Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar / Mafia Islands

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Zanzibar is actually the name given to a cluster of Islands that nestle in the waters of the Indian Ocean Just off the Coast of Mainland Tanzania, East Africa. The two principal Islands in the group are Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island and Pemba. Smaller Islands are scattered around these, which range from mere sandbanks to those with their own ethnic grouping and a fierce sense of identity.

We offer you a wide range of Holidays at the exquisite Beaches of the East African Coast Tanzania & Zanzibar. Where better to relax and reflect on your adventures than in one of East Africa's white sand beach resorts, along the coast from the fascinating, historic port of Bagamoyo with its atmospheric Old Town, beautiful mosques. Alternatively, you could pop up over the romantic spice isle of Zanzibar, a slumbering paradise where green cloves, bread leaf, rice, cinnamon and coconuts still grow wild. When not on the beach, you can visit Stone Town with its warren of streets and bustling bazaar, and explore the Maruhubi Palace, formerly the Sultan's harem.

Stone Town: Is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 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.

The Market: Is a great place to visit even if you don't want to buy anything. It is a quivering place where everything under the sun is bought and sold. People bring their goods here from all ever the Island and other people come to buy things they can't get in their own villages. It is of it kind is the huge selection of brightly coloured khangas which worn by the local women.

The House of wonders: Is a very large square-shaped building with several stories, surrounded by tiers of pillars and balconies and topped by a large clock tower. It was built in 1883 as a ceremonial palace for sultan Barghash and was the first in Zanzibar to have electric light and an electric lift. Not surprisingly, when it was built, the local people called it Beit el-ajaib, meaning the house of wonders. Today it is still one of the largest buildings in Zanzibar.

Livingstone's House: It was built around 1860 for Sultan Majid, and was used by many of the missionaries and explorers as a starting print. For Dr. David Livingstone lived here before commencing his last journey to the mainland interior.

The peace Memorial Museum: It has sections on archaeology, early trade, slavery, palaces, mosques, sultans, missionaries, colonial administrators' traditional crafts and household items, stamp, coins, fishing, and clove cultivation.

The Palace Museum: The large white building with castellated battlements was built in the late 1890's for members of the Sultans family. Originally called the Sultan's Palace, in 1911 it became the official residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar, but following the revolution in 1964, it was renamed the peoples' palace. In 1964, the palace was turned into a museum dedicated to the history of Zanzibar 's sultans which necessitated a third change of name to the Palace Museum. Here a visitor can see much of the Sultan's furniture and other possession which survived the revolution.

The Arab Fort: It is situated nex to the House of wonders and was built between 1698 and 1701 by the Busaidi group of Omani Arabs. It is a large building with high, dark brown walls. Topped by castellated battlements.

Jozarni Forest: Is about 20 minutes drive outside stone town on the main road towards the east coast, is a conservation project which aimed at preserving some of the last indigenous forest on the Island. The forest colobus, as well as the rare forest antelope, Ader's Duiker and many species of birds. A guided walk through the mangrove trees that form part of the forest takes about an hour. The entrance fee for visiting the forest reserve is USD $ 8 per person.

There are lots of things–to–do and to see in stone town. So what you need is to have an empty time for a couple of day and exploration.

Spice tours: Find out why Zanzabar is called the spice Island.

Kizimkazi Dolphin Excursion: A trip to the South of Zanzibar Island, famous for its dolphins it include a boat trip.

North/East Coast Beaches: It's a golden chance to see some of Zanzibar's finest beaches and dhow-building activities.

Dhown Cruising: Cruise the waters of Zanzibar in a traditional wooden dhow.

Prison Island: Once a jail, Prison Island is a great day trip destination for Sun-bathing and snorkelling and home to many giant aldabra tortoises.

Village Tours: This Unique experience includes a visit to one of Zanzibar's traditional rural local villages learn about day to day life, local house, traditional dresses, community lines etc.

Sand Bank: Just the right size for the handful of visitors and surrounded by azure waters, this Sandbank is ideal for relaxing and Sun-bathing.

Historical ruins: Zanzibar has many ruins from the past. This tour includes visits to more interesting ones, including Fukuchani, mvuleni, Dunga, Bi Khole, Marahubi, Mbweni and the old Fort.

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