Enchanting Islands Full of Culture & Beauty
Zanzibar (also known as Unguja) is an island off the coast of Tanzania in Eastern Africa. The island of Zanzibar) is known as the ‘Spice Island' because of its long-standing association with the clove industry. Zanzibar is a low lying stretch of land, crab claw shaped and lying 37 kilometres off the coast of Tanzania. It has always exerted a powerful fascination over the imagination of the world that is out of all proportion to its size.
Zanzibar Town, on the western side of the island is the main settlement, the best-known part of which is Stone Town. Directly east of Stone Town is the growing section of Ng'ambo whilst to the north of the town are a number of pristine beaches. At the northern tip of the island is the dhow-building centre and tourist resort of Nungwi, whilst some of Zanzibar's best beaches are to be found along the eastern shore.
Pemba Island is fifty kms north of Zanzibar Island and is the main source of cloves. Mafia Island is 160 kms south of Zanzibar and is the most southerly and smallest of the main Tanzanian islands. The Zanzibar archipelago also includes numerous small islands off shore to include Changuu (Prison Island), Bawi, Cahwani (Grave Island), Tumbatu, Mnemba, Chumbe and the sandbanks of Nyange, Pange and Murogo.
Area: A low-lying island of coral formation, it has an area of about 1,650 sq km.
Capital city: The island's leading port and largest town is Zanzibar; located on the western coast, it has a fine landlocked harbour. The old town is known as ‘Stone Town'. Stone Town The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is the only functioning historical city in East Africa and is much the same today as it was 200 years ago. A city within a city, Stone Town is the oldest section of Zanzibar Town and is made up of a labyrinth of winding lanes, ancient stone houses, Arabian arches, heavy carved wooden doors, circular towers, narrow latticed windows, overhanging balconies and a fascinating selection of bazaars, curio shops, art galleries and spice troves. Considered by many to be the heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is the only functioning historical city in East Africa and remains much the same today as it was 200 years ago - alive with a bustling crowd of ‘bui bui' veiled women, travelling tea sellers, banks of old men chatting on the ‘baraza' (benches) of the alleys, skulking cats and laughing children. In amongst its tortuously twisting lanes is also a fascinating cross-section of history - the Portuguese Fort, the Sultan's Palace, the old Dhow Port, the Old Slave Market, the House of Wonders, the Old Dispensary and the home of arch slaver, ‘Tippu-Tip', to name but a few.
Zanzibar Town, on the western side of the island is the main settlement, the best-known part of which is Stone Town. Directly east of Stone Town is the growing section of Ng'ambo whilst to the north of the town are a number of pristine beaches. At the northern tip of the island is the dhow-building centre and tourist resort of Nungwi, whilst some of Zanzibar's best beaches are to be found along the eastern shore.
Pemba Island is fifty kms north of Zanzibar Island and is the main source of cloves. Mafia Island is 160 kms south of Zanzibar and is the most southerly and smallest of the main Tanzanian islands. The Zanzibar archipelago also includes numerous small islands off shore to include Changuu (Prison Island), Bawi, Cahwani (Grave Island), Tumbatu, Mnemba, Chumbe and the sandbanks of Nyange, Pange and Murogo.
Area: A low-lying island of coral formation, it has an area of about 1,650 sq km.
Capital city: The island's leading port and largest town is Zanzibar; located on the western coast, it has a fine landlocked harbour. The old town is known as ‘Stone Town'. Stone Town The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is the only functioning historical city in East Africa and is much the same today as it was 200 years ago. A city within a city, Stone Town is the oldest section of Zanzibar Town and is made up of a labyrinth of winding lanes, ancient stone houses, Arabian arches, heavy carved wooden doors, circular towers, narrow latticed windows, overhanging balconies and a fascinating selection of bazaars, curio shops, art galleries and spice troves. Considered by many to be the heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is the only functioning historical city in East Africa and remains much the same today as it was 200 years ago - alive with a bustling crowd of ‘bui bui' veiled women, travelling tea sellers, banks of old men chatting on the ‘baraza' (benches) of the alleys, skulking cats and laughing children. In amongst its tortuously twisting lanes is also a fascinating cross-section of history - the Portuguese Fort, the Sultan's Palace, the old Dhow Port, the Old Slave Market, the House of Wonders, the Old Dispensary and the home of arch slaver, ‘Tippu-Tip', to name but a few.
A Short History Lesson
Travelers, traders, raiders and colonizers from around the world have been drawn to Zanzibar throughout the centuries, Sumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Malays, Persians, Portuguese, Arabs, Dutch and the British have all set foot on the island's beautiful white beaches, each leaving behind a different legacy. The original inhabitants of the island were the Bantu, who probably migrated from the mainland across an ancient land bridge. By AD 700, the first Muslim influence had been established on Zanzibar as Arabs sailing from the Gulf, via the trade winds, began to settle there. By 1107 the first coral stone mosque was built at Kizimkazi in the south west. The Arabs, many from the Oman, intermarried freely with the locals to form the foundations of the Swahili people. The Shirazi, settlers from the Persian Gulf arrived around AD 1200, adding yet another ingredient to the Zanzibar melting pot.
