{"id":7721,"date":"2013-10-07T05:25:39","date_gmt":"2013-10-07T05:25:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mapsofworld.com\/travel\/?p=7721"},"modified":"2022-09-19T11:06:47","modified_gmt":"2022-09-19T11:06:47","slug":"zanzibar-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mapsofworld.com\/travel\/destinations\/tanzania\/zanzibar-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Zanzibar Island, Tanzania"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n
\n 4.6\/5 - (16 votes) <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\"Zanzibar\"
Zanzibar is renowned for white sandy beaches, exquisite remnants of Stone Town, the Swahili culture, aroma of exotic spices, azure cloudless skies, diverse coastal reefs and pervading Indian Ocean.<\/div><\/a>\"Beach
Zanzibar Islands<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

Zanzibar is renowned for white sandy beaches, exquisite remnants of Stone Town, the Swahili culture, aroma of exotic spices, azure cloudless skies, diverse coastal reefs and pervading Indian Ocean. It’s no wonder that French Poet Rimbaud once sought inspiration from this charming destination. This archipelago is a winning combination of Arabic, Persian, and Indian culture. Wait no more and start your expedition to this less explored ‘Coast of the Blacks.’<\/p>\n

History<\/span><\/h2>\n

Zanzibar was originally inhabited by the Bantu people from mainland of Africa 3,000-4,000 years ago. The name of this group of islands was derived from the Persian word ‘Zangi-bar’ (Zangi = Black, Bar = the Place of). Later, the Arabian invaders changed it to Zanzibar.<\/p>\n

Things to Do in Zanzibar<\/span><\/h2>\n

Look no further than Zanzibar, this place is best equipped for trying out something for the very first time such as riding a Dhow (traditional wooden sailboats) on the sea or kite-surfing on a beach.<\/p>\n

Explore Stone Town (Mji Mkongwe) \u2013<\/strong> It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the year 2000. House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib) is the most recognized landmark in this old part of the city. The Old Fort, The Palace Museum, The Anglican cathedral of Christ Church, Hamamni Persian Baths, and Slavery Memorial are main tourist attractions here. About 50 mosques and a few Hindu temples speak for the multiculturalism of this enchanting town.<\/p>\n

Visit Museums:<\/strong> Beit el-Sahel, Beit el-Ajaib, and Beit el-Amani offer an insight into rich Swahili culture, history of East Africa, and marine life of Indian Ocean. The collection of thrones, paintings, ceremonial furniture, and royal belongings in the Palace Museum (Beit el-Sahel) is engaging for history buffs.<\/p>\n

Embrace the Beaches \u2013<\/strong> Rest your feet on the sand, sip your favorite cocktail, and rejoice to the sound of waves! Miles of palm-fringed shoreline extends towards the vast ocean adored by surfers, sailors, swimmers, snorkelers, and honeymooners. Nungwi in the north, Kendwa in northwest, Paje and Bwejuu in southeast, and Kiwengwa in northeast coast are the beaches blessed with nature’s bounty.<\/p>\n

Dive into the Indian Ocean \u2013<\/strong> Swim with magnificent dolphins or take a dive with sea turtles, there is no limit to what you can do here for pleasure. Guided scuba-diving and snorkeling tours are available for tourists.<\/p>\n

Buy Souvenirs \u2013<\/strong> Narrow alleys, aroma of spices, and crowded bazaars represent the soul of the markets in Zanzibar. Gizenga Street behind the Old Fort is a popular shopping hub for wood carvings, handcrafted ukili bags, antique paintings, jewelry, massage oils, textiles, and even local remedies. Stone Town, Kiponda Street, Malindi Street, and Darajani Street are among other places to shop.<\/p>\n

Nearby Attractions<\/span><\/h2>\n

House of Wonders, Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, Spice plantations, Kizimkazi Mosque, Jozani Forest Reserve, and Prison Island.<\/p>\n

Where is Zanzibar?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Zanzibar \u2013 a group of Pemba and Unguja islands \u2013 lies 36 km northwest off the mainland of Tanzania. The capital, Zanzibar city, is located on the Unguja Island.<\/p>\n

Zanzibar Map<\/span><\/h2>\n