanzibar is a very alluring, enchanting and authentic coastal settlement which is why you will enjoy your visit and return again and again.