Portuguese control In 1498, the Portuguese were the first European power to gain control of Zanzibar, and kept it for nearly 200 years. In 1652 the Omani Arabs sacked Zanzibar and in 1698 the Portuguese surrendered Mombasa to them.
Under the Sultans of Oman In 1698, Zanzibar fell under the control of the Sultanate of Oman with a ruling Arab elite and a thriving economy based on trade and cash crops. Plantations were developed to grow spices and a flourishing ivory trade also developed using tusks from elephants in the African interior. Stone Town, Zanzibar's main city was also the main trading port for the East African slave trade, dealing with around 50,000 slaves a year. At this time, the Sultan of Zanzibar controlled a substantial portion of the East African coast, which was then known as Zanj, and which included Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. It also included trading routes which extended much further inland, such as to Kindu on the Congo River.
Portuguese control In 1498, the Portuguese were the first European power to gain control of Zanzibar, and kept it for nearly 200 years. In 1652 the Omani Arabs sacked Zanzibar and in 1698 the Portuguese surrendered Mombasa to them.
Under the Sultans of Oman In 1698, Zanzibar fell under the control of the Sultanate of Oman with a ruling Arab elite and a thriving economy based on trade and cash crops. Plantations were developed to grow spices and a flourishing ivory trade also developed using tusks from elephants in the African interior. Stone Town, Zanzibar's main city was also the main trading port for the East African slave trade, dealing with around 50,000 slaves a year. At this time, the Sultan of Zanzibar controlled a substantial portion of the East African coast, which was then known as Zanj, and which included Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. It also included trading routes which extended much further inland, such as to Kindu on the Congo River.
Gradually, however, Zanzibar came under the control of the British, partly as a result of the political impetus for the 19th century movement for the abolition of the slave trade. The relationship between Britain and the nearest relevant colonial power, Germany, was formalized by the 1890 Helgoland-Zanzibar Treaty, in which Germany pledged not to interfere with British interests in insular Zanzibar. That year, Zanzibar became a British protectorate (1890 to 1913). At first, traditional Viziers were appointed as ‘puppet' governors by the British; between 1913 and 1963 British governors were appointed. The succession of a sultan of whom the British did not approve led to the Anglo-Zanzibar War. On the morning of 27 August 1896, ships of the Royal Navy destroyed the Beit al Hukum Palace; a cease fire was declared 38 minutes later, and the bombardment subsequently became known as ‘The Shortest War in History'.
The islands gained independence from Britain in December 1963 as a constitutional monarchy. A month later, the bloody Zanzibar Revolution, in which thousands of Arabs and Indians were killed, established the Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba. That April, the republic merged with the mainland former colony of Tanganyika, or more accurately, was subsumed by the much larger entity. This United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar was soon renamed the United Republic of Tanzania, of which Zanzibar remains a semi-autonomous region.
The islands gained independence from Britain in December 1963 as a constitutional monarchy. A month later, the bloody Zanzibar Revolution, in which thousands of Arabs and Indians were killed, established the Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba. That April, the republic merged with the mainland former colony of Tanganyika, or more accurately, was subsumed by the much larger entity. This United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar was soon renamed the United Republic of Tanzania, of which Zanzibar remains a semi-autonomous region.
Traveling to the Spice Isle
✈ By Air
Zanzibars International Airport Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ) is located 7km from Stone Town. Flights are operated by Auric Air, Kenya Airways, Precision Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, Oman Air, Zanair and Coastal Aviation.
⛴ By Ferry
The ferry terminal in Dar Es Salaam is about 12km from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), about 30 to 45 minute drive. A taxi will cost approximately $20 US Dollars depending on your negotiation skills and the Ferry price ranges between $20 and $50 US Dollars depending on the service provider. The 1.5 to 2 hour ferry ride will terminate in Malindi, right in the heart of Stone Town.
✈ By air via Dar es Salaam
From the Dar Es Salaam airport you can take a flight to Zanzibar with Coastal Aviation, Precision Air or Zanair. Flights take approximately 30 minutes and cost between $70 and $100 US Dollars. Make sure you leave enough time for collecting your luggage, going through passport control and checking in for the flight to Zanzibar, 2.5 to 3 hours will be sufficient for this.
Zanzibars International Airport Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ) is located 7km from Stone Town. Flights are operated by Auric Air, Kenya Airways, Precision Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, Oman Air, Zanair and Coastal Aviation.
