The word “Zanzibar” evokes thoughts of spice shops, palm-fringed beaches, and white-sailed dhows drifting through a turquoise sea, and the reality does not disappoint. Zanzibar has long been at the center of the East African Indian Ocean experience, located only a little distance off the Tanzanian coast yet at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and a Zanzibar vacation is a sensory experience par excellence.
The beaches along Zanzibar’s coast are among the greatest in the world, but the sand and surf vary depending on which side of the island you’re on. At low tide, waves sweep across coral reefs and sand bars along the east coast, revealing pools of starfish, little minnows, and anemones.
Zanzibar is a famous tourist destination rich in culture and history, which appears to contradict its idyllic environment of white-sand beaches and palm palms swinging gently in the sea air. As a result of all of this, Zanzibar is both a beautiful place to explore and a fantastic place to relax and unwind. Apart from its history, culture, and stunning white sand beaches, Zanzibar is also known as the Spice Island, due to its principal source of riches being spice. Zanzibar is well-known for the following activities:
Almost every visitor to Zanzibar Island does a spice tour. After all, the Spice Islands are a series of islands off the coast of Tanzania, so it’s destined to happen. Despite its beautiful and colorful beaches, such as coral reefs that give a paradise experience for snorkelers and divers, Zanzibar is long known as one of the world’s top spice exporter islands. Spices were initially introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century, when they brought them from their colonies in Goa and Brazil. The spice trade did not take off until the arrival of the Omanis several hundred years later.
Each year, the Sultan brought 50,000 slaves through Zanzibar Island, forcing one-third of them to work in Tanzanian spice fields, where 30% died due to the appalling conditions. As a result of the spice and slave trade, Stone Town became one of Africa’s richest towns. Because clove output is down and tourism is rising, majority of the spice sector relies on plantation excursions to stay alive.
Turmeric, ginger, black peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamoms, and cloves are often used in Zanzibar cuisine, so you’ll find many of them at local shops on your safari or tour of Tanzania’s beautiful spice island
Forget the spice; the Island of Zanzibar has long been known as a historical and cultural tourism destination, with some of the island’s most important cultural and historical landmarks going back to the colonial era. Swahili culture in Zanzibar is influenced by African, Asian, and European elements. Zanzibar was traditionally an important staging site for explorers and traders, as well as an important spice trading and slave-selling center.
Zanzibaris are of several ethnic origins, including Persian, Arab, and African. While Zanzibar is mostly Muslim (primarily Sunni, but with many minorities), the island also has a large number of Christian sects, Hindus, and other minority religions. Zanzibar, unlike the rest of Tanzania, has no tribes. Local customs, on the other hand, are a combination of different ethnic groups that settled on the islands, culminating in events like the Portuguese-inspired Pemba bullfights and the Persian New Year festival.
The Island of Zanzibar has a strong cultural and historical heritage, which can be seen in their main city, Stone Town, with people living different lifestyles and historical buildings that were built long time ago during colonialism, such as Beit al-Ajaib-The House of Wonders Museum in Zanzibar, Maruhubi Palace Ruins in Zanzibar, The Arab Fort in Zanzibar Town, and the Old Indian Dispensary in Zanzibar. Zanzibar would never disappoint guests looking for a historical and cultural safari, and it is the primary safari destination in this regard.
It would be dishonest not to mention that Zanzibar is famous and recognized for its spice and cultural history, as well as its amazing and lovely white beach because Zanzibar is surrounded by the blue and clean Indian Ocean Sea. Zanzibar Island, once a bustling commercial center and a major port on the spice trade, is now a tranquil, coastal location where you may spend long hours wandering along the beaches with soft, delicate white sands sinking beneath your feet on your lovely Indian Ocean holiday in Africa.
The extensive expanses of coastline that encompass its marine environment appear to pacify the crystal blue waters’ gentle waves. Looking out over the vast ocean and the gorgeous turquoise seas studded with the white, triangular sails of the picturesque traditional fishing dhows will take your breath away. Enjoy the gorgeous sunrises on the east side of the island or the golden colors of the sunsets on the west. Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands that comprise Unguja or Zanzibar in the south, Pemba Island in the north, and surrounding isles such as Mnemba, Chapwani, Chumbe, Bawe, Changuu, and others. What is Zanzibar well-known for?
The island of Zanzibar has around 25 beautiful white, palm-fringed beaches. The sea is warm, and the atmosphere is relaxed, with Nungwi Beach on the northwest coast being the most beautiful and popular, recently reaching Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018 list of the World’s Top 25 Beaches. As a result, Zanzibar has long been renowned as a romantic island, welcoming couples, honeymooners, families, and all types of visitors.
Because island is surrounded by water from the Indian Ocean on all sides, Zanzibar is also known as the greatest spot for watersports and water activities for people seeking adventure. Zanzibar is a barefoot beach vacation that will leave you sun-kissed and content. From diving with a pod of dolphins to snorkelling on a brilliant coral reef and sipping drinks while cruising on a traditional dhow, there is something for everyone here. This is why it remains one of the world’s most popular island holiday destinations.