Few Places Evoke Such Romance As The Fabled Spice Islands Of Zanzibar, Pemba And Mafia. Uncover Their Magic.
Overview
Zanzibar is a small archipelago made up of two islands, Unguja and Pemba, located in the Indian ocean off the coast of East Africa. These exotic islands are one of the best honeymoon destinations and also make for a relaxing beach holiday after a Safari in Tanzania or a Kenya. The astoundingly white beaches of Zanzibar’s east coast lead out to turquoise coral waters, great for snorkelling and diving. The climate is tropical and suitable for a beach holiday at any time of the year.
Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, is steeped in history and an outstanding example of cultural fusion and harmonisation. It has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Zanzibar’s rich history has been influenced by the Arabs, Persians, Indians, Portuguese, British and local tribes from the African mainland. This shows in the islands unique architecture. Stone Town is a place of winding lanes, ornately carved wooden doors, circular towers, raised terraces and beautiful mosques. Important architectural features are the Livingstone house, the Giuliani Bridge and the House of Wonders, which is a former Sultan’s palace.
Random Fact
- Queen front man, Freddie Mercury, was born in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Mercury spent his upbringing on the island and India until he reached his mid-teens.
- The Zanzibar Islands are commonly known as The Spice Islands due to their production of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper.
- The Zanzibar red colobus monkey is endemic to the main island of Unguja – there are approximately only 3,000 individuals left.
- Zanzibar also home to the elusive Zanzibar Leopard.
- Zanzibar is warm all year round due to its position near to the equator.
Useful Information
TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT + 3 hours
CURRENCY
Tanzanian Shilling
VISAS
Passports must be valid for 6 months.
LANGUAGE
English, Kiswahili
Best Time To Travel To The Zanzibar Islands
Zanzibar Is Warm All Year Round Due To Its Position Near To The Equator.
Late December, January and February
Zanzibar’s short dry season and the hottest time of year. It’s normally around 29°C but can get as hot as 39°C. The weather is very calm, humid and the ocean is flat like a mirror.
April - May
The time when heavy rain is most likely. If you do not mind sheltering when there is a torrential downpour it can be a magical time to be here, as the earth and wildlife heaves a sigh of relief as its thirst is quenched.
June - September
The coolest driest time of year. In July the Kusini trade winds may sometimes bring leaden skies and wild spectacular seas. But they also bring humpback whales, the best chances to see them are July, August, September.
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World Class Diving
The islands are known for some of the best diving sites in the world, thanks to the rich marine life and clear waters. Zanzibar has several dive companies which offer PADI courses and certification. The best months for diving are October to March, though for non-divers, the period between May and October will offer the best weather.
Activities & Accommodation
All over Sri Lanka, a range of activities can be enjoyed, from mountain biking, jeep safaris and hot air ballooning trips, to white-water rafting, canoeing, horse-riding and rides on elephants.
Accommodation choices range from boutique resorts and luxurious romantic retreats to family-friendly and budget conscious options.
Fishing
There are several great fishing spots around Zanzibar, the best is probably the Pemba channel.
Spice Tours
These are tours in and around Stone town and take in the spice plantations, historic and cultural spots around the town.
Interesting Information
- Zanzibar is located About 40km off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean.
- Novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah was born on the island in 1948.
- One of the most famous events to occur in Zanzibar is the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
