Zanzibar, an enchanting archipelago nestled in the warm embrace of the Indian Ocean, has long stood as a pivotal hub for traders journeying between Africa, Arabia, and India. This rich confluence of cultures has profoundly shaped Zanzibar’s history, traditions, cuisine, and language. In response to the diverse needs of communication among traders and local populations, a vibrant new language emerged, artfully blending elements of Arabic, Persian, English, and Swahili.
As one of Tanzania’s prominent archipelagos, Zanzibar’s name is derived from the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar itself. The term “Zanzibar” originates from the Arabic “Zanjibār” and the Persian “Zang-bār,” skillfully combining the words “Zang,” meaning “Black,” and “bār,” which signifies “coast, land, or country.” Thus, Zanzibar is evocatively known as the “Coast of Black,” a testament to its rich cultural heritage and history.
The first European power to gain control of Zanzibar was the Portuguese, and their rule lasted nearly 200 years. Later, Zanzibar came under the control of the Sultanate of Oman, which colonized the islands. During this period, slavery was abolished, and the 38-minute Anglo-Zanzibar War erupted, marking the country as the site of the shortest war on record.
Zanzibar gained independence from Britain in December 1963 as a constitutional monarchy. A month later, the bloody Zanzibar Revolution occurred, during which thousands of Arabs and Indians were killed, and many more were expelled and had their properties expropriated. This led to the establishment of the Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba.
Zanzibar is famous for its tropical island charms, white beaches, crystal clear sea, and spices. But the island also has some intriguing history. For example, did you know that one of the shortest wars in history took place on Zanzibar? It lasted only 38 minutes. Or did you know that Zanzibar was the first African region with color television? You are sure to discover more about the fascinating history of the island, but here are five more facts to get you started.
1. SWAHILI TIME COUNTING
We usually start counting time at midnight. Swahili culture starts counting time at sunrise. For example, one o’clock in the morning is seven o’clock in Western time. The reason for this is Zanzibar’s close proximity to the equator which gives it equal day and night lengths (12-hours for each part of the day).
2. AFRICA WITHOUT LIONS AND ELEPHANTS
Yes, Zanzibar is a part of Africa and Tanzania, which is known for its wildlife and safaris, but there are no lions, elephants, or giraffes in Zanzibar. Safaris in Zanzibar happen under water instead. In the Indian Ocean, you can find breath-taking views of ocean life and coral reefs.
3. EGGS WITH WHITE YOLKS
Imagine eggs for breakfast which have white yolks. Can you believe it? But don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong with them and they don’t even taste differently. Chickens are fed with a grain that makes them produce monochrome eggs and this makes their yolks white.
4. THE AVERAGE ZANZIBARI MAKES LESS THAN 1 DOLLAR A DAY
Zanzibar has many beautiful and luxurious resorts, where you can spend an idyllic holiday. But on the other hand, the average daily wage amongst the locals is less than 1 dollar.
5. FREDDIE MERCURY WAS BORN IN ZANZIBAR
The famous lead singer of Queen was born in the oriental maze of narrow, curved lanes known as Stone Town.
Zanzibar, located off the coast of Tanzania, is a breathtaking destination known for its natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture. Often referred to as the Spice Island, Zanzibar offers a dream vacation experience with luxurious accommodations and fragrant meals that reflect the island’s cultural heritage. Visitors can relax on the stunning ivory-white beaches while listening to the soothing waves of the turquoise Indian Ocean.
A holiday package to Zanzibar is the ultimate beach getaway, providing unique seaside experiences in Africa’s hidden paradise. Guests can explore the grand palaces of past royalty, admire the traditional dhows gracefully sailing on the Indian Ocean, and enjoy romantic evenings under the African night sky, creating unforgettable memories. The island boasts diverse architecture, rich traditions, the historic ruins of the Zanzibar Maruhubi Palace, and opportunities for safaris and exploration of natural wonders like cascading waterfalls.
Zara Tanzania Adventures offers tailored travel packages to Zanzibar that cater to your specific interests and preferences. Come and experience the island where the air is filled with the delightful aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Whether you’re looking to relax in a luxurious private villa, indulge in authentic meals infused with local spices, seek the thrill of water sports, or explore the rich cultures and history of Zanzibar, every beach holiday here offers a unique experience. You can choose to stay for just a few nights for a quick getaway or for an entire week to fully unwind and immerse yourself in the island’s beauty.
Zara Tanzania Adventures provides vacation packages that highlight the distinct features of the island. You might opt to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Indian Ocean through snorkeling and scuba diving, experience the excitement of deep-sea fishing, or participate in a variety of water activities.
Additionally, you can stroll through the historic streets of Stone Town, discover the fascinating wildlife on a Zanzibar safari, or delve into the island’s history. Highlights include visits to spice plantations, the Old Arab Fort, the ruins of Marubhi Palace, and the Hamamni Persian Baths.
No matter your preferences, our Zanzibar tour packages include world-class accommodations and authentic cuisine as integral parts of your holiday. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to attract travelers who rely on us for safe, authentic, and comfortable vacations, ensuring that your trip to Zanzibar is stress-free and filled with unforgettable experiences.
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Visiting Zanzibar during the dry season between June and October will help ensure the best weather while also providing the best opportunity to view wildlife when on safari.
Zanzibar offers several types of accommodation based on your preferences and budget, from lodges and wilderness camps to exclusive fly camps and resorts.
As with any travel destination, booking your trip with a knowledgeable tourist agency like Roots and Routes Africa is essential. We ensure you visit the safest tourist areas and understand local customs to remain respectful of the Muslim culture.
Zanzibar’s North-East Coast is the area with the most comfortable accommodations, popular beaches and attractions. However, if you prefer the less travelled area, the North Coast is more private, although it offers fewer choices for first-class accommodations.
Zanzibar’s scenery, safaris, history, and culture are hard to experience without having at least seven days. However, if you want the ultimate getaway, even a few days in Zanzibar are better than never visiting at all!
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