A TRIP TO ZANZIBAR (TANZANIA).

Zanzibar, a city in Tanzania

Population: 984,625
Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS), 1Tsh = 0.10561 Naira

The name Zanzibar is an Arabic word that is translated as 'the coast of black people'. The Zanzibar archipelago is a series of islands on the Indian Ocean about 16-31 miles from the mainland Republic of Tanzania. It is a semi-autonomous region of the Tanzania. The island has the best beaches in the world - and this is not an exaggeration. If you love lazing around in the sun, then this is the place to go. Below are a few facts that will give you an overview of the Island country.

The Island of Zanzibar boasts pristine white sand beaches, abundant sunshine, exotic Swahili dishes, a hospitable people and luxury tourists resorts. If your idea of fun is to mix a jungle safari with lazing on the beach, then you have just found a hidden gem in Zanzibar.

Apart from tourism, the other economic activity in Zanzibar is spice growing. In fact, the island is sometimes fondly referred to as The Spice Island due to its cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper.

CULTURE

 

Zanzibar has two main islands, Unguja (Zanzibar island) and Pemba. Zanzibar is an autonomous part of Tanzania. Zanzibarians themselves are a mixture of visitors and the native swahili people. This cultural hotpot is known for it’s gorgeous beaches, spice farms and it’s Arabic influenced historical city, Stone Town. The history also contains a darker era, because Zanzibar used to be the biggest slave trader in East-Africa.

Zanzibar Town includes Stone Town, the old district of the capital, and the neighbourhood of Ngambo. In terms of its architecture, Stone Town itself has changed little over the past couple of hundred years. It is still possible to see buildings that reflect the influence that Arab, Indian and European colonists had on the capital. Today, Stone Town is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an integral part of Zanzibar Town. As such, important conservation has begun in order to preserve the historic integrity of this fascinating East African capital city.

A visit to Stone Town shouldn't be confined to its most important tourist destinations, which include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Palace Museum and Livingstone's House. The best way to get to the heart of the place is to take a stroll through its narrow alleyways and around its many mosques and markets.

FESTIVALS

Zanzibar's calendar includes a host of traditional festivals that have been staged on its islands for hundreds of years. These includes Fashion Week Zanzibar,  Jahazi Literary & Jazz Festival, Kizimkazi Cultural Music Festival, Sauti za Busara Festival,  Mwaka Kogwa, Ngalawa Race, ZIFF Festival of the Dhow Countries.

The islands of Unguja and Pemba also stage several sporting and music events that are relatively new arrivals on the scene, with visitors finding plenty of things to do and attend most months. Events like these are a great opportunity to find out more about the culture of this fascinating East African country. They are also, of course, a chance to have some fun.

 One of the most famous events to occur in Zanzibar is the Zanzibar International Film Festival. It is thought to be the largest cultural event in East Africa, giving out 12 international awards presented by 5 international juries, and has a major impact on Zanzibar’s economy.
            Also the most popular event in Zanzibar is Sauti za Busara, held every February. Widely regarded as one of the best music festivals in East Africa, Sauti za Busara attracts around 400 musicians from Tanzania and other African countries. A carnival-style street parade is also held, along with music films, documentaries, workshops and concert screenings.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Tourism in Zanzibar has effects on the islands of Unguja and Pemba in the United Republic of Tanzania. Tourism is the top income generator for the islands, outpacing even the lucrative agricultural export industry. The government plays a major role in promoting the industry.  The principal groupings of attractions on Zanzibar are: coastal tourism, terrestrial wildlife, dhow cruising and spice tours.

Some which includes; Cheetah’s rock, Safari Blue Tour, Mtoni Palace Ruins, Zanzibar Scuba & snorkelling, Stone Town, Zanzibar Gallery, Prison Island(Changuu Private Island), Forodhani Park, Special Sunrise Cruise, etc..

WEATHER

Visitors to Zanzibar can enjoy ideal holiday weather for most of the year, thanks to its tropical climate. Its islands are bathed by warm temperatures and tourists can look forward to many hours of unbroken sunshine. Zanzibar does have a monsoon season, however, which is best avoided. For that reason, the most popular tourist season runs from July to October.
            The summer season lasts from November to March, with temperatures peaking from December, reaching a maximum of 32°C / 90°F. The weather isn't just hot, it also feels very humid. Any rainfall at this time of year tends to be short and sharp. Zanzibar's north and east coasts can feel particularly pleasant during the summer months, with the climate experiencing a notable cooling effect from the refreshing sea breezes.
            From April to June, visitors to Zanzibar can expect to do battle with monsoon rains. Whilst there is not much difference between Zanzibar's islands, Pemba can perhaps be said to be the rainiest of them all. Temperatures at this time of year don't vary much from those enjoyed in the summer. The average winter temperature in Zanzibar tends to stay at around 25°C / 77°F.

CUISINE

A short escape to Zanzibar is also a nice opportunity to taste the local traditional recipes. Zanzibari food tells much about the history of this island, reflecting a number of different influences from many different places around the World. Here you’ll find the Swahili heritage,  It is a mixture of various culinary traditions, including Bantu, Arab, Portuguese, Indian, British and even Chinese cuisine.

But what to choose, if you want to taste the best of Zanzibar cuisine tradition? One of the most typical recipes is pilau, a dish made with rice, meat, coconut, nuts and spices, which clearly reflects its Arab origin. Tasty, not to be missed!

DELUXE ACCOMODATION

 

We all want a good accommodation when we are on vacation and one the best ways to have fun in Zanzibar is by lodging in any luxury accommodation in the city. The city has deluxe beach hotels and resorts with stunning accommodation, fantastic food and service standards, stylish ambiance and an extensive range of cutting edge sport and leisure facilities including spas and wellness centres, which are not too expensive and all-inclusive.

NIGHTLIFE

 

Zanzibar is strongly influenced by Muslim culture and therefore has a fairly subdued nightlife. There are however a couple of places, especially in Stone Town, where visitors can go to enjoy a holiday sundowner, and even a bit of dancing! Blues, at the Forodhani waterfront, and Pichy's Pizzeria and Bar are good for drinks with an ocean view, while the roof-top bar at Africa House and the Serena Inn's Msasani Bar are also quite popular. Serena Inn puts on a great 'Swahili Night', with Taarab music and an African buffet, and the Old Fort is also good for local music performances. Trendy late-night venues include the Starehe and Garage clubs on Shangani Street, and the Bwawani Hotel's Komba Disco.