⛴ By Ferry
The ferry terminal in Dar Es Salaam is about 12km from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), about 30 to 45 minute drive. A taxi will cost approximately $20 US Dollars depending on your negotiation skills and the Ferry price ranges between $20 and $50 US Dollars depending on the service provider. The 1.5 to 2 hour ferry ride will terminate in Malindi, right in the heart of Stone Town.
✈ By air via Dar es Salaam
From the Dar Es Salaam airport you can take a flight to Zanzibar with Coastal Aviation, Precision Air or Zanair. Flights take approximately 30 minutes and cost between $70 and $100 US Dollars. Make sure you leave enough time for collecting your luggage, going through passport control and checking in for the flight to Zanzibar, 2.5 to 3 hours will be sufficient for this.
Electricity: 220 -240 volt AC, TYPE G and TYPE D outlets are used in Zanzibar, the holes are pictured to the right.
Water: The water in Zanzibar is not safe for consumption, use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Coca-Cola has their own water brand called Kilimanjaro, it's a bit more expensive than some of the other options: Zan-aqua, Drop of Zanzibar, Zenjy just to name a few.
Currency: Tanzanian Shillings (Tsh or TZS.) The current exchange rates are on the right, it shows the value of one unit of the base currency in Tanzanian Shillings. Tanzania doesn't have a limit on importation of foreign currency. Currency exchange services are available around town, generally the currency exchange give the most competitive rates, followed by banks, hotels usually offer the least competitve rates. M-pesa is widely used in Zanzibar, it is a mobile money transfer service that allows you to easily pay for goods and services with your device.
Credit cards: Are only accepted at major hotels travel agencies and restaurants, most shops and markets do not accept card payment.
Time: GMT+3, Sunrise is relatively constant at 6:30 am and sunset at 6:45 pm due to the islands proximity to the equator.
Communication: The Country code for Tanzania is '+255'. The outgoing country code for the US is '00', for all other countries '000'.
Mobile & Data: Zantel and Tigo are the dominant players in Zanzibar, Airtel and Halotel and few smaller players make up the rest of the field. Mobile service pricing is competitive between all the players. You can buy a SIM card from stores in Stone Town and put it on your phone. You can expect to pay about 25, 000 tsh ($11 US) for unlimited 3G/4G data for 30 days.
Culture: Zanzibar is a conservative, Sunni Muslim society with small numbers of Christian and indigenous beliefs.
Clothing: Zanzibar has no winter and lightweight clothing is worn all year round. It is considered insulting by local tradition to dress scantily.
Transportation: Taxi and private hire services are available all over the island. You can also rent a car while in Zanzibar. There is no government run public transport in Zanzibar. Dalla-dallas are open sided vehicles that act as public transportation. The dalla-dallas connect all major towns on the island. For most destinations, including the beaches, there are several vehicles daily, with the last ones back to Stone Town departing by about 5:00 pm. Dalla Dalla costs are between 300 tsh and 2000 tsh.
Water: The water in Zanzibar is not safe for consumption, use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Coca-Cola has their own water brand called Kilimanjaro, it's a bit more expensive than some of the other options: Zan-aqua, Drop of Zanzibar, Zenjy just to name a few.
Currency: Tanzanian Shillings (Tsh or TZS.) The current exchange rates are on the right, it shows the value of one unit of the base currency in Tanzanian Shillings. Tanzania doesn't have a limit on importation of foreign currency. Currency exchange services are available around town, generally the currency exchange give the most competitive rates, followed by banks, hotels usually offer the least competitve rates. M-pesa is widely used in Zanzibar, it is a mobile money transfer service that allows you to easily pay for goods and services with your device.
Credit cards: Are only accepted at major hotels travel agencies and restaurants, most shops and markets do not accept card payment.
Time: GMT+3, Sunrise is relatively constant at 6:30 am and sunset at 6:45 pm due to the islands proximity to the equator.
Communication: The Country code for Tanzania is '+255'. The outgoing country code for the US is '00', for all other countries '000'.
Mobile & Data: Zantel and Tigo are the dominant players in Zanzibar, Airtel and Halotel and few smaller players make up the rest of the field. Mobile service pricing is competitive between all the players. You can buy a SIM card from stores in Stone Town and put it on your phone. You can expect to pay about 25, 000 tsh ($11 US) for unlimited 3G/4G data for 30 days.
Culture: Zanzibar is a conservative, Sunni Muslim society with small numbers of Christian and indigenous beliefs.
Clothing: Zanzibar has no winter and lightweight clothing is worn all year round. It is considered insulting by local tradition to dress scantily.
Transportation: Taxi and private hire services are available all over the island. You can also rent a car while in Zanzibar. There is no government run public transport in Zanzibar. Dalla-dallas are open sided vehicles that act as public transportation. The dalla-dallas connect all major towns on the island. For most destinations, including the beaches, there are several vehicles daily, with the last ones back to Stone Town departing by about 5:00 pm. Dalla Dalla costs are between 300 tsh and 2000 tsh.