Zanzibar

HISTORY

From 6thC there were indicators of settled agricultural and fishing communities at the northwest coast of Zanzibar. In the mid of 8thC trade rapidly increased its importance making Zanzibar one of the central Swahili trading towns by that time. From 9thC Swahili merchants in Zanzibar operated as brokers for long distance traders from both the hinterland and Indian Ocean world. Persian, Indian and Arab traders frequently went to Zanzibar to acquire goods like gold and ivory which were shipped overseas to Asia.
Before the Portuguese arrival in the island, the Southern town of Unguja Ukuu, Kizimkazi and the northern town of Tumbatu were the dominant centers of exchange. These towns grew wealthy as the Swahili people served as intermediaries and facilitators to merchants and traders. The interaction between Central Africans and Indian Ocean culture contributed in part to the evolution of Swahili culture.
Portuguese arrived in East Africa in 1498 which marked the beginning of European influence. That is when Zanzibar became part of the Portuguese empire when Captain Marquer landed demanded and received tribute from the Sulatn in exchange for peace. Zanzibar became part of the Portuguese province of Arabia and Ethiopia administered by a governor general. Years passed away whereby the strangling of trade and diminished local power led the Swahili elites in Mombasa and Zanzibar to invite Oman aristocrats assist in driving the European out.
In 1698 Zanzibar came under the influence of the Sultanate of Oman. There was a brief revolt against Oman rule in 1784. In 1832 Said Bin Sultan moved his capital form Muscat, Oman to Stone town later after his death his child became the successor. This went until around 1890 when the Sultan of Zanzibar controlled a substantial portion of the Swahili coast called Zanji which included Mombasa and Dar Es Salaam. In the 19thC slave trade was abolished and on 1963 the United Kingdom ended the protectorate and made provision for full self-government in Zanzibar as an independent Country within the Common wealth.
In April 1964 the Republic merged with Tanganyika blending a new name as the United Republic of Tanzania with which Zanzibar remains and autonomous region.

ABOUT ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the coast of the mainland. It consists of many small Islands but Unguja and Pemba are the common large Islands. The main Unguja Island has a fauna reflecting its connection to the African mainland during the last Ice-age. Majority of Zanzibar residents are Muslims and a few are Christians, the most spoken language is Swahili with Arabic accent. The Zanzibar Island is an exclusive and famous tourist destination with white sand beaches, friendliness and tranquility.

ATTRACTIONS IN ZANZIBAR

This famous Island has plenty of beautiful features that will blow your mind including;
Mwani Zanzibar, named replacing the Seaweed Center. It is women’s initiative that employs local women to make products form the abundance of Seaweed around the Island. You can visit the area to see the daily tasks of the Seaweed farmers or decide to relax enjoying a glass of Seaweed fruit juice.
Prison Island, it was built in the late 1800s that served as an Island for slaves, violent prisoners and quarantined. Visiting the area will make you not only get the history of the place but also to see the giant tortoise.
Stone Town, it is an old town that gives you chance to visit slave chambers and learn more about Slave trade. Moreover you can shop at darajani market which is the main bazaar in Stone town, get a view of wander street, beautiful boutique shops, old fort and Forodhani garden.
Jozani Forest Reserve, this is a red colobus monkey sanctuary located in the Eastern part of the Island.
Mnembe Island, it is small Island situated 3km off the coast of Unguja. This place is where you can enjoy a view of turquoise blue water where snorkeling is conducted.
Beaches, Zanzibar boasts for having plenty of beaches including Nungwi & Kendwa in the north, Pongwe in the East and Matemwa in North-east which offers refreshment to visitors.
Zanzibar Butterfly Center, this is the place where butterfly farming is done with the help of the local farms from nearby villages.
Safari Blue Cruise, this involves sailing on a dhow in Zanzibar in the sea.
Spice Island, this is a large spice farm where you can see, touch and taste many flavors of Zanzibar.

HOW TO GET THERE.

There are chartered flights from Arusha Airport and Julius Nyerere International Ariport to Zanzibar but also you can book a flight for Dar Es Salaam just for 20mins to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. You can also have access of Zanzibar by using Ferry or Ship that will stop at Zanzibar harbor.

WHAT TO DO

You can do a natural walk in Jozani forest reserve, snorkeling in Spice Island, local cultural tour in Stone town, refreshment in the beaches and historical tour in slave chambers.

WHEN TO GO

The Zanzibar destination is peaceful and with attractions that have no climatic destruction making it a place worth to visit all year round.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Mizingani Hotel is located in Mizingani road, Malindi district, Zanzibar town just a few minute walk from Zanzibar ferry port. Mizingani Hotel boasts with 31 classic and luxurious rooms. All rooms are filled with attractive amenities including free WiFi, tea/coffee maker, mini-bar and premium bedding. There are various rooms in the hotel suitable for single, couples, groups and families.
Kilindi Zanzibar Resort is near Kendwa on the Northwestern part of the Island. Its large grounds give plenty of privacy to its 15villas from a lush hillside.
Pongwe Beach Hotel, has private plunge pools, restaurant bar, parking area, comfortable rooms and favorable facilities.
White Sands Hotel, is located on the South-east coast which is perfect for individuals, groups and families.
Other accommodations include Sunshine Hotel, Park Hyatt Zanzibar Hotel, Essque Zalu Zanzibar Beach Resort and many others.