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ZANZIBAR INFORMATION
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Zanzibar page
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 degrees south of the equator. Zanzibar
Island (know 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.
Here are the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace),
Dr Livingstone's House and the Arab Fort among others. You will
also see Zanzibar's bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately
carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques!
Wildlife
There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and monkeys, bush pigs
and small antelopes inhabit forest areas such as Jozani. Civets
- and rumour has it, the elusive Zanzibar leopard and various species
of mongoose can also be found on the island. There is a wide variety
of bird life and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. The
coral reefs that surround the east coast are rich in marine diversity
and make Zanzibar an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving.
The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is home to the rare Red Colobus
Monkey, which is endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of
character, and roam freely. Jozani is also home other species including
Syke's monkeys, small buck and bushpigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard
(last sighted several years ago) is said to feed here at night.
Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are very informative.
People, Religion and Language
Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds,
indicative of the history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced
by most Zanzibaris. Population is estimated at 800,000, with the
largest concentration being in Stonetown, which has approximately
100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known locally as
Kiswahili), a language that is spoken extensively in East Africa.
Economy
Fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities of the
local people. Zanzibar was once the world's largest produces of
cloves, and her economy was based on large incomes thus derived.
Although cloves are still a major export along with coconut products
and spices, tourism has been earmarked as the primary foreign exchange
earner with more visitors coming to Zanzibar every year. At this
stage, the numbers are still low (less than 100,000 annually) and
the potential for tourism is relatively untapped. We are dedicated
to sensitive tourism that benefits both visitors and the community,
without losing the romance and magic that is Zanzibar.
Spice Plantations
The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves,
nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices Zanzibar is famous
for. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town,
and a good tour includes opportunities for to dazzle the senses
with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety
of spices, and their uses in cooking and cosmetics.
Kizimkazi Dolphins
Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing
village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins which
can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village.
If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to the dolphins,
which can be a very rewarding experience. Kizimkazi is also the
site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in
East Africa, and is thus worth a visit.
North Coast
Tours to the unspoiled North Coast always end up at Ras Nungwi,
a sleepy fishing village on the northern tip of Zanzibar Island.
It is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar, so you will be able
to see the traditional methods of dhow construction in action. This
area of Zanzibar has some fantastic beaches, and nearby coral reefs
which are ideal for diving and snorkelling. The local villagers
have built a turtle sanctuary where injured turtles and other marine
animals are nursed back to health before being released back into
the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Prison Island
Once the site of a gaol for misbehaving slaves. The island lies
just off the Old Stone Town and is home to giant tortoises that
were imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. It is
fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling, and
has a lovely white beach for sunbathing. The island is ideal for
a day trip with refreshments available throughout the day. It also
has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish.
Chumbe Island
Just off Stonetown, this island has just been designated as a UNESCO
marine reserve and has won an international conservation award for
the development of the visitor facilities. Overnight stays are possible
but expensive.
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