Zanzibar Island
Discover the Irresistible Allure of Zanzibar Island, the Jewel of the Indian Ocean
Zanzibar Island, also known as the "Spice Island" of Tanzania, is a destination that enchants visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Situated just 35 kilometers off the coast of Tanzania, this tropical paradise blends breathtaking white sandy beaches and turquoise waters with a fascinating tapestry of historical influences. From ancient Islamic ruins and noble Arabic architecture to bustling markets and spice plantations, every corner of Zanzibar tells a story. With warm, humid weather year-round, it’s the perfect escape for relaxation, exploration, and adventure.
Beyond its magnificent coastline, Zanzibar offers a wealth of unique experiences. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites you to unravel the secrets of Swahili culture and Zanzibar’s storied past as a historical trade hub. For those yearning a touch of luxury, Mnemba Island provides an exclusive retreat often favored by celebrities. Whether you're wandering through spice plantations, indulging in fresh seafood, or learning about the island’s multicultural heritage, Zanzibar promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave your senses awakened and your spirit rejuvenated.
Zanzibar Facts
- How big is Zanzibar?: 1 464km² 35km off Tanzania's coastline (6° South of the Equator)
- When to visit the Island?: Anytime throughout the year (rainy season March - June)
- Climate: Dry, warm to hot and humid. Maximum average daily temperature 29°C
- Rainfall: More than 1520mm per annum (influenced by Indian Ocean Monsoon patterns)
- Altitude: 120m above sea level (maximum altitude)
Information On Zanzibar
Today it combines ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses with miles of white sandy palm-fringed beaches and coves. The breathtaking beauty of its coastline and the magnificence of the historical Stone Town makes this one of the world's famous touring destinations.
Consisting of Unguja Island, Pemba Island, and Mafia Island, Zanzibar is a common post-safari destination that adds a relaxing, exotic element to a hectic holiday. The ocean offers warm, clear blue waters, idyllic islands, excellent reefs for snorkelling and diving, fantastic deep sea fishing, water sports and of course, delicious fresh fish. And if you thought that wasn't enough, visiting the Spice plantations (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, and others) along with such exotic fruits as tamarind, guava, mango, rose apple and bananas will bring your sense of smells to life. Haggling for carvings in the Central Market is great fun too.
Historically, Zanzibar Island chronicles a far back as 360AD when a Greek traveller connected it to the Silk Trade Route. Then the Arabs of Oman and Shirazi's of Persia came into the scene, and their presence is still manifested in various parts of the island. The 1107AD Kizimkazi mosque, one of the oldest structures of the main island of Unguja, stands testimony of this. The Sultan's transfer of his capital from Oman to Zanzibar in the 19th Century, the introduction of the clove plantations and the flourishing of the notorious slave trade helped develop into a virtual commercial capital of the entire East Africa coastline and its interior and the external world.
As trade between Zanzibar, Arabia and Persia flourished between the 12th and 15th centuries, the Islands became powerful city-states and attracted many settlers from Saudi Arabia, India, Yemen, Oman and Persia. The seas became the haunts of marauding pirates bent on plundering the heavily laden merchant ships that plied between the various nation-states. It is said that the lost treasures of the infamous Captain Kidd are still lying somewhere around Misali Island, awaiting rediscovery.
Local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion and practised by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. The population is estimated at 800,000, with the largest concentration being City which has approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili), a language that is spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birthplace of the language.
Main Attractions Of Zanzibar
- Visit Stone Town, A World Heritage Site, to learn about Swahili Culture and their ways of life
- Exotic white sandy beaches with turquoise blue waters
- Mnemba island - the choice African island getaway for celebrities
Where is Zanzibar located?
- Zanzibar is located 35 kilometres off the coast east of Tanzania, slightly Northeast of Dar es Salaam.
- For a more visual orientation of where Zanzibar is located, please zoom out on the below map.
What Is The Capital Of Zanzibar?
- Well, the answer to that question is rather simple, 'Zanzibar City', the capital is not 'Stone Town' as most people tend to think it is.
- Again, using the map below, zoom in and out, 'Zanzibar City' is located on the Western side of the island.