Zanzibar: History, Culture and Safari Attractions Information

Think of Zanzibar and images of  romantic dhows with curved white sails, veiled women of mystery, ancient ruins and exotic spices float before your eyes.  Zanzibar is known throughout the world as the jewel of the Indian Ocean and has a romantic, colorful history of seafarers and explorers, of riches and tragedy, and of the dark stain of slavery.  Zanzibar has attracted Sumerians, Assyrians, Phoenicians, Chinese, Malays, and of course, Africans, Arabs, Indians, and Europeans.

A walk through the narrow, twisting streets of Stone Town plunges you into the past.  Many of the houses here are more than 150 years old and are constructed from the island’s coral stone.  Built by Arab and Indian merchants in the 19^th Century, this is the only functioning historical city in East Africa.

Every year between 10,000 and 40,000 slaves were sold in Zanzibar.  The Anglican Christ Church stands on the site of the old slave market; the alter occupies the stop where the whipping block used to be.

Visiting the bustling market where anything and everything is for sale.  Explore the House of Wonders with its intricate lattice wood-carving, a famous sight in Zanzibar.  The National Museum is an excellent place to learn more about the islands.

The popular spice tours involve a walk in the western and central regions of the island through plantations, private gardens, and forests.  There are more than 50 different spices and fruits, including cinnamon, pepper, pimentos, ginger, tamarind, coffee, ylang-ylang, and sugar cane.  Coconuts are another main produce of the islands.

The island is a nonpareil place for beach holidays; picturesque villages fringe white beaches and crystal water all around the island.