Profile of Zanzibar Island
including map and weather charts

If Tanzania itself is fascinating, then so is Zanzibar, the fabled spice island which only became part of Tanzania in 1963. More Arab in spirit than the mainland, Zanzibar Stone Town seems to have stepped out of the Arabian Nights. Its maze of narrow streets, alleyways and little shops cry out to be explored and its beautifully carved doors, decorated with heavy brass studs, speak of past wealth and mystery within.

Zanzibar was once one of Africa's most prosperous countries. The spices that it grew, so desired by the rest of the world, made it so. The wealth derived from the spice trade was augmented by the slave trade, indeed the spices and the slaves went hand-in-hand as Zanzibar's spice plantations depended on slave labour, and there are still sad relics of this trade in human flesh to be found on the island. Furthermore, Zanzibar was one of the most important ports in Africa. Goods from Britain docked here before they moved on to other parts of Africa. No longer very prosperous in the fiscal sense, the island has a a wealth of historical monuments to visit which commemorate the African, British and particularly Arab influences- sultan's palaces, cathedrals, mosques, fortresses and old colonial houses. "Spice Tours" are the ideal way to see the island's historic sites and spice plantations. There is also a sanctuary for the rare Zanzibar duiker and the red colobus monkey in the protected Jozani Forest, just twenty-five kilometres from the town.

Zanzibar is also an excellent destination for a leisurely beach holiday. Groves of fruit and spice trees, swaying palms, lagoons and coral sands combine with its exotic history to make Zanzibar enchanting. Both the main island and the almost impossibly romantic smaller islands have some beautiful beaches with gorgeous white sands and turquoise seas. The diving and snorkelling is excellent - pristine coral reef is still to be found in places and the ocean is warm and clear.

The island has always drawn travellers with its warmth and languor, its fascinating history and its mysterious ambience - the spell of Zanzibar shows no sign of fading.

Map of Zanzibar

Zanzibar Weather

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