Zanzibar
Zanzibar Island is locally known as Unguja. This is one of two main islands that make up the semi-autonomous state of Zanzibar. It is a partner state in the United Republic of Tanzania.
Tanzania is the largest country in the east coast of Africa. Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean. The distance from the island to the coast of Tanzania mainland is about 35.
Zanzibar lies in a Longitude of 39 degrees East and Latitude 6 degrees south of the Equator. The highest point of the island is 150 meters above sea level.
The Island's capital, also known as Zanzibar, is one of the oldest cities in Africa. It is a World Heritage Site with a collection of some of Africa's most valuable ancient architecture.
Zanzibar was established and for centuries ruled by Omani Sultans who reigned supreme in the east coast of Africa before the Portuguese and later the British came calling.
Zanzibar is also well renowned for its spices. Excellent quality cloves, cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg are available in the city and the primary economy in Zanzibar is based on these spices. These spices are exported to other countries for earning foreign exchange.
Zanzibar is still the pre-eminent spice market in eastern Africa hence the name ‘Spice Island’.
Zanzibar also has beautiful beaches, palm-fringed islands and extraordinarily beautiful coral reefs as tourist attractions. Various water sports are also popular in the city.
The Stone Town is a historical heritage site. The ton has colorful markets, meandering roads and extravagant bazaars. The city has a rich and varied culture. Zanzibar is very rich in both flora and fauna. There are rich diversities of animals and birds found in the various forests of Zanzibar.
People of Zanzibar come from a mixture of ethnic backgrounds with Islam as the main religion of the city. Apart from Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are also followed in Zanzibar. Swahili is the mother tongue of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Beaches
Zanzibar beaches are the places where one can unwind and surrender oneself to nature carelessly. A wonderful holiday at the beaches in Zanzibar will shed all the anxieties and breathe new life into an individual.
The beaches of Zanzibar are clean and tranquil and help to reach a blissful state. Strolling on the quiet beaches while sipping exotic cocktails, takes one to paradise.
The turquoise waters of the sea welcome one to explore the depths of the sea. There are also awesome coral reefs that make the beaches more beautiful. Watching sunrise or sunset from a Zanzibar beach can become a memorable experience for lifetime, which can be cherished long and forever.
The sun-kissed beaches in Zanzibar are places for relaxation. Many people are seen sun-tanning themselves on the beaches, while children enjoy beach football and beach-volley.
There are around 25 exotic white sand beaches in Zanzibar, which have small fishing villages in close proximity to the beaches. Some of the well known beaches in Zanzibar include Nungwi, Mangapwani, Pwani Mchangani, Uroa and Jambiani.
Most of the beaches have extravagant beach resorts, which offer world-class facilities to the tourists. Various water sports activities are common in the Zanzibar beaches. There are options for diving, scuba diving and snorkeling along with deep water fishing options.
Swimming in the warm waters of the sea is also a pleasant experience. The peace and solitude with the un-spoilt beaches will keep calling tourists for more.
| Languages spoken | English, Kiswahili |
|---|---|
| Currency used | Tanzania Shillings (TSh) |
| Area (km2) | 2650 km² |
| Country name | Tanzania |
