Exploring Zanzibar

Exploring Zanzibar: Zanzibar is an island trippy located off the coast of Tanzania and is exotic and famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, past, and traditions. Famously known as the Spice Island, Zanzibar is well-known for the spices- gardens, numerous and various that have been part of this island’s prehistory, history, economy, and culture. Anyone who has visited the Seychelles will attest to the fact that with a collage of African, Arab, Indian, and European roots Seychelles is a quite cultural destination. In-tern, Zanzibar provides plenty of tourist attractions: entertaining for fans of seashores recreation, appealing for archaeologists, and tempting for gastronomes.

The history and culture of Zanzibar.

 Zanzibar has a long and diverse history connected with trade, discovery, and different exchanges, which dates centuries ago. Zanzibar was a very important commercial center for the Indian Ocean where traders from Arabia, Persia, India, and Europe came. This is well seen in the architectural designs, the type of foods eaten, and the cultural practices of the people on the island.

Exploring Zanzibar: Today, the capital Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage and the historical center of Zanzibar. Alleyed streets and getting lost in between the visitor can see how the architecture of the city is influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, and even European styles. The town has well-carved wooden doors, large open-air markets, and some of the oldest buildings including the Sultan Palace and the House of Wonders. The lifestyle of the people in Stone Town also encompasses music, dances, and festivals that exhibit the cultural diversity of the island.

The Spice Plantations: Practical Arts and Gentlewomen’s Almanack

Credibly, Zanzibar really deserves its moniker as the “Spice Island”. The soil is sandy loam and the climate is tropical and thus conditions are favorable for growing of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Tours to any of the spice plantations are an enlightening experience that unveils more about spices and their importance to Zanzibar.

While moving around on a spice tour, tourists get to know how spices are grown and some of the uses of the spices planted in the region. The guides are very often informative and tell you a few entertaining or historical facts about the sites, so it is very informative and can be fun at the same time. Tourists are able to physically take a look at the spices and smell them in their raw natural form from the plants which spices up the whole experience for the tourists. The events are normally rounded off with a visit to a local market where one can purchase freshly ground spices and such souvenirs for instance.

The Beaches: This being the case then it’s Paradises on Earth.

 Zanzibar has spectacular beaches that boast of white sand and clear blue water that any tourist would be keen to visit. Beaches of the island are various as they can be developed and overcrowded with tourists and resorts or they can be wild and nearly untouched.

1. Nungwi and Kendwa

 Sitting on the northern end of Zanzibar, both Nungwi and Kendwa are among the top Zanzibar beaches. These beaches are characterized by warm nights and attractive sunsets and they are fully equipped for snorkeling, diving and volleyball among others. This means that it is quite appropriate for water sports lovers due to the clear waters surrounded by numerous marine life. As for the facilities, restaurants, bars, and resorts can also be found in the area depending on the client’s preference and financial capabilities.

2. Paje

 Paje is on the southeastern coast and is considered to be a perfect spot for Kite Surfing and other aqua sports. These conditions are further ideal for surfing, particularly kite surfing, and the area has become a center for the activity. Paje also favors relaxation with restaurants and bars on the sandy shores, cuisine, and drinks that include fresh seafood. The people in the village are very warm and friendly resulting in vibrant local culture, which makes the village an ideal place for experiencing the traditional customs of the people.

3. Matemwe

 However, for those who want to avoid very crowded beaches, there is Matemwe on the eastern coast of the island. Tomamu is a small peaceful fishing village and has absolutely spotless sand beaches along with crystal-clear seawater which is apt for swimming and snorkeling. The adjacent Mnemba Atoll which is a marine protected area famous for sea recreational activities such as diving and snorkeling due to the uniqueness of marine life and coral reefs.

Exploring Stone Town: A Journey Through Culture

 Stone Town is one of the most important tour attractions in Zanzibar especially to anyone with a keen interest in history and culture. Narrow and winding alleys of the town are also filled with architecture dating back to different eras, merchants’ bazaars, and active street culture which gives a taste of the Zanzibarian history.

1. The Sultan’s Palace

 The Royal Palace of the Sultan better known as the People’s Palace is a building that was used as the home of the royal family before becoming a museum. It is further evident that captures the history of the Omani sultans who ruled in Zanzibar by the interior features that include; wooden carvings, royal Omani furniture, and large photos. It also gives us the Eastern cultural influence that has surrounded the island and its artifacts.

2. The House of Wonders

 The House of Wonders, or Beit-al-Ajaib, is one of the key administrative buildings in Stone Town. It was constructed in the late 19th century and was the first in Zanzibar to have electric light and an electric lift, and got the name ‘House of Wonders. ’ At present, the Museum of the History and Cultural Association of Zanzibar that displays the culture of Swahili, the history of trade in the Indian Ocean and the colonial history of Zanzibar.

3. The Old Fort

Exploring Zanzibar: Old Fort which lies on the seafront is the oldest structure in Stone Town and tells a history of the troubled past of the island. Constructed in the late 17th century by the Omani Arabs, it has been used for a number of functions throughout the years; it has been a prison, and most importantly a shelter for the residents from the Portuguese invasions. It is today used as a cultural complex where there are shops, other exhibitions, and a small theatre in which tourists are entertained by dancing and music.

Exploring Zanzibar: Conclusion

Tours in Zanzibar are interesting as they take one through the stunning scenery of the features of nature, history and people. From having fun at the beautiful beaches to sightseeing in the old town of Stone Town or simply tasting the delicious cuisines in Zanzibar there is a lot that one could enjoy depending on his or her interests. This island is indeed a special place because of the combination of cultural influences and an emphasis on the warmth of their reception. For those who dream of getting to a tropical island with consideration of national color, Zanzibar – Tanzania’s Spice Island is one of the places that people should not miss.