Those who have not been to Zanzibar will be surprised that despite its great name, it is only a small part of Tanzania. Zanzibar encompasses the main island of Ugunja, its twin Pemba, and several smaller islets. A shallow channel 37 km wide at the closest point separates it from the African continent. As the crow flies, it is 73 km from Dar es Salaam and 219 km from Mombasa in Kenya.
Zanzibar is known as the Spice Islands for good reason. The fragrant aromas of cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and vanilla wafted through the warm tropical air. To this day, sailors claim that they can recognize the scent of the islands even when they are out at sea. Surely not even the most staunch fans of the Spice Girls can say something similar. But the spice business is relatively recent, less than 200 years old. It is the fascinating history of the islands that evokes the image of magic and romance in the minds of visitors.
The charms of Zanzibar have at one time or another attracted a wide variety of adventurers, men of God, explorers, traders and conquerors. The diligent time traveler will see traces of Bantu Africans, Phoenicians, Persians, Assyrians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, Malays, Portuguese, English, Dutch and Omani Arabs. That’s why a visit to Zanzibar leaves a much more lasting impression than your usual island destination.
The first people to settle on the islands were Bantu Africans from the mainland. Aid from the trade winds finally brought in the Shirazi Persians and Omani Arabs around 700 AD. C. Then, in the early 16th century, the Portuguese ruled the east coast of Africa, including Zanzibar, for almost 200 years. Sensing Portugal’s decline as a world power, the Omani Arabs invaded and subdued the islands. The Sultan of Oman was so excited about the islands’ prospects for riches that he moved here. The imam was ivory and slaves.
The slave trade was completely unhealthy, as you can well imagine. Zanzibar was the transit market for slaves arriving from inland raids. David Livingstone, the missionary and explorer, had traveled extensively in the interior and was greatly offended by the practice and impact of the slave trade. This man of God succeeded in stirring up liberal opinion in Britain, which led to action by the Royal Navy. For the good of humanity, Zanzibar became a British Protectorate in 1890. And in the interest of smooth administration, power was finally transferred to the gentle hands of the King of England in 1913.
As a modern explorer, Zanzibar welcomes you to take a look at the rich heritage testified to in the architecture and culture of its people. The cultural heart of Zanzibar is Stone Town, which has hardly been touched by the hand of time. It is here that the association with “the thousand and one nights” comes to life. You’ll find narrow winding streets, bazaars, mosques, forts, and a Persian-style public bathhouse.
There are also palaces and grand houses whose magnificent proportions and extravagant decoration do justice to the term “oriental splendor.” Remember to pay tribute to Dr. Livingstone by visiting the house that bears his name, where he stayed for 3 months in 1866. Christ Church Cathedral, on the site of the open slave market, is of historical interest and for the devout it is the appropriate place to pray for the souls of those who perished in the slave trade.
For a comprehensive view of Zanzibar, a “Spice Tour” is recommended. This will include ruins of ancient palaces and mosques, a harem of sultans, the slave caves of Mangapwani and of course the spice plantations from which Zanzibar takes its trade name. Nature lovers may also want to visit the Jozani Forest, located 35 km from the city. This area of thick forest is one of the few remaining sanctuaries for the red colobus monkey.
After all, Zanzibar is an island and the usual delights of a beach destination are available. Break your eyes by relaxing on the sparkling white sand beaches and take a dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The choice of hotels and resorts in Zanzibar is wide. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing and water sports. Pemba Island has its own unique attractions and snorkeling and diving are particularly good here. The Pemba Channel off the main island is reputed to have some of the best sport fishing in the world.
Mnemba Island, off the north coast of the main island, is very exclusive. Condé Nast Traveler has chosen it as one of the three most romantic ocean destinations in the world. That supermodel Naomi Campbell and her beautiful friends have been here is proof enough for me. I also think the early sultans would be very pleased to learn that the sultan of software, Bill Gates, has vacationed on this very island.
To further enhance your experience in this part of the world, consider making Zanzibar your base for a Tanzania safari or climbing mighty Kilimanjaro. You will follow in the footsteps of David Livingstone and the early explorers who used Zanzibar as a base for their expeditions to the African continent.
Zanzibar has two main festivals of interest to visitors: the Zanzibar Cultural Festival and the Zanzibar International Film Festival. The cultural festival takes place in the period from July to August and is marked by traditional taarab music and dance and the display of arts and crafts. It also includes street carnivals, canoe races, bullfights, and fairs. Participants come from as far away as Germany and China, although most are from Zanzibar and neighboring countries.
The film festival celebrates the culture of the “Dhow Countries” and takes place in the first week of July. May I inform the curious that the countries mentioned here include those on the east coast of the African continent, India, Pakistan, the Gulf states, Iran, and the Indian Ocean. Participants come from all over the world. The heart of the event is the projection of competitive and non-competitive events. Other activities associated with the festival are dance and music shows, workshops and exhibitions on the culture of the Dhow countries.
Zanzibar is a hot and humid place, tempered only by sea breezes. The rainiest period is April and May, with a shorter and lighter rainy season in November. Average minimum and maximum temperatures range between 30 and 33 degrees Celsius. December to March is hot and dry, while June to October is the coolest and driest period.
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