Zanzibar

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. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles. Unguja Island on the other hand hosts the history of the explorers, sultans, slave traders and merchants who chose Zanzibar as their strategic base.

Zanzibar was colonized by the Portuguese and later brought under the control of Oman. The sultan of Oman eventually moved the seat of the kingdom to what is known as Stone Town.

Although now an annex to the Federal Republic of Tanzania, Zanzibar in its own special way, still regards itself as an independent territory.

Zanzibar has many attraction such as the UNESCO declared World Heritage Site – the old stone town, the marine environment, the rich culture, the Zanzibar people and their romantic stories, exotic palms, sparkling white beaches and clean blue sea, offering visitors in safe wonderful place to swim during their holidays.

The spice tours are one of the popular attractions on the island. Here one gets to enjoy the sprawling plantations where various spices are grown and harvested.

Stopping at one plantation filled with lush tropical plants you get a first hand look at spice farming. One gets to rub cloves, taste cardamom and cocoa, smell the Ylang Ylang- best known for international scents like Coco Channel No 5 – among other spices.

Cloves are the island’s main cash crop. Zanzibar is one of the leading producer’s cloves after Indonesia and Madagascar.

On this coastline, one can indulge in their love of deep sea diving, snorkeling and fishing while those who enjoy remaining dry can enjoy dhow rides.