Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is still the best-kept secret in the Indian Ocean, with its fascinating historical Stone Town and magnificent beaches. Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and over 50 small islands surrounding the archipelago. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, with a total area of approximately 650 square miles. Zanzibar has brilliant white beaches that are bathed by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The beaches provide the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and take a break from some busy sightseeing.
The beaches in Zanzibar are a paradise, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages, where the people live a simple way of life, unchanged over the years. There are more than two dozen breathtaking beaches in Zanzibar. Some of the beaches are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean. Among the many beaches that you can relax on are Nungwi, Mangapwani, Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, Kiwngwa, Uroa, Bwejuu and Jambiani. The snorkeling is excellent at many of these beaches. If you are interested in diving, there are several fully equipped dive centers. Many people go diving at the spectacular Mnemba Atoll or near some of the coral reefs fringing many of the beaches.
There are many other activities that you can participate in while in Zanzibar. Take a fishing trip on one of the many tours offered in the picturesque fishing villages. Visit the Jozani forest to see the rare red Kirks Colobus monkeys. You can spend a day visiting the famous spice plantations or visit the Palace Museum (formerly the Sultan’s Palace), the Changu (Prison) Island, the old slave market and slave caves, the Livingstone House where David Livingstone’s last expedition was based.
Spend some time in the old Stone Town of Zanzibar. Stone Town is cultural heart and Capital of Zanzibar, where little has changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of narrow winding streets, bustling shops and bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors – there are over 500 different examples of this handiwork. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.
Pemba Island lies across the Pemba Channel from Zanzibar. It is much more laid back and far less busy than Zanzibar. It offers a very relaxing experience on its beautiful beaches and provides some excellent diving opportunities in the Indian Ocean. It is truly a tropical paradise.
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