Reasons whys you should visit Zanzibar and why it’s a famous African holiday destination.
Zanzibar is a famous tropical paradise that is synonymous with exotic spice markets, secluded palm-lined beaches, and colorful sailing vessels drifting through crystal-clear waters. Located just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a melting pot of African, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences, making it a unique and fascinating destination to explore.
The island boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches, but the sand and surf vary depending on which side of the island you visit. During low tide, the east coast reveals a spectacular landscape of coral reefs, sandbars, and an abundance of marine life, including starfish and anemones.
Zanzibar is also renowned as the “Spice Island” due to its rich history of spice trading, which continues to this day, and visitors can explore the island’s vibrant markets and sample a range of exotic flavors. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience, Zanzibar has something for everyone.
The Spice Islands
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, the 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.
Zanzibar has a rich cultural history
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 a 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.
White sandy beaches
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.
Water sport activities
Because the 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 snorkeling 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.
Extensions
Zanzibar is a great extension for gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda. A typical gorilla trekking trip would spend a week in Uganda and end the journey with a two-day relaxation in Zanzibar at the beaches, then fly home after.
