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 If you appreciate history, Tanzania is the place and Zanzibar is exactly where you want to be. This reach history begun long ago when Portuguese invaded and controlled the Swahili Coast in the late 16th century ended the golden age of the archipelago, although the Omani Arabs returned to power less than a century later. Today, many of the winding streets and high townhouses of old Stone Town remain unchanged and visitors can walk between the sultan’s palace, the House of Wonders, the Portuguese fort and gardens, the merchants’ houses, and the Turkish baths of the old city. Day-long spice tours to working plantations offer visitors the chance to observe the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices that have made the island famous.
Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.
The port city of Stone Town dominates the west coast, and although the beaches of Mangapwani, where slave caves are visible at low tide and nearby Bububu are less than half an hour’s drive away, a night or two spent on the east or north cost is well worth the extra hour it takes to drive there. That said, the Chole Island Marine Park just off Stone Town – and nearby Prison, Grave, and Snake Islands – make a refreshing day-trip and a good break from exploring the winding passageways of the old city.
On the south coast of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection area for the endangered species that come to breed on the island. Roads to the southeast coast take visitors through the Jozani Forest, home to Zanzibar’s rare Red Colobus monkeys and a number of other primate and small antelope species.
Size: Location: Indian Ocean East of Tanzania Mainland Getting there: 45 minutes flight from Dar es salaam International airport, Two hours flight from Kilimanjaro International airport, One hour boat ride Dar es salaam port. What to do: Plenty of things to do and see heae are few places to visit Stone Town Zanzibar Stone Town Maruhubi Palace Old Slave Market Zanzibari Doors Prison Island Tours Livingstone's House Jozani Forest Reserve Tours Zanzibar Beaches and Dolphin Tours Zanzibar corridor with Dhow Cruises
When to go: Weather patterns in this area and most part of Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable; however Zanzibar weather is a typically tropical climate, which makes it hot and humid most of the time. Having said that, the best time to visit Zanzibar will be during the cooler spring months of August to October Feel free to contact East Africa Gateway with any safari questions or advice.
NOTE: Unlike Tanzania mainland, Zanzibar get a lot quite during the fasting month of Ramadan as eating, drinking, and smoking in public become a contentious issue for visitors. At this time of the year most restaurants are closed during the day, and eating in general become a problem. Most hotels provide services as usual.
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(0 vote)
Great trip
By: James Wonderburg () on 25-04-2009 08:08